Untitled - the Divine Life Society

-l-tascertainment of the true nature of the Self by means ofdiscrimination of that which is superimposed on the Self isknown as Vidya.This relation of superimposition is not recognised in thehigher teachings of the Vedanta, because superimpositionconnotes the existence of two distinct objects at the sametime. But the rope is not perceived when the snake is cognisedand the snake is not perceived when the rope is cognised.There is no existence of two objects at the same time to enableone object to be superimposed upon the other. The rope aloneexists before, during and after its apparent appearance.Similarly the Koshas do not really exist. They are illusory.Brahman alone exists. Brahman alone is the solid reality. TheKoshas are apparently related to Atman.Atman is without any kind of limiting adjuncts. It isbodiless. The mutual superimposition is due to ignorance orlack of discrimination. This will vanish, if you comprehendthe right significance of the Mahavakya and practise regularmeditation. Just as the house is different from you, so also thisbody is different from you. An objector may argue: "The chairis outside us while the Koshas are within us." This does notmake any difference at all. A very sharp intellect is necessaryto understand that Atman is distinct from the Koshas. InKathopanishad, you will find: "This Atman is hidden in allbeings. It does not shine; but it is cognised by the seers whopossess subtle sharp intellect."In conclusion I have to say once more that superimpositionis a statement of fact. Knowledge of the Self is the only wayto liberation. An enquiry into Brahman through the study ofBrahma-Sutras is absolutely necessary. Then only, you canfree yourself from the wrong notion, 'I am the body' which isthe cause of all evil and attain thereby the knowledge of theabsolute unity of the Self.ADHYASA OR SUPERIMPOSITION 217