This concept of "negation and affirmation" is central to Vedanta philosophy and spirituality in Hinduism. It reflects the journey of the spiritual aspirant as they progress from the relative to the absolute, from seeing the world as dualistic to realizing the non-dual nature of existence. This transformative understanding is encapsulated in the phrases "Neti, Neti" ("Not this, not this") and "Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma" ("All this is Brahman"). Let’s explore these stages with greater depth, symbolism, importance, examples, and modern-day relevance.
1. Negation (‘Neti, Neti’)
In the early stages of spiritual practice, the aspirant is taught to practice discrimination (Viveka) between the real and the unreal. This phase involves the rejection or negation of the world of forms (names and appearances) in order to discover the underlying Reality – Brahman, the formless, eternal essence.
Symbolism:
- Maya: The world is often described as maya (illusion), something that has no ultimate, independent existence. Maya is like a dream or a mirage that distracts us from the reality of Brahman.
- The Snake and the Rope: A classic example from Vedanta. Imagine mistaking a rope for a snake in dim light. At first, you fear the snake (illusion), but upon closer examination, you see it is only a rope (reality). Similarly, the world appears real and threatening due to ignorance (avidya), but when knowledge (jnana) dawns, the universe is seen for what it truly is – Brahman.
Importance:
This stage of negation helps the seeker to transcend the attachment to transient, impermanent realities and to discover what is eternal. Through meditation and study, the aspirant rejects external distractions and realizes the emptiness of clinging to material objects or worldly pleasures. The spiritual journey begins here, with renunciation (sannyasa), contemplation, and inner purity.
Example:
The Upanishads repeatedly emphasize this approach of negation in texts like the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: "Neti, neti – not this, not this." This is the method of understanding that Brahman cannot be defined by anything in the world. Brahman is beyond all names, forms, and qualities.
2. Affirmation (Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma)
After realizing the illusory nature of the world and transcending it, the aspirant comes to an even higher realization – that the world, despite being an illusion, is actually a manifestation of Brahman. All beings, forms, and objects are expressions of the one supreme Reality. God alone has become the universe, maya, and all living beings.
Symbolism:
- The Wave and the Ocean: While waves on the ocean's surface appear separate, they are ultimately made of the same water. Similarly, all individual souls and phenomena are like waves, while Brahman is the ocean. The distinction between the wave and the ocean is ultimately an illusion.
- The Dance of Shiva (Nataraja): Shiva’s cosmic dance symbolizes the interplay of creation, preservation, and destruction. The world is His manifestation, constantly changing, but He Himself remains the eternal dancer, untouched by the transient play of forms.
Importance:
This stage leads to the vision of non-duality (Advaita). There is no longer a distinction between God and the universe. The realization that "All is Brahman" inspires love, compassion, and equanimity, as the spiritual seeker sees everything and everyone as divine. The individual recognizes the same consciousness pervading all of existence.
Example:
The Chandogya Upanishad declares, "Tat Tvam Asi" – "That Thou Art." This statement encapsulates the essence of Advaita philosophy, teaching that the individual soul (Atman) is one with Brahman, the universal soul. There is no fundamental difference between the creator and creation.
3. A Simple Story
A popular Hindu story explains this concept:
The Story of the Sculptor and the King
A king wanted to have a magnificent sculpture of God made and called upon the greatest sculptor in the land. The sculptor began to chisel away at a massive stone, discarding parts of it. The king, watching, asked, "Why are you removing so much of the stone?"
The sculptor replied, "I am not removing anything essential. I am only discarding what is not God. God is already within this stone, and I am simply unveiling Him."
This story symbolizes the process of negation – chiseling away what is unreal – and then the final affirmation that the divine form is present in everything, waiting to be revealed.
4. Modern-Day Relevance
In our contemporary, fast-paced world, this philosophy offers profound practical insights:
Negation of Attachment: In daily life, the initial stage of negation can be practiced as detachment from excessive materialism or the constant chase for external validation. By recognizing the impermanent nature of wealth, power, and fame, individuals can cultivate contentment, focus, and peace of mind.
Affirmation of Unity: In a world divided by politics, religion, race, and culture, the second stage of affirmation – that all is divine – fosters compassion, empathy, and respect for all beings. This understanding encourages us to treat all people, animals, and nature as sacred manifestations of the same divinity, leading to greater harmony and environmental stewardship.
Mindfulness and Meditation: The stages of negation and affirmation can also be viewed as part of mindfulness practices. We learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without identifying with them (negation) and later come to see that even our thoughts and emotions are transient expressions of the same underlying consciousness (affirmation).
5. Practicality in Day-to-Day Life
Discrimination (Viveka): Every day, we make choices about what to pursue and what to avoid. Practicing viveka helps us make wiser decisions by focusing on what truly matters – our spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and inner peace.
Compassion (Karuna): When we understand that all living beings are expressions of the same divine essence, it becomes easier to cultivate kindness and compassion in our interactions with others. Even difficult people or situations can be approached with patience and empathy.
6. Additional Quotes
Bhagavad Gita (9.16-9.19): "I am the ritual and the sacrifice, the offering and the sacred food; I am the chant and the prayer, the butter and the fire; I am the act of offering. I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support, and the grandparent. I am the object of knowledge, the purifier and the syllable Om. I am also the Rig, the Sama, and the Yajur Vedas."
Isha Upanishad (Verse 1): "Everything in this moving universe is pervaded by the Supreme Consciousness. Enjoy everything by renouncing it. Do not covet anyone’s wealth."
This verse reflects both the renunciation (negation) and the enjoyment (affirmation) of life when one is rooted in the divine perspective.
The spiritual journey is often described as one of "negation" and "affirmation." These stages represent two sides of the same coin – transcending the illusion of separation, and then embracing the world with the understanding that it is all a play of divine consciousness. This understanding is not just a lofty philosophical idea, but a practical guide to living with wisdom, compassion, and joy.
By balancing detachment and affirmation, one can navigate the ups and downs of life with equanimity, seeing the divine in everything and everyone, and recognizing that behind the veil of multiplicity, there is only one reality – Brahman.