Have you ever wondered what the ultimate cause of this world and our existence?
Have you ever pondered whether science will ever answer questions about the deeper purpose of life and the universe? These questions, though modern in their phrasing, were explored and answered thousands of years ago by the sages of ancient India. The knowledge they discovered was not based on mere beliefs or blind faith; instead, it stemmed from profound insights and realizations attained through deep spiritual practices.
This body of wisdom is known as spiritual knowledge. It not only helps one understand their own existence but also offers profound insight into the origin of the universe and the interconnectedness of all creation. At the core of this understanding lies the concept of Parmatma (the Supreme Self). The term is derived from two Sanskrit words: Parama, meaning "supreme" or "ultimate," and Atma, meaning "self." Together, they represent the highest, purest form of consciousness—one that is infinite, eternal, and beyond the grasp of ordinary perception.
The Path to Experiencing Parmatma
To experience Parmatma, one must engage in sincere spiritual practice – meditation, devotion, spiritual wisdom and yoga of action, often through the disciplines of yoga and meditation. Unlike external pursuits, the journey toward Parmatma is an inward one. It requires the seeker to transcend the distractions of the material world and delve deep into the core of their being.
However, it is important to understand that Parmatma cannot be fully grasped by the intellect or the senses. It is inconceivable and unknowable in the conventional sense. Despite this, the sages of ancient times attained realization of this supreme reality, which raises an interesting paradox: If Parmatma is unknowable, how can it be realized?
The answer lies in the transformative nature of spiritual experience. This realization is not something that can be conveyed through words or understood with the mind. Instead, it is an experience of profound clarity and unity, where the boundaries between the self and the universe dissolve.
What is Parmatma: Realizing the Supreme Self Within
When we ask the fundamental question, “Who am I?” the answers vary depending on one’s understanding. At the surface level, most people might say, “I am a human.” Those with deeper awareness might respond, “I am consciousness.” However, the ultimate answer to this question emerges only through self-realization, where one experiences their oneness with Parmatma.
Parmatma, or the Supreme Self, is pure, omnipresent consciousness. Unlike the limited self, which identifies with the body and mind, Parmatma transcends all limitations. It is universal and exists everywhere, in everything. Yet, due to the influence of the senses and the mind, we perceive ourselves as separate from Parmatma. This sense of separation is what spiritual traditions refer to as ignorance.
The antidote to ignorance is self-realization—an awakening to the truth that the self is not separate from Parmatma. This realization marks the culmination of spiritual practice, where the seeker merges with the infinite.
Understanding the Self and Parmatma
What do we mean when we talk about the “self”? Most people define themselves based on sensory experiences and external identities, such as: “I am a human,” “She is a dog,” or “He is my friend.” These definitions, however, are rooted in duality—the perception of separateness.
When one embarks on the journey of self-realization, this duality dissolves. The distinction between the self and the other is revealed to be an illusion. One comes to understand that the world does not exist separately; only Parmatma exists.
The Illusion of the World
What we perceive as the “world” is a construct of the senses. Similarly, our sense of identity—the “I”—is shaped by sensory input and mental conditioning. But what happens when the senses become inactive? Consider the state of deep sleep: in that state, we are unaware of the external world or even of our own sense of “I.” This illustrates that the self, as commonly understood, is not the ultimate reality.
The true nature of the self is revealed when the mind becomes completely still. This state is called Samadhi—a state of profound meditative absorption where the ego dissolves, and only pure awareness remains. In this state, the self merges with Parmatma, and one realizes that they were never separate.
This realization is akin to the moon emerging from behind clouds. The moon has always been present, but it becomes visible only when the clouds dissipate. Similarly, Parmatma is ever-present, but it is obscured by the turbulence of the mind.
Parmatma: The Infinite Consciousness
Parmatma is not a being or a deity in the traditional sense; it is the essence of all existence. It is infinite consciousness, from which the entire universe arises and into which it eventually dissolves. Every living and non-living entity—humans, animals, plants, planets, and stars—exists within this infinite consciousness.
The entire creation can be compared to reflections in a mirror. While the reflections appear distinct, they all arise from the same underlying reality. Similarly, the world is an expression of Parmatma, and all distinctions are ultimately illusory.
Parmatma and Ishvara
While Parmatma is the ultimate reality, it is not considered “Ishvara” (God) in the conventional sense. Ishvara refers to the manifestations of Parmatma in a form that humans can perceive and relate to. Even an ordinary human being can embody Parmatma, provided they transcend the illusions of the material world and live in a state of pure awareness.
The Unknowable Nature of Parmatma
Parmatma is beyond comprehension. It cannot be fully understood through logic, reasoning, or intellectual inquiry. It is not something to be gained or lost—it simply is.
How to Realize Parmatma
The realization of Parmatma begins with self-awareness. Through practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and yoga, one gradually transcends ignorance and reconnects with their true nature. This state of realization is described as Sat Chit Anand—existence, consciousness, and bliss.
The journey culminates in Samadhi, where the seeker merges with the infinite and experiences unity with all creation. This state is not about acquiring new knowledge but about uncovering a truth that has always been present.
In Conclusion
The concept of Parmatma reveals a profound spiritual truth: that the self and the universe are one. Through self-realization, we come to see that the ego and the material world are mere illusions, and the only reality is the infinite consciousness that pervades all existence.
Parmatma is not a distant, unknowable entity but the very essence of life itself, present within and around us at all times. By transcending ignorance and experiencing the stillness of the mind, we can realize our oneness with Parmatma, achieving the ultimate truth of existence, consciousness, and bliss.
This realization is not just the key to understanding our true purpose but also a gateway to transcending the limitations of the material world and experiencing eternal peace and fulfillment.
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Spiritual Wisdom