Asserted Topics:
The awareness of the Sakshi.
Main Points:
- The awareness of the jiva is dependent on the awareness of the Sakshi.
- Although the Sakshi has a form, it can still be all-pervasive.
Commentary:
This Vachanamrut addresses the awareness of the Sakshi. At the prompting of Maharaj, Gopalanand Swami asked Bhajananand Swami, “How much awareness does the jiva have within this body, and how much awareness does the Sakshi have?” When Swami attempted to respond, he could not provide a satisfactory answer. Maharaj then explained, “Buddhi pervades the body from head to toe. It extends throughout all the senses and is aware of their actions simultaneously. The jiva resides within this Buddhi, as it pervades the Buddhi. Therefore, the Buddhi is aware due to the presence of the jiva, and this awareness is attributed to the jiva. Moreover, Parmatma resides within the jiva as the Sakshi (observer). Hence, the awareness of the jiva is dependent on the Sakshi. Without the Sakshi, the jiva would not be able to perceive anything, and without the jiva, the Buddhi would not be aware of anything. Thus, the consciousness within this body ultimately depends on Parmatma in the form of the Sakshi.”
Thereafter, Nityanand Swami asked, “If the Sakshi has a form, then how can something with a form be all-pervasive?” Shreeji Maharaj replied, “Something that has a form can still be all-pervasive. For instance, Agnidev (the god of fire) resides in his abode in a specific form, but by his special power, he can pervade a piece of wood when it is set aflame. Similarly, the Sakshi, though in the form of Parmatma, can be all-pervasive. Therefore, there is no obstacle for the Sakshi to pervade. The material forms of this world cannot pervade, and thus people often assume that something with a form cannot pervade. However, this notion is flawed and applies only to certain objects. It does not apply universally and certainly does not apply to Parmatma, the Sakshi.”
For example, the images broadcast from a television station (Doordarshan Kendra) can be captured anywhere on Earth through a television. A broadcast originating from Delhi, for instance, can be received anywhere in India or even across the world without any distortion. This demonstrates that these images, while tangible, can still travel and pervade multiple places at once. If such material images can pervade in this manner, what obstacle is there for Parmatma in His divine form to pervade all the souls of the world? Of course, He can pervade them. Thus, although Bhagwan resides in His divine abode, Akshardham, He pervades all souls through His Antaryami Shakti (all-pervasive power) as the Sakshi and acts in a manner as if He has a form. Therefore, it must be understood that He is both formless and pervades like one with form.”