A Vedantic Study Of "Cosmic Consciousness"

-Brahmam
Purushothaman Anantham I

Kumaran Suberamanain2

Abstract
Braltmam, Consiousness, (Cit) and matter (Acit) have always
been the subject for discussion in philosophy, religion and
science. What is the nature of this Brahmal1l principle? Is
Brahman: the cause for the entire universe? Is Brahnian a static
entity or a conscious entity? What is this Universe? What is the
relatrionship of Brahmam to Absolute Consciousness? What is
nature, Prakriti, and what is its relationship to Ji1JAthmmz? Vedan ta
addresses each of these questions in a logical fashion. The great
thinkers of all countries have tried their best to understand
the true inner meaning of Absolute Consciousness and matter
in order to establish their mutual relationship. Scientists and
philosophers have advanced many theories to explain their ideas
and conceptions and have arrived at different conclusions. This
essay is an intellectual scrutiny of "Brahmanl" from the point of
view of Vedanta Shastra and Sub-Atomic Particular theory. Some
of the different names of Brahmam are Absolute Consciousness,
World Thinker, Punlsha, Pa1'01Ilatma, Total Reality, God, lshuara,
Absolute Truth, Bhagavan, and Ath1l1am.

Keywords: Vedanta, cosmic, consciousness, Brahmam

Introduction
Vedanta and Brahmam
Vedanta is a distinct discipline of thou ght stream which is partof the Hindu ecosystem.
There are several variants of Vedanta, such as Advrzita, Dvrzita and Vishist-Advrzita. An
~hese schools share many common principles which fall in the single umbrella term
~edantrz'. No doubt Vednnta is an ancient ideology but its principles are distinct,
sClentific and rationalistic for the thinkers of the modern era and particularly to
Particular physics.
Vedanta has contributed a great deal of knowledge to this science of Bralimam.
Important practical results follow from the study of Brahmom (Cit, Absolute
Consciousness); Acit (matter); JivrzLoka (world) and the Jivan (Human). Athniam is

~h.D Research Scholar, Department of Indian Studies, Faculty of Arts and SociaJ Sciences, University of
2 alay_a. gllyapllnl2004@ya/100.com .' .,
~SSoclate Professor, Department of Indian Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of
aJaya. s/[email protected]
176 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

the true Reality like the Brahmam. The Loka or World and matter are the created
manifestations of the lshuara. The world is considered unreal (Maya) in the sense that
it is variable and transient. It is an illusionary manifestation to the result of ATnana
(ignorance) in the physical intelligence. From the worldly sense, Birth, Bondage and
Death are real and from the spiritual sense Maksha or the realization of the due mental
and spiritual disciplines. Mahabharata defines the purpose of Yoga as the experience
of Brahman or Aihman pervading all things. In order to attain salvation, a human
being must acquire acquire self-knowledge (Atma THana), which is to realize that
one's true self (Atman) which is identical with the Brahman or Paramatman. (Swami
Venkateswaranda, Brahma Suira, 1982, 234).
Brahmam or God is explained as that with the intelligent cause or nimiita
karana and that with the material cause or upadana karana. The relationship between
Brahmam and Mankind is totally unique. The study of the nature and character of this
relationship between man and Brahman, started since the beginning ofhuman culture. The
deepest knowledge of Brahmam and of the certainty of Brahmam'e existence comes
through the personal experience of a devotee in human lives. It is wen know that in
real life everything that exists has a material cause but when the same reasoning for
the cause of the universe and life is applied then it is explained that Brahmam is the
first cause and the Supreme Super Power.
The earliest inquiries about Brahmam or the Supreme Consciousness are
recorded in the Vedas. Ancient Vedic tradition says that Yudisliira questioned Bhisma
as regards to "Brahniam" in the Vishnu Saharanaamu, thus, If

"Kimekam daivatam loke kim vaa pyekam paraayanam I

stuvantah kam kam arcantah praapnuyur maanavaah subham" II

In this universe who is the one Divinity who is the Supreme Lord of all? Who
is the sole refuge of all? Who by worshipping and praising, gains what is good and
attains salvation? (Vishnusahastrallamam no 2; Athishankam. 1986, page 3)
The Isavasya Upanishad« indicates by the passage and imparts four important
instructions. Firstly, the Brahmam pervades the whole of creation. Secondly, everyone
is to do one's duty. Thirdly, knowledge and action have to be combined and not be
considered as opposites. Fourthly, we should view Brahmam and the world as being
in a state of harmony, not as opposed to each other.

'Yas tu saroani bhuiaani atnzanyevaanupasyati J

saroalhuieshu chaaimaanam taio nn vijugupsate.II (Isavasya Upanishad verse 6)

The Isauasuopaniehad verse 6, says that 'he who sees his Self in all and all in the
Self, does not even have contempt for anything.' He loves all. He is Brahman, the Non-
dual Supreme Being who is the cause of generation, sustentation and dissolution of
the universe. iStoami Saroananda, Isavasyopanishad, 2002, verse 6 page 8)
The Taittiriya Upanishad, highlights various ways and means of attaining this
Supreme Brahman. The principal method prescribed is direct inward communion
with that "Supreme Reality". This concept is corroborated by a famous mantra
from the Rig Veda Samhita - ekam sat: "Existence is one only." The Ultimate Being
is Existence. Being and Existence mean the same thing. That which exists cannot be
more than one.
 A VEDANTIC STUDY OF "COSMIC CONSCIOUS~ES5" - BRAHMAM 177

Brahman is explained as, "Brahma-vid apnoii param, tad eehabhuukia, satyam

[nanam anantam Brahma" (Swami Saravalzda,1995, Taittrivopanishad, 2.1.1)

The Taittiriya Upanishad states yet again in sLoka, 2.1.1, Brahma-uid apnoii paratn;
"Wh oever realises this Brahman attains to the Supreme Felicity." It is so because of'
the fact that when anyone contacts Pure Existence, that contact is equal to the contact
?f all things. It is like touching the very bottom of the sea of Reality. Hence, Brahman
ISAll-Existence. The knowing of it is of paramount importance.

Manusrnriti says Brahmam is, "Tadandam abliaoat haintam sahasramsn

samaprabliant" (Dutt, Manmatha Nath; (1909).Manu Samhiia en 1.9)

"Even millions of suns cannot be equalin brilliance to that cosmic spot. "Therefore
it is not a point as we can geometrically imagine. It is an inconceivable point of the
omnipotence, omniscience and the omnipresence of the Brahmani.

The Vishnusahastranmnam states the same principle, "Satyam [nanam allan tam
Brahma. (Brahman is Truth, Knowledge and Infinitude).

Saiuam [nanam ananiam: This is the name of the Supreme Being. It is Pure
Existence, sat yam, Ultimate Truth. It is Omniscience, All-Knowledge, so it is called
[nanam. It is everywhere, infinite; therefore, it is called ananiam (Vishnllsahastrana11lam
no. 454, Athisuankara, 1986, page 104)
The direct inward spiritual communion or realization is called Dyana,
meditation. The Indian Rishis called this spiritual relationship as Yoga. It is a sacred
thought and a profound thinking of the Supreme Consciousness. It is a physical,
mental, and spiritual discipline. Bhakti Yoga is the union with the Supreme. Yoga is
a basic feeling for Brahmam and a longing for Bralimam to attain Moksha, salvation.
The Yogis' are convinced that JivAthman will unite with the Par/sthman, (Brahman)
which is Absolute Consciousness, Supreme Bliss, All-Existence and Absoluteness.
Yoga is the great meditational technique of the Upanishads. This yogic meditation
is the affirmation of the knowledge of the universal existence of Brahman. Brahmam
can also be realised through Karma, Bhakii, [nana and Raja Yoga. The meditation of
the Upanishads is the affirmation of the wisdom of the nature of Brahman. Whoever
knows this Brahman attains the Supreme Being. (Swami Venkateswaranda,Brahma
Suira, 1982,92)
Quantum mechanics demonstrates it's relevant to a discussion of the
Consciousness and cosmology since it is the deepest theory of physics and it is a
theory of observables in which information is the fundamental quality. Although
Consciousness cannot be studied directly, it is accessible to further understanding
indirectly. Thus the ancient Yogis developed meditative techniques to comprehend
the Brahntam. (Michael O'Shea, Philosophy of Science,2005, 58) The question of
,consciousness' is connected to the relationship between brain and mind.
Reductionism considers them to be identical with mind representing the sum total of
the activity in the brain which is at a suitable higher level of representation. Opposed
to this is the viewpoint that although ~nind requires a phy~ical struc~re, it ends up
transcending that structure. There exist a host of other VIews of mmd, shaped by
178 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CiVILIZATION

culture and life-experience, which are characterized by a tension between opposite

beliefs. (Karl Pribram, Holographic Paradigm, 1985, 17)
In the Vedantic tradition Brahmam is called Viswam' - the Universe of
I

manifestation and having His effect. The entire space-time arrangement is one
point, like an egg - Brahmanda. A globular structure is easy to conceive, and so we
call it an 'unda', a kind of egg - a cosmic egg. Brahmanae means the "Biggest Egg"
signifying the life from which Universe is born. The Brahmanda Purana gets its name
from the account of Brahmanda (the Biggest cosmic egg) and the future cosmic ages
revealed by Brahma. It deals with the origin of the Universe as told by Brahma. In the
beginning, there was a golden egg, and the prapanca (Universe with its activities) was
formed out of it. The Rig Veda (RV 10.121) uses a similar name for the source of the
universe: Hiranyagarba, which literally means" golden fetus" or "golden womb". The
Upanishads elaborates that the Hiranyagarba floated around in emptiness for a while,
and then broke into two halves which formed Svarka (Heaven) and Priihui (Earth).

