The realization of Brahman, the ultimate reality, is the central aim of Vedantic philosophy, leading to liberation (moksha) from suffering and the cycle of rebirth (samsara). This profound realization is not merely an intellectual understanding but a direct, personal experience and identification with Brahman.
The Nature of Brahman
Brahman is described as the ultimate, infinite, and non-dual Reality. It is the source of all existence, its sustainer, and that into which all things dissolve. Brahman is essentially Pure Consciousness (vijñānam or cit) and Bliss (ānanda). It is also truth (satya) and is often described by negating what it is not ("Neti, neti - not this, not this"). Brahman is the Self (Atman) of all beings.
The Path to Brahman Realization
The realization of Brahman is achieved primarily through knowledge (Jnana). It is not knowledge of Brahman as an object, but the realization that "I am Brahman". This is an internal, self-luminous experience, akin to pure consciousness in deep sleep, but with full awareness.
The realization of Brahman requires a dedicated spiritual path, outlined by the following preparatory means:
Discrimination (Nitya-anitya-vastu-viveka):
This is the capacity to differentiate between the eternal (Brahman) and the non-eternal (the transient phenomenal world). The sources emphasize that Brahman alone is reality, while the world is merely names and forms (nāma-rūpa), an illusion (mithya).
This continuous inquiry allows one to understand that the "I" (the experiencer) is none other than that Reality.
Non-attachment (Iha-amutra-artha-phala-vairagya):
This involves detachment from all desires for temporary pleasures, whether in this world or in heavenly realms. Desire is seen as the root cause of suffering and bondage.
Renunciation (Vairagya or Tyaga) involves giving up all desires for sons, wealth, and worlds. It includes abandoning all faults like passion, anger, pride, greed, and delusion, and viewing all equally. True renunciation leads to freedom from action and its fruits. This prepares the mind by attenuating desires and latent impressions (vasanas).
Six Virtues (Shamadi Shatka Sampatti): These are internal disciplines that purify, strengthen, and refine the mind, making it fit for Self-knowledge.
Tranquility (Shama): Control of the mind or inner senses. This means calming mental modifications and remaining without agitation. The mind is the cause of both bondage and liberation; an impure, desire-driven mind binds, while a desire-free mind leads to liberation.
Restraint (Dama): Control of the outer sense organs.
Renunciation/Withdrawal (Uparati): Giving up all actions, or withdrawing from sense objects and outward activity.
Forbearance (Titiksha): Patient endurance of dualities like heat and cold, pleasure and pain.
Concentration (Samadhana): One-pointedness of mind on Reality, fixing the mind on Brahman, leading to quiescence.
Faith (Shraddha): Conviction and devotion to the scriptures and the teachings of the teacher.
Intense Desire for Liberation (Mumukshutva): A strong, earnest yearning to be free from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). This desire motivates the seeker to approach a spiritual instructor for guidance.
Stages of Realization (Jnana Yoga)
The process of gaining Brahman knowledge typically involves three stages:
Hearing (Shravana): Diligent study of Vedantic texts from a qualified teacher to gain comprehensive knowledge of the teachings.
Reflection (Manana): Exclusive dwelling on what has been heard, resolving doubts through reasoning and discussion.
Meditation (Nididhyasana): Fixing the mind one-pointedly on the reality that has been made doubtless. This practice culminates in Samadhi.
The State of Brahman Realization (Moksha)
Liberation (Moksha) is the ultimate outcome of Brahman realization. It is the Self's manifestation of its own true nature, not an acquisition of something new. This realization destroys ignorance (avidya), which is the root cause of perceived duality and suffering.
Key aspects of realization:
Identification with Brahman: The knower of Brahman becomes Brahman itself. It is the conscious Self realizing its own being.
Transcendence of Duality: Once everything is seen as the Self, distinctions vanish. The ego (I) and the sense of "mine-ness" are burnt away.
Freedom from Suffering: The liberated individual becomes free from fear, grief, doubt, and evil.
Immortality: Rebirth ceases, and immortality is attained.
Beyond Description: Brahman, in its true nature, is beyond speech, mind, and senses. It is referred to as the "Knower" that cannot be known as an object.
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