AWARENESS AND ILLUSION OF A SEPARATE SELF.

[Pravin Kumar]

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Awareness and The Illusion Of A Separate Self

Awareness of the first thought in a ‘train’
Is crucial for the arising of the next
One coupled to that, then in the same vein
Seeing this leads to another in context.

This ‘train building’ is vital for objectification
Of ourselves, for self-image is the result of diverse
Thought-flows, leading to misidentification
As a special separate object which we must ‘nurse’.

These ‘trains’ are such ephemeral thought-flows
Appearing in Awareness, needed for their conception,
Arising, and subsiding in That which never ‘goes’
The constant, conscious, vital essence of perception.

This latter is what we essentially ‘are’,
Ever present before and since our birth,
Which no sensation or thought can mar,
The witness of our experiences on earth.

Identifying with this fleeting experiential flow,
Self-image, memories and interpretations,
Rather than the Awareness in which they ‘show’
Is the cause of all our misidentifications.

Paradoxically Awareness and thought
Combine to create this separate self confusion,
This is indeed Maya, of which we’re taught
Is “Brahman’s power, the Cosmic Illusion.

Which veils mans’ vision of Reality,
So that he only perceives the manifold universe ”*,
Instead of Pure Consciousness - nonduality.
At rest as Awareness, in motion as things diverse.

* Ramakrishna Vedanta Word Book
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A new poem based on a chapter of 'Fundamental Questions'.

For more on the 'technique' described in the last verse see previous post 'Strengthening Awareness of Awareness'.

I write (and read) these posts, based on my meditations and contemplations, as much for my own benefit as for that of 'others'. For this helps to keep me 'awake' in this illusory, and impermanent, world ... our perception of which is based purely on our physical, and mental, configuration.

For more poems, articles, photos etc. see the comment on the photos.

COLIN DRAKE