Who Am I? What Is the Body? What Is the Universe? What Is the Connection Between the Body and the Universe?

Exploring the Self

Who am I? Am I this physical body, the mind, or perhaps something beyond both? The answer to these profound questions can be found in the Mandukya Upanishad, which explores the nature of existence and consciousness.

When we are awake, engaging with the world, we are aware of our existence. In dreams, even though the dream world is a creation of the mind, we perceive it as real during that time and experience it without the need for a physical body. This suggests that we are not merely the body. Similarly, in deep sleep, where neither body nor mind is active, we still wake up with the awareness that we had a restful, dreamless sleep.

Across these three states—waking, dreaming, and deep sleep—there is one constant witness, the observer of all experiences. This witness is not the body or mind but the Supreme Consciousness (Param Shiva Tattva), the Self (Atman). This Atman is our true identity.

"The one who observes waking, dreaming, and deep sleep is the Atman, the Self—eternal and beyond the limitations of the body and mind."

The Body, the Universe, and Their Interconnection:

As clarified earlier, we (all beings) are not the body but the Supreme Consciousness. So, what is the body? And what is this universe?

Both the body and the universe are composed of the five fundamental elements:

1. Space (Akasha)
2. Air (Vayu)
3. Fire (Agni)
4. Water (Jal)
5. Earth (Prithvi)

But how did this universe come into existence, and what is its connection to the Self?

The Origin of the Universe and Its Dual Nature:

Sanatana Dharma describes the creation of the universe in various ways, with one central concept being the transformation from non-duality (Advaita) to duality (Dvaita). At the heart of this transformation lies Shiva and Shakti—representing will (Iccha), knowledge (Jnana), and action (Kriya).

Shiva, the ultimate reality, desired to create the universe through the power of Shakti. Using the combined forces of knowledge and action, Shiva manifested this creation. The universe, therefore, is an extension of the Supreme Consciousness, appearing as diverse forms but rooted in the same underlying unity.

This exploration invites us to delve deeper into our true nature, understand our connection to the universe, and transcend the illusions of the body and mind to realize the eternal Atman within.

Understanding the Fundamental Principles of Creation: From Param Shiva to Maya:

The process of universal creation, as explained in spiritual philosophy, revolves around the interplay of various elements originating from the supreme consciousness, Param Shiva. This framework offers profound insights into the journey from pure consciousness to the material universe, shedding light on the transformative stages and principles.

1. Param Shiva: The Supreme Consciousness

Param Shiva represents the non-dual reality and serves as the foundational cause of all creation. It is pure consciousness, embodying Chit (awareness) and Ananda (bliss). This supreme element, through its inherent powers of will (Iccha), knowledge (Jnana), and action (Karma), is the driving force behind the cycles of creation and dissolution of infinite universes.

Before the emergence of the universe, the elements of Shiva+Shakti (Chit-Ananda), Sadashiva (will), Ishwara (knowledge), and Shuddha Vidya (action) exist in a latent state within Param Shiva. During creation, these principles sequentially manifest (Unmesha) and withdraw (Nimesha) back into Param Shiva.

2. Shiva+Shakti (Chit-Ananda): The Dual Nature of Param Shiva

This principle represents the dual aspect of Param Shiva as Shiva (Light) and Shakti (Reflection). It is the state of pure blissful awareness, laying the foundation for further manifestation.

3. Sadashiva (Will Power - Iccha Shakti):

Sadashiva embodies the will power of Param Shiva. It initiates the conceptualization of universal creation by awakening the desire to manifest the cosmos.

4. Ishwara (Knowledge Power - Jnana Shakti):

Following the intent of creation, the Ishwara principle arises, utilizing its knowledge power to envision the detailed structure and nature of the universe.

5. Shuddha Vidya (Action Power - Karma Shakti):

Finally, the Shuddha Vidya principle employs the power of action to begin the actual process of universal creation, setting the stage for its infinite manifestations.

6. Maya and the Five Limitations (Kanchukas):

In the next stage, Maya envelopes the consciousness (Shiva), giving rise to limitations and transforming the infinite into finite. These limitations are known as the five Kanchukas:

1. Kala (Limitation of Action): 

Represents a restricted form of the infinite creative power, confining the ability to act.

2. Vidya (Limitation of Knowledge): 

Narrows the infinite knowledge into finite understanding.

3. Raga (Attachment): 

Results from the limitation of will, leading to desires and attachments that cause suffering.

4. Kala (Time): 

Converts the eternal nature of consciousness into a finite timeline marked by birth, growth, decay, and death.

5. Niyati (Destiny): 

Binds beings within the cycle of birth and death, governed by cause and effect.

These limitations lead to the division of Shiva and Shakti into duality, giving rise to Purusha (individual soul) and Prakriti (nature) in diverse forms.

The Three Gunas and Their Manifestations

From the duality of Purusha and Prakriti emerge the three fundamental qualities (Gunas):

1. Sattva (Purity): 

Gives rise to intellect, ego, mind, and the five sensory organs (Jnanendriyas):

Hearing (Shrotra - Ears)
Touch (Tvacha - Skin)
Sight (Chakshu - Eyes)
Taste (Rasana - Tongue)
Smell (Ghrana - Nose)

2. Rajas (Activity): 

Leads to the creation of five motor organs (Karmendriyas):

Speech (Vak - Mouth)
Grasping (Hasta - Hands)
Movement (Pada - Feet)
Procreation (Upastha - Reproductive Organ)
Excretion (Payu - Anus)

3. Tamas (Inertia): 

Produces the five subtle elements (Tanmatras) and the five gross elements (Mahabhutas):

Tanmatras (Subtle Elements): Sound, Touch, Form, Taste, and Smell.

Mahabhutas (Gross Elements): Ether (Akasha), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal), and Earth (Prithvi).

Conclusion:

"The journey from the pure, infinite nature of Param Shiva to the finite, diverse forms of the material universe is a process of gradual transformation. By understanding these principles, one gains a deeper insight into the interconnectedness of consciousness, nature, and the self, ultimately recognizing the eternal unity underlying all creation."