The concept that "God is measurable only by God’s own awareness" reflects a deep philosophical teaching within Hinduism, which suggests that the divine or ultimate reality, often referred to as Brahman, is beyond human comprehension and can only be fully understood or known by itself. This idea is rooted in several key Hindu scriptures, teachings, and philosophies that emphasize the ineffable nature of the divine.
1. Core Philosophical Teachings
In Hinduism, the idea that "God is measurable only by God’s own awareness" aligns with several core philosophical tenets:
Brahman as the Ultimate Reality: In the Vedantic tradition, Brahman is considered the ultimate reality — infinite, formless, and beyond all attributes (Nirguna Brahman). It is said to be the source of all that exists and yet transcends all existence. As the Mundaka Upanishad states: "Brahman is infinite, and the universe is infinite. The infinite proceeds from the infinite. Then taking the infinite (universe) from the infinite (Brahman), it remains as the infinite Brahman alone." (Mundaka Upanishad, 2.1.1)
Atman and Brahman: According to the Advaita Vedanta school of philosophy, the individual soul (Atman) is not different from Brahman. The realization of this truth (Tat Tvam Asi — "Thou art That") is the goal of spiritual pursuit in Hinduism. The Chandogya Upanishad expresses this idea: "Tat Tvam Asi" (You are That), indicating the unity of the individual self with the universal self.
God’s Incomprehensibility: The Kena Upanishad (1.3-1.4) speaks about the paradoxical nature of Brahman: "That which is not thought by the mind, but that by which the mind thinks — know that alone to be Brahman." This suggests that Brahman is beyond ordinary cognition and conceptualization.
2. Scriptural Stories and Quotes
Many stories and quotes from Hindu scriptures illustrate the idea that the divine is beyond ordinary human perception and understanding:
Story of Uddalaka and Shvetaketu: In the Chandogya Upanishad, Uddalaka teaches his son Shvetaketu about the nature of Brahman through various metaphors, such as the analogy of the seed and the banyan tree. Uddalaka explains that although the seed is tiny, it contains the essence of the vast banyan tree. Similarly, the essence of Brahman pervades all existence, yet is beyond sensory perception. This story illustrates that Brahman, or the divine essence, is subtle and pervasive, and cannot be understood through ordinary sensory means.
The Nasadiya Sukta: Found in the Rigveda (10.129), the Nasadiya Sukta or "Hymn of Creation" presents a profound meditation on the mystery of creation and the nature of the divine. It ends with a note of agnosticism, stating that even the gods may not know the origins of existence: "Who then knows whence it has arisen? Whether God’s will created it, or whether He was mute; Perhaps it formed itself, or perhaps it did not. Only He who is its overseer in highest heaven knows, He only knows, or perhaps He does not know." This reflects the idea that the ultimate nature of the divine and the universe is beyond even the gods’ understanding, let alone human comprehension.
The Story of Indra and Virochana: In the Chandogya Upanishad (8.7.1 - 8.12.6), Indra (king of gods) and Virochana (king of demons) seek the knowledge of the Self from Prajapati (the creator god). Through their journey, they learn that the true Self (Atman) is not the body, not the mind, nor any particular identity — it is the universal consciousness itself, beyond any measure or comprehension by ordinary beings. This story emphasizes that the true nature of divinity is beyond any tangible form and can only be known through divine revelation and inner realization.
3. Importance of This Teaching
Transcendence of God: This teaching emphasizes that God or the divine is transcendent, existing beyond all material and conceptual limitations. It challenges adherents to move beyond anthropomorphic and finite conceptions of the divine.
Encouragement for Self-Realization: This concept pushes individuals towards self-inquiry and inner realization. In Hindu philosophy, especially Advaita Vedanta, the realization of one's own divinity (Atman) as non-different from Brahman is a central goal. Understanding that God can only be truly known by God encourages practitioners to explore their inner selves and move beyond superficial understandings of spirituality.
Humility in Spiritual Pursuits: Recognizing that the divine is ultimately beyond human comprehension fosters humility. It encourages a devotional attitude, where one submits to the divine will and acknowledges the limitations of the human mind.
4. Lesser-Known Information
God's Awareness as God's Own Lila (Divine Play): Some schools of thought, particularly within the Bhakti tradition, consider God's awareness of Himself as a form of divine play (Lila). This notion suggests that God's self-awareness and self-manifestation in the universe are acts of divine play, transcending human notions of purpose or need.
Parallel Concepts in Other Hindu Philosophical Schools: While Advaita Vedanta stresses the undivided nature of Brahman and its incomprehensibility, other schools such as Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita Vedanta offer a more qualified understanding of God. Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) sees God as having both a personal form and an impersonal, formless nature. Dvaita (dualism) maintains a distinction between God and individual souls, positing that while God is ultimately beyond human comprehension, there is a relationship between the individual and the divine that allows for some level of knowledge or communion.
5. Modern Day Relevance
In the contemporary world, the teaching that "God is measurable only by God’s own awareness" has several important implications:
Interfaith Dialogue and Religious Pluralism: This concept can foster a spirit of openness and humility in interfaith dialogue. By acknowledging that the ultimate reality or God is beyond human comprehension, different religious traditions can find common ground in the mystery and majesty of the divine.
Personal Spiritual Growth: In an age where materialism and rationalism often dominate, this teaching invites individuals to explore deeper spiritual realities. It encourages a movement beyond the mere intellectual or scientific understanding of life to a recognition of the profound mystery that underlies existence.
Encouraging Inner Peace and Acceptance: Understanding that the divine is beyond full comprehension can lead to a sense of peace and acceptance. In a world full of uncertainties and challenges, this teaching can help individuals accept the limits of human knowledge and cultivate a deeper trust in the divine order of things.
Inspiring Scientific Inquiry and Wonder: Interestingly, this teaching aligns with the spirit of scientific inquiry, where the vastness and complexity of the universe often lead to more questions than answers. The recognition of the limitations of human understanding and the encouragement of an open-minded approach to the mysteries of the cosmos resonates with both spiritual seekers and scientists.
The Hindu teaching that "God is measurable only by God’s own awareness" is a profound statement about the nature of the divine and the limits of human understanding. Rooted in ancient scriptures and philosophical traditions, this concept invites a deep exploration of both the self and the universe, encouraging humility, devotion, and a recognition of the ultimate mystery that is Brahman. It remains highly relevant today, offering a spiritual perspective that complements modern scientific discoveries and fostering a spirit of unity and respect in a diverse world.