Hiranyagarba. (Cosmic Egg)

This somewhat identical idea comes from Edvin Hubble's observation of an

expanding universe which was also predicted from Albert Einstein's equations of
General Relativity. Georges Lemaitre, astronomer, proposed in 1927 that the cosmos
originated from what he called the primeval atom. Lemaitre also proposed what
became known as the Big Bang theory of the origin of the Universe. The entire mass
of the universe was compressed into a gravitational singularity, the so-called cosmic
egg, from which it expanded to its current state following the Bing- Bang happening
some 14.6 billion years ago. Modern astronomy appears to allude on this point of
the Vedanta when it concludes that there was a 'Cosmic Egg, Brahmananda', when
creation took place. The atom is considered as a cosmic centre and the Universe
started from the cosmic egg. (Peter, Coles, Cosmology, 2001, 95.) The modern theory of
Creation seeks to relate Consciousness and intelligence to the scheme of Quantum
Mechanics. The theory interprets that Consciousness is fundamental and universal. (Peter,
Coles, Cosmology, 2001, 43).
Likewise Vedanta discusses Brahmam as Consciousness which is "Sat-Cit-Anandam",
(Existence-Consciousness-Bliss), which is the Ultimate Reality. These thoughts are found
identical in the realm of modern science. Therefore the course of science and Vedanta is never
on collusion. They have in principle identical observations. Vedanta is not based on some
 A VEDANTIC STUDY Or: "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAHMAM 179

dogma but it is a complete bionetwork of many diverse thoughts which included the world view
of classical religion as well as atheism, materialism, determinism, communism, agnosticism
paganism, logics, science and physics as part of it. Thus Vedanta has no conflicting interest
with world religions and science. Yet many critics analyze the Vedic religion to be polytheistic
which is inaccurate from the point of view of its doctrines. (Swami Renganathananda. The
Message of the Upanishads, 1993,543)
Swami viueamonda was extremely fond of the great Rg Vedic hymn of creation
known as Nasadiya sukium, He saw in it the ancient sages' vision of the universe
before creation. The sukta predicts the anonymity or the nothingness of Brahnuun.
The sukia gives a wonderful explanation about the beginning of Cosmos and the
relevance of Brahmani. (Swami /itatmanallda, Modern Physic and Vedanta, 1992, page
84)

"At first was neither Being nor Nonbeing.

There was not air nor yet sky beyond.
What was wrapping? Where? In whose protection?
Was Water there, unfathomable deep?
There was no death then, nor yet deathlessness;
of night or day there was not any sign.
The One breathed without breath by its own impulse.
Other than that was nothing at all.

Darkness was there, all wrapped around by darkness,

and all was Water indiscriminate, Then
that which was hidden by Void, that One, emerging,
stirring, through power of Ardor, came to be.

In the beginning Love arose,

which was primal germ cell of mind.
The Seers, searching in their hearts with wisdom,
discovered the connection of Being in Nonbeing.

A crosswise line cut Being from Nonbeing.

What was described above it, what below?
Bearers of seed there were and mighty forces,
thrust from below and forward move above.

Who really knows? Who can presume to tell it?

Whence was it born? Whence issued this creation?
Even the Gods came after its emergence.
TI1en who can tell from whence it came to be?

That out of which creation has arisen,

whether it held it firm or it did not,
He who surveys it in the highest heaven,
He surely knows - or maybe He does nor'! tRigveda 10.129.1 to 7)
180 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CiVILIZATION

The poetic description of the universe is amazing and it sets the prophesy for
the big bang theory of the latter years. It certainly exhibits philosophic depth and
caution when it designates the fundamental cause of the universe not by a name, but
as "that (tat)", or "the One thing (ekam)" which is the Brahmam. In the end the sukta
leaves the choice of knowing Brahman to the enquirer because Brahman is beyond
rationalization.
Auadhuta Gita explains the secrecy of Brahmam from a negative perspective. One
of the key elements of Jnana Yoga practice is often a "neii neii search". The purpose
of the exercise is to negate rationalizations and other distractions from the non-
conceptual meditative awareness of reality.'Neti, neti' is a Sanskrit expression which
means "not this, not this", or "neither this, nor that" .

clclclCOllHfI~IC\fc)Ic:tl;4Ci
flCOIlcllH1 ~,{clRIIC\fd: I
~gcl~{.£IIC\C[C1~~~fclJ~ II ~~II
tattvamasyadivakyena svatma hi pratipadita.j /
neti neti srutirbruyadan rta ] paricabhautikam / /25/ / Avadhuta Gita 1.25.

The Avadhuta Gita teaches analytical meditation helping a person to understand

the nature of Brahman by first understanding what is not Brahman. "The Divine is not
this and it is not that" (neti, neti). The Gita sheds light on the practice of neti neti as a
tool to Self-realisation of 'The Brahman".
"Thus, the Brahman is not real as we are real, nor is it unreal. The Brahman is not
living in the sense humans live, nor is it dead. The Brahman is not compassionate as
we use the term, nor is it uncompassionate. And so on. We can never truly define
Brahman in words. All we can say, in effect, is that "It isn't this, but also, it isn't
that either". In the end, the student must transcend words to understand the nature
of the Divine. In this sense, 'rteti-neti' is not a denial. Rather, it is an assertion that
whatever the Brahman may be, when we attempt to capture it in human words, we
must inevitably fall short, because we are limited in understanding, and words are
limited in ability to express the transcendent. (http://hindurevolution.blogspot.
com/ 2011/ 07/ neti-neti-philosophy-of-sanatana-Dharma.html).
The Drg Drsya Viveka which is an ancient literature inquiring into the nature of
'seer' and 'seen'. In its original scripture, it is of 46 verses states; "Drsyah dlti brttayalz
saksi drg eve na tu drysate". (Swami Nikilananda.Drg Drsya Viveka, 2006, 15)
All the scenes before us are projections of our individual consciousness. The
only seer is the Aihman, This AtTmLal1cannot be seen because it is the seer. (Swami
litatmananda, Holistic science and Vedanta, 1993, page 47)
The great concepts of the Brahmam are enshrined in the Vedanta as renowned
Dharma, truths. The central aspects of Vedanta are the theory of Brahmani, "Absolute
Consciousness". The Veda, oldest religious scripture in the world instructs that
Brahmani is the "Eternal Truth" which is expressed differently by different scholars
and sages.

"~~, crfq'u: ~ ~Ekam Sad, Vipraha Bahudha Vadanti, "Brahm am

or Consciousness is One, Wise men articulate in many ways."
[Rig Veda,Book I, Hymn CLXIV, Verse 46].
 A VEDANTIC SIUDY OF "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAIIMAM 181

