Queries on Ego
Question
Sir,
You mentioned the following in an answer:
"Just as the dream was only a superimposition of circumstances and ideas on one's consciousness through the mind in sleep, the waking state is another superimposition on the pure Atman, whose consciousness has identified itself with the Ego, body and a sense of separate entity. Just as the dream is realized as being unreal upon wake-up, the 'waking state' which was earlier considered real by a person is realized to be an unreal illusion upon attaining 'Atmasakshatkara' (realization of the self)"
Please clarify. I do not understand. Pure consciousness, the "screen", is the atman. In a dream, dream events are superimposed on it while in life, life events are superimposed on it. But does the mind and ego function in both cases or only in the life case? There is no ego and mind in the dream state, is there?
1. Also the Tripura Rahasyam mention the waking state, dreaming state, and deep sleep. Is the atman present in all three states? What about the mind, ego, intellect, and consciousness?
2. When you say "manas, buddhi, chittha, ahamkara" you are referring to the mind, intellect, consciousness, and ego. Do all 4 of these always appear together or is there a state in which, for example, there is consciousness but no mind? or intellect but no ego? etc.
3. Lastly, is there any merit-as a young brahmachari-to enjoying carnal pleasures before embarking on celibacy so that the "curiosity" factor is killed? Else it keeps rearing its ugly head. As a young brahmachari the stakes are low. As an old man, breaking brahmacharya would preclude one from completing 12 or however number of years are needed to realize the self.
4. Why is the mind so attracted to the sexual body parts-breasts, penis, lips, vagina, etc? These are all very disgusting upon close examination (e.g. the saliva of the mouth) yet for the average man these body parts bring excitement. Is it due to evolutionary reasons (e.g. breasts represent fat stores for survival) or due to the many impressions (vasanas) or due to social conditioning (culture is very lewd these days)?
5. One thing that prevents the mind from complete peace is worldly desire. A recognition for fame by helping others and financial stability (a bank account large enough to be independent) are both preventing me from focusing inward. With the right practice, will I be able to clear these barriers so I can turn the mind inward without it going outside?
Thank you,
Parsa
Answer
1. The mind and Ego function in the waking as well as the dream states. The dream is experienced through the mind, like any other experience. Had there been no mind and no Ego, there would have been no dream.
2. The Atman alone exists, always. All else is illusion.
3. All these are the product of the individual Ego itself, which shines by unknowingly drawing from the power of the Atman, yet assumes itself as independent.
4. Do your Sadhana and remain quiet. The experience of sexuality is to be gained within the bounds of marriage, as per Dharma.
Maya makes the false appear real, clouding Buddhi. One should do his Sadhana and merge into the source. Then alone will all queries be answered through realization. All else is fancy.