Miscellaneous - Religion   

Bondage results due to mistaken identity

CHENNAI AUG.10 . The scriptures describe the nature of the Ultimate Reality (Brahman, Atman) as existence, consciousness and bliss. It is infinite, without a beginning or an end. When the Absolute is mentioned in the context of creation it is spoken of as two eternal entities — Purusha (Spirit) and Prakriti (Matter). These two principles are responsible for the creation of this manifold universe and either of them cannot create on its own. Matter is further divided into 24 principles and they constitute the gross and subtle bodies of an individual while the Spirit indwells in the body as the enjoyer and witness. This constitution of Spirit and Matter in an individual is referred to as the soul (Jiva).

A doubt may arise logically as to how the scriptures, which posit the Absolute as beyond joy and sorrow (does not experience) describe the same as the enjoyer with reference to the manifest universe as in the Gita, "Prakriti is the cause of the formation and functioning of the body and the senses, while it is the Purusha that experiences pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow." It is important to make the distinction between the Absolute Reality and the manifest Reality to understand this, as for all practical purpose all human experiences relate to the world.

In her discourse, Swamini Satyavratananda said birth and death of an individual related only to Prakriti. The Purusha's association with the body gives rise to the experience of joy and sorrow. But, a man of wisdom does not identify himself with the gross and subtle bodies of his personality and is poised in the Self (Atman) and thus is not affected by these experiences.

The human predicament is because man forgets his role and identifies with his body-mind-intellect (non-Self) instead of with the eternal Self. This is due to ignorance and superimposition of the non-Self on the Self as in the case of getting frightened by mistaking a rope for a snake. As long as this mistaken identity is there transmigration of the soul goes on. Ignorance alone does not create bondage; it is the superimposition, which really creates the mistaken identity.

The transition from bondage to liberation results from knowledge; one must understand that whatever one experiences belongs to the realm of the non-Self. The consequence of this is the realisation that "what belongs (body-mind-intellect) to me is not the real `I'." This is the way to wake up to one's real nature (the Self). Just as the Sun illumines everything, the Self by its mere presence makes this universe exist and function.

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