Atma Bodha - Post 80

Let us take in the essence of the remaining three theme  from verse 25 to 68, in this post.

THE BIRTH OF THE EGO

Verse 25: The Birth of Ego.

In this single verse, the author states how the ‘indiscriminate blending’ or ‘unholy wedlock’ between the Jiva (the individual soul) and the Intellect produces the fundamental error by which we become identified with all that is unreal in relation to the Self. 

This is a very important verse. The blending is unavoidable – it is how the human being was created to function. However the blending, from being ‘indiscriminate’, can be made ‘discriminate’. In the verses from 26 to 37, the focus is on training the intellect to do so.

Verses 26-27: How the Ego Thrives.

The first step in this training process is to recognize the ways in which the ego seeks to perpetuate itself. This is covered here.

Verse 28-29: Supremacy of Self.

By learning that the Self does not need anything else to reveal it, we are taught not to allow the ego to hijack the function (and the glory) that belongs to the Self.

Verses 30-33: ‘Neti-Neti’ the Doctrine of Negation.

A process is now offered to the seeker to relentlessly negate everything that is not the Self in a systematic manner, starting with that which is grossest to that which is subtle. The gathering of the knowledge which will execute this step successfully is called Sravana. Reflecting thoroughly on the knowledge obtained through Sravana is called Manana.

This is explained in verses 32 and 33. It calls for a firm conviction that these externals are perishable and unreliable, and cannot give us the happiness we seek.

Verses 34-37: Nididhyasana.

With Manana bringing firm conviction, Nididhyasana or meditation can begin. These verses teach the student the qualities of the Self upon which one has to meditate. This eventually brings the student to realize “I am Brahman”. 

TOWARDS REALIZATION

With the realization of the Self being accomplished, the nature of the text takes a distinct turn. What follows are observations from that priviledged platform. From here onwards, there are some beautiful insights into what life is like after realizing the Supreme.

Verses 38-39: From Savikalpa to Nirvikalpa Samadhi.

Having come to this advanced stage of negating all the Upadhis by the “I am Brahman” thought, this thought itself is now renounced and the student is teken to the ultimate realization of Nirvikalpa Samadhi.

Verses 40-46: Emerging Out of Ignorance.

The immediate focus is on how the new experience differs from the old (or ordinary) consciousness. Some of the most exquisite similes are used in these verses to indicate how different the state of realization is from ordinary human consciousness.

Verses 47-50: The Universal Attitude.

We now get a glimpse of how the realized sage views this world, how he relates to each and every object as though it were he himself. The poetry gets more and more intensely sublime, with a climax in verses 49 and 50.

Verses 51 – 53: Freedom Beyond Limitations. 

In these verses the same universal theme is continued, but with an emphasis on the freedom experienced in the Self-realized state. From here onwards the student can only marvel at the sheer beauty and pageantry of every verse, as it oozes out the fragrance of true divinity lived in flesh and blood!   

REVELLING IN FREEDOM 

The author invites us to join in the spiritual party he has laid out for us. We need to shut our intellects and open our hearts to live the great experience that it is to realize the Self. What better guide can we hope to have than the inestimable Sri Shankaracharya for this meditative tour! When these verses go through us without any blockage from our mind and intellect, then we can know that we are ‘close’ to clarity.

Verses 54-55: Merits of the Realised State.

Verses 56-62: All-pervasiveness of Brahman.

Verses 63-65: Administering the “Medicine”.

Verse 66: The Toughness of Sadhana.

Verse 67: Summation

CONCLUSION

Verse 68: The Promise of Fulfillment

Love.