Ajātivāda: No Birth, No Change, No Death

Summary

The speaker reflects on their journey with Ramen and Mahari, exploring self-inquiry and the pathless path. They delve into the concept of Aata Vada, which posits that there is no creation or world, and the idea that we were never born and will never die. The discussion centers on the infinite Consciousness, which is the reality behind all diversity but does not know itself in a subject-object relationship. The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-recognition through self-inquiry, leading to an experience of the 'I am' consciousness, which is the core of our being. This inner void, devoid of thought and perception, is where infinite Consciousness resides and is accessible through deep introspection.

Takeaways

• 🧘 The speaker has been on a spiritual journey with Ramen and Mahari, exploring self-inquiry and the pathless path through retreats and YouTube videos.
• 🌟 The concept of Aata Vada, or 'there's no creation, no world, not even an appearance of the world,' is introduced as a way to understand reality from the perspective of infinite Consciousness.
• 🔍 Mahari's teachings emphasize that we were never born and will never die, suggesting a perspective beyond the physical existence.
• 🌌 The pathless path involves recognizing that while there appears to be a world, body, emotions, and relationships, in the state of abiding, there is an open space, or 'nothing here'.
• 🤔 Infinite Consciousness is described as the reality behind the multiplicity and diversity of objects, yet it does not know itself in a subject-object relationship.
• 🧠 The finite mind perceives the universe, but infinite Consciousness is the universe; it cannot know itself as an object because it is the subject.
• 🔑 Self-inquiry involves asking 'who am I, really?' and tracing back through layers of experience to the pre-experience state of being.
• 🕊 In the state of infinite Consciousness, there is no thought, perception, time, or space; it is an awareness of being that is the knowledge of itself.
• 💤 The 'aware empty space' within is likened to the state of deep sleep, where one experiences the dimensionless nature of infinite Consciousness.
• 🌱 The teachings are not philosophical speculations but are about the direct experience of the heart of our being, the 'I am' consciousness.
• 🌈 Maharishi's reference to a 'vast silence' within each person is akin to the self-inquiry process, which is also a concept found in mystical Christianity.

Q & A

What is the 'pathless path' mentioned in the script?

The 'pathless path' refers to a spiritual journey or approach to self-realization that does not follow a specific set of rules or methods but instead emphasizes direct experience and self-inquiry.

What does Aata Vada mean in the context of the script?

Aata Vada is a concept that describes the state of reality from the perspective of infinite Consciousness, suggesting that there is no creation, no world, and not even an appearance of the world from this viewpoint.

How does infinite Consciousness experience itself according to the script?

Infinite Consciousness experiences itself by being itself, without the need for a subject-object relationship. It knows itself without the separation that comes with finite consciousness.

What is the significance of the statement 'we were never born and we will never die' in the script?

This statement emphasizes the eternal nature of infinite Consciousness, suggesting that the true self is not subject to birth or death, which are phenomena of the finite mind and its experiences.

What does the script suggest about the nature of reality as perceived by the finite mind?

The script suggests that the finite mind perceives a multiplicity and diversity of objects, which are manifestations of the infinite Consciousness but are not known by it in the same way the finite mind knows them.

How can one experience infinite Consciousness as described in the script?

One can experience infinite Consciousness through self-inquiry, by asking 'who am I, really?' and tracing back through layers of experience to the point prior to thought, perception, and sensation.

What is the 'conscious death' mentioned in the script?

The 'conscious death' refers to the experience of infinite Consciousness prior to its localization as a finite mind, where there is no thought, perception, time, or space.

What is the 'aware empty space' inside oneself mentioned in the script?

The 'aware empty space' is the experience of infinite Consciousness at the core of one's being, which is devoid of dimensions and is akin to the state of deep sleep.

How does the script relate to the teachings of Ramana Maharshi?

The script relates to Ramana Maharshi's teachings by discussing the experience of infinite Consciousness and self-inquiry, which are central themes in his philosophy.

What is the 'vast silence' mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to self-inquiry?

The 'vast silence' is the inner stillness that beckons us to delve into our true nature through self-inquiry, a concept that is also found in mystical Christianity.