This passage from the Shvetashvatara Upanishad delves into
profound concepts of Hindu philosophy, particularly regarding the nature of the
individual soul (Atman) and its relationship with the ultimate reality
(Brahman). Let's break it down:
"The individual soul, considering itself and the
Controller as different, revolves in this great wheel of Brahman that is the
sustenance of all and the place of dissolution of all."
Here, it discusses the cycle of existence in which
individual souls (Atman) are entangled when they perceive themselves as
distinct from the ultimate reality (Brahman). This cycle is likened to a wheel,
symbolizing the continuous process of birth, life, death, and rebirth
(samsara). Brahman is portrayed as the ultimate sustainer and the final
destination where all individual existences merge.
"When (one’s Self is) adored (as identified) with him
(God), (then) thereby one attains immortality."
This part emphasizes the liberation from the cycle of birth
and death (moksha). It suggests that by realizing the identity between the
individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), which can be
achieved through devotion and spiritual practice, one transcends the cycle of
samsara and attains immortality. This realization leads to the recognition of
the eternal nature of the self and the unity of all existence with the divine.
In essence, this passage reflects the central teachings of the Upanishads, emphasizing the importance of realizing the oneness of the individual soul with the ultimate reality to attain liberation and transcend the cycle of birth and death.
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If the heart’s knot of ignorance is totally ... is averse to sense-pleasure? (Vivekachudamani, 423)
In this verse from the Vivekachudamani, a classic text of
Advaita Vedanta philosophy attributed to the great Indian sage Adi
Shankaracharya, the concept of the destruction of ignorance leading to
liberation (moksha) is discussed.
The "heart's knot of ignorance" refers to the
deep-seated ignorance (avidya) that binds individuals to the cycle of birth and
death (samsara) according to Advaita Vedanta. This ignorance is the root cause
of all suffering and leads to actions (karma) driven by selfish desires and
attachment to sense pleasures.
The verse questions what natural cause could induce a
liberated individual, one who has completely eradicated ignorance and is no
longer driven by selfish desires or attachment to sense pleasures, to engage in
actions that are motivated by selfishness. In other words, once ignorance is
removed and one attains true self-realization, what could possibly compel such
a person to act selfishly?
The implication is that once the veil of ignorance is lifted
and one realizes the true nature of the self (atman) as identical to the
ultimate reality (Brahman), there is no longer any basis for selfish action.
The liberated individual acts in accordance with dharma (righteousness) and is
no longer bound by desires or the illusion of individuality.
This verse underscores the transformative power of spiritual
realization and the profound shift in consciousness that occurs when ignorance
is dissolved, leading to a state of selflessness and inner freedom.