Hi Ram,
I would like to share some thoughts with you and I apologize as I know you’re crazy busy but I love talking with you. I don’t need a response unless I’m off track.
From time to time, I’ve been thinking about reincarnation. Some people believe that a person’s samskaras will manifest in a new jiva and his karma will continue to evolve, hopefully in a less painful life, learning as it goes, ideally, discovering Vedanta so we suffer less and gradually arrive at Moksha. It’s a good, positive view that accepts all difficulties encountered along the way.
In contemplating this recurring subject, it occurred to me that one of the primary “drivers” of Maya is the belief, and attachment, to continuity for the jiva.
Ram: Maya, ignorance, is the primary driver but the belief is a proxy for it.
As long as there is a belief that we existent as separate entities, then the belief that time is real follows, like night follows day. In fact, could you say that the belief that time is real is one of, if not the most powerful, tricks of Isvara to perpetuate the ignorance of what we are. If we think we’re a person, a “who”, then time and the illusion of continuity, go hand-in-hand. The ending of this illusion requires a firm understanding of what we are outside of time and place. No wonder you say the jiva must claim their identity as Awareness, for otherwise the knowledge of “no time” can be daunting to say the least. It’s amazing how strong the attachment is to “linear living” i.e. how we love to organize our day; how we evaluate our actions and accomplishments; measure where we think we’re at in whatever way we believe is important; unquestionably believe we were born, grew up, and will one day die; and of course, have all manner of ideas about our next life.
Ram: I often encourage inquirers to think “vertically” to help them get out of the linear thought process even though vertically implies distance and continuity.
Reincarnation is a comfort if we think we’re a mortal jiva, especially if we think we’re on a spiritual path. In reality there is no reincarnation unless we “create” it.
Ram: Ignorance of the Self as one’s self generates the body, which needs to function in the material world. It can’t function unless it can pursue and avoid objects so it needs to locate itself in time/space, which are the two primary effects of ignorance. The knowledge of time and space is built into the senses. It’s totally necessary and “real” for the Self that thinks it’s a jiva. If such a self seeks freedom, it is seeking freedom from time and space so it needs to get rid of the belief that time and space is real. Hence the teaching that that body is not the Self. Short answer: yes.
I’ve been wondering what the factors are, what the “glue” is, that holds the particular attributes of the jiva program together?
Ram: Beautiful Intelligent Ignorance is the glue, but it’s not really wrong to say that fear and desire, which are not ignorance per se but are the effects of ignorance. But that is more or less as good as saying fear and desire.
Clearly the belief that our thoughts and feelings, and subsequently our desires and fears, are real. But I wonder if it’s the ending of time, the fear of no-time with its accompanying dissolution of the belief in a separate existence, that is the real power of Maya?
Ram: Not really. Samsaris don’t fear no-time; they fear the lack of time-off, i.e. non-doing, which is to say a long vacation permitting them to do whatever they want, which they define as moksa.:) If they fear anything, it’s lack of the resources, physical and psychological, and inefficient instruments, subtle and gross, required to pursue their desires. Most are afraid of losing their eyesight , going cuckoo and getting Alzheimer’s.
As long as that’s unquestioned, then we, as people, can create, maintain, and pursue all manner of goals, worldly and spiritual, to keep us happily chugging along. For example, what better, more virtuous goal, than the pursuit of perfection (for the jiva)? Since we don’t know any better, and obviously because the world is a fucked-up place, we see the path of purification as the noblest endeavor, but unfortunately no matter how determined our efforts, one whose goal continually recedes in front of us, like the mirage on a hot road.
Ram: Yes. Well said.
Whether it’s the fascination with reincarnation and what happens next, or the determined conviction to achieve perfection for oneself, or failing that, to seek it in others, the freedom is missed.
Ram: Yes, indeed. Basically, you get an A- for this lesson. It would have been an A+ but I had to nitpick a bit on terminology.
See you soon! Hopefully the jet lag passes quickly.
Ram: It’s passed but don’t tell anybody. I need an excuse to kill time. I’m having fun in the Hamptons. It seems you haven’t been scared off by the Delta variant. Good for you!
Much Love,
Ram
