Human Existence and its Connection to the Cosmos

This article outlines a philosophical framework of our spiritual tradition that describes the hierarchical structure of existence, both within the human being and the cosmos. 

Six Divisions in the Spiritual System

1. शरीर (Sharira) - Body: This is the physical form, the tangible aspect of existence.
2. प्राणात्मा (Pranatma) - Vital Soul: Represents the life force or energy (prana) that animates the body.
3. प्रज्ञानात्मा (Prajnanatma) - Conscious Soul: Denotes consciousness or the mind that perceives and processes sensory information.
4. विज्ञानात्मा (Vijnanatma) - Intellectual Soul: Refers to higher intellect or wisdom that discerns and understands deeper truths.
5. महानात्मा (Mahanatma) - Great Soul: A more expansive level of consciousness connected to the universal or cosmic mind.
6. शान्तात्मा (Shantatma) - Peaceful or Unmanifest Soul: The soul in its purest, most serene state, beyond physical manifestation.

Foundations Based on the Body

On the basis of the physical body, four key aspects are established:

1. इन्द्रियप्राण (Indriyaprana) - Life Force of the Senses: The energy that powers the sensory organs.
2. वाक् (Vak) - Speech: The faculty of expression and communication.
3. इन्द्रिय-मन अधिष्ठाता (Indriya-Mana Adhishtata) - Governor of the Sensory Mind: The aspect of mind that oversees and regulates sensory perceptions.
4. प्राणात्मा (Pranatma) - Vital Soul (also termed कर्मात्मा - Karmatma or भोक्तात्मा - Bhoktatma): The doer and experiencer within us, responsible for actions (karma) and experiences (bhoga).

These four collectively form the 'पार्थिव-प्रपञ्च' (Parthiva-Prapancha), meaning the Earthly Manifestation or the material aspect of existence.

Cosmic Hierarchy Beyond the Earthly Plane

1. चन्द्रमा (Chandrama) - The Moon: Positioned above the Earth, the Moon symbolizes the mind and emotions. From it evolves the प्रज्ञानात्मा (Prajnanatma), associated with various states of consciousness:
• सर्वेन्द्रिय (Sarvendriya): All-encompassing senses.
• अनिन्द्रिय (Anindriya): Beyond the ordinary senses.
• अतीन्द्रिय (Atindriya): Transcending sensory experiences.
2. सूर्य (Surya) - The Sun: Above the Moon, the Sun represents the source of intellect and enlightenment. The विज्ञानात्मा (Vijnanatma) arises here, characterized by:
• ज्ञान (Jnana): Knowledge or wisdom.
• बुद्धि (Buddhi): Intellect or the discriminative faculty.
3. परमेष्ठी (Paramesthi) - The Supreme Being: Situated above the Sun, Paramesthi embodies the highest cosmic principle. Its aspect is the महानात्मा (Mahanatma), the Great Soul connected to universal consciousness.
4. स्वयम्भू (Svayambhu) - The Self-Existent: Beyond Paramesthi, Svayambhu signifies the self-originated, the ultimate source. Its aspect is the शान्तात्मा (Shantatma) or अव्यक्तात्मा (Avyaktatma), the Unmanifest Soul that is beyond physical and cosmic manifestation.

The Ultimate Reality

• अव्यक्त (Avyakta) - The Unmanifest: This realm is beyond all physical and cosmic layers described above.
• षोडशी पुरुष (Shodashi Purusha) - The Sixteenth Purusha: Transcending the unmanifested, this represents the ultimate person or consciousness, the lord of the five natural souls (पञ्च-प्राकृतात्मा).
• आत्म-विवर्त्त (Atma-Vivarta) - Evolution of the Soul: This term refers to the unfolding or transformation of the soul through various stages, culminating in the realization of the Shodashi Purusha.

Summary

The passage describes a journey of the soul from the physical plane to the highest spiritual reality:

• Earthly Level: Involves the body and basic life forces that govern physical existence and sensory experiences.
• Cosmic Mind: The Moon symbolizes the mind and the development of higher consciousness beyond ordinary senses.
• Intellectual Enlightenment: The Sun represents the awakening of intellect and wisdom.
• Universal Consciousness: Paramesthi and Mahanatma denote the connection with the universal or cosmic mind.
• Ultimate Source: Svayambhu and Shantatma signify the return to the pure, unmanifested state of the soul.
• Final Realization: The Shodashi Purusha is the culmination of the soul's evolution, representing unity with the ultimate reality beyond all manifestations.

Conceptual Significance

• Hierarchical Structure: This is a layered approach to understanding the self and the universe, emphasizing the progression from the tangible to the intangible.
• Integration of Microcosm and Macrocosm: There's a parallel between the individual (microcosm) and the cosmos (macrocosm); understanding oneself leads to understanding the universe.
• Spiritual Evolution: The soul undergoes a transformative journey, shedding layers of physical and mental constructs to realize its true nature.
• Unity with the Absolute: The ultimate goal is to transcend all dualities and merge with the absolute consciousness, achieving spiritual liberation.

Practical Implications

• Self-Realization: Encourages introspection and contemplation to understand the different layers of one's existence.
• Transcendence: Suggests that by moving beyond sensory experiences and intellectual knowledge, one can access higher states of consciousness.
• Holistic Development: Emphasizes the development of all aspects of being - physical, vital, mental, intellectual, and spiritual - for overall well-being.

This philosophical framework provides a comprehensive view of human existence and its connection to the cosmos. It serves as a guide for spiritual seekers aiming to understand the nature of reality and the journey of the soul towards ultimate enlightenment.

Knowledge Bank

Which are some of the most important holy teerthas?

Kashi (Varanasi), Mathura, Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dwarka, Puri, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Rameswaram.

Why potato is not used in Jagannath Temple?

All vegetables of foreign origin are avoided in the Mahaprasad of Puri Jagannath temple. Potato was introduced in India by the Portuguese in the 17th century.