[Advaita-l] [advaitin] 'The Jiva is Mithya' - an article in English

[H S Chandramouli]

Namaste.

I had mentioned in my earlier post that the term **abheda** concerning
Bimba (Object) and Pratibimba (Image) mentioned in the Advaita Siddhi quote
is in the context of jIva Brahma Aikya wherein the two are in the same
loci. All the subsequent quotes in this regard from other texts like
SiddhAnta Bindu etc are also in the same context. None of them is in the
context of reflection in a mirror and an object placed in front. On the
other hand I had also cited a quote from VivaraNa Prameya Samgraha wherein
the **bheda** between the two was specifically stated in respect of this
illustration of mirror and an object placed in front. In this illustration
the loci of the two are different.

The difference between the two illustrations is the spacing/separation/gap
 between the object and its image. Where the loci are the same, the spacing
is literally nil. It is like a very thin film pasted on a mirror. The film
and its image would be practically indistinguishable. While in the other
instance the spacing is significant/noticeable. Hence the term **abheda**
is intended to mean **indistinguishable** rather than **identical** when
the loci are the same. The Object and its Image are literally fused
together.

That is exactly the position in respect of jIva Brahma Ailya. Brahman being
all pervasive, the gap between **It**  and its **Image** (figurative usage)
is negligible. They are in the same loci. Hence the two are to be
understood as **indistinguishable** and not **identical** in the Advaita
Siddhi quote as well as other quotes in the same context wherein the word
**abheda** is used.

My understanding.

Regards


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