A collection of teachings on simplicity in Hinduism from Srimad Bhagavata Purana.
When there is the earth to lie upon, why trouble about a bed? When one's arm is readily available why require pillows? When there is the palm of one's hand, why seek for plates and utensils? When there is the atmosphere or a bark or other similar stuff to clothe oneself in, what need is there of silks? (Srimad Bhagavata, II.2.)
Are there no rags by the wayside? Do not trees yield their gifts? Have streams, that always support others, dried up? Is not God (Bhagavan Sri Krishna) the friend of those who have surrendered everything? Why then do the Wise wait upon the rich, who are blinded by and intoxicated with their wealth? (Srimad Bhagavata, II.2.)
He who has attained the Supreme Goal discards all such objects as name and form, and dwells as the embodiment of Infinite Consciousness and Bliss. (Atma Bodha, v.40)
The ascetic has no need for secrecy and he has nothing to keep or lock up. Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the son of Bhagavan has no place which he calls his own. Every place is his; the earth's surface everywhere is a bed for him; the trees are his umbrellas, the moon his lantern; and all the folk he meets are his brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers providing him with food.
Expanded Understanding of Atma Bodha, Verse 40
In Atma Bodha (a text traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, a major figure in the development of Advaita Vedanta), verse 40 states:
"He who has attained the Supreme Goal discards all such objects as name and form, and dwells as the embodiment of Infinite Consciousness and Bliss."
This verse encapsulates the highest ideal in Advaita Vedanta—the realization of one's true nature as the Atman (the Self), which is identical with Brahman (the ultimate, formless reality). Let's break down and expand on the key elements of the verse and explore its relevance in different contexts.
1. Discarding Name and Form
Meaning: The reference to “discarding objects such as name and form” signifies transcending the maya (illusion) of the material world. According to Advaita Vedanta, the physical world, with its multiplicity of objects and beings, is not the ultimate reality; it is merely a projection of Brahman under the veil of ignorance (Avidya).
- "Name" refers to how we categorize or differentiate objects and beings.
- "Form" refers to the physical, finite manifestations we perceive through the senses. To attain the Supreme Goal is to move beyond identification with the limited, transient aspects of existence and to recognize the underlying unity of all things.
Symbolism:
- Name and Form symbolize ego (individual identity) and attachment to the material world. When one transcends this, the person ceases to identify with their body, mind, possessions, or status. They recognize that all things arise from Brahman and return to Brahman.
- Infinite Consciousness and Bliss: Once these superficial distinctions are discarded, what remains is pure awareness—Sat-Chit-Ananda (Being-Consciousness-Bliss), the very nature of Brahman.
2. Embodiment of Infinite Consciousness and Bliss
- Meaning: To "dwell as the embodiment of Infinite Consciousness and Bliss" refers to the realization that the Self (Atman) is not a separate, isolated entity but is one with Brahman, the absolute reality, which is limitless, eternal, and beyond all duality.
- The realized soul experiences pure bliss (Ananda) because they are no longer confined by the limitations of individuality. Consciousness (Chit) is no longer tied to the mind, which filters experiences through the senses, but becomes an unbroken awareness of the whole, undivided reality.
3. Importance and Symbolism
- Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate importance of this realization is liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). By transcending name and form, one attains Moksha, or spiritual freedom.
- Unity of Existence: The verse symbolizes the unity of existence. Once one has discarded name and form, distinctions between “self” and “other,” subject and object, no longer apply. The individual perceives the oneness of everything.
- Non-Dualism: The verse embodies the core teaching of Advaita (non-duality). It’s a reminder that all diversity is an illusion; the only reality is the formless, infinite Brahman.
4. Practicality in Today’s Life
In today’s materialistic and highly competitive world, such teachings hold immense value as they promote:
- Detachment from Materialism: In an era where identity is often tied to wealth, status, and achievements, the teaching encourages us to cultivate detachment. This doesn’t mean rejecting material success, but not being enslaved by it. Real success lies in self-realization, not in external validation.
- Mindfulness and Awareness: Modern practices such as mindfulness and meditation echo this Vedantic principle by encouraging awareness of the present moment and the transient nature of thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
- Mental Peace and Clarity: By shifting our focus away from external attachments (name, form), individuals can experience greater inner peace, freedom from stress, and better mental clarity.
- Compassion and Universal Love: When you perceive that all beings are expressions of the same underlying reality, it becomes easier to act with compassion and empathy toward others.
5. Modern-Day Relevance
- Spiritual Awakening: In modern spiritual movements and philosophies, the idea of transcending the ego is key. The concept of living from a space of pure awareness is mirrored in modern non-dual teachings (e.g., teachers like Ramana Maharshi, Eckhart Tolle, etc.).
- Psychological Growth: The idea of letting go of attachments to “name and form” can be applied to psychological growth. By recognizing that our identities are fluid, and often constructed based on societal norms, we can better embrace change, reduce suffering, and seek deeper self-understanding.
- Environmental Awareness: On a broader level, realizing the interconnectedness of all life can lead to more sustainable ways of living. The belief in oneness encourages respect for nature and living in harmony with the environment, a teaching that is becoming increasingly important in addressing the climate crisis.
6. Similar Thoughts in Hinduism and Other Cultures
- Hinduism: In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to practice detachment from the fruits of his actions, echoing the same idea of rising above name and form. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the path of meditation and concentration leads to the dissolution of the ego and the realization of pure consciousness.
- Buddhism: The Buddhist concept of Nirvana closely parallels the state described in Atma Bodha. The Buddha taught the need to transcend the ego (the attachment to "self" and "form") in order to awaken to the truth of emptiness (Sunyata) and experience lasting peace and bliss.
- Christianity: In Christian mysticism, saints and sages speak of union with God, where the self is dissolved in divine love. The concept of kenosis (self-emptying) parallels the idea of transcending ego and individuality to dwell in the presence of God.
- Sufism: In Sufi mysticism, Fana (annihilation of the self) mirrors the idea of discarding ego and form to merge with the Divine, leading to a state of perpetual divine bliss and love.
7. Benefits of this Realization
- Inner Peace: A person who lives beyond name and form experiences inner peace, unaffected by external circumstances.
- Freedom from Fear: Since the realized person no longer identifies with the body or mind, they are free from fear of death and loss.
- Universal Love: The recognition of the Self in all beings naturally leads to greater love, compassion, and equanimity in all relationships.
- Wisdom and Clarity: Such a person operates from a place of wisdom, knowing the illusionary nature of the material world, and thus is better equipped to navigate life with clarity and purpose.
- End of Suffering: The root of all suffering lies in attachment and identification with transient things. Discarding name and form eliminates this attachment, leading to the end of suffering.
This verse from Atma Bodha presents a profound spiritual ideal, urging individuals to transcend superficial realities and attain the state of absolute consciousness and bliss. In modern life, this teaching provides valuable lessons in detachment, mindfulness, compassion, and sustainable living. These concepts resonate across different religions and philosophies, revealing a universal truth about the nature of reality and the self. The goal is ultimately to realize our deepest essence—one that is beyond form, ego, and identity—and to live in harmony with the eternal truth that underlies all existence.