Sanailutna Dharma or Hinduism has often been confused to be polytheistic

b~t truthfully many of Hinduism's adherents are non- dualistic. The teachings
VIew multiple manifestations or personalities of the one Bralimam, God. Hindus
are essentially monists and they distinguish one unity with the personal Gods as
different aspects of only One Supreme Being, the" Brahman", which is explained like
a single beam of light separated into colors by a prism. To the I Iindu, this idea has
been an active force in defining the "Eternal Dharma." The Advaita principle of the
Infinite Divine nature of Brahmam remains forever central, pervasive, unchanged
and self-luminous.
In general, Hindu views are broad and range from monism, dualism, pantheism,
monistic theism and strict monotheism. Some of the Hindu aspects of God include
Vishnu, Sliioa, Krishna, Devi and Caneslia. One of the most prominent Hindu monists
is the great saint, Ramakrishna Paraniahtnnea whose preferred form of God is Devi and
who reiterated traditional Hindu beliefs, that average devotees can invoke God, in
whatever form a devotee prefers, or as monists prefer to call, lshta Devata, i.e., the
preferred form of God and ask for God's grace in order to attain Moksha. Essentially,
any kind of spiritual practice followed with faith, love and persistence will lead to
the same ultimate state of self-realization. Thus, Hindu thought distinguishes itself
by strongly encouraging tolerance for different beliefs since temporal systems cannot
claim sole understanding of the one transcendental Truth called as Brahman. (Swami
Renganathananda, The Message of the Upanishads, 1993,143)
To some philosophers, there may be some contradiction in the coexistence
of the Vedantic philosophy and the personality form of Puranic worship. In the
Sanatlutna Dharma spiritual tradition both the principle and the personality carry no
contradiction. The rationality is to move a man's spiritual life with both the highly
philosophical "Aihnum-Brahman" doctrine of the Vedanta and with the personal
conception of the Deity of the Puranas. The higher concept is the unchanging
formlessness, Nirguua, and the lower concept is the changing forms, Saguna. This
pragmatic approach is made possible for the significant adaptation of the common
man's spiritual journey. It is in the light of this peculiarity of the Hindu spiritual
tradition that the devotee comprehends the personalized name and form as his lshia-
Devata such as Vishnu or Siva or Brahma or Sakthi. This principle of the Vedantic
philosophy appears absolu tely realistic, devotional and logical.
Peter Russel, a modern Physicist and Psychologist says abou t Consciousness
thus, "1 am the Truth; Identifying God with the light of consciousness brings new
meaning and significance to many traditional descriptions of God. Whatever is
taking place in my mind, whatever I may be thinking, believing, feeling or sensing,
the one thing I cannot doubt is consciousness. Consciousness is my only absolute,
unquestionable truth. If the faculty of consciousness is God, then God is the truth".
(Peter Russel, From Science to God,2003;87)
In the Bhagavat Gita, Chapter2 stanza 17, it. is most emp.h~tically stressed when
Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that the Athll1an, Soul ISImmortal, It ISfallacy that you can
kill anybody or anybody can kill the ALlIn/an; therefore soul can neither be killed nor
it can kill. It is a single entity.

Lord Krishna; "avinaaSi thu thath vidDhi yena sarvam idham thatham
vinaaSam avyayasya asya na kaSchith karthum arhathi". BG 2.17.
182 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

That by which all this is pervaded is indestructible. Understand this and that
none can destroy this immutable self. The self which alone is real pervades all, this
saroam idham thaiham which is unreal. That self is atnnaasi, indestructible, It is avyaya,
immutable.
The term 'sat', actually means the Brahman, the supreme reality. In advaita, the
individual self is identical with Brahman and hence the word 'sat' means the 'Self'
which is Brahman. This Self is the Athman which is immutable and indestructible. It
is the inner self of all beings whether sentient or insentient. The knowledge about
'Consciousness or Reality' is the knowledge about Brahman. The individual self,
(Athman), is immortal and real while the non-self (Saarira, body),is also real but
not immutable or indestructible and is subjected to change. For instance the pot is
made of clay and the clay alone is real and the pot is not real in the sense that it is
destructible. (Swami Rengananada, The Message of the Upanishads, 1993, 476)
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa says, "That which is Brahman is the mother, the
Primal Energy. It is Brahman when in inactive state and when in creating, preserving
and destroying; It is Sakihi, the active state. Still water is an illustration of Brahman
and the same water moving in waves can be compared to Sakihi. (Swami Tapasuananda,
Saundarfa Lahari;200B,ix)
In Sanskrit, the body is broadly classified as sthula sharira (physical body),
sukshma sharira (astral body or subtle body or mind) and karana sharira (the causal
body or Athman or Soul). In the highest sense, The Absolute Consciousness or the
Universal Spirit or the Supreme Soul of the Universe is mentioned in the Vedas as
Brahmam or Paramaiman or Parabrahmam. The Brahmam has more than two entities.

Nirguna Brahmam and Saguna Brahmam

These two philosophical depictions of Nirguna Brahmam and Saguna Brahmam are
insights of the altered sta te of mind such as the higher state and the lower state. Vedanta
holds that Atman, Brahman and Paraniaiman are all one and the same and the formless
Nirguna Brahman which is beyond distinction, tangibility, and comprehension. While
Ishta Devata, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva are all with comprehension of name, form and
attribute and characterized as Saguna Brahman. Brahmam, "Absolute Consciousness"
can be conditioned by the limitations and qualities of matter but it is independent
of matter. All is truly 'Sat' or Brahman. Brahmam retains the Supreme Undual
Consciousness even in creation. Vedanta discusses in detail the two aspects of the
same Braltmam thus.
Nirguna Niraagara Brahmam is the supreme reality without form, quality,
attribute and image. In the Vedantic philosophy Brahmam is signified as "Absolute
Consciousness" which pervades the Universe and has no form, no quality, no
characteristics and no image. This Nirguna Brahman is omnipotent, omnipresent,
omniscient and singular.
Saguna Sagara Brahman is the supreme reality with form, quality, attribute
and image. In the Vedantic philosophy, Saguna Brahmam is signified as "Absolute
Consciousness" which pervades the Universe and has form, quality, characteristics
and image. It is secure to the concept of immanence but it is the manifested divine
presence. This Saguna Brahman exhibits the property of omnipotent, omnipresent
and omniscient. It is corresponding to the singular Brahmam but it is reasoned as the
consciousness on the other side of the same coin. The Sagu na Brahmam is explained
as the changing form of the unchanging formlessness.
 A VEDANnc STUDY OF "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAHMAM 183

In one's own Self, which is no other than Brahman, there is a mysterious power
known as avidya (ignorance) which is beginning less and not separate from the Self.
Its characteristics are veiling and presentation of diversity. The exercise of birth is
to cross this avidya to attain Moksha. This creative power of Brahmam projects forms
which are bound by Maya, illusion. Brahmam is an infinitive singularity but the
duality of Brahniam is thought of as Maya. The veiling nature is the Maya. Maya of the
causal body has its powers of projecting (rajas) and veiling (iamas). It is the projecting
power that creates everything from the subtle body to the gross universe of names
~nd forms. These are produced in the Sat-Chit-Ananda, (Being-Consciousness-Bliss)
Iike foam in the ocean. These created matters are temporary identities. Thus, matter
is conceived as a secondary entity that is really non-existent but projected from
consciousness though the illusory power of Maya. Maya is in itself Consciousness
which appears as unconsciousness and illusory. Thus materialism is impermanent
and unreal while. Consciousness is permanent and real. Matter is temporary and
derived from consciousness. Vedanta speculates nothingness beyond consciousness
in Vedanta, there are no dogmatic rules that affect the free will of consciousness or
impose any restriction upon its choices. Thus Vedanta is independent of determinism
or materialism but it absorbs the principle of them as the effects of karma. The end
result of Vedantic understanding is that Absolute Consciousness permeates in its
quantum nature throughout the whole Universe.
The famous nuclear physicist Emling Schrodinger says on the nature of
consciousness thus, "Consciousness is never experienced in the plural, only in the
singular ...... Consciousness is a singular of which the plural is unknown; that there
is only one thing and that, what seems to be plurality, is merely a series of different
aspects of this one thing, produced by a deception." (Swami Ranganathananda, Science
and Religion, 1997;118)
Brahmam is realized in three phases of understanding, namely;
1. The first as the Nirguna Brahmanl, or the impersonal all-pervasive Energy or the
Absolute Consciousness;
2. The second as the Saguna Brahmam or Paramatma or the personal but Absolute
Consciousness;
3. The third is the localized aspect of the Supreme which is within the heart of all
living entities as Ishta-Devata. It is the personalized Bhagauan, or the Supreme
Personality or Lord Krishna or Siva or Sakthi.

