Action And The Concept Of Brahman

Let us examine how human action relates to the concept of Brahman.

Two broad divisions of Brahman

Brahman can be broadly divided into Nirguna Brahman and Saguna Brahman.

It is Nirguna Brahman alone which manifests as Saguna Brahman.

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Three subdivisions of Saguna Brahman

Further, Saguna Brahman is subdivided into Avyaya, Akshara, and Kshara.

How is human existence connected to these four states?

Human existence has four levels.

Body - Mind - Intellect - Atman.

Body connects to Kshara.

Mind connects to Akshara.

Intellect connects to Avyaya.

Atman connects to Nirguna Brahman.

How is action related to these?

A person who simply meets the needs of the body - such as satisfying hunger, quenching thirst, increasing pleasure, or reducing discomfort - is at the level of Kshara.

Action in animals exists only at this level.

A level above, using the intellect and the mind.

There is a difference between these two.

The emotions that arise from the mind must be suppressed.

Intellect should guide action, not the mind.

These are at the level of Akshara and Avyaya.

At Nirguna Brahman's level, action is relinquished.

Knowledge Bank

What exactly is Brahman?

The universe around us is not permanent. Its life span is 4.32 billion years. Like a wave rising up from the sea and then falling back into it, the universe also comes out of Brahman and dissolves back into Brahman. It is a small part of Brahman that becomes the universe. The beginningless, endless and eternal reality is Brahman.

How do you get Brahman?

We perceive the world as many objects and beings different from each other. In Brahman, there is no duality. Brahman is achieved when all dualistic thoughts and perceptions disappear from the mind. This can be attained through the paths of bhakti, jnana, or karma.