SatChitAnanda, Brahman Vs, Self-Awareness

In this episode, we will explore the meanings of SatChitAnanda, Brahman, and Self-Awareness. For students of Vedanta, SatChitAnanda and Brahman are commonly referenced concepts. 

Vedanta teaches that these two terms are ultimately identical. However, upon closer examination, differences between them can emerge, causing confusion and making it harder to fully grasp Vedantic teachings. 

In our conversation, we will discover how emphasizing the concept of Self-Awareness can help bridge the apparent gap between SatChitAnanda and Brahman.

We look forward to your feedback and questions.

Best regards 

Transcript

In this episode, we will explore the meanings of SatChitAnanda, Brahman, and Self-Awareness. For students of Vedanta, SatChitAnanda and Brahman are commonly referenced concepts. Vedanta teaches that these two terms are ultimately identical. However, upon closer examination, differences between them can emerge, causing confusion and making it harder to fully grasp Vedantic teachings. In our conversation, we will discover how emphasizing the concept of Self-Awareness can help bridge the apparent gap between SatChitAnanda and Brahman.

Let us start the discussion by the understanding the terms SatChitAnanda and Brahman. 

SatChitAnanda represents the deepest essence of who we truly are—our Real Self. This concept was explored in depth in the episode “Who Am I.” Our Real Self is distinct from the ego, the mind, and the physical body. Instead, it is the observer, the witness to all our thoughts and experiences in the mind. SatChitAnanda, our true Self, exists beyond the limitations of the mind and body. It can be compared to a glowing bulb, shinning or radiating “Chit” which stands for Awareness and “Ananda” which means bliss or continuous happiness. In essence, SatChitAnanda defines our innermost, our Real Self.

Brahman is a term used to describe the same ultimate reality as SatChitAnanda, but it approaches the concept from a different perspective. Rather than focusing on our innermost essence, Brahman—as explained in the scriptures—is the fundamental reality underlying all of Nature. It serves as the foundational substance of the universe and is considered the material cause behind everything that exists.

When we use words like “Nature” or “universe,” we may instinctively think of Brahman as something external or distant, prompting us to look outward for its presence. 

At first glance, it might appear that there are two distinct realities - SatChitAnanda, which is our inner core, and Brahman, the underlying reality of Nature. This duality can be confusing, as it seems to suggest that there are two realities in this universe. One must discover both - SatChitAnanda within us and Brahman out there. 

To resolve this confusion, the scriptures present the well-known statement “Tat Tvam Asi,” meaning “That You Are.” In this statement both That and You are being connected. Here “That” indicates the external universe, and You is our Real Self. Through Vedanta, a connection is made between our inner essence (SatChitAnanda) and the reality of the universe (Brahman). This statement reveals that the true nature of the self and the true nature of the universe are one and the same. Thus, Vedanta clarifies that Brahman and SatChitAnanda are not two separate realities; they are identical, and there is only one ultimate Reality.

Issues with SatChitAnanda or Brahman

Inspite this clarification by the scriptures, confusion still reins to understand these two terms - SatChitAnanda and Brahman. We highlight some of the key issues. 

1. There can be only One Truth for this Universe. Logically there should be one only term which describes this truth. Unfortunately, the scriptures teach us that there are two terms - SatChitAnanda and Brahman. Making the connection between SatChitAnanda and Brahman is not easy. It is not intuitive. We must first find SatChitAnanda within us and then try and locate Brahman within all the objects in the universe. This is not easy. Even if you do understand this, then logically there must be a common thread which connects them both. There must be something common which makes them identical, otherwise they would not be the same. What is this common factor? Unfortunately, this is not very explicit in the scriptures.

