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THE IDEAL.
There remains the idea of Nirvana to be dealt with. Obviously, if that is a state which is reserved for the hereafter, there can be no happiness for the soul in this life on earth. Hence, if Nirvana is to be assumed to belong to the post mortem world, it is an incomplete idea in itself, and means only happiness after death, but none here in this life. The idea of jivan-mukti (salvation in this life), however, is the necessary complement, and coupled with that of Nirvana gives a complete form of happiness attainable by man.
What the notion of Nirvana contains within it will be enquired into later; here at present it is sufficient to state that perfect freedom, which is the essence of happiness, cannot possibly be had till all obstacles to the freedom of will are removed from the path; and that means neither more nor less than the attainment of Godhood by the aspiring soul. God alone is all-powerful, second to none, all-knowing, blissful and free. Hence, man has to become God, if he would attain to perfect happiness.
It is a big claim for man to aspire to become God, and many might regard it as the height of blasphemy and lunacy. The possibility of its attainment forms the subject of this book, and as the thesis develops in outline and acquires definiteness and certainty it will also become evident that absolutely no blasphemy is involved in this seemingly high aspiration.
We may, therefore, hold that the proper ideal for mankind is God, the ever living, the all-knowing, the most blissful, the Sat-Chit-Ananda (i.e., Existence, Intelligence or Consciousness, and Bliss) of Vedanta. All
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