Shvetashvatara Upanishad Lesson 7
With Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao
These lessons are so profound and well stated I feel they deserve to be Blog posts. Enjoy!
In Chapter 3 of this profound text, we delve into the experience of one who has perceived the truth—the person known as Bhagavan. Bhagavan, in essence, identifies the self with all that exists, seeing divinity permeating through every aspect of creation. It is here that God is not just an external entity but is realized to exist within everyone and everything.
The term "Purusha," often interpreted as an individual, takes on a deeper meaning as the citadel of nine gates—the human body. This Purusha is the life force animating all beings, the essence that makes existence itself vibrant and alive.
Central to this understanding are the three Gunas—Satva, Rajas, and Tamas—that influence human behavior and tendencies. Satva, associated with light and positivity, directs individuals towards righteous actions and spiritual growth. It is with Satva that the divine principle, the God principle, is consistently aligned.
This God principle manifests in all righteous impulses, in kindness, and in joyous sentiments. It is described as an eternal light that illuminates the path of evolution for every being.
In the heart of every individual resides a divine light, subtler than the smallest particle yet vast enough to encompass the entirety of existence. This light, often likened to the size of a thumb, underscores the omnipresence and omnipotence of the divine.
Across diverse spiritual traditions, including Indian philosophy and beyond, this concept resonates—that within each of us resides a spark of the divine, an essence that, when realized, liberates and enlightens.
The text expands further, describing this divine essence as possessing myriad attributes—countless heads, eyes, feet, and hands—symbolizing its infinite nature and universal presence. This God principle transcends earthly limitations, encompassing all conceivable forms and realities.
Indeed, everything conceivable, imaginable, past, present, and future, is an expression of this divine principle. It governs all growth and evolution, from the smallest organisms to the grandest celestial bodies, from the tiniest atom to the vast expanse of the cosmos.
Yet, while often depicted with human-like qualities for understanding, the text emphasizes that God is formless—a universal essence beyond human comprehension, yet intimately accessible through surrender and devotion.
The practice of surrender (Sharanavati) is akin to all waters finding their ultimate rest in the ocean. Similarly, all souls find their ultimate refuge in God, the source and sustainer of all existence.
This primal power orchestrates every activity in the cosmos. Despite lacking physical attributes like hands, eyes, or ears, this divine essence comprehends all, sees all, and knows all with absolute clarity and omniscience.
Human knowledge, in contrast, is limited and partial. Only through divine unfolding and realization can one transcend these limitations and attain a state of profound harmony and spiritual equilibrium.
The culmination of this understanding is in Nitvakalpa Samadhi—the state of profound meditation where these truths are directly experienced. Here, the seven dhatus (elements) of the body align harmoniously, fostering balance and perfect functionality.
Those who have glimpsed the Brahman—the ultimate reality—attain liberation. The text acknowledges the historical context where feminine presence was significant despite male-centric narratives, highlighting the inclusivity of spiritual realization across genders.
In conclusion, Chapter 3 offers a profound exploration into the nature of Bhagavan—the one who perceives the truth and embodies divine wisdom. It invites us to recognize the omnipresent God principle within ourselves and all creation, guiding us towards spiritual fulfillment and ultimate liberation.
