In this continuation of the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita series, we address the question “Is it all one?” examining whether various spiritual paths all lead to the same destination, and whether the goal of a spiritual undertaking is a singular experience or realization.
We need to distinguish between practices that are truly spiritual versus those focused on seeking material benefits and appreciate that real spirituality involves self-realization and God-realization.
Regarding whether God is ultimately an impersonal ocean of light or spiritual energy, with which I can merge and ‘become one,' the Vedic understanding is that the Absolute Truth manifests in three aspects: Brahman (impersonal spiritual energy), Paramatma (localized presence of God in all beings), and Bhagavan (a Supreme Personality).
In relation to the ideal of ‘oneness,’ the philosophical framework for understanding oneness is explained by the aphorism acintya-bhedābheda-tattva - the inconceivable simultaneous oneness and yet difference. While there is a spiritual oneness, individual distinction also exists eternally, and we need to be cautioned against the misinterpretation that one is God, which then leads to unfortunate consequences.
Some texts I quoted in this talk:
Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; those who worship ancestors go to the ancestors; and those who worship Me will live with Me. - Bhagavad-gītā 9.25
The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self. - Bhāgavata Purāṇa 1.2.6
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear. - Bhagavad-gītā 18.66
Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call this nondual substance Brahman, Paramātmā or Bhagavān. - Bhāgavata Purāṇa 1.2.11
And I am the basis of the impersonal Brahman, which is the constitutional position of ultimate happiness, and which is immortal, imperishable and eternal. - Bhagavad-gītā 14.27
O my Lord, sustainer of all that lives, Your real face is covered by Your dazzling effulgence. Kindly remove that covering and exhibit Yourself to Your pure devotee. - Śrī Īśopaniṣad mantra 15
He is the eternal among all eternal entities, and the chief conscious being among all conscious beings. Among the many living entities, He is the chief, who fulfills their desires. - Śvetāsvatara Upaniṣad 6.13 and Kaṭha Upaniṣad 2.2.13
Īśvara is a special Puruṣa, unlike other puruṣas, being untouched by afflictions, actions (material activity) and the fruit of actions, and latent impressions or material desires. In Him the seed of omniscience is unsurpassed (infinite). He is also the Teacher of all ancient teachers (sages), being not limited by time. The transcendental sound personifying Him is AUṀ. - Yoga Sūtra 1.24-27
Arjuna inquired: Which is considered to be more perfect: those who are properly engaged in Your loving devotional service, or those who worship the impersonal Brahman, the unmanifested? - Bhagavad-gītā 12.1
The Blessed Lord said: He whose mind is fixed on My personal form, always engaged in worshiping Me with great and transcendental faith, is considered by Me to be most perfect. - Bhagavad-gītā 12.2
For those whose minds are attached to the unmanifested, impersonal feature of the Supreme, advancement is very troublesome. To make progress in that discipline is always difficult for those who are embodied. - Bhagavad-gītā 12.5
One can understand the Supreme Personality as He is only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of the Supreme Lord by such devotion, he can enter into the realm of God. - Bhagavad-gītā 18.55
