The Famous Tenet In Adi Shankara's In Vivekachudamani-II

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Jagat mithyā ( World is illusion )-Part II

The Sanskrit word 'Mithya' can be best translated in English as 'Illusory' or 'Unreal'. The word 'Jagat' would mean as the 'Material world' or all that is finite. The material world is transient as it is effaced by time. It perishable, which includes one's thoughts and emotions as well. It is thus subjected to birth and death. Hence it is not independent of time. It is not dependable owing to its perishable nature. It is subject to change.

Further more the material world is dependent on the 'Brahman' or the 'Consciousness' for it's existence as without which it cannot even be perceived. Hence its existence is unreal from the standpoint of the ever existing Brahman. Hence the 'Material World' is termed as 'Mithya' or illusory by the ancient seers who have realised the truth.

Jīvo Brahmaiva nāparah ( there is ultimately no difference between Brahman and individual self)

The essence of the individual is the essence of the world. This statement could be contradictory only in terms of identifying oneself with the body, mind complex. When the formless Brahman or the consciousness alone is the ultimate truth that is all pervading, the essence of all creation is the Brahman. While the body undergoes changes at very stage of life and while the thoughts that constitute the mind are ever changing, the Consciousness (Brahman) or the 'I' alone is ever present as the unchanging reality. Hence the essence of the individual self is the very Brahman. Hence from the standpoint of the Brahman there is no difference between the Brahman and the individual self.

Enquiring into the nature of the 'I' and realising it as the imperishable self is realisation which would also mean liberation. It is to be noted that one is already realised. Self realisation is not something newly acquired, which would attribute Brahman, that which is ever present, as something newly created. The mere understanding of the true nature of oneself and abiding in it is realisation. It would thus mean by the awake of realisation, all that is illusory disappears like darkness that flees with the infusion of light.

The essence of Advaita philosophy is thus captured in this single yet powerful tenet of Sri Adi Shankara. Lets reflect on its truth and realise the self by the Grace of the greatest master of the world.