Meditations on Transcendence

The unchecked mind spins illusions, drawing one into false pursuits of happiness. These mental constructs are distractions from the ātman, the essence of one's true self. As the Bhagavad Gita declares, "उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्" (Gita 6.5), uplift the self by controlling the mind, not letting it degrade you. The mind must be ignored when it strays from śāstra-jñāna (scriptural wisdom). The Upanishads say, "मन एव मनुष्याणां बन्धमोक्षयोः कारणम्" (Amṛtabindu Upanishad 2), the mind is the cause of both bondage and liberation. The true bliss arises from focusing on the ātman, which is Vishnu—the essence of essence, the eternal root of all joy. Concentrate on Vishnu, for He is the source of bliss. Withdraw from the mind’s fake ideas, knowing it is an unreliable guide. The mind, when uncontrolled, is the śatru (enemy), but when directed toward Vishnu, it becomes a path to liberation.

अहम्‌ मम भावः मोहिनी प्रकृतिः, कृष्णस्य भावः दैवी प्रकृतिः The "I and mine" feeling (अहम्‌ मम भावः) is rooted in the ego, which draws one into the illusionary energy, or Mohini Prakriti. This energy binds us to worldly attachments, desires, and the illusion of separateness from the Divine. In contrast, the feeling of "by and of Krishna" (कृष्णस्य भावः) awakens the Daivi Prakriti—the divine nature. When we see ourselves as instruments of Krishna’s will, ego dissolves, and the heart becomes aligned with divine love. This shift uplifts consciousness, pulling it away from material entanglements and anchoring it in surrender, service, and devotion to the Supreme.

 (Verse 1) In the swirling depths of jagat's sea, We see 'sat' where it can never be, A Himalayan blunder, vast and grand, Casting shadows over this land. Disappointment rides on every breeze, Perplexity brings us to our knees, Bewildered hearts, in a darkened trance, Lost in the illusion's dance. (Chorus) Mohitam, mohitam, trapped in a dream, Giving 'sat' to jagat, or so it seems, In the maze of illusion, we lose our way, Seeking the dawn in the dying day. (Verse 2) Jagat's fleeting glimmers catch our eyes, Veiling truth in a thousand lies, In this world, we search in vain, For the eternal in the transient's reign. Disappointment's echo, a haunting call, Perplexity builds its towering wall, Bewildered minds in a tangled knot, Chasing shadows, the truth forgot. (Chorus) Mohitam, mohitam, trapped in a dream, Giving 'sat' to jagat, or so it seems, In the maze of illusion, we lose our way, Seeking the dawn in the dying day. (Bridge) In the quiet...

  Recognize the divine within and see, In every heart, the spirit free. With wisdom's light, let illusions fall, Embrace the truth, the essence of all. सर्वात्मानं स्वयं विज्ञाय, हृदये सर्वेषु आत्मा मुक्तः। ज्ञानेन प्रकाशे मोहं त्यज, सत्यं आलिङ्ग्य, सर्वस्य सारं। Illusion melts away when you see that the owner behind the illusory energy is Satya 'reality' truth