--> Skip to main content


An Immortal Verse from Srimad Bhagavata Purana On Infinite Consciousness

By

An Immortal Verse from Srimad Bhagavata Purana: Understanding the Non-Dual Infinite Consciousness

The Verse in Its Original Form

Sanskrit Verse (Srimad Bhagavata Purana 1.2.11):
"vadanti tat tattva-vidas tattvaṁ yaj jñānam advayam |
brahmeti paramātmeti bhagavān iti śabdyate ||"

Transliteration:
Vadanti tat tattva-vidas tattvaṁ yaj jñānam advayam,
Brahmeti paramātmeti bhagavān iti śabdyate.

Translation:
"Knowers of truth declare that the truth of one and the same non-dual infinite consciousness is called Brahman by the jñānis (seekers of knowledge), Paramātmā by the mystics, and Bhagavān by the bhaktas (devotees)."

Introduction: The Timeless Essence of Non-Dual Reality

The verse from the Srimad Bhagavata Purana, revered as one of the foundational texts of Hindu philosophy, encapsulates the profound essence of universal truth. It highlights the unity of the ultimate reality, which manifests differently depending on the path of the seeker. This single verse beautifully encapsulates the crux of Vedantic philosophy, offering a holistic view of spiritual understanding that transcends sectarian boundaries.

In this exploration, we delve into the meaning, symbolism, and universal teachings of this verse, examining how it aligns with the broader tenets of Hinduism while offering insights relevant to all spiritual traditions.

Meaning of the Verse

  1. Tattva-vidas – The Knowers of Truth:
    The verse begins by addressing the tattva-vidas, the enlightened ones who have realized the essence of existence. These individuals are not merely scholars but those who have experienced the truth through direct realization.

  2. Jñānam Advayam – Non-Dual Consciousness:
    The ultimate truth is described as advayam, meaning non-dual. This non-duality indicates the absence of separation between subject and object, self and universe, or creator and creation. The verse identifies this truth as the substratum of all existence.

  3. Brahman, Paramātmā, and Bhagavān – Three Perspectives:
    The verse outlines three names for the same reality, depending on the seeker’s perspective:

    • Brahman: The unmanifest, formless, infinite consciousness perceived by those on the path of knowledge (jñāna marga).
    • Paramātmā: The indwelling self or universal spirit, realized through meditation and self-inquiry by mystics (dhyāna marga).
    • Bhagavān: The personal God, adored by devotees through love and surrender (bhakti marga).

Symbolism and Philosophical Insights

  1. Unity in Diversity:
    The verse highlights the fundamental unity underlying the diversity of spiritual paths. Whether one worships a personal deity, contemplates the cosmic self, or seeks knowledge of the absolute, all paths converge upon the same ultimate reality.

  2. Non-Duality as the Core Philosophy:
    Hinduism, through this verse, reinforces its cornerstone philosophy of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism). The distinctions among Brahman, Paramātmā, and Bhagavān are not contradictions but varying lenses through which the infinite consciousness is perceived.

  3. The Trichotomy Reflecting Human Approach:

    • The jñāni seeks intellectual understanding, akin to knowing the ocean’s depth.
    • The yogi seeks personal experience, akin to diving into the ocean.
    • The bhakta seeks emotional connection, akin to loving the ocean's waves and its life-giving qualities.

  4. Inclusiveness:
    This verse dispels sectarianism by affirming that different approaches are equally valid. It harmonizes the often-perceived divide between the impersonal and personal conceptions of divinity.

Importance of the Verse in Hindu Philosophy

  1. A Pillar of Vedantic Teaching:
    This verse is a cornerstone of the Bhagavata Purana's philosophical teachings, summarizing the essence of Sanatana Dharma. It bridges the gap between abstract philosophy and personal devotion, making it relevant for seekers of all temperaments.

  2. A Path to Universal Harmony:
    By acknowledging multiple valid paths to truth, the verse serves as a blueprint for interfaith dialogue and universal acceptance. It embodies the Hindu ethos of Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti ("Truth is one, the wise call it by many names").

  3. A Guide for Seekers:
    This verse serves as a guidepost for spiritual aspirants, encouraging them to honor their unique inclinations while recognizing the unity of their ultimate goal.

Universal Teachings of Hinduism in a Nutshell

  1. Plurality of Paths:
    Hinduism celebrates the diversity of approaches to the divine, as reflected in this verse. The paths of knowledge (jñāna yoga), devotion (bhakti yoga), action (karma yoga), and meditation (dhyāna yoga) are equally esteemed.

  2. Harmony of Personal and Impersonal Divine:
    The verse reconciles the apparent dichotomy between the impersonal absolute (nirguna Brahman) and the personal God (saguna Brahman), showing that they are aspects of the same truth.

  3. Integration of Philosophy and Practice:
    Hinduism does not limit itself to abstract philosophical discussions; it integrates them with practical spirituality, allowing individuals to embody truth in their daily lives.

Symbolic Analogies to Explain the Verse

  1. The Sun and Its Rays:
    The ultimate reality (Brahman) is like the sun, Paramātmā is its reflection within each of us, and Bhagavān is the sun perceived through the lens of devotion. All are manifestations of the same light.

  2. The Ocean and Its Waves:
    Brahman is the infinite ocean, Paramātmā is the ocean’s silent depths within every drop, and Bhagavān is the wave—dynamic and tangible to our senses.

Other Important Facts About Srimad Bhagavata Purana

  1. Scriptural Importance:

    • The Bhagavata Purana is one of the 18 Mahapuranas and holds a special place in Hinduism due to its blend of devotion, philosophy, and stories.
    • It emphasizes bhakti (devotion) as the highest means to liberation while integrating teachings of Advaita Vedanta.

  2. Historical Context:

    • Attributed to Sage Vyasa, the Bhagavata Purana is believed to have been composed during the post-Mahabharata period.
    • It played a crucial role in the Bhakti movement, inspiring saints like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Vallabhacharya.

  3. A Text for All Seekers:
    While rooted in Vedanta, the Bhagavata Purana is accessible to all, weaving complex philosophy into compelling narratives like those of Krishna and Prahlada.

Practical Implications in Modern Times

  1. Spiritual Tolerance:
    This verse promotes acceptance of diverse spiritual paths, fostering harmony in a world often divided by religious differences.

  2. Personalized Spiritual Growth:
    Recognizing the threefold manifestation of reality allows individuals to choose the spiritual practice that resonates most with their temperament and circumstances.

  3. A Call for Inner Inquiry:
    In the age of materialism, the verse serves as a reminder to seek the eternal amidst the transient, guiding individuals toward self-realization and inner peace.

The verse from Srimad Bhagavata Purana (1.2.11) is a timeless beacon of wisdom, shedding light on the unity of the ultimate reality while celebrating the diversity of paths leading to it. Its emphasis on non-dual consciousness (advayam jñānam) as Brahman, Paramātmā, and Bhagavān reflects the universal inclusiveness at the heart of Hindu philosophy.

In a world yearning for spiritual unity and understanding, this verse is a call to rise above distinctions and recognize the shared essence of all existence. It not only enriches the seeker’s journey but also inspires a harmonious coexistence among all spiritual traditions. Through its profound yet simple message, this immortal verse continues to illuminate the path to truth, love, and self-realization.