Upadesa Sahasri (Part18)

Part 17

15.31. On the authority of Sruti (Tai Up 2.4 and 2.9), it is said that words fail to describe the Self. It is also explained on the basis of reason. Words describe an entity if it falls in one of the five categories, namely, species (e.g., tree), property (e.g., colour), action (e.g., servant), relationship (e.g., son) and convention (proper name). The Self does not belong to any of the five categories. This is why verbal description is difficult. All descriptions are from the standpoint of other entities which involves duality. If it is said not small one will think big. The only way to understand the Self is as I am Brahman.

15.32. The nearest entity comparable to the Self is the space. Like space, It is all-pervading and It accommodates everything in the sense that It is their substratum. Yet it is not attached to them. The Self is pure and formless. According to Vedanta, Self-knowledge is the supreme goal.

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Upadesa Sahasri (Part 8)

In Part 7, it is said that the chapter 10 focuses on nidhidhyasana, i.e., meditation on vedantic teachings for their assimilation and to deal with contrary feeling. The following verses do it by of ‘glorification’ of I (Self) and is in the first person.  Brahmjnanavalimala is very similar to chapter 10.  It should not be mistaken as ego-boosting because every human being is entitled to it.

10.1 to 10.3                                                                                                                         I am the supreme Brahman which is changeless and is of the nature of pure consciousness. I am unborn, imperishable. I am deathless, unchanging, devoid of old age. I am not attached with mind and body though I as consciousness pervade them. As consciousness, I am within the body, but I am not confined to the body. I have no edge and no boundary. Like space, I am in all directions and all -pervading. Worldly ups and downs belong to mind and body and do not affect Me. I am ever free. I am the ultimate subject. I am beyond objects but illumine them. I am self-effulgent. I am beyond cause and effect. Cause and effect are in the realm of duality. I am non-dual. The understanding is that though duality is experienced it is mithya. Duality is subject to change. I am non-dual and not subject to change. I alone am real.

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