"Self" is a word loaded with connotations difficult for our conditioned minds to ignore, especially the "Self" capitalized and used by Ramana Maharshi to signify the Absolute One without a second. For most of us this word has always denoted the personal self, "I," the body-mind we have been born and bred to preserve at all costs. In his teachings Ramana tried to signify this distinction by referring to "I-I" as a means of separating the Absolute from the personal; but again, all letters, words, thoughts, concepts and best intended substitutes amount to halting, stammering attempts--pointers--to convey ineffable, transcendent Reality. No matter how real it seems, a mirage is only a mirage, and the moon reflected in still waters is not the moon.
But "Self" is serviceable when we digest it parsed in relative terms such as "void," "non-void," or that which is neither "void" or "non-void," nor any aggregate between. "Void" does not escape relativity (void compared to what?), and even terms such as "all-pervading," "all-encompassing," "pure," "unbroken," "stainless," "uncreated," "eternal," et.al., dance in a field of opposites. It is clear that this Self of Advaita Vedanta can never be comprehended in terms of the self between our ears.
However, simply abiding near the flame will eventually, inexorably kindle and consume ignorance. We can experience Being-Consciousness-Bliss. Our illusory personal selves are always already this Self of Ramana's instructions. There may be no intrinsic reality in what we think or perceive, but just as a dreamer awakens from interminable, restless sleep, we, too, can awaken, recognize, realize and abide as this One without a second.
Realize the Self to be undefiled, unsupported, beyond caste, creed, name, or form, uncontaminated, and unqualified.
But "Self" is serviceable when we digest it parsed in relative terms such as "void," "non-void," or that which is neither "void" or "non-void," nor any aggregate between. "Void" does not escape relativity (void compared to what?), and even terms such as "all-pervading," "all-encompassing," "pure," "unbroken," "stainless," "uncreated," "eternal," et.al., dance in a field of opposites. It is clear that this Self of Advaita Vedanta can never be comprehended in terms of the self between our ears.
However, simply abiding near the flame will eventually, inexorably kindle and consume ignorance. We can experience Being-Consciousness-Bliss. Our illusory personal selves are always already this Self of Ramana's instructions. There may be no intrinsic reality in what we think or perceive, but just as a dreamer awakens from interminable, restless sleep, we, too, can awaken, recognize, realize and abide as this One without a second.
Realize the Self to be undefiled, unsupported, beyond caste, creed, name, or form, uncontaminated, and unqualified.
No comments:
Post a Comment