![]() |
![]() |
Article XV: Transcending Beyond the Mind Ultimately, one must transcend the layers of the mind to become one with Atman, the Self. The mind exists as maya superimposed upon Atman, which must be uncovered to reach enlightenment. However, the paradox is that we must quieten and calm the mind to use it as a tool to remove maya, ultimately including the mind itself. Manas must be controlled so that our minds can be detached from sense objects. The transient joys and sorrows from sense objects can lead to disorder, but detachment allows us to control the emotions and approach the eternal bliss beyond the transient emotions. Ahamkara must be removed so that egoism is destroyed and selflessness prevails. Only through selflessness can one realize the unity of Atman and Brahman. Buddhi must be used to discriminate between what is transient and unreal, maya, from what is eternal and true, Atman. In this way, the mind can be used as a tool to remove maya, ultimately including the coverings of the mind itself. Hence, the maya of the mind is removed to reveal Atman within, which is no different than Brahman, the infinite Existence, Consciousness, and Bliss beyond space, time, and causation.
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter V |