In principle all these three entities are the same Brahmam which signify the same
SAT-CIT-ANADA, the ultimate Reality or the Absolute Consciousness.
The higher state Nirguna Brahman, Absolute Consciousness, or God is the
ultimate in the Absolute Truth. Brahman is a formless, genderless, infinite and
beyond comprehension, eternal, omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent to whom
the whole of spiritual existence is in the physical body. The whole of the philosophy
of the cosmic laws is actually the exhibition of the Consciousness in the subtle body
which is enclosed in the Physical body.
The lower state Saguna Brahmam or Ishvara or lshia Devata is a term denoting a
worshipper'S favorite personalized deity. This idea is especially significantto Bhakthi
School of philosophy wherein the practitioners choose to worship any form or name
184 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

of God which inspires them the most. Generally, there is an universally accepted
perception of Brahmam or God. The specific nature of belief and worship regarding
Brahmam is in the form of lshta-deoa which depends largely on people, environment,
tradition and culture. The devotee normally thinks in terms of personalized forms
and names. Thus, the mind meditates on a Supreme Personality or an lshta Deoata
as Lord Krishna or Lord Siva or Lord Vishnu or Lord Durga. However, no matter
which tradition attracts the mind the devotee feels that this Supreme Personality is
compassionate, powerful, sentient, impartial, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent
and loving.
The Vedanta expounds that Brahmam, permeates in the innermost thoughts and
intentions of every individual and in the cosmic world equally. The individual's
consciousness is the Athmam which has the potential of the Braltmam. Brahmam
is the macrocosm while Athnuim is the microcosm of the same Reality. They both
exhibit the same Absoluteness and the same Consciousness. It is of a Holistic nature
of interconnectiveness. Therefore, Brahman, Islioara, Siva, Sakihi, Brahma and Lord
Vishnu belong to the same Absolute Consciousness. Therefore, Vedanta expounds
that Brahmam can be worshipped through any form and name. Thus, what matters
supreme is that the devotee's sradha or faith respects and reverence to his Ishia-Deuada.
It is a thought theory mechanism where the personal God is used as a conduit to the
Impersonal Braltmam, or Absolute Consciousness.
In the school of Vedanta, Brahman is the only reality and the world as it appears,
is illusory. As Brahman is the sole reality, it cannot be said to possess any attributes
whatsoever. In reality, there is no difference between the individual Consciousness,
Atman, Soul, [ioatman and Brahman. Brahman emerges as lshuara, "Consciousness"
with form and attributes separate from the world and from the individual. The
illusory power of Brahman is called as Maya which causes the world to appear real
but essentially it is imaginary. This illusion is explained as ignorance of the material
mind. Vedanta considers matter as something that is projected from the creative
power of Brahmam.
Brahnuim is portrayed as the material cause of the world, just like clay is the
material cause of a pot. Brahman being insentient is also the sentient cause of the world.
It is just like a potter is the sentient cause of a pot. Brahman is the "Consciousness"
that powers the "Individual Aihman", It is just as different electrical appliances are
powered by the same electricity running through them. Brahman is the Ailunan in
each individual. The Sihula Sariram, gross physical body and the Susina Sarirm,
manns, mind, depending on its environmental nature, think and behave in its own
manner generating different day to day karmas, actions, in satnsara. The end of the
human journey is the Athma-Intma (self-realization) which is the key to obtaining
Moksha. (Swami s/enkntee tnarananda.Brahma Sutra, 1982, 437).

The Attainment of Brahma [nana.

Moksha is the final extrication of the A thma. It is the disengagement of consciousness
from samsaro, relativity, and the bringing to an end of all the afflictions involved in
being subject to the cycle of repeated death and rebirths. Moks}za is seen as a final
release from this illusion when one's worldly conception of self is erased and there
takes place a loosening of the shackle of experiential duality. It is accompanied
 A VEDANTIC STUDY OF "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAHMAM 185

by the realization of one's own fundamental nature of sat (true being), cit (pure
consciousness), and ananda (pure bliss). This is an experience which is ineffable and
beyond sensation. The Vedas promotes four Yogas (disciplines) or margas (paths)
for the attainment of Moksha. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline.
Yoga elevates an awareness and intuition in the mind and raises the individual
consciousness and merges it with the Infinite consciousness. The Vedic Mahavakya
states as the Great Contemplations, 'Ayam Atma Brahma' or 'This Atman is Brahman'
The Hindu who is aware that Brahmam is unlimited and exists in many different
forms practices one or more forms of Yoga such as Bhakii Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana
Yoga and Raja Yoga, The path to Moksha, liberation, is attained only through [nana
(knowledge) of Brahmam. The [nana of Brahmam is attained through sincere faith
(sraddha). There are many incidences of miracles in the application of faith.
"When the soul is in silent quietness it arises and leaves the body, and reaching
the Supreme Spirit finds there its body of light. Itis the land of infinite liberty where,
beyond its mortal body, the Spirit of man is free." (Swami Sankaracharqa, Swami
Gambirananda, Chandogya Upanishads, 1997, chapter 20).
Swami s/iockananda says, "The Consciousness when it appears behind the
universe is called Brahman, God. The same Consciousness when it appears behind
this little universe, the body, is the Aihman or the soul. The whole universe is one.
There is only one Consciousness, only One Existence, and that One Existence in the
universe. Consciousness passes through the different forms of time, space, causation
and is caIIed by different names. Everything in the universe is that One, appearing
in various forms. When a little part of it comes, as it were, into this network of time,
space and causation, it takes forms. Take off the network, and it is all one. The whole
universe is one. There is only one Consciousness and only One Existence". (The
Complete works of Swami Vivekallanda volume 2;1963;429).
One of the' greatest physicists of 20th Century, Erwin Schrodinger observes, "
Consciousness is a singular of which the plural is unknown; that there is only one
thing and that what seems to be a plurality is merely a series of different aspects of
this one thing, produced by a deception".
186 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CiVILIZATION

The Vedanta expounds that such high metaphysical knowledge should be sought
from a true Guru. The scripture says that a guru can be likened to God if he himself
has attained realization and is a link between the individual and the Absolute. Such
a gunl, according to his definition and interpretation, should have actually attained
union with Brahmam, inspire devotion in others and have a presence that purifies all.
Such a Guru is limited in contemporary times yet the devotee should perceiver with
faith, meditation and devotion to realize the Brahmam.

II Absolute Consciousness" and the Mahavakyas of the Upanishads.

The Mahavakyas are the Great Wise Principles of the Upanishads, the foundational
texts of the Vedanta. The Mahavakyas are the great sentences of Advaita Vedanta and
[nana Yoga. Maha is great and Vak-yas are sentences, or utterances for meditation.
They provide perception and insights that combine the texts together in a consistent
whole. Vedantic principles and in its mystical writings make clear knowledge of
subtle levels of Consciousness which comes not from reading alone or studying the
experience of others but from one's own direct experience. As such the Mahavakyas
indicate the ultimate unity of the individual Atman with the Supreme Brahman.
Swami Krislmananda, Hindu saint, says that the "Mahavakyas convey the essential
teaching of the Upanishads, namely, 'Reality is One', and the Individual is essentially
identical with it and the identification of the self with the Absolute is not any act
of bringing together two differing natures but is an affirmation that absoluteness
or universality includes everything, and there is nothing outside of it." ( Swami
Krishnananda, The philosophy oflife,1992; 124)
These eight principles below are practices of the Vedic Rishis through their
higher understanding and direct experience. A person who has such insight is a
Rishi, or 'seer'. These experiences are knowledge transferred from person-to-person
by listening. by deep reflection by contemplation and by deep meditation.

1. Prajnaanam Brahma - "Consciousness is Brahman" (Aitareya Upanishad 3.3 of

the Rig Veda).
The Upanishads say that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is pureconsciousness.
According to Advaita Vedan ta there are different categories of consciousness which are
classified as absolute consciousness (Bralzma-caitanya), cosmic consciousness (isvara-
caitanya), individual consciousness (jiva-caitanya), and indwelling consciousness
(saksi-caitanya). However, all these distinctions are due to limiting adjuncts (upadhis)
and are not intrinsic to the true nature of consciousness which is by itself one and
non-dual. Advaita Vedanta says that there is a subsh'atum of this universe, even finer
than energy (prana), called Brahnia-caitanva- The very nature of this substratum is sat-
cii-ananda: absolute existence (sat), pure consciousness (cit), and bliss (ananda).
It can also be explained as Knowledge out of which other knowledge arises:
There are many types of knowledge one can attain. However, they all stem from,
or are a part of, a higher knowledge. Supreme knowledge is the ground out of
which the diversity of knowledge and experience grows. This idea put forth by the
Upanishadu: seers that Atman and Brahman are One and the same is one of the greatest
contributions made to the thought of the world.
 A VEDANnc SruDY OF "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAI-IMAM 187

2. Ayam Atma Brahma - "This Self (Atmrzn) is Brahman" (Mandukya Upanishad 1.2
of the Atluzrva Vedrz)
Atman refers to that pure, perfect, eternal spark of consciousness that is the
deepest, central core of human being. Brahman refers to the oneness of the real and
unreal universe. It is like saying that Atman is a wave, and Brahman is the ocean.
• Atman refers to that pure, perfect, individual eternal spark of consciousness
that is the deepest, central core of our being.
• Brahman refers to the cosmic consciousness. It is the oneness of the manifested
and unmanifested universe. It is beyond time and space and it is also within the
time space and causality. It is metaphysical and empirical mutually.

The insight of Ayam Atmrz Brahma, ("The Self is Brahman"), The soul is of the same
eternal, to the concept of Brahman which is synonymous with Jiva-atma. The analogy is that
the wave and the ocean are one and the same. It is like standing at the beach, looking
out at both the wave and the ocean and declaring that the wave and the ocean are
one. It is an observation from a witness stand point. This perspective contrasts with
Aham Brahmasmi (1 am Brahman), which declares that "I am!" an inner experience,
rather than from an observing standpoint (like being on the beach). It is like saying
that Atman and Brahman are the ocean.

