Form Might Be New, What Lies Underneath Is the Same – A Journey into Timeless Hindu Teachings
In the vast tapestry of Hindu philosophy, one recurrent theme stands out: while the forms we encounter in the world may appear new and ever-changing, the underlying essence remains eternal and unchanging. This profound idea, often expressed in the adage "Form might be new, what lies underneath is the same," is at the heart of many Upanishadic teachings and has been elaborated upon by various spiritual masters, including the expositions found in the Mandukya and Katha Upanishads, as well as the insights of revered teachers like Sri Madhavacarhya, U. J. Krishnamurti, and Papa Ramdas.
The Eternal Amidst the Ephemeral
Hinduism teaches that the phenomenal world—the world of sensory experience—is characterized by change, diversity, and impermanence. Every object, every form, and every experience in our material reality is subject to transformation. Yet, underlying this flux is an unchanging substratum, often identified as Brahman (the ultimate reality) or Atman (the innermost self). This realization is not only a metaphysical assertion but also a liberative insight that has inspired seekers for millennia.
The Mandukya Upanishad, one of the shortest yet most profound texts, encapsulates this teaching by analyzing the nature of consciousness itself. It describes the three common states of experience—waking, dreaming, and deep sleep—and introduces the fourth state, Turiya. While the waking state is filled with the manifold forms of the external world, and the dreaming and deep sleep states offer their own unique experiences, Turiya represents a state of pure, undifferentiated awareness. It is the constant, the witness to all that is experienced, unaffected by the transient phenomena of the mind and senses. In this way, the Upanishad teaches that regardless of the varied forms our consciousness might assume, the underlying awareness remains the same.
Insights from the Katha Upanishad
The Katha Upanishad further deepens our understanding of this theme through the dialogue between the young seeker Nachiketa and Yama, the lord of death. When confronted with the mystery of life and the inevitability of death, Nachiketa inquires about what truly endures beyond the physical body. Yama, after guiding the young seeker through layers of symbolic teachings, reveals that the true self, or Atman, is not subject to the cycles of birth and death. In one of its many evocative metaphors, the text compares the body to an old garment that is discarded and replaced, while the soul remains untouched and constant.
This teaching emphasizes that while the external forms—our bodies, emotions, and even thoughts—are transient and subject to decay, the inner essence, the Atman, is timeless. The wisdom of the Katha Upanishad thereby reassures us that the journey of life, with all its apparent transformations, is merely a play of forms on the eternal stage of consciousness.
The Commentary of Sri Madhavacarhya
Adding another layer to this discussion is the work of spiritual luminaries like Sri Madhavacarhya. Although often associated with the Dvaita (dualistic) tradition, his insights too touch upon the constancy of the divine essence beneath the shifting forms of the world. Sri Madhavacarhya’s teachings emphasize that devotion to the Supreme, regardless of the diverse manifestations through which the divine appears, is the path to realizing that the ultimate reality is unchanging.
For instance, in his discourses, Madhavacarhya would often point out that while different deities, rituals, and philosophical schools provide various lenses through which to view the divine, they all ultimately direct us to the same singular truth. The external expressions of divinity, be it in the form of Vishnu, Shiva, or Shakti, are akin to different garments worn by an eternal being. The underlying essence, the Supreme Consciousness, remains the same, transcending the multiplicity of forms.
Modern Perspectives: U. J. Krishnamurti and Papa Ramdas
In more recent times, thinkers like U. J. Krishnamurti have echoed these ancient insights by urging individuals to look beyond the superficial layers of thought and conditioning. Krishnamurti, known for his radical approach to self-inquiry, maintained that the mind often gets entangled in the myriad forms of ideas, beliefs, and identities, which obscure the underlying truth of one’s being. According to him, liberation lies in recognizing that these forms are mere expressions or manifestations of a deeper, unchanging reality. When one peels away the layers of accumulated knowledge and social conditioning, what remains is a pure state of awareness—unchanged by the vicissitudes of life.
Similarly, Papa Ramdas, a beloved modern spiritual guide, emphasized the importance of direct experience over dogmatic adherence to external forms. His teachings often revolved around meditation and self-realization, inviting his followers to seek the eternal within themselves. He likened the process of spiritual awakening to discovering an unaltered light that continues to shine irrespective of the changing scenery of life. For Papa Ramdas, the form—be it in the form of transient emotions, fleeting thoughts, or even the aging body—might be new, but the inner light, the soul’s intrinsic nature, remains constant and indestructible.
