the speaking tree - Mere Concepts And Ideas Are Not Reality
Vijay Vancheswar
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A `concept' is an idea or thought, which we are free to agree with or not; it is not synonymous with reality. That which is not always present, cannot be the reality . All scriptures say that reality subsumes concepts of time and space. Ramana Maharshi says, “The only reality is our very presence the sense of `I am'.“ None can deny this presence.Reality is termed variously as `Consciousness' or `Source'; the innate experience of the sense of `I-I'. The `I am' current exists while we are in the waking, dreaming, sleeping or deep-sleep states. This `turiya' or fourth state continuously resonates within us.This gets validated because on waking up from deep slumber we confirm our experience of a peaceful rest! The prescribed route to connect with this ever-present state is attentiveness to our inner current. Everything else appears and disappears in this state, as fleeting experiences. They are concepts created by the mind, not reality .
What about the concept of God? Sri Ramana says that while our presence experienced as the `I-I' state is undeniable; the term `God' is a concept which needs to be transcended. Indeed God as a concept can become a point of debate. Theists vouch for it. Atheists deny it. The debate can be endless as with all other concepts like creation, moral norms, values, individual preferences and practices.
This chicken and egg debate can go on indefinitely; a pointless exercise. Anything created by the mind is debatable. It does not belong to what exists perpetually . Thus concepts of God, the world which is absent in our deep sleep state heaven or hell are all wonderful creations of the mind which thrive on the fertile soil of discursive debates, enriching the ego's survival urge. Raging discussions on a wide variety of concepts such as rebirth, thaumaturgy, creation, celibacy and yoga can drain us; they do little to enrich us within.When we realise the true purpose of an issue we start going beyond concepts.For instance, yoga means to join or merge. The merging is meant as part of our inner journey with our sense of `I Amess'. The inner quest leads to peace and tranquility of the mind. It goes beyond religion, dogmas and concepts.Similarly , brahmacharya is an exercise that enquires into the nature of `Brahmn' or Consciousness, not celibacy .Of what use would celibacy be, says Sri Ramana, “if the mind is preoccupied with thoughts of the phenomenal world, even as one is amidst the silent environment of a forest“! Opinions on diverse issues depend on cultural and societal backgrounds, among other things. They differ accord ing to the nature of the individual and as per prevailing norms. They are ideas (concepts), nothing more. Concepts never result in peaceful resolutions. For every concept, there will be an equal or more number of proponents or opponents. There will be never be a time when opinions are uniform on diverse issues driven by cultural differences, values and priorities.
Steadfastly proposing or opposing any concept will only lead to deviations from the true purpose of life's journey .It is wiser to work on our own inadequacies and inherent contradictions.Understanding and accepting how difficult it is to work on changing oneself makes one more tolerant and forgiving of others and their views. Concepts thrive on differences; reality flourishes where good intent combines with sincere effort. All scriptures focus on intent and effort, not outcomes. They emphasise the three S's of Simplicity , Silence and positive Surrender.
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What about the concept of God? Sri Ramana says that while our presence experienced as the `I-I' state is undeniable; the term `God' is a concept which needs to be transcended. Indeed God as a concept can become a point of debate. Theists vouch for it. Atheists deny it. The debate can be endless as with all other concepts like creation, moral norms, values, individual preferences and practices.
This chicken and egg debate can go on indefinitely; a pointless exercise. Anything created by the mind is debatable. It does not belong to what exists perpetually . Thus concepts of God, the world which is absent in our deep sleep state heaven or hell are all wonderful creations of the mind which thrive on the fertile soil of discursive debates, enriching the ego's survival urge. Raging discussions on a wide variety of concepts such as rebirth, thaumaturgy, creation, celibacy and yoga can drain us; they do little to enrich us within.When we realise the true purpose of an issue we start going beyond concepts.For instance, yoga means to join or merge. The merging is meant as part of our inner journey with our sense of `I Amess'. The inner quest leads to peace and tranquility of the mind. It goes beyond religion, dogmas and concepts.Similarly , brahmacharya is an exercise that enquires into the nature of `Brahmn' or Consciousness, not celibacy .Of what use would celibacy be, says Sri Ramana, “if the mind is preoccupied with thoughts of the phenomenal world, even as one is amidst the silent environment of a forest“! Opinions on diverse issues depend on cultural and societal backgrounds, among other things. They differ accord ing to the nature of the individual and as per prevailing norms. They are ideas (concepts), nothing more. Concepts never result in peaceful resolutions. For every concept, there will be an equal or more number of proponents or opponents. There will be never be a time when opinions are uniform on diverse issues driven by cultural differences, values and priorities.
Steadfastly proposing or opposing any concept will only lead to deviations from the true purpose of life's journey .It is wiser to work on our own inadequacies and inherent contradictions.Understanding and accepting how difficult it is to work on changing oneself makes one more tolerant and forgiving of others and their views. Concepts thrive on differences; reality flourishes where good intent combines with sincere effort. All scriptures focus on intent and effort, not outcomes. They emphasise the three S's of Simplicity , Silence and positive Surrender.
Post your comments at speakingtree.in
