In chapter 12 v 13 Lord Krishna introduces para (highest) brahman as na (not) sat (existence), na asat (non-existence). In this, the very nature of the highest brahman is described by the highest authority that has come to earth to explain the profound layers of consciousness knowledge.
Know that He explains this knowledge as a “What” then later in the Gita He explains it as a “Who”. Why first as a What?
In our development of consciousness experience we first obverse the new layer of development as an object. In those early stages of knowing a new layer of awareness our essence of Self is a witness to the new layer of awareness.
However, with more familiarity and comfort we gradually accept this new found state as a new realization of our own Self. Thereby understanding it as a subject. So the What of consciousness always precedes the Who of consciousness.
For the sake of remembrance the Who is stated by Lord Krishna in chapter 15 v 18 where Krishna states He is “... higher than the imperishable... and celebrated as Purusottamah” clearly spelling out the Who of the highest consciousness, para brahman.
One very important step remains for this ultimate layer of consciousness to be complete. It’s the point where we step into this realization. Lord Krishna discusses this in chapter 13 v 18 when He says, “My devotee, understanding this, enters into (arrives at) My state of being”.
Note that Krishna talks of “It” as a state, a What because at this point in the revealing of the knowledge He is teaching of that knowledge as a What. Later after Krishna speaks of the knowledge from the perspective of Who in chapter 18 v 55 He says, “By devotion to Me, he (the aspirant) comes to know who I am in truth. Then having known Me in truth, he enters Me immediately”.
There is a lot here. I hope I can do it justice. In brief, first there is devotion, which gives way to truth, which culminates in union. All 3 stages are respected here. This is how the truly wise speak to at least 3 layers of consciousness, in one breath.
Through devotion a closeness to the guru, god or goddess is created. This closeness, in time, will reveal truth. The truth being that they are the be all and end all in their ultimate state. They are everything there is. By the use of their own perfection they expose all of consciousness to us. This is very profound, worth reading again.
Now for the union part.
Not only are they the be all and end all but so are You. Once that is really realized. That is, realizing this with every fiber of your being. Then one will enter Him/Her/You immediately. It literally is in a flash. And that level of peace is total. Complete fullness. Totality. True Wholeness.
I encourage all of you to use your guru, god, goddess as an avenue to the realization of your own Self.
Know that your ultimate truth is identical to their ultimate truth. That’s why at the end of the journey you simply end up with You. You are wholeness already.
Don’t give away your treasure (Ratna - eighth word/sound of the RK Veda, meaning gems/treasure) to anyone else. No need to admire what any god or guru has because you have the same stuff in spades. They are just advertising it more. Cloaking themselves in it. Giving the illusion that they are the few entrusted with it. Not so. We are equal owners of It. Cut through the BS and see it clearly. YOU are the show. Own It.
Where is humility and respect?
It’s there, always. We respect and honor our parents and teachers but we also live our own lives powered by all our knowledge and experience. We live predominantly off of the culmination of all of it. We step into ourselves, while still honoring those that provide assistance to our development.
Do this same dance with your consciousness pursuits. Realize your value. Take It. Own It. Its yours. It was always yours. It will always be yours. No one can give you what you already own. That’s why enlightenment is a realization. A function of memory (smrtis).
Arjuna’s last statement to Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita is, “Now I remember”.
copyright © jim rocca, 2020