Questioner: Good afternoon!
Thank you for your great contributions to spirituality! I have watched so many videos of Ramji and read a few of his books. Very enlightening!
I have a question! Vedanta talks about three levels of reality: (1) paramarthika satyam, (2) vyvaharika satyam and (3) pratibasika satyam.
Where does deep sleep fit in? What satyam does it belong to?
I appreciate if you could clear my doubt on this! Thank you!!
Sundari: Your question is one I have not had before. The three levels of reality are interesting in that there is only one “level” to reality and that is paramarthika satyam (consciousness/the Self), as this is a non-dual reality. Duality (ignorance) is a superimposition onto paramarthika/non-duality. Vyvaharika and pratibasika satyam only operate in and apply to mithya (the effect of duality on the mind), though paramartha is always present as the knower of both. The deep-sleep state, which is mithya, is in neither state, as vyvaharika and pratibasika only function in the waking state. In the dream state both vyvaharika and pratibasika are known to be unreal, but in the waking state are taken to be real, unless Self-knowledge negates them. Paramartha (consciousness) is never “in” any state and is experienced as reflected paramarthika upon waking.
I hope this answers your question.
~ Much love
