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Essence of Brahma Jnana

CHENNAI : The sacred hymn Manisha Panchakam, believed to be a spontaneous composition of Adi Sankara, contains the essence of the highest philosophical truths embedded in the Upanishads. The context and circumstances under which this hymn was composed signify Adi Sankara's deep conviction and personal experience of Brahma Jnana that he expounded in the presence of Lord Siva Himself, said Sri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal in a discourse.

It is claimed that once during his sojourn in Kasi, Adi Sankara, on his way to perform ablutions to the deity Kasi Viswanatha with the sacred waters of the Ganga, encountered a man who belonged to lower caste. On being asked to move aside to give way to the preceptor, the man questioned, "Is it the Atma or the body that comes in the way? Why is there doubt and confusion based on caste differentiation?

Is there any difference in the reflection of the moon in the waters of the Ganga or in the waters of a canal, or in the water that is stored in a golden vessel or in a mud pot?"

Instantly recognising the highest preceptor Lord Siva, Adi Sankara was inspired to respond with this hymn — a fitting exposition of Brahma Jnana stated with clarity, authority and experiential validity.

Knowledge of the ultimate reality is synonymous with the realisation of the truth that it is the one and only Brahmam that is the basic Atma dwelling within and animating each and every being — from the great Brahma to the tiny ant.

This conviction about the Atma's vibrant presence, invisible yet witnessing everything, is the very essence of Brahma Jnana that can liberate the Jivatma.

It is a paradox that the subtle power of the Atma that causes the eye to see, the ear to hear, etc., continues to be elusive to the senses and is grasped only when one remains unaffected by the glitter of the world.

Being aware of the indwelling presence as independent of any attachment to the body or the world is the cause of enlightenment leading to everlasting Bliss. This experience of Bliss is to be sought within oneself alone and does not exist elsewhere.

Attaining Brahma Jnana is the prerogative of all and does not depend on class, caste, birth, religion, creed, gender or learning, since all beings are manifestations of the same Reality.

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