The Practical Implications of Recognizing the Unchanging Essence
Understanding that “what lies underneath is the same” has significant practical implications for one’s spiritual journey and everyday life. First, it offers solace in the face of life’s inevitable changes. The awareness that the self is not confined to the temporary body or mind can help alleviate the fear of loss, aging, or death. It encourages a detachment from material forms and a focus on the inner self, which is eternal.
Moreover, this understanding fosters a sense of unity and connectedness. When one realizes that every individual, every being, shares the same underlying essence, the boundaries created by social, cultural, or personal identities begin to dissolve. This is a cornerstone of the Hindu teaching of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. Recognizing the eternal nature of the self in all beings can lead to greater compassion, empathy, and a more harmonious coexistence with others.
The concept also encourages a deep, introspective inquiry. Meditative practices, as taught by both ancient sages and modern teachers like U. J. Krishnamurti and Papa Ramdas, are powerful tools for uncovering the constant self beneath the ever-changing forms of experience. Through meditation, one learns to witness thoughts and emotions without becoming entangled in them, much like a river whose surface may be turbulent, yet whose depths remain calm and unchanging. This inner observation leads to the realization that the true self is not the fleeting content of the mind, but the silent, steady awareness that underlies all experience.
Synthesis: A Unified Vision Across Time
The resonant message across the Mandukya and Katha Upanishads, the commentaries of Sri Madhavacarhya, and the modern expositions of U. J. Krishnamurti and Papa Ramdas is clear: while the external forms of existence may be ever-changing, the underlying reality remains constant. This timeless truth, articulated in various forms throughout the ages, invites us to shift our focus from the ephemeral to the eternal.
From the mystical insights of the Mandukya Upanishad that reveal the unchanging nature of Turiya, to the poignant dialogue in the Katha Upanishad that distinguishes the indestructible Atman from the perishable body, the ancient texts lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of self and existence. Meanwhile, teachers like Sri Madhavacarhya remind us that devotion to the divine need not be confined to a single form; rather, it is the recognition of an underlying, omnipresent truth that unites all paths. In modern times, the radical clarity of U. J. Krishnamurti and the heartfelt simplicity of Papa Ramdas continue this lineage, urging us to experience life directly and to recognize that the inner essence—our true self—is the same, regardless of the outer manifestations.
Embracing the Eternal in Daily Life
For the contemporary seeker, the challenge is to integrate this understanding into daily life. In a world characterized by rapid change and superficial distractions, the wisdom that “form might be new, what lies underneath is the same” serves as a beacon of stability and hope. It encourages us to look beyond the transient appearances of wealth, success, or even relationships, and to seek the unchanging center within.
Practically, this means cultivating practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and mindful living. It means observing one’s thoughts, emotions, and reactions without becoming overly identified with them. By doing so, one begins to discern the difference between the fleeting phenomena of the mind and the enduring presence of the self. Over time, this practice nurtures a profound inner peace and resilience—a recognition that no matter how the external world shifts, the inner essence remains untouched.
Furthermore, embracing this perspective can transform the way we relate to others. Recognizing that the divine spark is present in every individual fosters a deep sense of respect and compassion. In relationships, work, and community life, this understanding encourages us to see beyond labels and distinctions, recognizing a shared, underlying humanity. Such a vision is not merely idealistic; it is a practical framework for living harmoniously in an interconnected world.
The teaching that “form might be new, what lies underneath is the same” encapsulates one of the most transformative insights of Hindu philosophy. Through the lens of the Mandukya and Katha Upanishads, we are reminded that while our world is awash with impermanent forms and experiences, there exists an eternal, unchanging self that transcends all phenomena. This realization has been echoed and expounded upon by sages and modern thinkers alike—from Sri Madhavacarhya’s devotional insights to the liberating teachings of U. J. Krishnamurti and Papa Ramdas.
Ultimately, this timeless wisdom invites each of us to embark on a journey inward, to seek the constant amid the ever-changing, and to discover that the true nature of our being is as eternal and boundless as the very cosmos itself. In embracing this truth, we not only find a deeper understanding of ourselves but also foster a profound sense of unity with all that is—a realization that remains as vital today as it was in the ancient corridors of the Upanishadic tradition.