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The True Thought – Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

Those who do not know this entire world as consciousness in reality see it as material and drift in the ocean of delusion. (Vishnu Purana, 1.4.40)

This is to be attained through the mind indeed, there is no diversity here whatsoever; he who sees as though there is difference here, goes from death to death. (Katha Upanishad, 2.1.11)


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. When (one’s Self is) adored (as identified) with him (God), (then) thereby one attains immortality. (Shvetashvatara Upanishad, 1.6)

If the heart’s knot of ignorance is totally destroyed, what natural cause can there be for inducing such a man to selfish action — the man who is averse to sense-pleasure? (Vivekachudamani, 423)

Explanation

The individual soul, considering itself and the Controller..., (then) thereby one attains immortality. (Shvetashvatara Upanishad, 1.6)

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.