Geethartha Chinthane 170: Imperfections in the reflection, not in the source


Team Udayavani, Jan 29, 2025, 10:27 AM IST

The physical body is considered the reflection (pratibimba), while the non-material essence (shariri) is the source (bimba). The term “sharirinah” signifies the one beyond the physical form. Though the jeevan (soul) is indestructible, it may appear to face destruction due to external causes. This aligns with the principle that every rule has exceptions. For instance, scriptures forbid consuming the forbidden, but they allow it under life-threatening circumstances or as medicine. Here, the essence remains eternal, described as “swabhavatah anashinah”—intrinsically indestructible.

When the source (bimba) is eternal, the reflection (pratibimba) also shares that eternity. If one accepts the self as eternal, it naturally extends to the understanding that all are eternal. Krishna questions, “Then why do you grieve?” The Ishwara (Supreme Being) is described as “achintya“—beyond comprehension.

If both the source and the reflection are eternal, does it mean that the imperfections in the reflection also extend to the source? This concern arises because observing flaws in the reflection might lead to the belief that the source too is flawed. However, imperfections seen in the jeeva (soul) do not extend to the bimba (divine source). The source remains flawless, even if the reflection appears otherwise.

This distinction is unique. The reflection resembles the source but does not possess all its attributes. The imperfections belong to the reflection, not to the source. Hence, even if the reflection shows flaws, the source remains pure and untainted.

 

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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