Vedanta reveals the nature of consciousness and its relationship to objects in the manifested world. It begins by stating that consciousness cannot be objectified, but it encompasses everything that can be objectified. The reason for this is explained by the concept of “reality” in Advaita Vedanta, which means something that is ever-present, unchanging, and without a beginning or end. Vedanta uses examples to explain the unexplainable. The question at hand pertains to the subject and object relationship, specifically the witness-subject and the observed-object.
The answer lies in the concepts of cause and effect and the distinction between the real (Satyam) and the appearance (Mithya). An example is given using gold and ornaments, where gold represents the underlying reality, and the ornaments, such as a ring, are mere appearances or names given to the gold in different forms. Ultimately, only gold is present, and the nature of the ring is the same as the gold itself.
Similarly, consciousness appears as different forms with corresponding names. The forms experienced are actually manifestations of consciousness, just as the ring is a manifestation of gold. While forms may appear to be present in terms of experience and ignorance, from the perspective of reality and knowledge, only consciousness is present, appearing as forms with varying names. The nature of forms is consciousness.
Vedanta points out that even if forms are taken to be present, they are only seeming appearances, relative and dependent, and transient in nature. They do not exist independently but are ultimately manifestations of consciousness. The reality of forms is compared to that of a “blue sky” or a “desert mirage” – seemingly real but, upon inquiry, not truly present.
Maya explains the seeming presence or reality of forms. Vedanta asserts that only consciousness is ever present and appears as forms. The understanding is that consciousness is the substratum for the entire universe, while forms, though experienced, lack stability, security, and true reality.
The subject is never the object. Consciousness, being the subject, cannot be experienced itself, as it is the experiencer. It is characterized by reality, stability, and life-giving qualities but lacks utility. Forms, on the other hand, can be experienced and possess utility, beauty, and variety but lack stability and true reality. Consciousness is the underlying reality that gives rise to the forms in the manifested world.
Vedanta concludes by stating reality is “not two, “meaning the the subject-object distinction is only a teaching tool to remove ignorance of the non-dual nature of reality, which is the self.
Swami Paramarthananda says, “Consciousness misunderstood is matter and matter correctly understood is Consciousness.”
May inner peace prevail.
May circumstantial peace prevail.
May the whole world be peaceful.
