Ignorance Of My Real nature And Potentiality An Important Cause Of My Suffering

Why do I suffer? Ignorance of our real nature and potentiality is an important cause of human suffering. It is a mystery of human nature that even though the soul is possessed of an immense and inexhaustible source of power like a dynamo, yet one forgets all about it.

The Vedanta philosophers account for this anomaly by positing an entity called maya. The word means that which, ya, is not, ma (maya – that which is not).

They went on to demonstrate a twofold function of this strange entity: covering the real nature of things, avarana, and making things appear as something else, vikshepa.

Everything in the universe, both gross and subtle, come under the purview of maya.

Under its spell one’s real identity shrinks and one projects one’s infinite power into the worldly perspective. It is through maya that a person forgets one’s nature and starts wallowing in the mire of the world through various ‘dances of death’ expressed in competition, jealousy, power-mongering, and others.

One never stops to think that there is no need to run after happiness like a musk-deer in search of its musk which is in its navel.

 The source of all happiness and bliss is within oneself, but the human being seeks it outside in the world and tries to dominate over others in one’s desperate bid to crave for more and more. At last, like the musk deer, a person dies in one’s futile attempt, worn-out and with hopes blighted.

In Hinduism, the concept that ignorance of one’s real nature and potentiality is a fundamental cause of suffering is deeply rooted in the philosophical teachings of Vedanta, particularly Advaita Vedanta. This ignorance, known as Avidya or Maya, leads to a misunderstanding of the self, which in turn results in attachment, desires, and ultimately, suffering. Expanding on this concept involves exploring the symbolic representations, scriptural references, stories, and modern-day relevance.

1. Ignorance (Avidya) in Hindu Philosophy

Avidya, often translated as ignorance or nescience, is considered the root cause of all suffering in Hinduism. It refers to the fundamental ignorance of the true nature of the self (Atman), which is divine, infinite, and one with Brahman (the ultimate reality). Instead, due to Avidya, individuals mistakenly identify themselves with their body, mind, and ego, leading to the perception of duality and separateness.

2. Symbolism

• Maya: The concept of Maya symbolizes the illusion that the world as we perceive it is real and that our identity is limited to the body and mind. Maya is often depicted as a veil that covers the true reality, making us believe in the transient and impermanent nature of the material world.

• The Serpent and the Rope: A classical analogy used in Advaita Vedanta is the serpent-rope illusion. A person in dim light might mistake a rope for a serpent and experience fear. Once a light is brought in, the person realizes the serpent is just a rope. Similarly, Avidya causes one to mistake the transient world for the ultimate reality, and knowledge (Vidya) reveals the true nature of the self as Brahman.

3. Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

• Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 22):

  • "As a person sheds worn-out garments and wears new ones, likewise, at the time of death, the soul casts off its worn-out body and enters a new one."
  • This verse highlights the eternal nature of the soul (Atman) and the transient nature of the body, which people often mistakenly identify with, due to ignorance.

• Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 5, Verse 15):

  • "The Lord does not create the sense of agency, nor does He cause actions to be done, nor does He link actions to their fruits. All these are done by the power of material nature."
  • This verse underlines the idea that the sense of individual doership and attachment to actions is due to ignorance.

• Mandukya Upanishad:

  • "The world is like a dream. It is only real as long as the dream lasts. Upon waking, the dreamer realizes the illusory nature of the dream."
  • This highlights the illusory nature of the world and the importance of self-realization in overcoming suffering.

4. Stories Illustrating Avidya

• Story of Nachiketa and Yama: In the Katha Upanishad, the young boy Nachiketa seeks the knowledge of the self from Yama, the god of death. Yama initially tries to tempt Nachiketa with worldly pleasures, but Nachiketa insists on understanding the nature of the self. Yama eventually teaches him about the Atman and its unity with Brahman, emphasizing that ignorance of this truth is the cause of all fear and suffering.

• Story of the Four Kumaras: The four Kumaras, sons of Brahma, were born with a deep understanding of their true nature. They refused to identify with their physical forms and remained in a state of eternal knowledge. Their story is symbolic of the ideal state of awareness, free from the ignorance that binds ordinary beings to the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

5. Importance and Relevance

Understanding and overcoming Avidya is central to achieving Moksha (liberation), the ultimate goal of human life in Hinduism. Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and is attained by realizing one’s true nature as Brahman.

6. Lesser-Known Facts

• Jivanmukti: In Advaita Vedanta, a person who has realized the true self and overcome Avidya can attain Jivanmukti (liberation while still in the body). Such a person lives in the world but is not affected by it, having transcended the dualities of pleasure and pain.

• Role of the Guru: In many Hindu traditions, the Guru is seen as essential in dispelling ignorance. The Guru, often compared to a spiritual physician, helps the disciple realize their true nature, often through teaching, guidance, and initiation.

7. Modern-Day Relevance

In contemporary times, the concept of ignorance of one’s true nature is relevant in addressing issues like stress, anxiety, and the relentless pursuit of material success. The teachings encourage introspection and self-awareness, advocating for a balanced life that recognizes the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of spiritual fulfillment.

• Mindfulness and Self-awareness: Practices like meditation, inspired by Vedantic teachings, are increasingly popular in the modern world. These practices aim to help individuals transcend their limited self-identification and realize a deeper sense of peace and purpose.

• Psychological Insight: Modern psychology often discusses concepts akin to Avidya, such as cognitive biases and the false sense of self. Understanding these can help individuals lead more fulfilling lives, free from unnecessary suffering caused by mistaken beliefs and perceptions.

In Hinduism, the ignorance of one’s real nature and potentiality is seen as a profound source of suffering. Through the teachings of the scriptures, the guidance of the Guru, and the practice of self-inquiry, individuals are encouraged to transcend this ignorance and realize their true nature as one with the divine. This realization not only frees one from suffering but also leads to a life of peace, fulfillment, and ultimate liberation.