Waves and the Ocean

The waves each com e to think

that they have individual existence,
forgetti ng that th eir true natu re is that of ocean.

~ .L -,

The Self or Atm an gradually com es to

rem em ber that its true nature is
th at of th e Absolute Reality, Brahm an.

http://www.indianetzone.com/38/ayam_atma_Bmhnza.htm

3. Tat Tuam Asi - "Thou art That Brahman" (Chandogyrz Upanishad 6.8.7 of the Soma
Veda.
The meaning of this phrase is.that th: se!f in its ~ri?inaJ state is partially or wholly
identifiable with the ultimate reality which IS the ongm of all phenomenons. The Tat
Tuam Asi, Mahavakya is stated in such a manner as if one person is speaking to the
other, in a direct speech. "That is what you are!" is the correct form of punctuation
when referring to Brahman. The person speaking in this Mahavrzkya is the teacher and
the person being spoken.
188 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CiVILIZATION

"That Brahman, that Consciousness, is who you really are, at the deepest level
of your being!" It is like telling a wave in the ocean that it is the ocean. "You are the
person underneath the personality". The Tat Tnam asi, Mahavakya is practised as if
the Yogi is talking to him in profound concentration inward, possibly towards the
heart centre. The Yogi has to say himself that "That is, who you are!" The Yogi has
to even point his index finger at his own chest, the place from where he experience,
"I am." As he holds in awareness the essence of the truth that this Brahman, this
oneness, is who the person actually is and observe how the person can gently let go
of the false identities, seeing that they are only temporary and relatively him.

4. Aham Brahmasmi - "1 am Brahman" (Brhadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.10 of the Yajur

Veda)
This Mahavakya of Hinduism depicts the idea that who the real person is and
that absolute is the reality. Aham Brahmasmi means I am Brahman. Who I really am, is
that absolute realiiu. "I am Brahman!" is an inner declaration of who I am.
The attention is to focus on Aham Brahmasmi Mahavakya; such as Brahman is
one, without a second. The aspirant should ask questions to himself, such as "Who
am I? Am I this body, or do I have a body? Am I this breath, or is this breath just
flowing? Am I this mind, or is this mind an expression of some deeper truth? Who
am I, really? Who am I?"

5. AUM Tat Sat (OM, That alone is Real).

Om Tat Sat; Om refers to the Supreme Infinite Spirit or Person. -Tat refers to
'that', or 'all that is'. - Sat refers to 'truth', that which is not evanescent or ephemeral,
the underlying basis, which is most fundamental and universal.
AUM Tat Sat has no physical component. It is purely spiritual and beyond.
It starts from the most primordial spiritual form Om and leads to the ultimate
Impersonal God, the Formless One, (Nirakara Brahmami, Non dualistic Existence, Sat.
Spiritual means fine and to catch hold of a fine thing needs high level of concentration
where concentration of mind remains a matter of practice.
It is believed' Hari 0111 Tat Sat' offers better grasp in Kali Yuga (modern times)
because it begins with Hari - the physical form of the God (Sakal' Brahmam), so it is a
pragmatic version for a physical entity to pick and explore the Sat.
These sacred syllables were integral to religious and material goodness and
spiritual pursuit in Vedic age. In the Bhagaoad Gita, Lord Krishna while teaching
Arjuna described 'Om Tat Sat' as the most effective tool of purification and the
supreme awakening.

6. Brahnia Satyam Jagan Mithya (Brahman is real; the world is unreal)

This Mahavakya of Hinduism portrays that the absolute is real and the world
is unreal or only relatively real. "Brahma satyam jagan miihua" reminds its believers
two major things. It serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of the worldly
commodities. It also serves as a reminder that there is an eternal nature that is not
subject to change. In these reminders, the saying offers an invitation to corne to
know, in direct experience, the existence, consciousness, and bliss that is this eternal
essence of human being.
 A VWANTIC SrUDY Or: "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAHMAM 189

The axiom, "Brahma satyam, Jagan mithya" is a metaphor; Brahman is real: The
way in which Brahman is real is like saying that the clay in a pot is real, or the gold in
a bracelet is real (metaphorically speaking). The idea is that first there was day and
gold, and when those changed form, there now appears to be a pot and a bracelet.
The world is unreal: However, when the pot is broken, or the bracelet is melted,
there is once again only clay and gold. It is in that sense that the pot and the bracelet
are not real; they come and go from manifestation. They are not as real as are the clay
and the gold.

7. Ekani Evadvitiyam Brahma (Brahman is one, without a second).

This MalwlIakya means that Brahmall is one, without a second. The analytical
expression of "Ekam Evadvitiyam Bralima" is also that there is one absolute reality,
without any secondary parts and no object are believed to be truly independent.
In the Hindu tradition it is common knowledge that no object exists independently
from Brahman, the whole. It is said that the kernel of this universe is Brahnta. Life,
seed, ego everything emerge from him. He is the primary as the whole world is
derived from Him. Hence, it is said there is one, without a second.
Wherever we look, whatever we think or feet try as we will, we can find no second
object or part. Everything is seen as a manifestation of something else. As the attention
of common men move from object to object, image to image and keep finding that
those objects and images are only relatively real. The world remains relative in its
reasoning.

8. Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma: (All of this is Brahmans. Chandcgvopanishad

This Mahavakya is the last stage of man's realisation towards absolute reality.
However, this realisation comes in stages. First, there is cognitive understanding
of the meaning and then the intuition rolls down, thus revealing deeper meanings.
Gradually, one comes to understand and experience the deeper aspects of the other
Mahavakyas. This Maluwakyas offer a gradual realization.
The various insights are revealed: Gradually, one comes to understand and
increasingly experience the deeper aspects of the other Mahavakyas
• Brahman is real; the world is unreal.
• Brahman is one, without a second.
• Brahman is the supreme knowledge.
• That is what you are.
• Atman and Brahman are the same.
• Iam Brahman.

These revealed insights are the foundation of vedanta. The Mind is set aside in
an explosion of consciousness and in the depth of meditation and contemplation.
The entire mind dwells in an explosion of metaphysical knowledge and in which
the truth of the Mahavakyas comes to radiance. This sacred knowledge of Brahmam is
seen to have been there all along waiting to be discovered.
Thus, the contemplations on the sacred Mahavakyas merge well in the practices
of Yoga, duan«, jaba, prayer, and mantra. These dyanas, jabas, kirihanas, and mantras are
190 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

associated practices in the search for the Brahnzam. Each of the Mahavakyas is related
with one of the four Vedas and identifies a Vedantic mysticism. The Mahavakyas
provides the essence of entire Sanaihana Dharma in a single statement.
A few theoretical physicists have argued that classical physics is intrinsically
incapable of explaining the holistic aspects of consciousness, but that quantum
theory provides the missing aspects. The message of quantum physics is this: the
world is not made of matter neither is it determined entirely by material causation
that we sometimes call upward causation because it rises upward from the building
blocks of matter-the elementary particles. There is a source of downward causation
in the world. You can call this source consciousness if you like and think of it as
the ground of all being. So the new paradigm of reality based on the rediscovery
of consciousness within science is not only giving us back our free wilt but also
is identifying the source of that free will as the spirit within us, the oneness that
spiritual and healing traditions have always propounded. The new paradigm is
showing us great promise for integrating material science to and spiritual science.

Consciousness and Space - Time and Causality.

The time-space-causality reference is an essential part of human nature. It is
a governing law of human thinking. Time and space are in the mind. Brahmam is
beyond time, space and causality. Consciousness is all eternal and omnipresent. The
characters of space, time and causality are issues that are constrained by physics
but that require also acts of metaphysical decision. Intrinsic unpredictabilities offer
opportunities for metaphysical conjecture concerning the form that such additional
causal principles might take. A different theological understanding of how Brahniam
relates to time affords legitimate criteria for differing metaphysical decisions about
the nature of temporality and the Universe.
The [matman creates its own reality, but there is a subtlety in that consciousness.
This reality is not a product of ordinary state of consciousness but in an extra-
ordinary state of consciousness. Probably, the Consciousness Reality comes from the
minds of a Super- Human Rishi.

'Wherefrom do all these worlds come? They come from space.

All beings arise from space, and into space thetj return;
Space is indeed their beginning, and space is their final end." (Swami
Sankarachanja, Swami Gambiranunda, 1997, Chandogya Upanishads chapter
1.9.1)

The Isha Upanishad says:

"0M - Purnamadah Purnarnidam Purnat purnarnudachyate.

Purnasya Purnamadaya Purnamevavashisyate."

