Material existence-part two

If you missed out part one - what is material existence?

The conception of ‘I’ and ‘Mine’ are active in the conditioned state, but do they also exist in the liberated state?

They do, but in the liberated state of exist they are spiritual and free from all defect. In the liberated state in the spiritual world, the jiva becomes acquitted with his pure nature, exactly as it was created by Bhagavan. In the spiritual abode three are many different types of real egoism, each with its own characteristic sense of ‘I’ so there are also many types of cid-rasa(transcendental exchanges of sentiments) All the different spiritual paraphernalia, which form the constitutional ingredients of rasa, come under the heading of ‘Mine’.

“Then what is that defect in the different conceptions of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ that exist in the conditioned state?

The defect is that in the pure state, the conceptions of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ are real, whereas in material existence they are all imaginary, or imposed upon the living entity. That means that these conceptions are not actually aspects of the jiva, but are all false identities and relationship. Consequently, all varieties of material identification in mundane existence are impermanent and unreal, and only cause momentary happiness and distress.

“Is this deceptive material existence is false?”

No, this deceptive world is not false; it is a reality, by God’s will. It is the jivas conception of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ when he enters the material world that is false. Those who believe that this world is false are mayavadis, (Buddhist and others) advocates of theory of illusion. Such people are offenders.

“Why we fallen in this illusory relationship?”

Bhagavan is complete spiritual entity and the jivas are particles of spirit. The jiva’s first location is on the boundary line between the material world and spiritual worlds. The jiva’s who do not forget their relationship with Lord Krishna are empowered with cit-sakti (inconceivable potency), are drawn from that position in to the spiritual realm, where they become His eternal servants or associates and begin to relish the bliss of His service.

Those jivas who turn away from Krishna desire to enjoy Maya and Maya attracts them towards her by her potency. From that moment, our material state of existence comes into being and our true spiritual identity disappears. We therefore think, “I am the enjoyer of Maya”. This false egoism covers us with many varieties of false identities.

“Why is it that our true identity does not become manifest despite significant endeavor?”
There are two types of endeavor: appropriate and inappropriate. Appropriate endeavor will certainly dissipate false egoism, but how can inappropriate endeavors do so?

“What are in-appropriate endeavors?”

Some people think that their hearts will be purified if they follow karma-kanda, and that they will be liberated from Maya when they practice brahma-jnana. This type of endeavor is inappropriate. Others think that by practicing by astanga-yoga, they will enter a trance of Samadhi-yoga and attain perfection. This is another inappropriate endeavor; there are many other types of inappropriate endeavor as well.

“Why these are inappropriate endeavors?”

These methods are unsuitable because practicing them creates many obstacles that impede the attainment of one’s desired goal. In addition, there is only meager possibility of attaining that goal. The point is that our material existence has come about became of an offense, and unless we obtain the mercy of the person who we offered, we will not gain release from our material bondage and attain pure, spiritual condition.

“What are appropriate endeavor?”

Association of devotees is proper means. We find the following statement about sadhu-sanga (association of Devotees) in Srimad-Bhagavatam-(11.2.30)O, Sinless, we are inquiring from your about the supreme benefit. In this material world, even half a movement’s association with a sudha-bhaktas (Hari-devotees) is the greatest wealth for human beings.

“It is also stated in the Bhagavad-Gita (7.14) – The dive potency of mine, known as daivi-maya, consist of the three modes of nature- mode of goodness, mode of passion and mode ignorance. Human beings can not cross this Maya by their own efforts, and therefore it very difficult to overcome. Only those who surrender unto me cross beyond this potency of Mine.”

Now you may ask due to forgetfulness of God we have fallen into the hands of Maya, and are bound in this world. If we obtain Krishna’s mercy, we can be delivered again; other wise, will we remain in the same condition?

The answer for above query continues in the next chapter- Is it God mercyful for everyone?