Page 137 - Journey to Infinity

pleasantness is the condition of intoxication. Nay! it is bliss or pleasantness or intoxication itself! It is now quite essential to know the meaning of the Vedanta.
The end of the Veda (knowledge) is pleasantness and bliss. The scriptures say that the goal of human life is to end misery totally, and to attain the highest (greatest) happiness. From this, it is proved that the Veda or knowledge is not an end in itself, its end being happiness and bliss.
In action, too, there is happiness. But there is difference even in happiness. One kind of bliss differs from another kind. The word ‘greatest happiness’ or highest bliss’ is used, keeping this subtle difference in mind. That ‘highest bliss’ is union, embrace, or Satsang which I have been calling Upasana all along. This word can doubtless be used to connote union. But the secondary and technical meaning of Upasana has been worship, and meditation or contemplation. Hence, instead of the word ‘union’ (Milap), it was thought sufficient to use the word upasana.
This bliss, or the highest bliss, is upasana provided that its reality or its true purpose is achieved. And for the same reason upasana is considered to be superior to knowledge.
Uptil now it seems that spirit (Atma) was the substratum or base; but now it is proved that it is the individual mind or the heart of the body. It has two characteristics: Ath — having movement, and Man — thinking or contemplating. The mind exists because of these characteristics. Attraction, repulsion, desire, happiness, knowledge and effort are all its peculiarities (peculiar qualities). Brahman means Bruh — to grow, to expand, and Man — to think or to contemplate. Hence it is cosmic mind. It, too, has body (individuality) which is a mere veil. Body is called Deha in Sanskrit, which is derived from ‘Dih’ meaning ‘united’ (brought together). All the three bodies viz., gross, subtle and causal, are like this only. Gross body is the union or combination of atoms which are manifest. Subtle body is the union or combination of atoms which are in between the outer and the inner, and it is called heart or mind. Likewise the causal body which is inner or unmanifest is the combination of causal atoms. It is called spirit. Spirit is the name for the reality or essence. As men’s conception is limited to these three alone, as they cannot understand them as they are, and as their illusion cannot be removed, therefore these terms are being elucidated again and again. The sages say Neti, Netimeaning “Neither this, nor that.” This is the translation of ‘nothingness’ — Nasthi. Whatever is said after this is mere suggestion or Ishara. But very few can understand suggestion. That which people aspire for, or that which the mind searches after, is neither God (Ishwara) nor Brahman, nor Para-Brahman (Parabrahma). ‘Neti, Neti, Neti’ — not this! not this! not