Satyam Jnanam Anantam Brahma – Chapter 8 Brahmānanda-vallī

Hari Om!

I have few questions based on the questionnaire given under the chapter 8

1. The expression ‘Satyaṁ Jñānam Anantam’ brings Brahman to our mind, as the word ‘book’ brings a book to the mind. True or False?

My thought: Yes, it does although it doesn’t give me the form of Brahman just like the book, I could correlate with the attributes/names of Brahman since IT’S nirvikara

2. ‘Parame vyoman’:

a. Is indicative of that supreme Space, where Brahman can be ‘veda’, that is ‘known’.
b. Is indicative of an inner space that is avyākṛta – an undifferentiated experience of homogenous nothing.
c. Is indicative of outer space beyond the body.

My understanding of Option C is that is stated as incorrect
because Brahman is not confined only to the inner space. The terms Vyoman refer to space or sky, and Parame Vyoman refers to the Supreme Space. Brahman is all-pervading (Sarvavyapi) and exists everywhere, both within and beyond the body. While turning inward helps one realize Brahman in the supreme inner space, that same reality is present outside as well. The space within and the space beyond the body are not different from the standpoint of Brahman. When the mind transcends its limitations, this truth is revealed, and one recognizes Brahman as present everywhere, not merely contained within.

3. What is the result of this knowledge?
a. One enjoys all the pleasures of all creatures of all the worlds put together in one go – ‘
yugapat

Why is this option considered correct?

The result of realizing Brahman is absolute and immeasurable bliss, which goes far beyond what is ordinarily described as pleasure. The term pleasure is limited in scope, even if it refers to the enjoyment experienced by all beings across all worlds. Moreover, one who has realized Brahman is not regarded as an enjoyer (bhokta), because the sense of individual enjoyership (bhoktrtva) is transcended in that state. Therefore, the outcome of this knowledge is not merely pleasure, but limitless bliss beyond all measure.

4. Which of the following statements are true in the context of comprehending Brahman through the definition of ‘Satyaṁ Jñānam Anantam’?

a. The three operate together to capture Brahman in the mind.
b. They define the attributes of Brahman, each of them being different from the other, and are used together for the purpose of indicating the same.

Why are the above 2 options incorrect when the following option C is true:
c. They together operate by negating any notion of inertness, finitude, or change in the nature of Brahman.

My understanding is that Brahman can be conceptually understood by the mind only when the three characteristics Satyam (Existence), Jnanam (Consciousness), and Anantam (Infinity or Limitlessness) are considered together with their Svaroopa and Atadvyavritti lakshanas & Anantam with Atadvyavritti lakshana). These attributes help the intellect grasp the nature of Brahman at a conceptual level. However, the direct realization or experience of Brahman goes beyond the mind and can occur only when the limitations of the mind are transcended.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thank you!

• This topic was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Sudharma Kantheti.