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Reversing the Gaze- Acharyā's conversation with the Pūrvapakṣa

 


Objection -1

Tat Tvam Asi is only for meditation

We can just use it for imagination

It is good for practicing eyes closed

It does not mean the reality is disclosed

Samadānā-1

This is said to without 'Iti' (इति) Dear

There is no 'Do it as though' here

Tat Tvam Asi is the reality 

You understand that with clarity

Objection -2

Tat Tvam Asi is just a figure of speech

There is nothing there to preach

It is like saying 'You are a bull '

It does not mean 'You are full' 

Samadānā-2

Tat Tvam Asi is an Upadeṣā

The thesis statement is clear

It is the knowledge that makes 

Everything known for the seer


The primary meaning is fulfilled

The secondary meaning has no role

You are Brahman now and here

It cannot be negated anywhere 


It is not to be accomplished by sleuth

It is already here and it is the truth

If mere thinking will be provide the answer

There will be no need for a teacher 


Brahman can be understood only 

When explained by an able Guru 

Brahman is understood only

When the right mindset is present


It is not said just to calm the mind

It is not said to be followed by the blind

There may be a time gap after knowledge

For the ultimate freedom to be enjoyed


The thought of rope allows to coexist

The ignorant thought of snake has to exit 

The knowledge that  'This is not a snake ' 

Will make the thought of snake retreat 


That shows the big heart of the thought

That shows it is the start of the long shot 

If the mind is ready then no one can stop

The knowledge takes place in the backdrop


I am not the doer is a thought

I am not the experiencer is a thought

The true thought negates the false thought

The thought is the way the knowledge caught


Akandākara thought takes place

It happens with Guru's grace 

The ignorance is dispelled 

Ultimate truth is upheld 


Swamini Svatmavidayanada classes  Chandogya Upanishad class 62 Chandogya Upanishad class 63

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