You can explain to others about objects that are cognised by
the senses by giving a description of their attributes, class, modes of
activity, etc. But Brahman is without attributes, class, etc. So it is not
possible to teach about Brahman to the disciples. To define Brahman is to deny
Brahman. Sat-Chit-Ananda is also a provisional definition. That is the reason
why Srutis explain Brahman through 'Neti-Neti' doctrine. The preceptor should
exert very much in giving instruction. The disciple should possess a subtle,
sharp, pure and one-pointed intellect.
It is not possible to make the pupil believe in the Atman by
instruction, by the evidence of the senses and other proofs, but it is quite
possible to make him believe and understand by the aid of Srutis or scriptures.
Brahman cannot be known like the objects of the world. It
cannot be explained also by mere words just as you explain to others the nature
of objects by words.
Brahman is the only reality. He is the basis or source for
everything. Brahman is not an object. He is all-pervading, mysterious,
incomprehensible, Chaitanya or pure consciousness. He must be known through
intuition or self-cognition. It is very difficult to understand the nature of
Brahman. It is very difficult to explain the nature of Brahman, because there
is no means or language. The Rishis of yore tried their level best to make the
disciples understand Brahman by various ways of expression. Those who are endowed
with pure and subtle intellect can easily grasp the subtle ideas of the
Upanishads. For the passionate and the worldly-minded who are endowed with an
impure, outgoing mind, Upanishad is a sealed book. Everything is Greek and
Latin for them.
As Brahman is beyond the reach of senses and the mind, the
aspirant should at first have a comprehensive understanding of Brahman through
the study of Upanishads and the instructions of an illumined preceptor. He
should equip himself with the four means and practise constant meditation. Then
he will attain knowledge of Brahman and realise Brahman. Then all doubts and
delusions will vanish.
That which is distinct from both the known and the unknown
is Brahman or Atman. The knowledge of Brahman has been traditionally handed
down from preceptor to disciple. Gaudapada taught the Brahman-Vidya to
Govindapada; Govindapada to Sankara; Sankara to Padmapada and so on. Brahman
can be known only by instruction from an illumined teacher or a realised sage
and not by logical discussions nor by intelligence, vast learning, expositions,
austerity or sacrificial rites, etc. May the light of supreme knowledge
illumine your intellect!
- Swami Sivananda