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Meaning of Life 1 - Ignorance Transcends Absence of Knowledge

Updated: May 5




Meaning of Life 1 - Ignorance Transcends Absence of Knowledge

Based on Life Divine by Sri Aurobindo

Part One - Chapter 15 - 1

Reality and the Integral Knowledge


Key Takeaways

  • Deeper Self-Knowledge: True knowledge is not merely intellectual but is woven from the fabric of existence itself, resonating within us.

  • Integral Spiritual Consciousness: True knowledge arises from an integral spiritual consciousness that bridges all levels of being, revealing the interconnectedness of existence.

  • The Ineffable Reality of the Absolute: True knowledge brushes against the ineffable reality of the Absolute, surpassing all other forms of awareness.

  • Consciousness as Interpreter: Consciousness acts as a bridge, interpreting hidden truths and revealing the ways the One manifests in the Many.

  • Transformation of Reality: Integral consciousness uplifts and transforms reality, unveiling its profound meaning and dissolving the illusion of separation from the divine.

  • Dynamic Perception of Reality: Perception of reality is dynamic, ranging from intensive and exclusive focus to extensive and inclusive approaches.

  • Value of Spiritual Paths: Different spiritual paths offer specific frameworks for understanding reality, each with its own validity and potential for profound experiences.

  • The Absolute as Sole Reality: Some spiritual paths assert the Absolute as the sole, true Reality, viewing individual beings and the cosmos as temporary manifestations within it.


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This Self is to be won by the Truth and by an integral knowledge. Mundaka Upanishad.

सत्येन लभ्यस्तपसा ह्येष आत्मा सम्यग्ज्ञानेन ब्रह्मचर्येण नित्यम् । 

अन्तःशरीरे ज्योतिर्मयो हि शुभ्रो यं पश्यन्ति यतयः क्षीणदोषाः ॥ 

The Self can always be won by truth, by self-discipline, by integral knowledge, by a life of purity; this Self that is in the inner body, radiant, made all of light, whom by the perishing of their blemishes the doers of askesis behold. 

                   ~ Verse 3.1.5, Mundaka Upanishad


Hear how thou shalt know Me in My totality . . . for even of the seekers who have achieved, hardly one knows Me in all the truth of My being. Gita.

मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु कश्चिद्यतति सिद्धये |

यततामपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन्मां वेत्ति तत्त्वत: || 3||

Shloka 7.3 Gita

Among thousands of men one here and there strives after perfection, and of those who strive and attain to perfection one here and there knows me in all the principles of my existence.


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Synopsis

What precisely constitutes Ignorance? It transcends the mere absence of knowledge as conventionally perceived. In this immersive exploration, we embark on a profound journey into the heart of original Vedic Knowledge, tracing back to our human origins and boldly challenging our entrenched beliefs.

This discourse holds profound relevance amidst the tumultuous landscape of today's society, where confusion and chaos abound. Ignorance, far from being relegated to the realm of spirituality alone, intricately intertwines with our material existence, shaping the very fabric of our reality.

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We yearn to reclaim a deeper self-knowledge, one woven from the very fabric of existence. This knowledge isn't cobbled together from facts and figures; it's an echo of the world-self resonating within us. The mind's knowledge, though valuable, holds a lesser torch.


True Knowledge ignites from an integral spiritual consciousness. This isn't a fragmented map, but a holographic vision encompassing all levels of being. It seamlessly bridges the highest spheres to the most fundamental, weaving them into an indivisible tapestry. Unveiling our deepest selves unlocks a parallel understanding of the world, for we are but threads in its grand tapestry. This journey of self-discovery becomes a mirror reflecting the world back to us, revealing its essence as an extension of our own being.

We yearn to reclaim a deeper self-knowledge, one woven from the very fabric of existence.

Imagine an integral spiritual consciousness. It's a towering peak, scraping the very heavens. Here, at its summit, it brushes against the ineffable reality of the Absolute, a state so transcendent it surpasses all awareness except its own.


Now, descend to the base of this mountain. Here lies the Inconscience, the primordial soup from which all evolution springs. Yet, this consciousness isn't blinded by the seeming darkness. Instead, it perceives the spark of the One and the All, the divine essence hidden within these depths.

Unveiling our deepest selves unlocks a parallel understanding of the world.

This consciousness is more than just an observer. It acts as a bridge, an interpreter revealing hidden truths. Its vision cuts through the veil, uncovering the ways the One manifests in the Many. It sees the infinite spirit woven into the seemingly finite tapestry of existence. It perceives the imprint of the eternal present within the ever-flowing river of time. Through this all-encompassing sight, the universe unfolds its meaning, a grand narrative illuminated.


Imagine an integral consciousness blossoming within us. This awakening doesn't erase the universe, but rather uplifts and transforms it. Like a sculptor unveiling the hidden potential within a block of stone, this consciousness reveals the universe's profound meaning. Individual existence isn't negated either. Instead, it undergoes a metamorphosis. This consciousness unveils the true essence of who we are, dissolving the illusion of separation from the divine reality and nature. It empowers us to transcend limitations and embrace our connection to something far grander. Integral knowledge, after all, can only flourish from an integral reality. It's the blossoming of a Truth-consciousness that inherently understands the very fabric of existence itself.

It sees the infinite spirit woven into the seemingly finite tapestry of existence.

Our perception of reality isn't fixed, but rather a dynamic dance choreographed by the movements of our consciousness. Imagine consciousness as a multifaceted lens – its "sight" can be narrow and focused, dwelling on specific details. Alternatively, it can become a wide-angle lens, encompassing a vast panorama. The "stress" placed on this lens, the intensity of our focus, further shapes this perception.


This dynamism allows for a spectrum of experiences. On one end lies an intensive and exclusive focus. Here, the lens zooms in, filtering out everything but a single point of interest. This intense focus can be a valuable tool in certain spiritual paths, leading to a profound understanding of specific aspects of reality.

Individual existence isn't negated either. Instead, it undergoes a metamorphosis.

On the other hand, consciousness can adopt a more extensive and inclusive approach. This wide-angle lens takes in the entirety of the scene, integrating diverse elements into a comprehensive whole. This all-encompassing view fosters a more holistic understanding of reality, appreciating the interconnectedness of all things.


A spiritual path may delve into the concept of the ineffable Absolute – a transcendent reality that surpasses all understanding. While this path may not offer the whole universal truths, it holds value within its specific frameworks. It can be instrumental in shaping our thinking and potentially leading to profound spiritual experiences, albeit within the confines of its own sphere of thinking. This path, while demanding, holds immense validity. Its adherents posit that the Absolute is the sole, true Reality. Within this framework, the individual being and the entire cosmos are seen as mere "phenomena," temporary manifestations within the Absolute. 

……. to continue

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