‘SELF’ IS ALL BECAUSE ‘SELF’ IS THE SOURCE OF ALL

One fundamental thing which we all need to know and understand is that in this existence, nothing else is self-subsisting (that which exists on its own and by its own), except the reality itself. That’s why, we know it as reality or the truth because truth always exists of its own accord and merely as itself, unlike, the lies which always survive on others’ support. This reality, in yogic parlance, is popularly known as the Self. The Self means that which is the underlying or that which is the bedrock or that which is the foundation or the basis of all. Nothing can exist and really exists outside the Self or this reality. Not only but the Self, is Source of all the creation, all the movements, which we see, around us. In fact, whatever the creation you see, arises out of this reality; survives and thrives in this reality and finally sinks back into this reality. This Self, the other common name for which is the consciousness or chetana, thus, is the real “I”; the real driver of everything in this existence. Self, thus, is ALL because it covers and includes all.

Self is like the cinema screen. Pictures can appear and disappear on the screen only. You cannot imagine pictures, without the screen. Pictures come and go and hence are temporary but this screen is eternal because it is always there - not only during the show but is there, before and after the show, as well. Also, the screen is there, even when there are no pictures there, to appear on it. Further, the screen is, always there ‘as it is’ i.e. always fresh and new because the screen never retains or takes impressions of what it shows up and hence has no memory or mind. Even the number of pictures, which are shown or whatever else that happens on the screen such as blood; fire; water etc can never spoil or destroy the screen.

Now, the point which I want to make is that, forget spirituality for a moment, even common sense demands that we should always be with that which subsists and exists on its own; which covers and includes all and that which is the Source of ALL. Because if you are with the Source, then you are automatically with that which comes out of that Source too. If you are with the screen then you are with the pictures, as well, because screen is the Source of all pictures and all physical movement which you see there on the screen. Self is the Source of this existence and hence if you are with the Source, you are, automatically, there with the physical creation and physical movement, as well, which you see around. That’s why, to be with the Self or Source is, living life in knowledge or gyana.

However, if you are with the creation and the movement then you live life in ignorance or agyan because creation is not self-subsisting but exists on support of others. Body-mind or individuality exists on the support of the Self or consciousness and hence a lie. Therefore, existing here as body-mind; as an individual or ego or as an “I” is ignorance and that’s why all the shashtras and spiritual practices, which advise you, to drop this imaginary identity. This is for the reason that the moment, you drop this illusory identity, you are home; you have arrived because chetana or consciousness which is your original nature, is not somewhere else but is already and always there with you. You do not have to bring reality or Self or chetana from outside because Self is innate to you, Self is your intrinsic nature.  It is always there with you, and you exist because of that and in that very reality only.

Thus, the Self or the screen is ALL and is the Source of all and hence to be with that which is the only Truth is being spiritual and the goal of spirituality. Merging and dissolving into the screen or Self is to become screen itself which is to be liberated while being in this body. Hence, just stop projecting your own ‘reality’ and you will always be with the Creator’s ‘Reality’. Stop projecting your own pictures on the screen of your consciousness and you will always be with your reality, with the truth; with the existence; with the Self; with the screen; with the consciousness; with your original nature or svabhava, - different names for the same thing or Truth. Please know and note that when there is no picture on the screen, what really exists is just the screen. You can experiment and experience it for yourself. Now you need to decide if you want to be a picture and live a fake life or become the screen and live an authentic life? Choice is yours. Meditation, is a method which helps you dissolve into the screen and thus become the screen itself.