Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.Search & Read
ShiningWorld Reader
The Brain Does Not Know the Brain
George: Hi, Jim, long time no see. So many things have apparently happened in “your” life since we last spoke. I would like to ask what is perhaps a “dumb” question. Let’s say I am talking with a neuroscientist and trying to convince him or her that the body-mind is not the real or ultimate perceiver. When I ask what is perceiving the body, the scientist says the brain is seeing, touching, etc. the body. What is the best logical refutation of this assertion? Thank you for all your great teachings.
~ George
Sundari: Hello, George, James sends his best regards and has asked me to reply to your question. The answer is that the brain does not know the brain.
Scientists are a strange breed by and large, and trying to convince them of the existence of consciousness is a tough one, as absurd as that is. The obvious response would be, “Who is the knower of the brain/body?” How would anyone, scientist or not, know about the existence of the brain/body if consciousness is not there to know this fact? Without consciousness the brain/body is just dead meat.
Consciousness has to be there in order for knowledge of anything to take place, including ignorance, which is a kind of knowledge as well.
~ Om and prem, Sundari