Self and Maya

[khalidrawat]

Upanishads' philosophy is as old as anything can be, and it so meaningful that its significance cannot be estimated unless one sincerely and seriously approaches it. So how this sacred thought can be best described?

Vedas give us a true way of understanding this world and the meaning of human existence in it; it gives us a true sense of human life and the values one should cherish if one wants to stay calm and happy. Vedic philosophy is a way towards true happiness and peace of mind; it regulates human life in a way that enables one to stay in complete control of ones self and ones powers.

Vedic philosophy mainly is the philosophy of Atman, the true self or supreme ego. The teachings of Vedas lead a person towards a true understanding of this ultimate reality thus take a person out of the turmoils of meaninglessness of life. It is at times difficult to understand Vedic philosophy, but once one understands it one at once finds that one has achieved something precious.

In this preliminary lesson we will start with an important concept ' maya' or false consciousness. People in this world are mainly living in a false consciousness about themselves and about the world. So, the first and the most important thing to do is to leave this false consciousness.

What is false consciousness? In Upanishads , the great teachers have described three levels of false consciousness; these are:

Nama, Roopa and Karma.

Brhad-aranyaka Upanishads writes:

" Verily ,this (world) is a triad of Name, Form and Work(nama, rupam, karma). Of these regards names, speech is the source, for from it all names arise. ... it is their Brahman, for it sustains all names."

" of the form eye is the source, for from it all shapes arise. ...it is their Brahman"

"of works, body is the source for from it all works arise.... it is their Brahman."

The Upanishads declares that the real or the existent, the world of matter in which we live , is but a combination of these three ; Nama(Name) , Rupa(Form) and Karma(work).

What is self then? The Upanishads goes on to say that ," these three(Rupa, Nama and Karma) are one... the self , though one is this triad."

So self is a unity but is also a triad of the three realities(satyam), Rupa , Nama and Karma.

However, self is hidden behind these three, it is veiled by Rupa , Nama and Karma. The self , the Atman the Brahman is veiled behind the elements of triad.

This gives us the idea that if self is goal of life , then one has to break through this veil , the veil of Rupa , Nama and Karma.

It is neither easy to do nor to understand , however, Upanishads emphasizing the knowledge and achievement of self , ask man to understand that what ever man loves, understands and desires, is for nothing but for the Self.

Sat, reality or truth is the veil , behind this veil is the Self , Atman.

So Upanishads ask us to break this Veil, commonly known as Veil of Maya. How this can be done? Upanishads offer us a detailed and all embracing way to achieve this end.

In the nutshell, to break the Veil of Nama one has to abandon belief in personal attributes or qualities like being a this or that type of man or being a this or that type of character. According to some ascetics the only attributes that a person can retain are his or her sexual identity and faith. All other attributions are false including nationality, profession etc.

So, the first step towards breaking the Veil of Maya or False Consciousness is to renounce false attributes for the sake of Self.

The second step is to renounce worldly pleasures for the sake of Self. Rupa or form , the most pleasing to the eyes , is not desirable in-itself. Rupa or form is desirable for the sake of Self. Thus one should learn to renounce sensuous pleasure of viewing forms.

The third step is the renunciation of Karma. Karma is not ان-itself desirable. Karma or action is desirable for the Self. So one should learn to renounce action for the sake of Self.

This threefold doctrine is much emphasized through out the Upanishads: Khalid Jamil Rawat