The Self Behind Waking and Dream

You are always and everywhere !. Listening to the nectar-like voice [....]... To attain the Absolute (Brahman)—or rather, to dispel the multitude of doubts regarding the Absolute [Sound of singing]—we seek out simple illustrations. We have not learned these from any specific source; rather, having observed life and studied the scriptures, we gained understanding. Consequently, we devise fresh illustrations—much like a scientist makes new discoveries—to elucidate the principles of Vedanta and to resolve doubts. Therefore, here is a simple example. This first hand of mine—this one right here—represents "I" (the Self); do you understand? And you, sitting down there, represent "You"; and that [pointing elsewhere] represents "He" or "That"—the one who is not present here. Keep this in mind, for this is the method to dispel all doubts. So, we have the triad: "I," "You," and "He." Now, if only "I" exists—and "You" do not—then whether you refer to it as "He" or as "This," it is essentially the same. Furthermore, let us understand the concept of *Shraddha* (faith), which is frequently emphasized—especially since a verse from the *Bhagavata Purana* was just recited. There are certain things you can verify clearly through direct experience; for instance, that which is eternal or ever-present. However, how does one comprehend that which is *omnipresent*—present everywhere? That is why this specific illustration has been chosen; understand this, too, through the lens of faith. As explained earlier: Who is this? "I." What is the name of this knot? "I." What is the name of this knot? "You." And the name of this knot is "He" or "That." Now, let us use this to illustrate the point. Whether you consider this to be "I" or "You"—let us assume either for the sake of understanding. This knot changes only when *I* alter it. However, in *your* life, changes occur every single day. Every day, this knot—this very knot—passes through three distinct states. What is its name right now? The *Jagrat* (Waking) state. Now, I am manually changing it again [tying a different knot]; however, in your life, the second state emerges spontaneously on its own. What is the name of this state? It is the *Swapna* (Dream) state. Understood? And now, the name of this very same entity is the *Sushupti* (Deep Sleep) state. All three states have occurred within this single entity. These three transformations took place right here. Note that I have not interfered with the underlying material itself [the rope]; I have merely altered its form. So, it passed through the Waking state, the Dream state, and the Deep Sleep state. All three states changed; yet, one fundamental element remained constant throughout all three phases. What was it—that which persisted through the first, second, and third states? It was the *knot* itself—the underlying entity in whose presence the first state existed, in whose presence it departed, and in whose presence the second state emerged. The second state departed, and the third state emerged; the third state, too, eventually departed—but in whose presence did all of this unfold? Do you see? Now, grasp this realization: until this moment, you had been identifying the *knot* itself as "I" (the Self). Today, we are speaking of that Entity in whose presence the first knot appeared, then shifted to a second, and then a third—that which remained constant throughout. Its name is *Jagrit* (the Waking State); it is that in whose presence the Dream State existed, and in whose presence the state of *Sushupti* (Deep Sleep) prevailed. What, then, is the name of *this* Entity? You are not the body—that which existed only for a brief while. You are not the Waking State—that which persisted only for a short duration. You are not the Dream State—that which lasted only for a brief period. You are not Deep Sleep—that which endured only momentarily. Rather, *you* are that Entity in whose presence these three states occurred.