4

In the Kena Upanishad following is said about the Absolute Brahman(not Atma...if Atma and Brahman are same then probably I have asked this question before. But in my opinion Absolute Brahman is a state of pure bliss. Atma merges into Brahman.):

‘What speech cannot reveal, but what reveals speech—know thou That alone as Brahman, and not this (anything objective)that people worship here.’

‘What hearing fails to hear, but what hears hearing— know thou That alone as Brahman, and not this that people worship here.’

‘What smell does not reveal, but what reveals smell— know thou That alone as Brahman, and not this that people worship here.’

As per my understanding, the formless Absolute, although without ear, is capable hearing; although without nose, is capable of smelling; although without mouth, is capable of speech.

My question is: Can the formless Absolute Brahman see, speak, hear and smell without eyes, mouth, ears and nose?

1
  • 1
    Speaking is duality so Nirguna Brahman of Advaita cannot speak.
    – user9969
    Dec 7, 2018 at 8:00

1 Answer 1

5

Yes & No.

Verses posted in Qn are already referred in this answer from Gita:

सर्वेन्द्रियगुणाभासं सर्वेन्द्रियविवर्जितम्। असक्तं सर्वभृच्चैव निर्गुणं गुणभोक्तृ च।।
BG 13.15 - Reflecting through the senses, [yet] devoid of all the senses; disinterested; the sustainer of all; Without 3 modes, and the consumer of 3 modes

The Nirguna Brahman (Atman) which , doesn't have any senses, yet all the consumption done by our senses reaches to 'that' only -- who is devoid & disinterested.

2
  • Do you agree that Absolute Brahman performs the actions of the senses? Oct 14, 2017 at 8:58
  • @DheerajVerma, again yes & no. "Absolute Brahman" (Atman) is never an actor (i.e. performer of actions). Refer BG 3.27, 5.8-9. All the actions happen under the influence of Prakruti. However Prakruti itself is spawned under the control of "Absolute Brahman". Refer BG 9.8. :-)
    – iammilind
    Oct 14, 2017 at 16:10

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .