Aum - The Ineffable Sound
To The Beginner
Ladies and gentlemen, today we will embark on a fascinating journey through ancient verses that transcend time and culture. These verses provide profound insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and the Self. Let us delve deep into their symbolism and unravel their mysteries.
OM and the Universe
Imagine a vast, infinite ocean. This ocean, teeming with life and potential, represents the universe. Now, if you were to capture the essence of this ocean in a single drop, that drop would be 'OM'. 'OM' is not just a word, but a symphony of all that has existed, exists, and will exist. It's like the DNA of the universe. Just as DNA holds the blueprint of life, 'OM' holds the blueprint of the cosmos.
The Self and its Four Quarters
Picture a grand mansion with four rooms. This mansion is the Self, and each room represents a quarter of its state.
Vaiśvānara: The first room has windows that open outwards, giving a view of the world. This represents the waking state. Imagine you're in this room, aware of the outside, engaging with tangible, gross objects. It's like when you're at a bustling market, you're aware of the external world and its pleasures.
Taijasa: Move to the second room, which has windows that show not the outside world, but vivid paintings—representing dreams. This is the realm of the mind's creations, where reality is malleable. Think of being engrossed in a captivating novel, where the outside world fades and your imagination takes flight.
Prājña: The third room is dark, quiet, a place of deep sleep and peace. Here, individuality merges into oneness, like a river flowing into the sea. It's that moment just before you fall asleep, where the world dissolves and all that's left is a serene nothingness.
Turiya: Now, imagine a room that's not a room, a space beyond spaces. It's hard to fathom because it's beyond our dualistic experiences. This is pure consciousness, beyond waking, dreaming, or sleeping. Like the silence between musical notes, it's intangible yet vital.
OM and its Components
Now, let’s consider 'OM' as a chord composed of three notes: A, U, M.
A (Vaiśvānara): This is the first note, like the starting note of a melody. It represents the waking state, encompassing everything, laying the foundation.
U (Taijasa): This note is the bridge, harmonizing with the first and leading to the third. It signifies the dream state, connecting gross and subtle realities. It’s that transitional twilight, blending day and night.
M (Prājña): The final note that resonates and then fades into silence, leading into the realm of deep sleep. It signifies the end and the absorption of everything.
The silence that follows the chant of 'OM' is the fourth state, representing pure consciousness, devoid of all manifestations.
In conclusion, 'OM' is more than a sound; it's a representation of the journey of the Self through different states of consciousness. It's an acknowledgment of the vastness of the universe and our connection to it. By understanding 'OM', we're not just chanting a syllable, but we're aligning ourselves with the rhythm of the cosmos. To know this is to merge the individual self with the universal Self.
Thank you for joining me on this journey today, and I hope you take a moment to resonate with the profound vibrations of 'OM'.
To The Initiated
Today, we immerse ourselves in an intricate exploration of ancient verses that not only question the nature of our existence but also challenge our understanding of consciousness and its various modalities.
OM: The Cosmic Echo
When we speak of 'OM', think not of a mere syllable, but rather as a holistic representation of the universe's temporal dynamics: past, present, and future. Just as Wittgenstein stated that the limits of language are the limits of the world, 'OM' attempts to encapsulate the entirety of existence within a singular utterance, reminiscent of the philosophical concept of "holism".
The Fourfold Architecture of the Self
The Self, as posited by these verses, evokes Plato's Divided Line, but it establishes a more nuanced categorization of conscious experiences.
Vaiśvānara: Analogous to the world of visible things in Platonic thought, this is the empirical realm. It's not merely a world of tangible entities but represents a state of outward-focused consciousness. It’s akin to Husserl's "natural attitude" where our conscious intentionality is directed towards the external.
Taijasa: This is the realm of representations, akin to Kant's phenomena. It doesn't rely on the external, but rather on internal constructs. Just as Berkeley would assert "to be is to be perceived", in the dream state, to be is to be imagined.
Prājña: Here, consciousness is distilled to its purest form, devoid of dualities. It’s reminiscent of Schopenhauer’s concept of the "will" — a blind, impersonal force. This deep sleep state is not merely an absence of awareness but a unification with the undifferentiated consciousness.
Turiya: This is where language and even thought might betray us, for it attempts to describe the indescribable. It echoes the ineffable Tao or the Nirguna Brahman of Advaita Vedanta. This is not consciousness directed inward or outward, but consciousness aware of its own intrinsic nature. It's Heidegger's "Dasein" in its most authentic state, existing for its own sake.