Au ! That supreme Brahman is infinite, and this conditioned Brahman is infinite.

The Infinite proceeds from Infinite. If you subtract the infinite from the infinite, the
infinite remains alone. 'That and this' refers to OM.
The' AUM' which is Oomkara Bralnnam, which is the static silence initially spread
across the entire universe called as free-space. Due the self compression properties
 A VEDANTIC STUDY OF "CosMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAHMAM 191

of the energy particles, there created pressure and force which is described as shakii
(energy). The sabda creates the nada and the natural elements evolve. By the virtue of
evolutionary process the living beings are originated in this universe. This Universe
is a part of the static silence or core consciousness which is Brahmam.

(Seven levels psycho-spiritual growth). (jagrata-Swapna - Susupii - Turia stages of

Consciousness)

Tasmai va etasmai aimana akasas sainbhu tah:

"From this Universal Atman, space emanated"(Tait. 2.1.1)

The modern scientific study acknowledges the principles of the Vedanta, Agama
and the Tanira. This is the moment when the concept of space and the concept of time
is introduced. Space, time and causality exist hand in hand. To common perception,
spatial extension may look like a lifeless dimension. This phenomenon appears as
an illusion, Maya, which is considered due to human ignorance. Space and time are
not dead things but they are the basic vibrations of the cosmos. Motion, position,
velocity and mass go together with space-time.
A tremendous vibration, an uncanny force is generated the moment there is
the beginning of what we call creation. It is a central point that begins to vibrate -
bindu, as it is called in the Agama Slzastra, (Temple science). Bindu is a point. It is not a
point which is geometrical which has a nucleus. It is a cosmic point, a centre which
is everywhere. It is a point that is everywhere which is inconceivable to ordinary
thought. It is a tremendous vibratory centre from here the karma of srshii, creation,
commences. (SaulldanJa Lahari, Athi Shallkara,2008; 8).
Modern ash·onomy also believes on this point that there was a 'big bang' when
creation commenced by the splitting of the cosmic atom. The atom should not be
considered as a little particle but should be considered as a cosmic centre. The entire
space-time arrangement is one point, like an egg - Brahmanda, as it is called. (Lessons
on the Upanishads by Swami Krishnananda; 1977, 98)
In the Blzagavat Gila, Lord Krishna uses space and light as examples to explain
"Consciousness" in the 13th chapter of the Bhagaoa! Gita,
192 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CiVILIZATION

Lord Krishna, "Although the Supersoul appears to be divided, He is never

divided. He is situated as one. Although He is the maintainer of every
living entity, it is to be understood that He devours and develops all.

He is the source oflight in all luminous objects. He is beyond the darkness of matter
and is unmanifested. He is knowledge, He is the object of knowledge, and He is the
goal of knowledge. He is situated in everyone's heart". (BG chapter 13 Verse 17
&18).

The Lord reveals the distinct difference between the physical body and the
immortal soul. He explains that the physical is transitory and perishable whereas
the soul is immutable and eternal. The Lord also gives precise knowledge about the
individual soul and the ultimate soul. Thus this Thirteenth chapter is entitled: "The
Individual and Ultimate Consciousness'. Therefore, the truth is that the one who
understands the difference between the body, the soul and the Super soul attains
realization and Moksha or liberation from the material world.

The Chandogya Upanishad, verse, use space and light as examples.

"In the cih) of Brahman is a secret dwelling, the lotus of the heart. Within this
dwelling is a space, and within thai space is the fulfillment of our desires. What
is within that space should be longed for and realized. As great as the infinite
space beyolld is the space within the lotus of the heart. Both heaven and earth are
contained in that inner space, bothfire and air, sun and moon, lightning and stars.
Whether we k,IOWit ill this world or know it not, everything is can tained ill that
inner space. Only those who are pure and self-controlled can find this world of
Brahman. That world is theirs alone. In that world, in all the worlds, they live
in perfect freedom." (Shankaracarya; Swami Gambhirananda, 1997;ChandogJ)a
Upanishad, verse 8:1.124.3, page 572)

"There is a light that shines beyond all things on Earth; beyond 1IS all, beyond
the heaven, beyond the highest, the very highest heavens. 171is is the light that
shines ill our heart." (SJUlnkaracarya;Swami Gainbhirananda, 1997; Chandogya
Upanishad 3:13:7;page 204)

Brahmam, Consciousness, is a subject which can never be obj ctified so it is a

subject. Every other object that can be perceived is sentient in the material sense. The
 A VWANTIC STLDY OF "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAHMAM 193

experiencer who can never be an object of experience is the Brahmani, Consciousness.

AI.Iattributes belong to the objects only. The subject can never have any attributes. In
this context the Subject is the Atman or Brahman. This feature of attribute-less-ness of
Consciousness results in several interesting coronaries.

Space (allkaasha) and Consciousness (caitanya) have several similarities;

1. Nirgunam - property-less or attribute-less
2. niroikaaram _ changeless with respect to time, because any change can be only
to properties
3. sarua vyallpakmn _ all-pervading because changeless with respect to space,
because change can be only to properties
4. achalani _ non-moving because changeless and all-pervading
5. akhandam _ partless, homogeneous and isotropic, because attribute-less
6. eknm _ unique, because there cannot be two, because attribute-less
7. asanghant _ non-contaminatable because cannot take on any attributes
8. sarua aadharam - substratum for everything else
9. sookshmani - subtle and not easily comprehensible

An analogy and an illustration to understand Consciousness and space;

1. Consider that the room has space
2. There are space is in all rooms.
3. Even though rooms are many and varied, space is the same in every room.
4. Not only there is space inside the room; there is space outside the rooms also.
5. Really speaking, space is not inside and outside all rooms. All rooms and in fact
all objects are in space only.
6. Not only all objects are in space. All objects are formed in space and when the
object disintegrates they assimilate into space only.

Now, replace room by body and space by Consciousness.

1. Realize that the body has Consciousness inside.
2. Next, Consciousness is in an bodies.
3. Even though bodies are many and varied, Consciousness is the same in every
body.
4. Not only there is one Consciousness inside all bodies, there is Consciousness
outside the bodies also.
5. Really speaking, Consciousness is not inside and outside all bodies. All bodies
and objects are in Consciousness only.
6. Not only all objects are in Consciousness, all obj~cts are for~ed in Consciousness
and when the object disintegrates, it goes back mto Consciousness only.

Our lives are world lines in space-time. Space-time does not happen but it
always e ists. It is our brain that shows us a movie of matter evolving in time. All
194 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CiVILIZATION

space-time events are conscious. They are conscious of other space-time events.
Special circuits in our brain create the impression of a time flow of a time travel
through the region of space-time events connected to the brain. The connection
between sensory visual and auditory centres and the amygdale, the part of the
limbic system, the hypothalamus and wernicke area specializes in recognizing the
emotional significance of the external world and alert the production of religious
ecstasy. (V'S Ramachandran, Phantoms in the Brain, 2012, 182, 245)
Memory of an event is re-experiencing that space-time event, which is fixed
in space-time. It is the Holonomic Brain cognitive functioning based on space-time
coordinate systems. The brain does not store an event but only keep a link to it.
Conscious memory is not in the brain but it is in space-time. This paradigm posits
that theories utilizing holographic structures may lead to a unified understanding
of consciousness and the universe. The holographic paradigm is rooted in the concept
that all organisms and forms are holograms embedded within a universal hologram,
which is Brahmam. Consciousness is much more than an illusory travel through space-
time that influences reality. The duality of Consciousness is Maya. (The Holographic
Paradigm and Other Paradoxes: Ken Wilber, Shambhala 1982, 143)

Brahmam and Quantum Dynamics

Since the beginning of the 20-th century the modern Quantum sciences have done
great progress. Many of the new discoveries in chemistry, physics and biology have
pointed new rationality about the universe, the human body, technology, agriculture
and medicine. The quantum physics derives matter rom consciousness. This kind
of rationalistic science is explained more than 4000 years ago in the Vedas which
indicates an integral (holistic) universe where consciousness are connected to matter.
The Veda describes as absolute existence (SA]), absolute consciousness (CHI]) and
absolute salvation (ANANDA).
Upanishads described that in the finite physical body of man is hidden infinite
power, infinite excellence, deathless energy, infinite Knowledge and immeasurable
bliss. Vedas call it Sai-Chii-Ananda. Today modern Science admits this conception.
Sub Atomic Particle Physics or Quantum physics have come a long way and
according to Nobel physicist E. Schrodinger and others, to the conclusion that the
infinite is contained in the finite, the universal in the individual, which Indians expressed
as Atman (the individual soul) and Brahman (the universal soul). The entire Indian
culture was devoted to the art and science of manifesting the Infinite inside the
finite, the non-physical spirit inside the physical body and this is called the science of
spirituality. The Upanishads give us a strong indication: anoraniyan mahato mahiyan. "The
Supreme Absolute Truth is present as the tiny living entity as well as the immense Universe
in an atom". (Swami Sarvananda,Katha Upanisad 1-2-20)
In Princeton, Swami [itatmananda asked the great physicist John A. Wheeler,
what was the greatest discovery of science? Prof Wheeler said that confirmation of
the fundamental unity of existence, through the experimental verification of Bell's
theorem by Alain Aspect in France in 1986 and earlier by David Bohm in London in
1972 and Clauser and Freedman in U.S.A. in 1972, is the greatest discovery of science.
( Spirituality and Ethics, Swami [itatmannnda, http://www.eng.Vedanta.ru/library).
 A VEDANTIC STUDY OF "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAHMAM 195

