Advaita Vedanta has a unique way of explaining the non-dual nature of consciousness. We live life with the understanding and belief that we are this body and this mind. We see ourselves as different from others. There is "I" and there is the world, two different entities. Similarly, we see God as different from us. However, Vedanta teaches that even though it appears that we are many, in the ultimate reality, we are all part of one. To explain this further, Vedanta gives the example of waves and water.

In order to understand this better, for the time being, assume that you are a wave in the big ocean. This wave is small in the beginning, just learning the ways of the world and playing with other small waves. Slowly, this wave starts becoming bigger and bigger. As the wave grows, it starts comparing itself with other waves. Sometimes it feels pride when it compares itself with smaller waves. At other times, it feels jealous by looking at much bigger waves, trying to find its own identity in the midst of so many other waves.

While facing the ups and downs of the ocean, the wave sees something scary and asks an older wave, "What is it?" The older wave replies that it is the shore, the end. "As soon as we splash into it, we are finished." You, the wave, are now scared of losing everything that you've gathered till now, and you fear the end. Everything seems meaningless and fake in front of the shore.

While the wave is moving very fast towards the shore, a Vedantic wave comes near it. The Vedantic wave asks, "Even though we see so many waves, do you know what is common between all of us? It's the water. We look different because of size and physical appearance, but the essence of all of us is water. The old waves will smash into the shore and disappear, and new waves will continue to be born. In all of this, only one thing is constant, and that is water."

The waves will disappear, but not the water. After listening to the Vedantic wave, you, the wave, realize the true nature of yourself and are no longer scared. You are at peace, as you know that only this form will disappear, but the real "I" will always remain. Similarly, Vedanta declares that we are all different due to our forms, but the essence of all of us is consciousness. This body will die, but consciousness will remain.

Quote of the week

Spiritual Wisdom

We all have responsibilities to fulfill and moments to enjoy in this life. As we go about our duties, it's important to remember the impermanence of everything around us. Take time to reflect on the question, "Who am I?" Don't rush to find the answer—allow the question to naturally linger in your mind.

I recommend...

YouTube video - Concentration: Key to Success by Pravrajika Divyanandapana (8 mins video)

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Book - Happiness Unlimited by BK Shivani

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