Sensation and Consciousness

   The world is phenomenal and objective, transient and, as such, subject to change from moment to moment. The objects perceived by the jiva are just the images presented to the perceiver and the perceived become one the moment the jiva becomes consciously aware of what it perceived! This oneness is the unity of the objective world and the jiva and there exists a sense of fulfillment here. However, the jiva hankers after these objects and the senses run after them directed by the fickle mind due to ignorance, avidya. It does not know what it perceived is nothing but what it desired and its ichha and sankalpa, and conscious awareness of these only brought it(the desired object) to its awareness as sensation. Thus sensation is dependent on conscious awareness!

   The objects do exert an influence due their inherent qualities and attract the jiva towards it. But, this is not in any way the real nature of either the objects or the jiva that aspires and desires for them. The real nature of the jiva is different from the real nature of the objects. While the objects are subject to change, the jiva is not so! The true nature of the jiva at its core as the Self, the Atman, is eternal, changeless, and self-satisfied and needs nothing from outside for its joy or happiness. Thus the objective world is on the one hand, is the self and on the other is not desired by the Atman! This is what every jiva has to understand in order to escape the attractions of the changing worldly objects and be happy and joyful. All yogins are thus totally, indifferent, if not averse, to worldly objects. Real happiness lies here.

     Tht fundamental principle is that "Consciousness, when aware of the objective world creates a phenomenal objective world and, when it is conscious of itself, it is totally independent, as 'Shiva' in His totally silent meditative mode.This is the ultimate attainment of the jiva. The fundamental principle here, again, is "Shiva only becomes jiva and the jagat" So, jagat is the outward expression and Shiva is the inward expression of the jiva! Now, the jiva is interested in the jagat as long as there is desire in it to experience the sensation, the sensual aspects of the worldly objects. However, this desire is insatiable and the jiva is unaware of it due to its ignorance, avidya, nescience. The moment the jiva becomes aware of the insatiability, futility of running after worldly objects, name, fame, wealth and social status, etc it gives up its efforts and turns inward, toward Shiva.