How real am "I"?

Over coffee today my friend Paddy remarked that my inner journey is getting more and more interesting. Well, interesting I agree but baffling would be more apt. I’m sure Shakt-i and VVV would readily agree with me.

VVV, my speck sponge square pants wants to know if the “I” really exist? If it does, where is the ‘I’?

VVV, your question is very intriguing. My Swamiji says (and he is quoting from spiritual scriptures) in reality ONLY the “I” exist. Well, if “I” is the only entity in existence, then obviously it is every where. “I” is omnipresent, all pervasive.

Swamiji elaborates on this point using the ocean and wave example. Ocean means a vast deep expanse of water. Due to wind, the surface of the ocean gets disturbed and it gives rise to waves. Is the wave separate from the ocean? The ocean has no other content than water; similarly the wave is also the same water, nothing else. The apparent nature of the ocean and wave is different but the real nature is the same.

Here’s another example given by Swamiji. I can look at a bracelet, earring or anklet and see the external differences. One is worn on the wrist, another on the ears and the third on the ankle. The apparent nature of all three ornaments are totally different. But if these ornaments were melted down, their real nature is the same - just gold.

Likewise, each of us walk around having an apparent nature – one is known as Jivan, another as VVV, yet another as Shakti, one more as Suguna and the list is endless. But if all the Jivans and the VVVs and the Shakthis were melted down, their real nature is the same.......just "I"

Jivan, is merely one of the expressions of the “I” . Jivan’s ego is definitely not happy with this new turn of events.

Journey within continues……….walk with me.