Brahm Jeev Maya | ब्रह्मा जीव माया तत्वज्ञान | Part 2| Jagadguruttam Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

TLDR;

This video explores the concept of Brahman, drawing from Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, and Puranas to explain its nature and significance. It emphasizes that humans seek happiness due to their inherent suffering, which stems from ignorance. The path to overcoming this ignorance lies in understanding the three elements: Brahman, Jiva, and Maya. The video explains Brahman's characteristics, including its boundlessness, role as the origin and sustainer of the universe, and its three forms: Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavan.

• The root cause of suffering is ignorance, necessitating knowledge of Brahman.
• Human form is the means to attain knowledge, eliminate ignorance, and achieve happiness.
• Brahman is boundless, the origin and sustainer of the universe, and possesses infinite qualities.

Introduction [0:23]

The speaker begins by stating that humans desire happiness because they are currently experiencing suffering. This suffering and the inability to attain happiness are due to ignorance. Knowledge is essential to overcome this ignorance and realize the inherent bliss within. Despite residing in an "ocean of bliss," individuals remain unfulfilled, similar to a fish in the sea that is still thirsty. The human body is a vehicle for gaining knowledge, dispelling ignorance, and pursuing happiness. Failure to achieve this in the human form leads to countless cycles of rebirth.

The Nature of Brahman, Jiva, and Maya [4:40]

The discussion shifts to the three elements: Brahman, Jiva (individual soul), and Maya (illusion). While these concepts are beyond intellectual comprehension, it's necessary to contemplate them. The Vedas state that Brahman is beyond the reach of senses, mind, and intellect, which are material. However, understanding these elements is crucial, and scriptures provide detailed explanations of Brahman, Jiva, and Maya.

Vedic Perspective on Brahman [6:58]

The speaker references various Upanishads to explain Brahman. The Shvetashvatara Upanishad states that Brahman, Jiva, and Maya are eternal, with Jiva and Maya being subordinate to Brahman. The combination of these three constitutes the world. Jiva and Brahman are eternal, while the world is transient. Brahman is the ultimate truth, while Maya is a temporary truth. Although both Jiva and Brahman are unborn (Aja), Brahman is omniscient, while Jiva has limited knowledge. Brahman governs Jiva and Maya, and the world is a combination of these three.

The Three Forms of Brahman [14:08]

The three forms of Brahman are described as the enjoyer (Bhokta), the object of enjoyment (Bhogya), and the controller (Prerita). The Kathopanishad uses the analogy of a chariot to explain the enjoyer: the body is the chariot, the senses are the horses, the mind is the reins, the intellect is the charioteer, and the individual soul is the passenger. The Vedas, revealed through divine breath, provide the means to reach Brahman. The Jiva is the enjoyer, Maya is the object of enjoyment, and the Lord is the controller.

Maya and the Divine [20:07]

Both the Lord and the Jiva are associated with Maya, but the key difference is that Maya is under the Lord's control, while the Jiva is controlled by Maya. The Jiva is eternally bound by Maya. The Shvetashvatara Upanishad describes three elements: Vidya (knowledge or Jiva), Avidya (ignorance or Maya), and the Lord, who governs both.

The Gita's Perspective [22:34]

The Gita also speaks of three entities: Kshara (perishable), Akshara (imperishable), and the Supreme Person (Purushottama) who governs both. Understanding this secret leads to fulfillment. The Jiva and Maya are not independent but are governed by the Lord. These three have existed eternally. Maya and Jiva are the powers of the Lord. Maya is considered inferior because it is inert, while Jiva is superior due to its consciousness, similar to the Lord.

The Nature of Brahman [27:44]

While some scriptures state that there is only one Brahman, others acknowledge the existence of Jiva and Maya as the Lord's powers. Powers are inseparable from the powerful. The Shvetashvatara Upanishad mentions two birds residing in the heart: one representing the individual soul and the other representing the divine. They share a friendly relationship, with the divine companioning the soul through various births, hoping for its return.

Defining Brahman [33:44]

Brahman is defined as that which expands and causes others to expand. It is boundless and unparalleled. The Taittiriya Upanishad describes Brahman as "Satyam Jnanam Anantam Brahma" – truth, knowledge, and infinity. Nothing is greater than or equal to Brahman. Brahman possesses infinite natural powers, including the power to create and dissolve the universe.

The Essence of Brahman: Ananda [38:38]

Through a dialogue between Varuni and his son Bhrigu, the Upanishads reveal that Brahman is that from which the world originates, is sustained, and into which it dissolves. Bhrigu's quest leads him to realize that Ananda (bliss) is Brahman. The world is born from bliss, sustained by bliss, and merges into bliss. Brahman is also described as "Raso vai sah" – the embodiment of Rasa (essence or flavor), both the taste and the one who tastes.

Qualities and Forms of Brahman [44:43]

Brahman possesses qualities like sovereignty, sweetness, omniscience, and affection for devotees. These qualities are infinite and cannot be fully enumerated. Brahman has three forms: Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavan, each representing different manifestations of divine power. Brahman is associated with knowledge, Paramatma with yoga, and Bhagavan with devotion.

The All-Encompassing Nature of Brahman [49:32]

Bhagavan (Shri Krishna) is free from internal, external, and homogeneous differences. He is both the cause and the effect of everything. The Mundaka Upanishad states that Brahman is the source of everything. Brahman is both one and infinite, residing within every being and manifesting in countless forms.

Attributes of Brahman [53:49]

Brahman is both with and without qualities (Saguna and Nirguna). It is imperceptible to the physical eyes but can be seen with divine vision. Brahman is the cause of all causes, without any cause itself. It is the foundation of everything. Brahman is also a performer of divine plays (Leela Purushottama) and attracts everyone, including Himself.

The Divine Abode of Brahman [57:39]

Brahman has divine abodes, as described in various scriptures. These abodes are free from Maya and its effects, characterized by purity and bliss. The Vedas and Puranas describe these realms as places of eternal bliss and freedom. The video concludes by affirming that Brahman, as described with infinite qualities and powers, is Lord Krishna.