THE FINAL TRUTH: Prior to Consciousness

THE FINAL TRUTH: Prior to Consciousness

This Satang speaks to the final truth of Advaita according to two traditions within it, that of Nisargadatta Maharaj, and that of Robert Adams and Ramana. Nisargadatta held that at the end of our search for self that we will find we are entirely beyond existence, beyond Consciousness, in the sense of being ontologically prior To Consciousness. On the other hand, Robert holds that each of us are the Totality of Consciousness, a oneness with Consciousness.

All three of these Jnanis treat Consciousness as illusory, a light show, an optical illusion, as a dream, not worthy of our attention. Therefore they say pay no heed to the world, just to yourself, and go inside deeply into your sense of self, and you will find that consciousness is illusory. But Nisargadatta says there is a state beyond, or prior to consciousness, called either the Absolute, or the ultimate Witness, while Robert states that you are the totality of consciousness, not merely a body-mind within it. This is the most important Satang to really understand Robert or Nisargadatta, and their differences. Both regard the world and consciousness as illusory, but Nisargadatta states there is a noumenal world lying prior ontologically to consciousness, which is the Real, while Robert states that our bodies in the world are illusion and what we really are is the totality of consciousness, even though from time to time he does talk about prior to consciousness, but that is not the main thrust of his teachings. This video should be watched over and over until you grasp its meanings, and then you will truly understand Robert and Nisargadatta. https://youtu.be/8R2zZBT8EWs