Q & A
Difference Between Brahmā (Creator) and Brahman
A short article in response to a common question: What is the connection with Brahman and Brahmā (also called Brahmaji)? Brahmā is not to be confused with Brahman. Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva are 3 aspects of one same reality, Īśvara. Īśvara is all-knowledge and all-power. When Īśvara takes role of manifestor — Īśvara is referred to…
Read MoreIs there ‘Creation’?
Nothing can ever be created. Matter cannot be created. To say “something is created” is to imply it’s not already within Creation. Which sets up an unsolvable equation; duality (dvaita). For example, if matter was created, that means THIS Creation (which you and I find ourselves in), would have to borrow matter from some other…
Read MoreWhat is samsara?
Samsara is limitation one experiences and caused by not knowing difference between REAL (Self; ātman) and UNREAL (Not-Self; anātman). A samsari seeks freedom in the world through acquisition (beauty, spiritual experiences, knowledge, wealth, fame, success) – and enjoyment of those acquired objects. Thus “acquire + enjoy the acquired” summarizes life of every individual born in…
Read MoreWhat is Significance of ‘Namaste’
In India, many greet each other with the word “Namaste” – this is joined usually by a slight bow and palms touching in front, sort of like a prayer gesture. Namaste means literally “I bow to you”. But the way it’s used, or the meaning behind it is “I bow to God (Īśvara) in you”…
Read MoreWhat is Advaita Vedanta About?
“The fire of certainty which is the result of knowing Onself as immaculate Awareness, burns down the entire forest of ignorance. The eradication of ignorance and the dawning of happiness are one event.” – Aṣṭāvakra Gītā What is Advaita Vedanta Philosophy? (Brief) Total freedom, total confidence and total satisfaction. This is the fruit of Vedanta, a proven methodology that…
Read MoreWhat are the Vedas?
Vedas are divided into 4 sections: (1) Rig Veda, (2) Yajur Veda, (3) Sāma Veda, (4) Atharva Veda. Each each section is further divided into 2 parts. Part 1 called “karma-kāṇḍa“. Part 2 is called “jñāna-kāṇḍa“. Karma-kanda deals with rituals and prayers. Basically, how to live a happy, harmonious, smooth and clean life. Jñāna-kanda deals with…
Read MoreJames Swartz Interviews on Vedanta
To hear an introductory description of the the true nature of “I”, watch this 10 minute video by James Swartz – Upated: 26 March 2020. Interview: PART 1 What does the Self mean to you? The self is me, Awareness. And how do you define “Awareness”? You are a conscious awareful being. It is just…
Read MoreWhen Fruit of ‘I am Brahman’ is Denied (viparīta-bhāvanā)
A common question by a person with Self-Knowledge: “Having done Śravaṇa and Manana, I am very clear I am Brahman. But in my behavior I do not find myself, ‘I am Brahman’. Why?“ Answer: You may have to deal with another problem – that of “viparīta-bhāvanā“. It’s caused by your memories. There is another parallel…
Read MoreHow is Vedanta Different to Other Systems?
Firstly, what we mean by “system” is what’s called Pramāṇa – or “means of Knowledge”. In Vedānta case, it’s a means of Self-Knowledge. Self-Knowledge in stage of “listening” can be equated to object knowledge – as in “I am now learning about the Self, and that I am that Self, even though I can’t see how…
Read MoreDoes a Liberated Person Also Experience Happiness from Objects?
Object-happiness (viṣaya-ānanda) is a name given to a phenomenon that naturally occurs in the subtle body. Brahman is of the nature of sat-cid-ānanda (Existence-Awareness-Bliss). Although Brahman pervades the entire world/universe (jagat) as its substratum (adhiṣṭhāna) – the manifestation of its nature varies from object to object. The inert objects (eg: rock) of the world fully…
Read MoreWho gains Self-Knowledge? Self, Subtle Body or Reflected Consciousness?
First of all “Self-Knowledge” is NOT mokṣa (Freedom, Enlightenment, Liberation). It is the means to mokṣa. It is a “knowledge-thought” that is created/assimilated in the Subtle Body… by the teachings of Vedānta. The content of this thought is “I AM brahman” (aham brahmāsmi). It destroys the ignorance that is the cause for saṃsāra (believing or…
Read MoreHow To Apply Knowledge of Vedanta in Daily Life (nididyasanam)
QUESTION: How should nididhyasanam (contemplation) be practiced? ANSWER: The biggest obstacle to ‘aham Brahmāsmi’ (I am Brahman) knowledge is the basic ignorance of the jiva (individual soul) identifying himself with his body/mind. Even after understanding what the Srutis (Scriptures) teach, the orientation that he is the body/mind still remains. Just because he has a body/mind…
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