We hear about oneness, but that is not what we perceive. There is the self and other–many others–as well as diversity of life forms, geology, and all the building blocks of existence. How can there be oneness?
Understanding this point is the key to the secret of Vedantic knowledge. Knowing that oneness exists is the gateway to understanding who we are and who everyone else is as well. It also informs how we relate to our own existence and to others in our world.
When there is diversity there are differences between here and there. Because of those differences there is space. However, the Katha Upanishad says that space does not actually exist, since what is here is there: “What indeed is here, is there; what there, that here again.” (2.1.10)
In our experience what exists now will be different from what exists in the future. To that Vedanta would say that nothing has actually happened, which implies that in actuality there is no space or time.
If there is no space or time, then what we experience is only a dream. Though it is our experience, it is not real. Vedanta says that the real never ceases to be (Bhagavad Gita 2.16) and therefore is not subject to the vicissitudes of time.
The point is that multiplicity and diversity that we experience has a perceived reality within, and only within, this dimension of time and space.
Despite the fact that this is a dreamworld, there is one thing that is real and never changes–consciousness. The ultimate seer, the real you operating through this body and mind, is indeed real and is ever free of time and space.
There is a bonus to this story, because consciousness has a wonderful characteristic. Its very nature is fullness and bliss! In Sanskrit: Purnam and Ananda.
May we all realize who we truly are!
