It is erroneous to say the man and his experience of the world as illusion on the base of ego/physical self

There is no second thing exists other then the soul, which is present in the form of consciousness. The soul is the innermost self. . We are discussing and trying to understand, assimilate and realize the truth within the myth. Until we find the source of the myth, we will not be able to assimilate Self-knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana .

  When the experience of diversity is created out the soul, which is in the form of spirit or consciousness then no second thing exists other then the soul, which is the true self. On the standpoint of the soul, the innermost self  the experience of diversity (waking or dream) is mere illusion. 

 It is erroneous to say the man and his experience of the world as illusion on the base of ego or waking entity , because man and his experience of the world is reality on the base of the ego. Only when one becomes mentally aware of the formless substance and witness of the three states, then only one becomes aware of the existence of the formless faculty, which is the formless source of the myth(three states) from where it rises and subsides.  

Dream becomes unreal when waking takes place. Similarly the waking becomes unreal when one becomes aware of the fact that, the ego is not the self, but the soul is the true self.

The “Self” simply means that the non-dual Source which is the soul.  The source is also known as - Primal Energy, Consciousness, Awareness, Plenitude, God - is Unicity, Oneness, and Non-duality.

Consciousness is the one behind the many (universe).   If one becomes aware of the soul or consciousness, the innermost self, then the universe in which we exist is mere illusion. Thus our existence as an individual separate from the world is mere illusion created out of single stuff, which consciousness.  

When viewed as waking entity or ego, the waking world seems to be real.   Deeper self-search reveals the fact that, the waking entity is false self within the false experience and the self is neither the waking entity nor the self is the dream entity but the self is the formless soul or consciousness, which witnesses the coming and going of the three states.

Without knowing the nature of the mind or the universe, it is impossible to know the truth. It is of no use of trying to find the truth before one understands the nature of the universe. The world which confronts one is also consciousness itself therefore the world in which man exists is a mere mirage created out of consciousness, which is the innermost self.

If one does not make his induction from facts from the world before him, the world of the five senses, he only draws on his imaginations. Then he says “The ‘Self’   is like this, or like that." but it will be only his imagination within the waking experience, which is mere illusion from ultimate standpoint.

What are these three states? Consciousness never experienced in the plural, only singular of which plural is unknown; that there is only thing and what seems to be plurality is merely diverse aspect this one thing, produced by a deception, which Advaitin sages called it as Maya.   

First seeker must inquire into the nature of the physical body i.e. matter. Second he must inquire into the nature of the mind to realize, the mind is in the form of universe and the universe appears as waking or dream and disappears as deep sleep. That is, mind (waking or dream) becomes the soul (consciousness) and soul (consciousness) becomes mind (waking or dream).  Or form( waking or dream)  becomes formless(consciousness)  or formless(consciousness)  becomes form(waking or dream) .   

 The consciousness, the innermost self-pervades in everything and everywhere in all the three states therefore the consciousness is not limited to waking entity and waking world. Thus all the three states   have to be taken into account.  WHO AM ‘I’? An inquiry which exposes the false nature   of the waking entity reveals only half truth.  Therefore one has to indulge in deeper self-search to realize ‘I’ itself is not the self in order to unfold the mystery of the mind or the universe.

 Know that which has form to be unreal and the formless to be permanent.  One has to look at everything in the world because in everything there is Consciousness because world is created out of consciousness.  One should not avoid the world   and shut   himself away from the world that confronts him like yogi and meditator because the world which is as much consciousness, as his body.  It is very much necessary to realize the body and the world are one in essence.

Neither by spiritual practice nor by yoga nor by hearing sermons ultimate truth is difficult to realize.

The consciousness is the Ultimate Truth or Brahman.  A Gnani is person who had realized this soul  or consciousness as self, but outwardly he views worldview on dualistic standpoint.

 As a seeker one is aware of only the physical (false) aspect of the consciousness and than by a gradual process of soul-centric  reasoning to strengthen the foundations of spiritual (real)aspect of consciousness.

The highest principle, the self of all, cannot be a person. The waking or dream is based on individuality  and the sum total of all waking or dreams is the consciousness. In the waking or dream, ignorance is predominant, but consciousness controls illusion composed of ignorance and knowledge and independently projects this mind, which contains the world of moving and immovable things out of itself. 

