To experience non-duality, I often turn to the powerful symbolism of Hindu mythology help me meditate on the spiritual concepts. Among these symbols, Vishvarupa stands as a remarkable representation of non-dual consciousness.

Vishvarupa is not just a mythical figure but a symbolic roadmap to understanding and experiencing non-dual consciousness. By meditating on its various aspects, we embark on a transformative journey, moving from dualistic perceptions to a profound realization of the non-dual nature of reality. This journey is not just philosophical; it is deeply personal, leading us to discover the infinite palace within our own hearts, where true freedom and enlightenment reside.

Let’s explore how this image can deepen our understanding and practice of non-dual awareness.

Vishvarupa as the Cosmic Self

When we meditate on Vishvarupa, we envision the Self as encompassing the entire universe. This practice transcends the notion of a separate, individual self, inviting us into a state where the boundaries between self and other dissolve. In this expansive state, we become more attuned to the cosmic nature of the Self, aligning our personal consciousness with the universal consciousness.

The Dark Blue Hue: A Glimpse into Pure Consciousness

Vishvarupa, depicted in a dark blue color, symbolizes the pure consciousness underlying the cosmos. This color is not just a visual attribute; it’s a gateway to perceiving the fundamental nature of consciousness. Meditating on this color can be a transformative practice, leading us towards an awareness that transcends the duality of existence and non-existence.

The Sun and Moon Eyes: Illuminating Consciousness

Vishvarupa’s eyes being the sun and the moon is a metaphor for the illuminating nature of consciousness. The halo of light and the cape of light he wears represent the primordial energy intrinsic to consciousness. These elements invite us to meditate on the luminous quality of our own awareness, recognizing the energy that underlies our existence.

The Four Arms: Symbols of Awakening

Each of Vishvarupa’s arms holds profound symbolic meaning. The conch shell represents the universal soul of OM, the primordial vibration from which all existence emanates. The lotus flower in another hand symbolizes the unfolding of pure consciousness within life. The mace represents the power of spiritual knowledge to overcome ignorance, while the chakra, the wheel of time, points to both the illusion of temporal existence and the potential for spiritual awakening. Meditating on these symbols can facilitate our journey towards enlightenment.

The Cosmic Body: From Earth to the Heavens

Vishvarupa’s body itself is a map of the cosmos. His legs represent the earthly and subterranean realms, while his head symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of consciousness. This representation guides us to see consciousness not just as a transcendent reality but also as immanently present in every aspect of the universe.

The Heart’s Ether: The Abode of Brahman

The Mundaka Upanishad’s meditation on the “city of Brahman” within the heart reveals a profound truth: within the small ether of our heart lies the vastness of the universe. This space within us contains all that exists and all that does not, transcending the limitations of age, death, and decay. This teaching reminds us that the realization of Brahman, the ultimate reality, is the key to true freedom and enlightenment.

The Mundaka Upanishad (8:1) provides instructions for meditation of the “city of Brahman”.

Om. There is this city of Brahman (the body), and in it the palace, the small lotus (of the heart), and in it that small ether. Now what exists within that small ether, that is to be sought for, that is to be understood.

And if they should say to him: ‘Now with regard to that city of Brahman, and the palace in it, i.e. the small lotus of the heart, and the small ether within the heart, what is there within it that deserves to be sought for, or that is to be understood.

Then he should say: ‘As large as this ether (all space) is, so large is that ether within the heart. Both heaven and earth are contained within it, both fire and air, both sun and moon, both lightning and stars; and whatever there is of him (the Self) here in the world, and whatever is not (i.e. whatever has been or will be), all that is contained within it.’

And if they should say to him: ‘If everything that exists is contained in that city of Brahman, all beings and all desires (whatever can be imagined or desired), then what is left of it, when old age reaches it and scatters it, or when it falls to pieces?’ Then he should say: ‘By the old age of the body, that (the ether, or Brahman within it) does not age; by the death of the body, that (the ether, or Brahman within it is not killed. That the Brahman) is the true Brahma-city (not the body). In it all desires are contained. It is the Self, free from sin, free from old age, from death and grief, from hunger and thirst, which desires nothing but what it ought to desire, and imagines nothing but what it ought to imagine. Now as here on earth people follow as they are commanded, and depend on the object which they are attached to, be it a country or a piece of land,

‘And as here on earth, whatever has been acquired by exertion, perishes, so perishes whatever is acquired for the next world by sacrifices and other good actions performed on earth. Those who depart from hence without having discovered the Self and those true desires, for them there is no freedom in all the worlds. But those who depart from hence, after having discovered the Self and those true desires, for them there is freedom in all the worlds. [2]

The pure consciousness resides within the cave of the heart of all. ‘The city of Brahman’ resides within the cave of the heart of all. Within the ‘small lotus of the heart and the small ether within the heart’, there is the infinite palace. While all else perishes, this alone deserves to be sought after. Realization of Brahman is freedom, as enlightenment. This abode in the heart is that which ‘deserves to be sought for.’  The Katha Upanishad (1.11-13) says:

That the Adorable One exists in the faces, the heads, the necks of all, he dwells in the cave (of the heart) of all beings, he is all-pervading. That person is the great lord; he is the mover of existence. He possesses that purest power of reaching everything, he is light, he is undecaying.

The Upanishads are telling us that if we seek to awaken, then we can meditate on pure consciousness as it is found in the heart. Mediation on consciousness within the heart leads to Enlightenment in the form of loving awareness.

References:

1. The Bhagavad-Gita: Translation and Commentary by Veeraswamy Krishnaraj
2. Wikipedia
3. Mundaka Upanisad translated by Karan Singh
4. Katha Upanishad in the Eight Upanishads with commentary by Adi Shankara (aka Sankara) translated by Swami Gambhirananda.
5. Image: Vishnu as the Cosmic Man (Vishvarupa), Jaipur, Rajasthan- c. 1800-50. US Public Domain, Wikimedia
6. Upanishads and Sri Sankara’s commentary, translated by S Sitarama Sastri p. 30- 60.
7. Image: Vishwarupa, a cosmic form of Vishnu. Bhagavad Gita, ca. 1740. US public Domain via wikimedia

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