I AM - Never Veiled

Sri Tandavaraya Swami

Master:

In the world, the common substratum 'This is' can never be veiled; but only the particular identity - 'This is a rope'. Similarly with the jiva, ignorance does not veil the substratum I AM; but it veils the specific knowledge I am Brahman.

Disciple:

How does it happen, my Master, that the power of veiling is censured for the doings of the power of multiplicity which arising as the five sheaths, the jiva and the world, obstructs pure Being from view?

Master:

Although the power of multiplicity is the direct use of the misery-laden cycle of births (and deaths) yet it is of service to those who seek liberation in earnest. Can the darkness of night be of the same service for one's useful activities as the light of day? What more can I say to you? Therefore, my son, the power of veiling is the more harmful of the two.

Has anyone gained release from the cycle of births because the world was totally lost from view in his deep sleep or in the dissolution? The power of multiplicity can altogether bring about liberation, but the thick veil of ignorance is the sole cause of the present calamity.

You may argue thus: Since the power of multiplicity is said to be a superimposition like the appearance of silver in mother of pearl and is therefore false, the liberation gained by the aid of this false power must also be equally false. A frightful dream, though unreal, ends in waking up the dreamer from sleep. Even so liberation is real.

Just as poison is commonly antidoted with another poison, an iron spike is extracted with another iron, arrows are turned aside by others, and dirt is washed away with other dirt, so ignorance which is weak in itself can be eradicated by methods which are themselves of the same maya; later, this also perishes like the wooden pole that is used to turn a burning corpse.