In Hinduism, the concept of Brahman is central to understanding the nature of reality. Brahman is often described as the ultimate, supreme, and unchanging reality, which encompasses everything in the universe. It is beyond any form or attribute and is considered the source and essence of all existence.
The teaching that the conviction of being Brahman leads to
escape from duality is rooted in the idea of Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical
school within Hinduism. Advaita Vedanta teaches non-duality, asserting that
Brahman is the only reality and that the perceived multiplicity and diversity
of the world is an illusion (maya).
According to this teaching, individuals identify themselves
with their individual egos (jiva), which creates a sense of separation from the
rest of existence. This separation leads to the experience of duality, where
one perceives oneself as separate from others and from Brahman. However, the
ultimate goal of spiritual practice in Advaita Vedanta is to realize the
underlying unity of all existence and to recognize that the true nature of
oneself (atman) is identical to Brahman.
When one deeply understands and internalizes this truth, it
leads to a profound shift in consciousness. This shift involves transcending
the illusion of duality and realizing the oneness of all existence. This
realization is often described as self-realization or enlightenment. It is said
to bring about liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara)
and the suffering inherent in worldly existence.
In this way, the conviction that one is Brahman is not
merely a belief or intellectual understanding but a transformative realization
that fundamentally changes one's perception of oneself and the world. It leads
to a state of inner freedom, peace, and bliss, as one recognizes their true
nature as infinite and eternal.