ATMA BODHA 28

vATMA AVABHASAYATYEKO BHUDYADEEN-INDRIYANYAPI

 

DEEPO-GHA  TADIVAT-SWA – ATMA JADHAI-STIR-NA-AVABHASYATE

 

Similar to a lamp illuminating a jar or pot so also the Atman illumines the Mind,and  the sense organs etc.  These material objects by themselves cannot illumine themselves because they are inert!”

Adi Sankara explains the significance of the Atma or Self in the human body. The street lamp is a silent , unperturbed witness of  all that happens  under its light.Its light falls on all objects good or bad. Whether it is a marriage procession or a funeral march, the light is unmoved by the feelings of joy or sorrow. II illuminates all those that come under its range. The post man is unconcerned with the nature and contents of the communication he delivers to the addressee.

In fact we are indifferent to and unconcerned with  the different experiences of a co passenger when we  get into a rain or bus. We never consider his loss or gain as our own thouh we may sympathise with his lot and help him.

The Self or the Atman---the Pure Consciousness in us is  the One illuminating factor which alone illumines the good and bad in us at all times. The One Power on account of which the physical activities and mental yearnings and intellectual throbbing become vivid  and living for us  is the Atman or the Self or the Brahman. The matter combinations may vary in their endless variety, in their strength, vitality and energy but the  one Spirit unchanging through all these manifestations of matter, is the One and only glory offering the glitter of a show to the entire ‘jagat’-----a lively show indeed!!

KENOPANISHAD establishes the nature and significance of the SELF or the ATMA or the Brahman.

“That which is not seen by the eye, but that by which the eyes are made to see----know that as Brahman and not what people worship here.

“That which is not heard by the ear, but that by which the ears are made to hear—know that as Brahman and not what people worship here.”

“That which is not inhaled by breath,but that by which breath is made to inhale--know that as the Brahman, and not what people worship here.” people worship

“That which is not thought by the mind, but that by which, they say the mind is made to think—know that s the Brahman