But consciousness transcends the individual and collective aspects, the waking or dream and soul. In soul, which is in the form of consciousness there is no part. It is for the sake of easy comprehension that parts have been imagined in It.

 The waking or dream and the universe are merely mirage created out of consciousness. That the mind consists only of name and form. It endures only so long as there are name and form. When through inquiry, analysis and reasoning name and form are dissolved, and then only the transcendent consciousness prevails.

 Then the separate reality of waking or dream and the universe (mind) is felt no longer remains as reality. Then it is realized that one is the ultimate truth. The real nature of the mind   is consciousness. When the veil of name and form vanishes through wisdom, then that idea is simply realized.

By limiting the consciousness to the physical body one remains ignorant of the fact that, the consciousness is, which is true self pervades in everything and everywhere in the physical existence.  By limiting the consciousness to the physical he remains in doubts and confusion about his own formless true existence.  

 Only Through inquiry, analysis and reasoning on the formless base he has to understand, assimilate and grasp the non dual truth. Whatever he thinks on the base of physical self and the world  has to  be limited to the physical existence or mind. 

It is the natural tendency of man to argue, from the base of the physical self  or waking entity or  ego  because man is product of ignorance. The truth is beyond the physicality, Therefore on has to learn to view and judge the worldview on the base of the formless  soul, the innermost   self, in order to overcome the ignorance. It is necessary analyze the truth on the base of the soul, in order to assimilate the Self-knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana .

Man can only think of his ideal as a human being. When buffeted by sorrow in this world of disease and death he is driven to desperation and helplessness, then he seeks refuge with someone, relying on whom he may feel safe. But where is that refuge to be found? The omnipresent soul, which depends on nothing else to support it, is the only Refuge. 

At first man does not find that. When discrimination and dispassion arise in the course of his quest for truth, he comes to know it. But in whatever way he may progress on the path of truth, he is unconsciously awakening consciousness within him. But there is no other means other then the path of inquiry, analysis and reasoning.

Those who have faith in the Personal God will not be able to grasp the non-dual truth because they are holding on to that idea of god imagined on the base of physical self or waking entity or ego. Sincere and serious seekers will come the awakening of consciousness within. The knowledge of self is the one goal of the truth seeker.  Various ideas are the various paths will not lead to non-dual destination. Although the real nature of the mind is consciousness, still as he has identification consciousness with physical body, is cause of the suffering from all sorts of doubts and difficulties and experiences the pleasure and pain as reality.

Everything within the waking or dream is creation of consciousness. No one can escape the illusory experience of birth, life, death and the world until they realises his identity with consciousness.

When the desire for freedom becomes very strong, and along with it comes the grace of a person of realization, then man's desire for Self -Knowledge becomes intensified. Otherwise the mind of men given to lust and greed never inclines that way. How should the desire to know ultimate truth arise in one who has the hankering in his mind for the pleasures of family life, for wealth and for fame? 

He who is prepared to renounce the ignorance will be able to grasp the non-dual truth. Who is immersed in strong current of the duality believing it as reality without verify the facts will never be receptive to assimilate the Self - knowledge. He alone by the might of sword of Self-knowledge   will be able to break the barriers of illusion.

Without  Self-Knowledge of Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana    there can be no wisdom.   Wisdom can be got by getting rid of ignorance. Only through deeper inquiry, analysis and reasoning on the base of the soul as self the ignorance vanishes.  

Neither by spiritual practice nor by yoga nor by hearing sermons ultimate truth is difficult to realize. Without realizing the fact that, the world is illusion, without renunciation of ignorance , without giving up the illusion which one believes it to be real , absolutely nothing can be accomplished in the path of truth. Truth is not a thing anyone can snatch by a trick."

Consciousness is within this universe but it is not of this universe.

The soul,is the innermost self. the soul is in the form of consciousness. The  consciousness is within this universe but it is not of this universe. It is in this universe, but not of this universe means it is the formless substance and witness of the universe, which is present  in the form of the mind (I). The mind (I) appears as waking or dream and disappears as deep sleep. 

