"The very first step in understanding what this is all about is giving up the concept of an active, volitional 'I' as a separate entity and accepting the passive role of perceiving and functioning as a process." - Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Bliss Clearly Perceived In a Peaceful Mind

Disciple

O Master! I do not see the propriety of the statement that all beings are permeated by the single non-dual Self which is all-embracing as Being-Consciousness-Bliss. The existence of the jivas is clear because they all say 'I'; Consciousness also is clear because of knowledge which is obvious; why does not Bliss show forth in a similar way?

Master

Although there are shape, fragrance and softness together present in the same flower, each of them is cognized by a separate sense only. Otherwise they are not perceived; such is the law of nature. Similarly, though the beatific qualities - Being, Consciousness and Bliss together form the Self, yet the modes vary constantly and give rise to the differences which appear as the world.

The three qualities - sattva, rajas and tamas - give rise to the three modes - repose, agitation and ignorance respectively. Being, Consciousness and Bliss which are themselves glorious, always remain a homogeneous whole, yet appear different.

Bare existence alone is noticed in plants, minerals and earth, which look insentient and are ignorant. There can be no happiness in the state of disturbance caused by passions, such as lust, which act like poison. But Being and Consciousness are evident in it. Being, Consciousness  and Bliss together become manifest in the state of Peace which is characterized by a stern detachment (from externalities). Therefore Bliss becomes clear in a peaceful mind rid of ignorance and agitation.

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सर्वभूताधिवासं यद्भूतेषु च वसत्यपि।
सर्वानुग्राहकत्वेन तद्स्म्यहं वासुदेवः॥

That in whom reside all beings and who resides in all beings,
who is the giver of grace to all, the Supreme Soul of the universe, the limitless being:
I AM THAT. -- Amritabindu Upanishad