Comment on Mantra 5 of Sri Ispoanisad:
In this mantra, we see what appears to the human mind as a series of contradictions. From the standpoint of logic, one can either walk or not walk. One can either be near or far. It would be a contradiction to claim both statements as true at the same time. The principle of bivalence dictates that a statement is either true or false. Therefore, if the statement "He is walking" is true, then the statement "He is not walking" must be false. However, it is important to remember that traditional categorical or sentential logic is relevant only to the material world. When one is concerned with the Divine, a higher logic, a higher Truth, must be embraced.
This passage is used to describe the transcendental nature and activities of the Supreme Lord. It is interesting to note that many religious traditions have used this approach to helping devotees of their faith to understand the nature of God. The Taoist text Tao Te Ching begins with similar contradictions and the Gnostic Text "Thunder/Perfect Mind" as well. Through these seeming contradictions individuals may come to understand that what is impossible for man is possible for God, since all things are possible for God.
The Supreme Lord may walk and not walk at the same time, and be near as well as far, because the potencies of the Lord are transcendent. The energy and potency of the Lord is found within all things, and so the Lord (in a sense) is always acting. So, the Lord is found within animal and so is in motion. He is within rock and so is still. God is within ourselves and so is near, but is also beyond the material sky, thus making Him far away.
Since our minds cannot grasp the nature of God through our own efforts, we must demonstrate our desire to know, but to know enough to know that we need this demonstration, we need a starting point. Scripture is this starting point, and the seeming contradictions of this text are the starting point. Through them we can come to realize that God is beyond traditional knowledge and that the Absolute Truth is not to be known through words, but through experience. Many people cannot see the Lord no matter how close He is to them, but to the genuine devotee, the Lord is always present.
Comments