We often read, Kaṭha Upaniṣad 1.3.13 for instance, of merging one thing into another. In meditation practices, it is sometimes recommended that the form of the guru must be merged into that of the Iṣṭa.
How does merging occur? What exactly needs to be done?
When B merges into A, B is not seen anymore. If total and irrevocable merging is possible, it really means that A is the cause of B. The effect is nothing but cause in another form, so B did not have an independent existence in the first place.
When the guru is merged into the Iṣṭa, the Iṣṭa alone remains--because the guru does not have an independent existence apart from the Iṣṭa.
The Atman alone remains.
Thoughts and insights that emerge from the discussions, study, reflection, and practice of Vedanta in the spiritual community of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society in Boston, USA, which is a branch of the Ramakrishna Order.
4 comments:
In a meditative state I can understand this mergence of the teacher into the Iṣṭa. In practical day-to-day life, the guru can be seen as the representative of the Iṣṭa but not merged except in concept.
(Jerry S.)
Jerry, I agree. That is why the blog entry already made it very clear: "In meditation practices ..."
ST
namaste swamiji,
When you say Ista what you exactly mean. Can you please elaborate on that. Do you mean Ista Deva i mean favorite god. Please clarify
Yes, by Iṣṭa I mean the Iṣṭa-devatā, one's "chosen deity," the form or aspect of the Divine which is the focus of our prayer, worship and meditation. ... ST
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