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Don't worry; nothing really exists || Acharya Prashant, Vedant Mahotsav at IISc Bangalore (2022)
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3 years ago
Consciousness
Impermanence
Truth
Detachment
Shri Aurobindo
Courage
Existence
Upanishads
Description

Acharya Prashant responds to a question about holding onto the realization that everything merges into one vast consciousness, a concept from a commentary by Shri Aurobindo on the Upanishads. The speaker explains that this realization is maintained by not seeing things as they are not. We tend to see things as if they are permanent, as if they are concrete "things" that exist. However, they are merely flowing processes that do not truly exist. When one sees everything as just a flow, one realizes it has no permanence or existence; it is gone and finished. This perspective, however, requires a courageous mind to continuously see things as rising and falling, appearing and disappearing. We often lack the courage for this and allow attachment to dominate, which makes the world appear as truth rather than something en route to dissolution or liberation. To counter this, one must continuously practice detachment and remain on guard. The speaker emphasizes that there are no static "things," only dynamic waves with crests and troughs, an ebb and a flow. This continuous practice of detachment is essential. One must go beyond the senses, as they are not subtle enough to capture the moment-to-moment appearance, change, and disappearance of phenomena. The belief in existence and permanence is the greatest obstacle to freedom. The speaker equates impermanence with non-existence, stating that when there is non-existence, only Truth exists. This practice demands immense attention, courage, and stamina, as one can become tired, bored, and face temptations. It is pleasurable to believe in the lasting nature of oneself and others, as this provides a sense of security and comfort. One must be courageous enough to block this pleasure, recognizing that it comes at the cost of Truth. By prioritizing Truth, one experiences the pleasure of the Truth itself, which is a higher form of pleasure.