Sakshi Bhava
After enquiry through technique such as Drk Drishya viveka, understand that “I” is the consciousness/Sakshi/Atma, apart from Anatma – the body/mind and the world around. However, the “boundary” is only in “ignorance”, so continue enquiring and discover.
Remember that Conciousness (C)/Sakshi/Atma is Chetana whereas the Body/Mind is Achetana (inert)
Body/Mind borrows sentiency from Consciousness. It is the divine principle behind all organs. Eye of eye etc. It is the subject / witness / sakshi of the objects. 5 principles of Consciousness, C
1) C is Not a Part, or Product, or property of body
2) C is independent principle, which pervades and enlivens the body
3) C is not limited by Body Mind (BM)
4) C continues to exist beyond BM
5) C continues to exist in seed /potential state but not available for transactions without manifestation in a being. ( A single cell microbe, exhibits sentiency!!)
SarvaAtma Bhava
Understand that the Anatma, body/mind and the world of names and forms are merely appearances in the consciousness (like in a dream). There is only Atma/Brahman.
The Jnani is free from apparent bondage of karma as there is no “doership” and therefore remains in wonder and acceptance!
Listen to these Talk1, Talk2
SarvaAtma Bhava is major step!! One must use the Niddidyasanam (quiet deep reflection) to “Test if my intellect is ready to fully accept this step of Advaita”.
If doubts remain, it is necessary to go back to Sravanam, Mananam (perhaps from different upanishads, Viveka Chudamani, and different Gurus)
Always be alert to remember “who am I?”
– I am not the “body”. it is an adyaropa/superimposed ” gross costume”, which is limited, subject to environment, and has its own prarabda karma that determines its ups/downs.
I am Not the “Mind”, with is past vasanas, likes and dislikes, judgements, accumulated knowledge etc. So its conditioned behavior is very much subject to what is “assumed as me and mine”. So, it is very much limited and also a “subtle costume” that drives our level of bondage.
– This body/mind, conditions us to assume a Jiva status in ERROR
– Assuming an Ishvara status separate from Jiva, as superior being, is also an ERROR. Any Bhakti for guru/Ishvara avatara limits to a duality, which is still limited and ERROR.
– And the interaction with the changing world of names/forms if taken as “real” is also an ERROR.
– Recognizing that “I am Sakshi/Chaitanyam”, Unattached I am, (Asangoham). And this Chaitanyam has to be universal (beyond all the changing names/and forms), and it can only be ONE – Brahman.
( “sky” is a good analogy to keep in mind to satisfy the intellect).
Then the Nididhyasanam needs to be from the standpoint of “I am Brahman”, which is “purnatvam/ fullness”.
If somehow, there is “discontent” one needs to be alert for any “lacking/ or wanting” coming from the body/mind/world costumes, and recognize this clearly.
It is ok to “cry” if we assume a Jiva status (with body/mind) temporarily.
But in Nididyasanam, it is good to “smile”, recognizing the Asangatvam and Purnatvam.
This “alertness”, promotes increasing “steadfast” contemplation in the “I am Brahman”.