Traverses on Less Trodden Path of Indian Philosophy and Religion

Author(s): Yajneshwar S Shastri
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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Traverses on less trodden path...
even calls this Tathata as Atman of the Buddhists.61 Hc calls reality as Suddhātman i.e. pure Soul. His notion of reality is the same as that of Atman of Upanisads. Only he denies the ego of the individual.
Asanga says that everyone has a germ of Buddhahood in his heart.62 It is to be realised. This idea is the same as the notion of Atman of the Upanisads which is within us. 63
The word Vimokṣa is used in the Upanisads for liberation. In Bṛhadaranyaka, we find a statement saying that, Sir, please, instruct me further, for the sake of my liberation.64 This state of realisation of reality is described in the Katha Upanisad as, indescribable highest happiness.65 It is also called the state of eternal happiness. 66 It is a state of eternal peace.67 It is called the highest state. Katha Upanisad tells us that when the five instruments of knowledge stand together with the mind, and the intellect does not stir, that they say is the highest state.68 Having known this great reality which is omnipresent, the wise man does not grieve, 69 When all the desires that dwell in the heart are cast away then does a mortal become immortal, attain Brahman even here', 70 It is a state of oneness with the Absolute Brahman. The realised one sees oneness everywhere. It is the final merging with the Absolute. Just as rivers which flow into the ocean, disappear in it after having thrown away their name and form, the sage after having thrown off his name and form, enters the highest realit.71 The knower of Brahman becomes an ocean of consciousness without any duality. He lives in a world of freedom. Katha Upanisad tells us that being liberated, one becomes free indeed. 73
61. Tathata buddhānām ātmā. MSA. IX-23. Commentary.
62. Tathāgata garbhaḥ sarvadehinaḥ, MSA. IX-37.
63. Atmā sarvāntarak. Bṛh. Up. III-V-1.
64. Atha ardhivam vimokṣaya brühi iti. Bth Up. IV-III-14-16. 65. Anirdesyam paramam sukham. Kath Up II-V-14.
66. Sasvatam sukham. Kath. Up. II-V-12.
67. Santiḥ sasavti. Kath. Up. II-V-13.
68. Yadā pañcavatiṣṭhante jñānāni manasā saha. Buddhisca na vicestati tamahuḥ paramām gatim. Kath. Up. II-VI 10.
69. Mahāntam vibhumātmānam matvā dhiro na socati. Kath. up. II-IV 4.
70. Yadā sarve paamucyante kamah ye asya hydi śritah. Atha martyo amṛto bhavati atra brahma samaśnute. Kath. Up. II-VI 14.
71. Yatha nadyaḥ syandamānāḥ samudre astam gacchanti namarüpe vihaya. Tathā Vidvän namarupädvimuktaḥ para param puruşamupaiti divyam. Mund, Up. III-II 8.
72. Salila eko draşta advaito bhavati. Brh. Up. IV-III 32.
73. Vimuktasca vimucyate. Up. II-V 1.