THE INTEGRAL VISION

     Last time I placed before you the true nature of our existence- 'I' ness. It is not the body, mind or intellect. It is beyond all these. It works through them, using them as its external vehicles. To realize the essential nature of our 'I' ness we have to steadily transcend our physical, mental and intellectual states of consciousness. We have to sit in a steady posture, with eyes closed and negate slowly and steadily the body, mind and intellect, one by one, till we are reduced into our basic consciousness. Then we are conscious of nothing other than our pure Existence.

     We are now altogether in a different plane of existence. Once we enter into this state, there will be no inclination to come into this dualistic consciousness of the external world. The pull from within will be so great as to make us feel, that to totally merge in the Source of all existence, is our final goal. So, if one pursues this line of meditation for a long time, there will be the danger of his losing his hold on his external vehicles and lapsing always into his Inner Essence. He will be unfit to commune with the external world. This method is advisable only for those who wish to escape from the world and merge in the Inner Essence once for all. They will be of no use to the world. They have secured their own deliverance, having realized the Truth within. This gives only a lopsided vision of the Supreme Truth to the total exclusion of the External Reality, which is but an emanation from the Same.

     So, if one wants to realize the Integral Truth in all its fullness, he must not allow himself to get totally merged in the Inner Essence. Having touched the Inner Source and got fixed in it, he must slowly and steadily draw his consciousness outside, into his outer vehicles and try to look upon the external world in a normal way, thus balancing his sight both within and without. This is touch within first and touch without next; touch within through pure undifferentiated consciousness and touch without through the dualistic physical sight.

     In the deep-sleep state we enter into a state of undifferentiated consciousness, while during the waking state we come into contact with the multiple phenomenal Existence. In the deep-sleep state we forget all separation and in the waking state we forget the underlying unity. Here in this Sadhana, we are able to connect the deep-sleep state experience of unity with the waking state experience of separation. It is to come into the Jagrath-Sushupati State. At the core of our being, we are conscious of the underlying unity while on the surface we are confronted with the baffling multiplicity.

     For achieving the Integral Vision the negative method of merely going within is not enough, for that gives only a one sided vision of the Truth. It must, therefore, be our earnest endeavour to maintain the subtle inner consciousness of Unity, while looking upon the baffling diversity of the external world as an emanation from the same. There is nothing to be hated or shunned. The same Divine Presence shines both within and without. Then, all conflict ceases and the entire being gets filled with inexplicable Peace and Bliss.

     In chapter 3 of my book "Aids to Divine Vision" I have given a course of meditation, which when diligently practised leads one to realize the above objective. In the initial stages, one may practise the meditation with eyes closed, but later on, in the final stages of his Sadhana, it would be to his advantage if he practises it with eyes open to make the same normal and natural. This requires immense patience and perseverance. Going within may not be very difficult. But to retain the poise and to be normal both within and without, is extremely difficult, because there is always a chance of the pull from within or without being greater, with the likelihood of our falling completely within or without. With faith in the Saving Power of Divine Grace, if we practise our Sadhana, we are sure to reach our life's goal. It is very difficult to explain these subtle matters and experiences on paper, but, I am sure, you will be able to catch the Truth.

JAI SRI RAM