The soul, the innermost self which  is present  in the form of consciousness is the formless witness or  knower of the three states, which comes and goes in succession.   Consciousness is above; it is transcendental to all the miseries, which are inevitable in this illusory universe.  Therefore, there is a need to realize the fact that, the mind, which is in the form of universe is mere mirage created out consciousness.   Thus, the birth, life, death and world are mere mirage on the stand point of the formless soul or  consciousness, which is the innermost  self. Only on the base of physical self or ego  the universe is reality.  Thus the Self is within the universe but it is without the universe. 

Only a Gnani alone can actually create the awareness of the truth. He can enliven and illuminate others to get out of this ignorance by being transcendental to the illusory birth, life, death and the universe. A Gnani tries to guide the seekers get rid of the inborn and  inherited ignorance and, rise above the egocentric concepts, be in this universe, but not of this universe, be in tune with the consciousness, which is his  true identity and the ultimate truth.

This material existence is mere mirage. It is like a wax in the candle it will burn away.  All attempts for freedom is possible only when one is ready to overcome the ignorance. To overcome the ignorance is possible only when one realizes the birth, life, death and the world are mere illusion created out of consciousness.  The consciousness is ultimate truth. And the one who knows this truth knows the knower (consciousness) is free from the known (mind).  

Through Self-knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana, all of one’s egocentric successes and all of his credible accomplishments within the duality are ultimately evaporated and consciousness alone will prevail as formless  non-dual existence.

Anyone who has an intense urge to know the ultimate truth of Brahman can realize the ultimate truth or Brahman while living householders life.  

This world is common to every living creature; therefore one must begin his inquiry with the world that confronts him. . It is only after one has inquired into the nature of the objective world, that he should inquire into who is the knower or witness. If, however one inquires into the knower before the inquiry into the universe, then it is mere mysticism. What is the world? must precede Who  is  this ego  or physical entity ? in in pursuit of truth.

In olden times, religious and Yogic and mystic discipline, which were not an end in itself, considered to be a means for Self-Realization or truth realization. But such discipline is almost impossible task for the modern man to adopt. Day by day modern man is becoming aware of the fact that, religion and yoga are nothing to do with pursuit of truth.

 The religious truth is individual truth. Every religion has its own idea of god, heaven, hell paradise, sin karma, code of conducts thus they are not universal truth. Religion is based on the false self and false experience thus religious truth cannot be accepted as ultimate truth or Brahman. Thus religious oriented Self-Realization is not the means to acquire Self-Knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana.  The religion is the greatest obstacle in the path of wisdom or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana.

The modern mindset is pre-eminently scientific owing to the great progress that science has made. And the best method of freeing the mind from its inaccurate ways of thinking is to imbue it as fully as possible with the scientific spirit. It is therefore only one who possesses a clear knowledge of its methods and results i.e., who is able to make reason the highest means of enquiry that would be fit for Self-Knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana.

Vedanta itself admits its highest Truth that is, Atman or Brahman cannot be reached by any path other than that of reason and unless the reason is sharper than the ‘Edge of a razor'.

 That is why Sri Sankara, in Bhaja Govindam says: - [Jnana Viheena Sarva Mathena Bajathi na Muktim janma Shatena] - one without knowledge does not obtain liberation even in a hundred births, no matter which religious faith he follows.

Thus it proves that wisdom is universal irrespective of any religion of faith one belongs.  Thus religion is not the means to Self-knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana.  Thus Sri, Sankara's Advaita minus orthodoxy is true Advaita. 

Reason on the true base is the highest means of attaining Self-Knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana.  Religion, theology, mystic practice and yoga are not the means to acquire Self-Knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana.  Absence of reason is absence of wisdom.

When the universe is mere illusion, then man and his ideas and theories are bound to be illusion.

From the ultimate standpoint origination is impossibility. The various theories of creation - that it is the expansion of God or it is the will of God or it is for God's enjoyment or it is an illusion like a dream or it proceeds from time - are all mere imagination based on the false self (ego) within the universe [illusion].  When the universe is mere illusion, then  man and his ideas and theories are bound to be illusion.  

Mind (universe) is the very nature of consciousness. It is his inherent nature which simply emanates and flows from it. But even this is only an appearance for in truth there's no creation at all.

