This I Know (Ashtavakra Gita 6.1-6.4) - 2nd November 2016

So Janaka said, 'I am infinite space. The universe is a jar, like a vessel or container. This I know. No need to renounce, accept, or destroy.' So what is he saying? He's saying that I am that space in which even the universe is just an object. It seems to be like a container for other objects, but I know this now. What is there for me to renounce? What should I accept or renounce? What is there for me to do now? Do I need to destroy the person? No. I see I am this space, that which is beyond the space-time and space of the universe. Within me, this universe is just a small part, a jar. What pointing do I need? What should I hold on to or give up? Which person should I destroy? Which ego do I need to kill now?

Then he says, 'I'm the shoreless ocean,' means the ocean that has no end, no boundary. 'The universe makes waves. This I know. No need to renounce, accept, or destroy.' And this boundless ocean in which all of these samsara, these universes, they come and they go as waves, as a play on my surface. And all of us have seen this. Many of you have said I have suggested to see this, especially when it comes to things like emotions. I said see what is there below this. This is just the tiny layer of the surface in which these emotions, sensations, they go up and down. But actually, in reality for you, you are that in which this entire universe is just a surface layer wave showing itself and then dissolving, showing itself then dissolving.

What must you be? That which knows this, tastes this magnificent emptiness which is full of this potential for this phenomenal experiencing and yet remains untouched even by this potential. A million universes come in and out of you and you remain untouched. This is the Atma, the Self we are talking about. What must you be? That which remains unmoved, unconcerned, untouched with the birth and dissolution of millions of realms. This is not some fantasy. This is not some feel-good dramatic statement. It is the reality of who you are. For you, these universes are just these waves on the boundless ocean that you are. What must you now renounce, accept, or destroy?

Janaka is speaking from his recognition now, his place of true seeing. His joy, his wonder is being expressed in these words. And each of these verses are meant to be just reinforces, hammer blows for you to stay in the recognition of the truth. All these examples are not just for poetic effect; they are to show you your reality again and again till the hypnosis of Maya, of delusion, falls away.

So in the same vein, he says, 'I am the mother of pearl. The universe is the illusion of silver. This I know.' So one of you sent me a photo of the mother of pearl—Krishna, maybe, sent this photo of the mother of pearl—which had this layer which seemed likely to silver, you see? Some substance that the mother of pearl secretes; it seems like it is silver. So for you, you are this substratum on which this illusion of silver, which is the universe itself, is appearing. This I know. No need to renounce, accept, or destroy.