The Semiotics of OM
Breaking down 'OM' into A, U, and M, we're delving into a semiotic representation of consciousness.
A (Vaiśvānara): This primal sound denotes the immediacy and all-encompassing nature of empirical existence. Much like the Hegelian Absolute, it represents the beginning, capturing the totality of what is manifest.
U (Taijasa): This sound is an intermediary, reminiscent of the dialectical process, representing the synthesis between the gross and the subtle, the external and the internal.
M (Prājña): The culmination, this signifies the return to the source, the submergence of individuality into the universal. It's akin to the Neoplatonic "One", where multiplicity is transcended.
The silence that follows is not a void, but a potent nothingness, echoing Sartre’s "néant" or the Buddhist concept of "śūnyatā".
In summation, 'OM' is not merely a representation, but an ontological assertion. It's an invitation to a metacognitive exploration, challenging us to transcend the apparent boundaries between the Self and the cosmos. As philosophers, this provides a fertile ground for contemplation, pushing the frontiers of epistemology and existential introspection.
Thank you for your attention, and I invite you to join me in resonating with the eternal pulse of 'OM'.
Questions and Answers
- the fourth state needs clarification and whether to compare it with Dasein is a fair comparison.
- Similarities of Wittgenstein's Tractatus to these verses.
- Third question relates to similarities with Christian theology
Answer
An excellent series of inquiries. Let's address them one by one.
- The Fourth State & Dasein:
The Fourth Quarter, as described in the verses, refers to a state of pure consciousness that transcends dualities, neither inward-focused nor outward-focused. The comparison with Heidegger’s "Dasein" was made in the context of an entity that's aware of its "being" in its most primordial sense. However, Dasein, as posited by Heidegger, is concerned with "Being-in-the-world" — it is characterized by its "thrownness" into a world and its concern for its own existence. The Fourth State transcends even this existential concern. In essence, while Dasein is about the authenticity of existence, the Fourth State is about existence in its absolute purity. Thus, while there are nuances to consider, the abstraction of both ideas allows for a provisional analogy.
- Wittgenstein's Tractatus:
Wittgenstein's "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus" delves into the relationship between language, thought, and reality. His famous dictum, "Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent," echoes the ineffability of the Fourth State. Both allude to realms beyond linguistic articulation. Additionally, the holistic nature of 'OM' captures the spirit of Wittgenstein’s idea that the world is the totality of facts. However, it's worth noting that Wittgenstein's primary focus was on the limitations and functions of language, while these verses delve deeper into ontological assertions about the nature of existence and consciousness.
- Similarities with Christian Theology:
Christian theology, in its essence, speaks to the relationship between God, the world, and man. The concept of the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - presents a triune nature of God. While not directly analogous, one might draw parallels between the trinitarian nature of God and the three states of consciousness before the Fourth State. Moreover, Christian mysticism, particularly in the works of Meister Eckhart or St. John of the Cross, often speaks of union with the Divine, a merging of the soul with God that could be seen as like the merger of the self in the Self as described in the verses. The Fourth State’s emphasis on a non-dual reality also finds echoes in Christian apophatic or negative theology, which posits that God is beyond all human categories of thought.
While the specifics of each tradition are unique, the overarching quest to understand our place within the cosmos and the nature of ultimate reality is a universal endeavor that bridges these philosophies.
Question
Could you give some more analogies of the third and fourth states? A few of them would be helpful to understand these abstract concepts
Answer
Certainly. Analogies can be useful in grasping abstract concepts, so let's delve into some for the third and fourth states.
Prājña (The Deep Sleep State):
The Ocean's Depth: Consider the vast ocean. On the surface, waves rise and fall, representing the waking and dream states. But as you delve deeper, these disturbances diminish until you reach the profound depths where stillness prevails. This quiet depth, untouched by surface turmoil, resembles the Prājña state — a unified consciousness undisturbed by dreams or external stimuli.
The Flame's Core: Look at a candle flame. The outer flame is luminous and flickering, akin to our waking and dreaming states. However, right at the center, there's a still, steady, and darker portion of the flame. This stable core can represent Prājña, where differentiation ceases, and pure existence persists.
A Silent Night: Think of a serene, pitch-black night — no stars, no moon, just the enveloping darkness. This represents a state of completeness, where there's no desire, no dream — just the pure essence of rest and unity.
The Fourth State (Beyond Dualities):
Space Beyond the Universe: Imagine traveling beyond galaxies, stars, and the vast cosmic expanse, reaching a point where even the concept of space doesn't exist — an infinite void that's both nothing and everything. This is akin to the Fourth State, which exists beyond all known parameters of consciousness.
