Question 256: Names and Forms and the True Self

atman-brahmanThe young Rama is asking questions about how ideation arises in the purity of Atma. The sage replies citing one of the great mahakvakyas (utterance) and whether a doer, a spiritual aspirant has made themselves worthy of the great utterance. Names and forms, ideations or modifications of consciousness arise within the primeval ideation of Atma. The Atma is witness of all these objects with names and attributes. These have naught to do with the True Self.

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Question 253: Kacha – Son of Brihaspati

Introspection: self-inquiryThe young Rama asks the sage about Kacha, the son of Sage Brihaspati, the preceptor of the gods, the master of sacred wisdom, charms, hymns, and rites. Kacha has quite the journey in identifying exactly what it is he has to renounce, in order to achieve total renunciation and self-realisation.

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Question 245: What, then, is equanimity (samadhi)?

Queen Chaudala
In Question 244, Vasishtha finished with reference to King Sikhidhvaja. Ramji, some time back there lived a king, Sikhidhvaja by name, who also remained in the non-ideational state and enjoyed immense bliss. You, too, should adopt the attitude like that of King Sikhidhvaja. In this new question from the young Rama, the story of King Sikhidhvaja and Queen Chudala is narrated.

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Question 241-243: How does the Universe arise?

Boat on sand The mind is outward going, and like a little child, it reaches out and grasps that which it sees in its ambit. Due ignorance of the soul (Atma) the Universe has assumed form, and the mind – like a child – reaches out for what it desires. Non-ideation – a mind that is still – has no master above it. So the Sage explains to the young Rama.

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