The Hindu Puranas are indeed rich repositories of profound philosophical insights. The quotes from puranas ‘Even though apparently awake, one is still asleep, if one sees multiplicity’ beautifully encapsulates the idea that true wakefulness goes beyond mere physical awareness and transcends the illusions of the material world.
In Hindu philosophy, the concept of "wakefulness"
or "awareness" (jagrat) extends beyond the state of being physically
awake. It delves into the realm of spiritual awakening and enlightenment, where
one perceives the underlying unity and truth that permeates all existence.
The notion of "multiplicity" refers to the diverse
manifestations of the world that we perceive through our senses. In our
ordinary state of consciousness, we often get entangled in the complexities and
distractions of this multiplicity, identifying with the transient forms and
experiences presented to us. This identification can lead to a sense of
separateness, attachment, and suffering, as we become ensnared in the illusion
of duality.
However, the quote suggests that true wakefulness entails
seeing beyond this superficial layer of perception. It involves transcending
the illusions of multiplicity and recognizing the underlying unity that
connects all beings and phenomena. In this heightened state of consciousness,
one perceives the inherent divinity in everything, realizing that the apparent
diversity is but a reflection of the singular, eternal truth.
This perspective aligns with the core teachings of Vedanta,
Advaita (non-dual) philosophy, which posits that there is ultimately only one
reality (Brahman) and that the perceived multiplicity is an illusion (maya).
Through practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion, individuals
seek to awaken to this higher truth and experience the profound sense of unity
that lies beyond the veils of perception.
In essence, the quote - even though apparently awake, one is still asleep, if one sees multiplicity - underscores the journey from ordinary wakefulness to spiritual awakening, from the fragmented perception of multiplicity to the realization of underlying unity. It invites us to cultivate a deeper awareness that transcends the limitations of the physical senses and leads to profound insight into the nature of reality.