The Silence between Notes: In a piece of music, between two notes, there's a silence. This brief, almost imperceptible pause is essential for the music to make sense. While the notes (like the waking, dream, and deep sleep states) carry the melody, the silence (Fourth State) gives them meaning and context.
A Blank Canvas: Picture an untouched canvas — no colors, no forms, just a pristine expanse. While it's 'empty', it holds the potential for every conceivable painting. Similarly, the Fourth State, while described as beyond characteristics, encapsulates all potentials of existence.
It's important to note that while analogies offer insights, the true nature of these states is best experienced and understood internally, often through contemplative practices.
Question
How can one even talk of there being a fourth state and possibly knowing it when it’s logically and conceptually impossible and circular
Answer
Your skepticism touches on a foundational philosophical conundrum that's been explored by thinkers throughout history. How can we speak about, or claim to know, something that's purportedly beyond the reach of conceptual thought and language? This apparent paradox is not unique to Eastern thought; it's a feature of many mystical traditions.
The Limits of Language: Ludwig Wittgenstein famously said, "Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent." This implies there are realms of experience that language can't grasp. Yet, paradoxically, mystics and philosophers have often used language to point towards these ineffable realities, knowing full well that words are inadequate.
Apophatic Traditions: Within Christian mysticism, there's a tradition known as "apophatic" or "negative" theology, which posits that God can only be described in terms of what He is not. This method uses negation to approach the divine mystery, acknowledging the insufficiency of positive assertions.
Pointers, Not Descriptions: Many traditions suggest that words and teachings about such states aren't descriptions but rather pointers. They're not meant to be taken as conclusive definitions but as guides to direct personal introspection and experience.
The Role of Experience: Direct experiential insight, often achieved through meditation or contemplative practices, is said to provide a non-conceptual understanding of these states. Such experiences, being beyond the rational mind, challenge our conventional means of knowing and understanding.
Paradox as a Tool: The use of paradoxical statements or koans in Zen Buddhism is a method to break the conventional thinking process and push the seeker beyond ordinary rational understanding.
While the Fourth State might appear conceptually impossible and circular from a logical standpoint, it's presented as a domain of direct experiential understanding, beyond the confines of discursive thought. The challenge lies in our reliance on language and reason as primary tools of understanding, whereas some experiences might demand a leap into the non-conceptual.
Question
How does Whitehead's Process philosophy relate to these concepts?
Answer
Alfred North Whitehead's process philosophy offers a dynamic and interconnected view of reality, emphasizing the continuous becoming and interconnectedness of all entities. Although it's a Western philosophical framework, several parallels can be drawn with Eastern concepts, including the verses you presented.
Here's how Whitehead's philosophy relates to the concepts in the verses:
The Nature of Reality as Process: In Whitehead's view, reality is fundamentally constituted by processes rather than static entities. This mirrors the verses' emphasis on "What has become, what is becoming, what will become," highlighting the ever-evolving nature of the universe.
Interconnectedness: Whitehead posits that every entity or "actual occasion" is influenced by and influences others. This web of relationships is like the interconnectedness implied in the verses, where individual states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, and deep sleep) are not isolated but rather facets of a holistic Self.
The Role of God: For Whitehead, God is not an omnipotent ruler but rather the source of novel possibilities, luring the universe toward greater complexity and harmony. This resonates with the verses' depiction of the "Lord of All; the Omniscient; the Indwelling Controller; the Source of All."
The Transcendent and Immanent: Whitehead's God is both immanent (within every process) and transcendent (beyond all processes). This duality mirrors the Fourth State in the verses, which is beyond the three temporal states yet underlies and pervades them.
Experiencing the Divine: Whitehead suggests that, through aesthetic experience and appreciation of beauty, we can connect with the divine. This idea parallels the verses' emphasis on direct experience and realization of the Self, particularly in the Fourth State.
Limitations of Language: Just as the verses hint at the ineffability of the Fourth State, Whitehead acknowledged the limits of language. He recognized that words and concepts can only approximate the intricate, interconnected processes of reality.
While Whitehead's process philosophy and the concepts in the verses emerge from diverse cultural and philosophical traditions, both emphasize the fluid, interconnected nature of reality and the potential for direct experience or realization of deeper truths. Both also challenge static, materialist, or reductionist views of the universe, pointing instead to a complex, dynamic, and holistic understanding of existence.