Satyam, Jnanam, Anantam, Brahman (Existence, Knowledge, Bliss, and Absolute) is the Vedantic definition of the Supreme Brahman. Being the essence of consciousness and bliss that is eternal Brahman remains Absolute and Infinite, not limited by space or time or any object in them. When this Brahman is involved in creation, He is known as Ishwara and Jiva according to the function He performs. The deliberations in the Upanishads pertain to the universal consciousness, which is subtle, infinite and all pervasive. The discussions appeal to the reason and experience of finite human beings as the same consciousness is present in a miniscule form in them, Sri K. Srinivasan said in a discourse.
Scriptures state that “a knower of Brahman identifies His existence in the deeper recesses of one’s inner self.” Pancha kosa vichara, or contemplation of the five sheaths in one’s body described as annamaya, pranamaya, manomaya, vijnanamaya and anandamaya, is suggested to realise the Brahman residing in every one in the subtlest form. Knowing and experiencing His presence leads to Supreme Bliss, say the scriptures.
Though every being is close to God’s presence, he may not be aware of it. We go to temples and worship God for various purposes. When our desires are fulfilled, we accept the grace of God and feel His presence. But the awareness that there is neither an atom nor a colossus that is not pervaded by Him alters one’s perception of the world significantly. But this awareness is not easy to gain.
The Bhagavata Purana relates that Narada visits Krishna in Dwaraka and sees Him live the life of a householder with His consorts. As a single husband, He lives with them at the same time in their different mansions assuming many forms. Narada is treated as a guest of honour in each abode, and the sage is surprised at Krishna’s presence in each house simultaneously. The Lord’s Maya Shakti manifests as many. His Maya inheres in each Self, animating the Jiva and making him involved in worldly matters. The Jiva in samsara is not under his own control but is driven by the power of his samskara. The individual consciousness helps him transcend this fetter to realise Brahman.