Werner Heisenberg's discovery of the principles of uncertainty within the atom

relation has dismantled the former image of the strict relation of cause and effect in
the world of the subatomic particles. The mechanically agreed universe of Laplace
and Netoion was shaken by the unquestionable indefiniteness of the approach of
the subatomic world theory. The consciousness of the observer has been connected
inescapable with the act of the observation of the so-called separate observer.
Schrodinger, the famous Nobel physicist said, "Consciousness is numerically
one and one Consciousness creates many realities". Max Plank, the father of
modern physics said, "Consciousness is fundamental and matter is derived
from Consciousness". According to the Everette-Wheeler- Graham theory the
development of Schrodlinger's wave equation generates an endlessly proliferating
number of different branches of reality". (Swami Jitatmananda, Holistic science and
Vedanta, 1993, page 47)
Schrodinger's discovery of the wave equation has confirmed the idea quite
anticipated by Max Planck that the consciousness creates the external reality.
Every picture of the subatomic world is a picture of Onuii-ieciiue Realitu in which
both, subjective and objective reality are interconnected. Max Born's discovery of
the likely hood of the waves leads to the other image that the so-called inorganic
matter like the organic life owns a consciousness. Schrodinger feels that the diversity
of the consciousness is Maya which is the appearance of the external reality in the
temporary state. The big theory of the standardization (GUT-Grand Unification
Theory), from Einstein suggested and later from discoveries by Abdul Salam, Sheldon
Glashaui and Steven Wei1lberg sanctioned points at a basic unity of all physical forces in
the universe. The successful experiment of Bells theorem by David Bolun and other
has underpinned that in our universe basically everything is connected with each
other and is inseparable with it. Every subatomic particle is after Arthur Kastler a
"holon" hologram which is connected with any other particle in the universe. It is a
holistic concept of interconnectedness of everything which the Vedas say, "Sarvam
Kalul Brahmant",
The scientist Werner Heisenberg was one of the founders of quantum Physics,
that is, of the study of dynamical laws that govern the micro-cosmos. This great
discovery represented a strong shock for Heisenberg with respect to the 'reality' of
the physical world. Heisenberg had to accept that things are up to us measuring
them, in other words, it is necessary that an observer interacts with a system in order
for the system to acquire reality. What is stated above is totally compatible with the
teachings of Emptiness (in Buddhism) and Maya (in Hinduism), in which the world
of phenomena lacks its own integrity because it is just a mental consb'uction; so, if
there is no mind then there is no world. It is an observer created world. Albert Einstein
disagreed with this interpretation. He always insisted on the idea that Nature has its
own reality, it is permanent and independent of any observer.
The American physicist Nick Herbert has been even more specific on the
similarities between Quantum Theory and Consciousness. Herbert thinks that
consciousness is a pervasive process in nature. Mind is as fundamental a component
of the universe as elementary particles and forces. Mind can be detected by three
features of quantum theory: 1. randomness, 2. thinglessness (objects acquire attributes
only once they are observed) and 3.interconnectedness (john Bell's discovery that
once two particles have interacted they remain connected). Herbert thinks that these
196 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

three features of inert matter can account for three basic features of mind: 1. free
will, 2. essential ambiguity, and 3. deep psychic connectedness. Scientists may be
vastly underestimating the quantity of consciousness in the universe. The computer
scientist James Culbertson, a pioneer of research on robots, has even speculated that
consciousness may be a relativistic feature of space-time. In his opinion, consciousness
permeates all of nature, so that every object has a degree of consciousness.
One of the strongest proponents of a theory of consciousness founded on
Quantum Theory is Roger Penrose, one of the leading British physicists of our times.
In his opinion, consciousness must be a quantum phenomenon because neurons are too big to
account for consciousness. Penrose believes that consciousness is a manifestation of the
quantum cytoskeletal state and its interplay between quantum and classical levels of
activity. A contemporary American philosopher of the mind, David Chalmers, argues
that consciousness cannot be explained with a reductionist approach, because it does not
belong to the realm cf maiier.isx actuality, all mental objects are just super-impositions on
Consciousness only. Consciousness is the substratum. This is called Brahman. Brahman
is omnipresent, omniscience and omnipotent while the rest are incidental. Consciousness is
beyond time and space. Consciousness is fundamental and the rest are all derivative.
(Samir Okasha, Philosophy of Science, 2002, 54)
The reason why consciousness is not accessible to science is that it is not
objective. It is the light that the observer uses to throw on objects but this light cannot
be turned upon itself. Rational science is related to associations and it must, therefore,
be material and reductionist.
Consciousness cannot befitted in the framework of rational science. There are indirect
ways to study consciousness. Neurophysiologic experiments have shown that the
mind orders events in order to provide consistent picture and that there is a smaIl
time lag between initiation of neurological function and its conscious awareness.
Mind is an active participant in the creation of models of the world, seen most clearly
when subjects who have impairments resulting from strokes or trauma (Joseph, 1986,
1988; Gazzaniga, 1995; Kak, 2004).
It remains as if the mind is compelled to postulate a state function to realize
consciousness. This principle that consciousness brings about the creation of complex
molecules by chance leads to the rise of life in the universe. The relevant highlights
illustrates further,
1. Consciousness interpenetrates the universe, but it needs appropriate physical
structures to be embodied.
2. Within orthodox quantum mechanics meaningful human freedom need not be
an illusion.
3. If we are able to make sense of the world it is because we are biologically
programmed to do so and we have innate capacity for it.
4. Quantum theory has opened the door to the central role of consciousness but
has not solved the problem of what consciousness is
5. The Yogis knew the world and Consciousness through meditation and through
sign-mediated interactions with other minds.

What needs to be answered are,

 A VEDANTIC STUDY OF "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAHMAM 197

1. Is consciousness an epiphenomenal happenstance of this particular universe?

(An epiphenomenon is a secondary phenomenon that occurs alongside or in
parallel to a primary phenomenon).
2. Does the very concept of a universe depend upon Brahman and how its presence?
3. Does consciousness merely perceive reality, or does reality depend upon it?
4. Did consciousness simply emerge as an effect of evolution? Or was it, in some
sense, always "out there" in the world?

. These questions are more to be addressed with special rationality. Thus, the
ancient Vedic Dharma postulates that the mind and matter, matter and energy, living
and non-living, observer and observed is strictly not separate of each other. The basic
unity of entire humanity is expressed repeatedly in the Vedanta literature.

Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita:

"mattah0 parataram niinsta! kiiicid osti dhanafijaya

mayi sarvam idam protem siJtre man0i-gan0(j iva". (Chapter 7 verse 7)

"0 conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me. I have interpenetrated

this whole universe like a thread connecting the pearls in a string".(BG 7/7).
"I know that Supreme Brahman who is transcendental to all material conceptions
of darkness. Only he who knows Him can transcend the bonds of birth and death.
~here is no way for liberation other than this knowledge of that Supreme Person. (
Svetasvatara Upanis .ad (3.8-9)
"There is no truth superior to that Supreme Brahman because He is the super
most. He is smaller than the smallest, and He is greater than the greatest. He
is situated as a silent tree, and He illumines the transcendental sky, and as a tree
spreads its roots, He spreads His extensive energies."
Lord Krishna, "0 Arjuna? Take it thus, that I am here in this world and
everywhere. I support this entire universe with an infinitesimal portion of Myself',
(Bagavat Gita 10/42)
Sri Krishna, "He is indivisible and the One, but seems to divide himself in forms
and creatures and appears as all the separate existences. All things are eternally born
from him, up borne in his eternity, taken eternally back into his oneness".(Bagavat
Gita, 13/17).
Upanishads described that in the finite physical body of man is hidden infinite
power, infinite excellence, infinite and therefore deathless life, infinite Knowledge and
bliss. This is call as Sat-Clzit-Ananda and Modern science admits that Consciousness
is in all animate and inanimate particles. Nobel physicist E. Schrodinger and other
Qunatum physicists conclude that ~e in~nite ~s contained i~ th~ ~nite. The Vedas
expounds as "Ayam Anna Brahmam that IS, this Aiman (tll~ mdl~Idual soul) is the
Brahman (the universal soul). This is the theory o~ the~~n!fe~tation of the Infinite
inside the Finite which is otherwise, the Non-phYSIcal spirit inside the Physical body
and this is the Vedantic science of spirituality.
198 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CiVILIZATION

