Without Where-When

Summary

The website content discusses the concept of non-duality in spiritual philosophy, emphasizing that the individual self (Atman) is ultimately indistinguishable from the universal self (Brahman), and how this unity transcends space and time.

Abstract

The article delves into the profound spiritual truth that the essence of existence, referred to as Brahman in Hindu philosophy, is a singular, boundless entity that encompasses all. It explores the idea that this ultimate reality, through intention and awareness, manifests as the many forms of the universe, including individual consciousness or Atman. The text draws parallels with Buddhist concepts such as Sunnatā, or Emptiness, and the doctrine of non-self (anattā), suggesting that the separation of selves is an illusion due to the absence of space and time. It posits that the ego is the perceived barrier between the inner and outer stillness, and that the realization of the oneness of Atman and Brahman can lead to a state of well-being and enlightenment.

Opinions

The author believes that the Chāndogya Upanishad accurately describes the origin of the universe as a self-multiplication of Brahman into countless Atmans.
Intention and awareness are seen as the foundational elements of existence, with intention being the active force even in the absence of physical substance.
The concept of space is considered essential for the existence of multiplicity, as it allows for the differentiation of individual entities.
Nirvana is associated with Emptiness, which transcends spatial and temporal boundaries, indicating that true separation is not possible in ultimate reality.
The Buddhist doctrine of non-self is interpreted to mean that separate selves cannot exist due to the lack of space in which to be separate.
The ego is viewed as a self-centered construct that maintains the illusion of separation between the individual self and the universal self.
The author suggests that the dissolution of the ego leads to a harmonious state where the distinction between Atman and Brahman dissipates.

Atman Will Always Equal Brahman

Atman = Brahman

Beyond Matter Energy Space Time There’s no where-when to separate

The ultimate truth. In Buddhism, it is known as Sunnatā, Emptiness, the Void. According to the Buddha, it is beyond space and beyond time. It is beyond, period. Or as Gertrude Stein would have put it, there is no “there” there.

But this apparent nothingness harbors two enduring elements: Intent and Awareness — this and nothing else.

How it all began: I think that the Chāndogya Upanishad (6.2.1–3) nails it:

In the beginning, this world was just Being [i.e., Brahman] — one only, without a second. And it thought to itself — “Let me become many; let me multiply myself.” Each little self an Atman.

The vital truth is that the spirit does by intending. If there is no stuff around to act upon and/or through then intention alone is the doing.

Brahman, the only, without a second, intended and, voila, he’s many.

Today, he’s very, very, very, very, very many.

But here’s the rub, in order to become many, Brahman, the one only without a second had first to intend/invent space, for without it there would be no separation of one atman from the next and so, in a spaceless void, would still remain just the one. Space, then, is a requisite for multitude, for without it there is nowhere, nowhen, noway for separation or difference.

Nirvana, says the Buddha (and 2,500 years of commentary and musings, especially in the Mahayana camp, agree) is Emptiness and is beyond space and time. There really is no there there. And without a there, without space (and time, since for space to endure, well, it needs a clock), nothing can be separate.

That is how, these days, I view annatā, the Buddhist doctrine of non-self: Ultimately, separate selves are simply impossible: there’s no there (i.e., no space) to be separate in.

And I believe that in our very physical world, the self that insists on existing is best viewed as the ego, the somewhat selfish creature that insists on surviving as creature in space through time — having lost sight of the deeper truth that says that the only thing separating atman, the inner stillness, from Brahman, the outer stillness, is this precious ego, like a bubble in space. Same space inside as outside, separated by that soapy mental film we call ego.

Shed that and all will be well.

Without Where-When

Atman Will Always Equal Brahman

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