Brahman and Atman

[Guest guest]

Dear Kathi,

 

You said, " The difference can be sensed only in Ignorance (avidya) or

in the realm of duality. Since we are all operating in the realm of

duality, those words are necessary to indicate the individual

(jIvAtma) and the supreme (paramAtma) which is also Brahman. That's

all. AT the absolute level there is no need for such words as

Brahman or even Atman. it only IS! "

 

I believe that to get to that absolute level we have to wade through

these words. We can do away with them only after understanding them

exactly. Until then they form a barrier.

 

According to my understanding, Parmatman and Jivatman are two extreme

states of the Atman. They form the two opposite ends of a scale, that

we can use to measure the state of an Atman. An Atman descends on

this scale as it gets more and more attached to its creation.

 

We all started out as Parmatman and have descended to Jivatman due to

our various attachments. Now we have to make our way back up. Fun!

Isn't it!