Aum

MOkshasaadhanam (Means of Liberation) – 15
by Krishna Sastri

Aum

Sishya: Sir, let us consider the following:

* Silver is superimposed on the mother of pearl. On verification we find that the silver is non-existent and only the mother of pearl is real;

* A man is superimposed on a post. On verification we find that the man is non- existent and only the post is real;

* A snake is superimposed on a rope. On verification we find that the snake is non- existent and only the rope is real;

In all the above examples, we find that when something is superimposed on another that something disappears on verification. If, as you say there is mutual superimposition of the body and the Self, logically, they should both disappear on verification. This conclusion would lead to nihilism. This is neither desirable nor possible. If we say only the body is superimposed on the Self, then on verification the body should be non-existent. This too is not possible as it would contradict our sense perception.

Therefore I disagree with your contention that the body and the Self are mutually superimposed. On the other hand my conclusion is that they are both dependent on each other like the wall and the roof (that make the house).

Guru: This is not correct. As, then the Self would be existent for the benefit of the body and that would make the Self non-eternal. As our contention is that the Self is eternal, the conjoined existence of the Self with the body would be untenable. Therefore your contention that the body and the Self exist for mutual benefit like the roof and the wall is false.

Sishya: Sir, if I agree to your contention that the Self is devoid of any contact with the body, then there arises a situation where the body is without the Self which would defeat the function and purpose of the body. This will also lead to the nihilist position.

Guru: My dear Devadatta, you are not correct. Like the Aakaasa exists for its own sake with or without objects and the objects exists only in space and cannot exist without space, the Self also exists for its own sake devoid of contact with the body and the body cannot exist without the Self. Therefore your objection of a nihilist position in this is not valid.

Sishya: Then pray tell me. How can the mutual superimposition of the body and the Self arise where one can sense the body but not aware of the Self?

Guru: It is not a valid contention to say that one is not aware of his Self. The Self is naturally well-known.
(contd.)