For Gnani the world is like an illusion. Viewed from the absolute there's neither birth, nor life, nor death, neither appearance nor disappearance, neither production, nor destruction, neither bondage nor liberation.

There's none who works for freedom nor is there any who is liberated - this is the highest truth. The Gnani knows that there's neither unity nor plurality - the world is neither one nor many.

 Just as a piece of rope is mistaken for a snake; the consciousness is mistaken as this diverse world. Duality is an appearance and the non-dual consciousness is the real truth.

The world is not different from the consciousness and the self is not different from self and self is not different from ultimate truth.

That the non-dual absolute appears as the diverse world is only an illusion. If it really became diverse then the immortal would become mortal. The dualist who seek to prove the origination of the unborn, by that very enterprise try to make the immortal, mortal.

Ultimate nature can never change - the immortal can never become mortal and vice versa. "There's no plurality in the true nature of the consciousness; "The consciousness appears to be many"; "those who are attached to creation or production or origination are in ignorance; "the unborn is never reborn, for who can produce it?".

 RIG VEDA: - The famous utterance of Upanishad that Brahman cannot be attained by duality is in RV (5.12.2). The idea that Brahman cannot be attained by mere action or effort is in RV (8.70.3) and (5.48.5); Brahman cannot be approached by thought (RV.1.170.1 or Kena U., 1.3). [RV=RIG VEDA].

The religious orthodox wants to wage against modernity: secularism, science, reproductive rights, and the Enlightenment generally.

The religious orthodox wants to wage against modernity: secularism, science, reproductive rights, and the Enlightenment generally. The orthodox mass, argue that any and all problems with the world can be attributed to the groups and ideas which they most dislike. One of the worst aspects of this attitude is how some religion latch on to any tragedy to promote their theocratic vision. Every religion argues that only their religion and their god can cure whatever ails this world.  Such blind belief of religion blocks people from knowing the ultimate truth or Brahman.

History speaks that   man has made it challenging and difficult to understand why he has experienced and witnessed such an array of human behaviour. With constant introspection and the continued judgments of right and wrong, good and bad, just and unjust it has been a constant challenge to find and understand the truth behind his physical existence. This subject is super sensitive, yet if one is to continue on his pursuit of truth then there is a need for perfect understanding and assimilation. There is need to stop this wars and violence, which is going on in the name of religion and god, by knowing and understanding and realizing the universal truth, which is holding the whole universe in which the humanity exists.   The universal truth alone is god all else is mere mirage.

In Vedas the God has been described as:-

v  Sakshi (Witness)

v  Chetan (conscious)

v  Nirguna (Without form and properties).

v  Nitya (eternal)

v  Shuddha (pure)

v  Buddha (omniscient)

v  Mukta (unattached).

So, it clearly indicates that god is formless thus there is no scope for form based god. The religion and its idea of conceptual gods, and its theories of karma, haven, hell, papa, punya, rebirth, reincarnation are based on the false self, within the false experience. Therefore, they are meant for lower mind-sets, they are of no use for those who are seeking higher truth as indicated in the scriptures.   

  There are many schools of thought in Hindu religion based on Vedas. These schools of thoughts are add-ons based on dualistic view point. Therefore, these add-ons have to be bifurcated from original Vedic Religion, to get the pure Vedic essence. 

Sri, Sankara said: The world is unreal and Brahman alone is real.  It means the birth, life and death, which happens within the world, also is unreal.  If birth, life and death are unreal, then the rebirth and reincarnation and Avataric concept has to be unreal. Thus, it is for the seeker to find out, on what standpoint the world becomes unreal, to know the Brahman, which is ultimate truth.

Causality taught in the Upanishads is only to enable us to understand the supreme truth of no-origination. The world is not different from the self and the self is not different from Atman and Atman is not different from Brahman. That the non-dual absolute appears as the diverse world is only an illusion. If it really became diverse then the immortal would become mortal.

 The dualists who seek to prove the origination of the unborn, by that very enterprise try to make the immortal, mortal. Ultimate nature can never change - the immortal can never become mortal and vice versa.

 Gaudapada quotes from the Upanishads:- "There's no plurality here"; "The Soul through its powers appears to be many"; "those who are attached to creation or production or origination go to utter darkness"; "the unborn is never reborn, for what can produce it?”