Swami Vivekananda’s statement that “God is more than known…He is the witness, the eternal witness of all knowledge” expresses a profound truth rooted in the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, one of the central schools of Hindu thought. It highlights God as not just the object of knowledge but the fundamental reality through which all knowledge and perception become possible. Let’s explore the deeper symbolism, the relevance of this teaching in modern life, and its connections to other Hindu teachings.
Symbolism and Philosophy Behind the Teaching
Swami Vivekananda emphasizes that God is the ultimate witness or "Sakshi", a concept in Advaita Vedanta that denotes the passive, all-seeing observer of all experiences. This idea connects deeply with the notion that God is not only external but the very essence of our own consciousness—the "I" that underlies every thought and perception. According to this view, Brahman, the infinite, formless reality, manifests as the individual self (Atman) in every living being. It is through the Atman that we experience and know the world.
Example of Light and Objects
A common analogy is that of light and objects. Just as objects are seen only when light shines upon them, everything we know or experience in life is illuminated by the light of our consciousness, and that consciousness is a reflection of the divine. The chair is "known" only because it is perceived in the light of awareness, which flows from the divine presence within us.
Connection to Hindu Scriptures
This teaching is echoed in various Hindu scriptures:
In the Katha Upanishad, it is said:
"The Self-existent pierced the openings of the senses so that they turn outward. Man therefore looks outward, not into himself. A wise man, wishing immortality, with reverted senses, perceives the Self within."
This verse suggests that while we perceive the external world, we must realize that the essence of all perception lies within—God, or the Self (Atman).In the Bhagavad Gita (13:2), Krishna explains:
"O Arjuna, know Me as the knower of the field in all fields; the knowledge of the field and the knower of the field is considered by Me as true knowledge."
Here, Krishna identifies Himself with the eternal witness of all experiences. This witness is not limited to an individual’s perspective but is the universal observer in every being.
Modern-Day Relevance and Practicality
In the modern world, this concept of God as the eternal witness can offer immense psychological and spiritual grounding. Amid the distractions of daily life, people often get lost in material pursuits and temporary achievements. Recognizing God as the witness reminds us of the impermanence of the external world and encourages us to focus on the eternal.
1. Finding Stability in a Fast-Paced World
Many individuals today struggle with stress, anxiety, and the pressure to achieve. By realizing that our true essence is not limited to external success but is grounded in the eternal witness, we can find a sense of inner stability and peace. This perspective can help us detach from the turbulence of life and view challenges as temporary, while our consciousness and connection to the divine remain constant.
2. Fostering Self-Awareness
The idea that God is the essence of the "I" can also be linked to self-awareness. In a world where self-reflection is often overlooked in favor of external validation, this teaching encourages a deeper inward journey. As Swami Vivekananda points out, we cannot know anything except through the "I"—the self. This can translate into practical habits like meditation and mindfulness, where we center ourselves in the witness consciousness, seeing thoughts and emotions as passing events, while remaining grounded in our deeper, divine nature.
3. Cultivating Compassion and Empathy
If God is the witness and the essence of every living being, then seeing Him in others leads to greater empathy and compassion. This aligns with the teaching in the Bhagavad Gita (6:29):
“The yogi, by disciplined mind, sees the Self present in all beings, and all beings in the Self.”
This awareness can foster a more harmonious and compassionate society, where we view others not as separate entities but as reflections of the same divine consciousness.
Simple Stories from Hinduism
The Story of Sage Ashtavakra
One story that echoes the idea of God as the eternal witness is that of Sage Ashtavakra. When he was invited to King Janaka’s court to engage in a philosophical debate, the courtiers laughed at his physical deformities. Unperturbed, Ashtavakra declared that their laughter only showed their ignorance because they were focused on his external form, while true wisdom lies in recognizing the divine self within. His wisdom led King Janaka to become one of his foremost disciples.
This story emphasizes that it is not the body or mind, but the eternal witness within, the Atman, that constitutes our true self. In modern times, this can help us look beyond superficial judgments of ourselves and others.
The Charioteer Analogy (Bhagavad Gita)
In the Bhagavad Gita, the charioteer analogy illustrates how the self (Atman) guides the body (chariot) and senses (horses). God as the witness is like the charioteer, guiding the intellect and mind through the battlefield of life. When we let the divine consciousness guide us, we navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose.
Swami Vivekananda’s teaching offers a timeless insight into the nature of God and consciousness. By recognizing God as the eternal witness of all knowledge, we can align ourselves with the divine presence in every experience. This teaching encourages modern individuals to cultivate inner awareness, find peace in the constant flux of life, and connect deeply with the divine essence within themselves and others. It also fosters a compassionate worldview, where every interaction is seen as a reflection of the same divine consciousness.
In today’s fast-paced, often materialistic world, this message can serve as a reminder that true wisdom and fulfillment lie not in external accomplishments, but in realizing the divine witness within us and all beings.