Why Devi is called panchakritya parayana | Full Video in Bio Link
The sun appears as many reflections in different bodies of water, but there is only one sun. Similarly Brahman, the ultimate, unchanging reality, illumines every internal and external object, but is never divided. Just as each reflection takes its existence from the Sun, so do all objects borrow their existence from the Consciousness. There is neither anything else, not the scope of anything else in the Absolute Reality.
An actor plays many roles on stage but remains the same person. All names and forms are just like these acts on stage. At the end, the actor remains who he was - just like Consciousness remains as it is - pure, undiluted, Existence. Sat - Cit - Ananda. Existence, Consciousness, Bliss. And the only thing preventing you us from recognizing this is our own ignorance. Join us tomorrow for another enlightening story.
A pond reflects the sky, clouds, and trees, but these reflections are not real. Similarly, our mind also reflects various thoughts and perceptions, and sometimes the reflections are so strong that we think them to be the reality. Yet, the ultimate reality was always the pond that remained unchanged by reflections. Just like, our Self as pure Consciousness remains ever-unchanged. There never is, never was anything to fear. More wisdom coming your way tomorrow.
A thirsty traveler sees a mirage in the desert and believes it's water. Upon reaching it, they find only sand. This illustrates how the world appears real due to ignorance, but upon realization, one sees it's an illusion. At the same time, even after Self-Realization, the world may still appear (just like a mirage) but you will not run after it knowing that it is an illusion. Recognizing the truth of reality is the objective of Advaita Vedanta.
A washerman ties his donkey to a post every night. One day, the rope is lost, so the washerman just acts like tying the rope. And still the donkey stays at the same spot believing that it is tied. Our mental conditioning and beliefs bind us, even when there's no real obstacle to knowledge. The promise of Advaita Vedanta has always been Freedom - Right Here, Right Now. More wisdom coming your way tomorrow.
A man searches for a precious jewel, unaware it’s in his pocket. This is how our ignorance is. Just as the man was unaware of the jewel’s presence, we often overlook our true nature, Atman. We get so lost in our thoughts that they become our only reality, pulling us deeper into suffering. Through self-inquiry and spiritual practice, we can uncover this hidden treasure and realize our Self as Brahman. This realization frees us from ignorance and brings profound inner peace. Stay tuned for more enlightening tales.
A beautiful lotus blooms in muddy water, representing purity amidst impurity. Just as the lotus remains unstained by the mud, our true self, Atman, remains untouched by the seeming chaos of the world. By recognizing this inner purity, we can transcend the limitations and sufferings imposed by our environment. Advaita Vedanta teaches us to see beyond external appearances and realize our divine essence. This realization brings peace and clarity, allowing us to live with greater wisdom. More insights await in our next story
A tiny seed grows into a majestic tree, illustrating the potential within. This symbolizes the journey of self-realization. Just as the seed contains the potential to become a tree, within each of us lies the potential to realize our true nature as Atman, one with Brahman. Too often - we hear our self-doubts saying, oh this is not for me. I am not a sage or a saint or a Buddha. But, this kowledge for growth is always within us. Through spiritual practices and self-inquiry, we nurture this potential and grow into our true self. This growth transforms our understanding and experience of life, leading to ultimate freedom and fulfillment. Join us tomorrow for another enlightening story.
A musk deer - Kasturi - smells a wonderful fragrance and searches the forest, not realizing the scent comes from its own navel. This story symbolizes the inner search for truth in Advaita Vedanta. Just as the deer is unaware that the source of the scent is within, we often seek happiness and fulfillment outside, unaware that it lies within us. Advaita Vedanta teaches that our true nature, Atman, is the source of ultimate joy and peace. By turning inward through self-inquiry and meditation, we can realize this inner truth. Stay tuned for more enlightening stories.
Fire is hidden within wood and is revealed through friction. Similarly the self-knowledge is hidden within us and can be revealed through Sravana Manana Nididhyasana. Reading Vedantic texts, contemplating and realizing them as truth. Just as friction releases the fire, disciplined practice helps us uncover our true nature, the Atman. Realizing this allows us to see beyond the physical and mental layers and experience our unity with Brahman. This journey of self-discovery is central to Advaita Vedanta. More wisdom coming your way tomorrow.
A philosopher’s stone - Parasmani - is said to turn base metals into gold with a mere touch. Such is the transformative power of self-realization in Advaita Vedanta. Just as the Parasmani transforms metal, realizing our true nature as Atman transforms our perception of our selves and of the world. It reveals the susbtratum of reality in everything and frees us from ignorance and suffering. This transformation is the essence of Advaita Vedanta. Stay with us for another enlightening story.