This interesting summary of the lsa Upanishads explains in full the study of the
Brahman thus, "The Spirit, without moving, is swifter than the mind; the senses
cannot reach him: He is ever beyond them. Standing still, he overtakes those who
run. To the ocean of his being, the spirit of life leads the streams of action. He moves,
and he moves not. He isfar, and he is Ileal'.He is unihin all, and he is outside all.
Who sees all beings in his own Self, and his own Self in all beings, loses all fear.
When a sage sees this great Unity and his Selfhas become all beings, what delusion
and what sorrow can ever be near hi111?
TIu Spirit filled all with his radiance. He is incorporeal and invulnerable, pure and
untouched by evil. He is the supreme seer and thinker, immanent and transcendent.
He places all things ill the path of Eternity. into deep darkness fall thosewho follow
action. Into deeper darkness fall those who follow knowledge. One is the outcome
of knowledge, and another is the outcome of action. Thus have we heard from the
ancient sages who explained this truth to us.
He who knows both knowledge and action, with action overcomes death and with
knowledge reaches immortality. into deeper darkness fall those who follow the
immanent. Into deeper darkness fall those who follow the transcendent. One is the
outcome of the transcendent, and another is the outcome of the immanent. Thus
have we heardfrom the ancient sages who explained this truth to us, "He who knows
both the transcendent and the immanent, with the immanent overcomes death
and with the transcendent reaches immortality." (Tsavasya, Swami Saraoananda,
2002,6-10,35 & Swami Renganathananda, The Message of the Upanishads,
1993,80)

In the end the Rishi leaves the choice of knowing Brahman to the enquirer. It
is the greatness of Vedic philosophy that it does not force any conclusion on its
followers. Hence in this sukta, the Rishi leaves the choice open so that the enquirer
himself finds out what is correct, because different yogis will reach the truth from
different perspectives. The Vedas, Upanishads, Nasadiya Sukiam, Purusha sukiam and
other literatures, have a unified prudent answer to this puzzle.
From these verses one concludes that the Supreme Absolute Truth is the
Supreme Brahmam which is all-pervading by its multi-energies, both materially and
spiritually. Hence, it is that Vedanta which is a Sacred Scripture given to the human
 A VEDANTIC STUDY OF "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAHMAM 199

race that explains the Divinity of Brahman in its own given definition and criterion
for what is good vs. evil, true vs. false, heavenly vs. hellish. The Vedanta explains that
the spirit is eternal and the body is transitory. Thus, this Sacred Scripture gives us
several distinct layers of meanings and applications of Brahmam.

Conclusion
The author is convinced that no matter how detailed an account is provided no theory
of the brain can explain why and how Brahmam, Absolute Consciousness, happens.
It was always assumed by science that consciousness is somehow created by some
neural entity which is completely different in structure, function and behavior.
The massage of the Vedanta is that spiritual ethics is the basis of all civilization.
The much needed perspective that today's global civilization needs is tolerance and
compassion. It appears that the common action of most of the people today is based
on apathy. The frequent question asked is, "Why should I show compassion, love, and
respect to you"? The spiritual answer base on Vedanta is all matter is interconnected
to consciousness and therefore you and I are fundamentally interconnected. This
holistic ethics is backed by the discovery of Modern science which has become the
connecting link between religion and science or spirit and matter.
The Vedanta teaches the holistic approach of values based on the unity of souls.
From a Spiritual standpoint of view, Vedantic principles stand as the foundation for
the better understanding of the theory of Consciousness and its holistic principles.
Vedanta has expounded the universal truth based on yogic meditation. Truth
therefore does not pay homage to any society, ancient or modern but society has to
pay homage to Truth or die", said Swami Vivekanantia, India's Vedic prophet.
The author believes that, "We must assume that behind the world of phenomena
exists a Superior Mind called, Brahniam. This Superior Mind is the Creator of the
Universe", which is the Universal Vedic Truth. The Rig Veda proclaims, "Ekam Sat,
Viprah Bahudlia Vadanti," which means "there is only one truth; scholars describe it
in different ways." Modern scientific discoveries validate the concept of Brahman as
Buddha, Jesus, Allah, Siva, Vishnu, Mahavira, Gurunanak and others.
Brahma satgum jagat mitlzya, jivo Bralzmaiva naparali - "Brahman is the only truth,
the world is unreal, and there is ultimately no difference between Brahman and
individual self". (Vivekac/zudamal1i, Athi Slzankara)

Bibilography
I Vedan.ta
Swami Renganathananda, The Message of the Upanishads, 1993,Bharatiya Vidya
Bhavan, Bombay.
Swami Vivekananda, The Complete works, volume 2;1963;. Advaita Ashrama,
Calcutta.
Swami Sarvananda, Isavasyopanishad, 2002,. Sri Ramakrishna Math Printings,
Chennai
Swami Venkateswaranda, Brahma Sutra, 1982, . Advaita Ashrama, Calcutta.
Swami Saravanda, Taittriyopanishad, 1995, Sri Ramakrishna Math Printings,
Chennai
200 JOURNAL OF INDIAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

Athishankara, Vishnusahastranamam 1986, Sri Ramakrishna Math Printings,

Chennai.
Swami Tapasyananda, Saundarya Lahari; 2008, Sri Ramakrishna Math Printings,
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Swami Ranganathananda, Science and Religion, 1997; Advaita Ashrama, Calcutta.
Sankaracharya, Swami Gambirananda, 1997, Chandogya Upanishads, Advaita
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Swami Krishnananda, The philosophy of life, 1992; Divine Light Society Publication,
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Swami Saravanda,Aitareya Upanishad,1986, Sri Ramakrishna Math Printings, Chennai
Swami Saravanda, Mandukya Upanishad, 2000, Sri Ramakrislma Math Printings,
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Swami Chitbavananda, Bhagavat Gita, 1997, .Taboovana Printers, Trichirapalli.
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Swami Nikilananda,Drg Drsya Viveka, 2006, Advaita Ashrama, Calcutta.
Swami Sarvananda, Katlia Upanisad, 2002, Sri Ramakrishna Math Printings, Madras,

IIScience
Peter Russel, "From Science to God", 2003; Thomson press, New Delhi
Peter, Coles, "Cosmolcgv", 2001, Oxford University Press, Great Britain.
Brain & Deborah Charlesworth, "Evolution', 2003. Oxford University Press, Great
Britain.
Michael O'Shea, "771eBrain", 2005, 58. Oxford University Press, Great Britain.
Sarnir Okasha, "Philosophy of Science" ,2002, Oxford University Press, Great Britain.
Quantum Physics, Evolution, Brain & Mind, Roger Penrose (Author), Stuart Hameroff
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Swami Jitatmananda, Modem Physic and Vedanta, 1992, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan,
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V. S. Ramachandran, Phantoms in the Braill,2012, Harpercollins Publishers, London
The Holographic Paradigm and Other Paradoxes: Ken Wilber, Shambhala 1982,

III Internet- E Books

Essence of Principal Upanishads;
http://www.indianetzone.com/38/ayam_atma_Bralmla.htm
The Quantum Physics of Consciousness, 2010; http://www.amazon.com/kindle/ dp/
B005LU3R6I/ ref=rdr_kindle_ext_eos_detail#reader_B005L U3R61
Brahman of the Vedas; http://hinduism.about.com/ od Zbasics/ a/ Brahmall.htm.
Milld and Levels of Coneciousness: http://greenmesg.org/swami_vivekananda_
sayings_q uotes / mind mind_and_levels_of_conscio usness. php
 A VEDANTIC STUDY Or: "COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS" - BRAHMAM 201

Mind, brain and consciousness; http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/181/2/91.full

Duii, Manmatha Nath; Manu Samhiia, (1909). ch 1.9) http://en.wikipedia.org/wikij
Manusm %E1 %B9%9Bti
Rig Veda,1964, Book I, Hymn CLXIV, Verse 46; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Rigveda

IV Reference
Gita Rahasya, B. G. Tilak,1996, Geeta Printers, Pune
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The Holographic Paradigm and other Paradoxes, Ken Wilber, 1985, New Science
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Meditation and Spiritual Life, Swami Yatiswarananada, 1998, Ramakrishna Math,
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Swami PrAJnananda; Development of Indian Music; Book 1,2, 3, 1958.Sri Ramakrishna
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Swami Jitatmananda, Modern Physic and Vedanta" Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay.
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