Nasmaste. Last week I happened to listen to the wonderful
podcast of Sw. Sarvapriyananda, the resident Swami of Vedanta Society, NY and
in that talk, he exquisitely explains the concept of ‘Sat-Chit-Ananda’ in a new
light (for me). The concept of
‘Sat-Chit-Ananda’ is in other words known as ‘Existence-Consciousness-Bliss’
which represents the Brahman that is the substratum for this cosmos. All creations are nothing but ‘Maaya’
(mirage) and all have some or all of this tri-principle. However if we consider and analyze the evolutionary
theory along with this Vedantic concept of Sat-Chit-Ananda, we realize the
development has been gradual in the ascending order.
It starts with plain Existence (only) in
plants and other insentient things. In
animals and other living creatures, we see both Existence and Consciousness where
they are aware of their life and try to protect themselves. Finally in the
epitome of the evolution which is humans, all the three principles of
Existence, Consciousness and Bliss are available. Man alone has the capacity and ability to
attain the bliss of immortal Supreme which is the essence of Brahman.
Hari Om.