[Infinite Consciousness]

The Self or Atman

The basis of truth lies in Self-certainity. The Self precedes everything else in the world. It comes even before the stream of consciousness and all concepts of truth and untruth, reality and unreality, and before all considerations, physical, moral, and metaphysical.

Consciousness, knowledge, wisdom and understanding presuppose some kind of energy known as "Self" to which all of these are subservient; and in fact, they flow from it. All physical and mental faculties, even the vital airs (prana energy) and empirical experiences, appear in the "light of the shining Self," the self-illuminated atman.

They all have a purpose and an end that lie far deeper than themselves and which form the springboard for all kinds of activity, whether physical, mental, and supramental. All these, however, fail to grasp the real nature of the Self, being themselves in a state of continuous flux. Self being the basis of all proof and existing before proof, cannot be proved.

How can the Knower be known, and by whom ? Self is in fact, the essential nature of everyone, even that of the atheist. This Self then, is eternal, immutable and complete, and in its essence, is ever the same at all times, under all conditions and in all states.



The nature of the Self

Though we know that the self exists, yet we do not know what it is, for knowledge itself follows the Self and is due to and because of the Self. The true nature of the Self may however be comprehended by the Self if It could be stripped of all the enshrouding sheaths of senses, mind, understanding and will, in which It is clothed and covered.

What is then left is variously described as "Undifferentiated Consciousness," "Eternal knowledge," or "Pure Awareness," and is characterized by the "Light of the Great Void." It is the supreme principle whose essential nature is self-effulgence. It is infinite, transcendental and the essence of absolute knowledge.

It has three attributes of Sat, Chit and Anand, i.e. , pure existence, pure knowledge and pure bliss. As the Self is complete in Itself, and by Itself, It has no activity of Its own, nor has any need for it, nor requires any outside agency. All-pervading and self-existent, It knows no limits and no motives.

[mkirkpatrick]

Thank you William,self is that which is life itself,the very life of life,we are all self,but in truth there is but One,and self is One,and One is "the very life of LIFE.!


regards michael.

[r.p.bibra]

Individual knowledge and cosmic knowledge, latent and patent (conscious); both constitute the mind. Those who know of this ‘reality’ are called the scientists of physical sciences. When we realize the individual-mind and the cosmic-mind are one; both become One and Divine. Knowledge of cosmos is mind: what makes this knowledge conscious is, Divinity. It is also stated that the synthesis of body-mind-intellect is Aathma. This statement becomes a fact, when the seeker has crossed the fields of the mind and has realised the ‘factor’ that binds and illumines its very constituents. Mere knowledge of the trinity is not enough. Their knowledge is also not the Self! Even the conscious ‘factor’ is elementary. The eternal Awareness, that the individual is universal in nature, is the Self. That the individual-Self and the Cosmic-Self are one and That One is ParamAathma---Supreme-Self, is the Divine-Realisation. with love&regards.ls.

[mkirkpatrick]

Originally Posted by r.p.bibra Individual knowledge and cosmic knowledge, latent and patent (conscious); both constitute the mind. Those who know of this ‘reality’ are called the scientists of physical sciences. When we realize the individual-mind and the cosmic-mind are one; both become One and Divine. Knowledge of cosmos is mind: what makes this knowledge conscious is, Divinity. It is also stated that the synthesis of body-mind-intellect is Aathma. This statement becomes a fact, when the seeker has crossed the fields of the mind and has realised the ‘factor’ that binds and illumines its very constituents. Mere knowledge of the trinity is not enough. Their knowledge is also not the Self! Even the conscious ‘factor’ is elementary. The eternal Awareness, that the individual is universal in nature, is the Self. That the individual-Self and the Cosmic-Self are one and That One is ParamAathma---Supreme-Self, is the Divine-Realisation. with love&regards.ls.

Thanks for your wise input Ls,indeed within lies an ocean of Divinty,realization opens
the flood gates which allows this reality to wash away the stain of ignorance!


regards michael.

[MJA]

"In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long arduous quest after truth"!

Mahatma Gandhi

[mkirkpatrick]

Originally Posted by MJA "In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long arduous quest after truth"! Mahatma Gandhi

Wise words echoed from a great soul,thanks,MJA.


regards michael.