2. The scriptures teach us that our inner core is Sakshi (witness). It is the witness to everything which is happening in the mind. Since our inner core is SatChitAnanda, it does imply that SatChitAnanda plays the role of Sakshi. It is the Observer. As compared to SatChitAnanda, Brahman plays a different role. Brahman is the material cause of the objects in the universe. It is the substratum of all objects. Can you see the difference between SatChitAnanda and Brahman? One is the witness, and the other is the material cause of the objects. This difference is quite stark. Based on this, how does one understand that SatChitAnanda and Brahman are identical? It is not easy.

3. The scriptures teach us that SatChitAnanda or Brahman is non-dual. Non-dual means there is no second thing. It is a single entity. Unfortunately, we do not experience non-duality, we always experience duality. We experience subjects “in here” and objects “out there.” This is our experience. For non-duality, it must mean that subject must be same as object and object is same as subject. Both subject and object should be one homogenous entity. It is not easy for the human mind to experience non-duality, but you can try and imagine some entity in which subject and object are the same. This unique structure of Subject and Object being the same is not clear within SatChitAnanda or Brahman. SatChitAnanda is referred to as the Subject, the Sakshi (witness) and while Brahman sometimes it is referred to as creator of objects with Maya Shakti. This unity of Subject and Object is not explicit with SatChitAnanda or Brahman. 

How to resolve the Difference SatChitAnanda and Brahman

The challenges outlined above make it difficult for students to fully comprehend the concepts of SatChitAnanda and Brahman. These complexities often lead to confusion for those attempting to understand and internalize the teachings of the scriptures. To address this, it is worth considering whether there is a more effective approach to correlating and clarifying the relationship between these two terms. Is there a way to better understand both our innermost essence and the fundamental basis of the universe? Can a single concept unite the ideas of SatChitAnanda and Brahman?

Indeed, there is a more insightful approach. Followers of the revered sage Sri Ramana Maharshi are guided to concentrate on Self-Awareness. By deepening one’s understanding of Self-Awareness, one gains a clearer sense of their true nature or inner core. A proper grasp of Awareness—and the intrinsic qualities it holds—addresses the concerns mentioned earlier. This perspective brings greater clarity to the meanings of SatChitAnanda and Brahman, revealing that both are intimately connected to Awareness. In essence, Awareness serves as the unifying principle that links SatChitAnanda and Brahman, offering an integrated understanding of both.

Understanding Awareness

Recognizing the significance of Awareness is a compelling way to illustrate the relationship between SatChitAnanda and Brahman. In an earlier episode “Understanding Self-Awareness”, we have discussed the topic of Self-Awareness in lots of details. If you’re interested, please revisit that episode whenever you have time.

When you reflect on Awareness, you’ll notice it consists of three elements: Subject, Object, and Intelligence. These form the foundation of three distinct powers— the Power of the Knower, the Power of Knowing, and the Power of the Known. It’s important to understand that Subject, Object, Intelligence, and these three powers aren’t external phenomena; rather, they exist entirely within Awareness and collectively constitute its essence. If even one is absent, Awareness itself cannot exist.

Right now, as you’re listening to this episode, all three powers of Awareness are at work, enabling the act of listening. The spoken words represent the object, while the listener within you is the subject. The power to listen, embedded in Awareness, links the subject and object, completing the experience. In every experience, all three powers are active, making you conscious of what’s happening.

These powers are remarkable, and they are intrinsic to Awareness. In this episode, we’ll focus on the Power of the Knower and the Power of the Known. By gaining a clear understanding of these two, you’ll begin to recognize how they relate to SatChitAnanda and Brahman, revealing a deeper connection between them.

Understanding the Power of Knower

To understand this, let us ask ourselves some basic questions.

·         When we see the tree, who is seeing the tree?

·         When we listen to music, who is listening to the music?

·         When we taste the sweetness of chocolate, who is tasting this chocolate?

As we have discussed, there is an Observer within us who witnesses everything. This witness is the Subject. This Subject is part of Awareness. This Subject has the Power of the Knower. This power is built-in within the Subject. This power gives the Subject the ability to see, listen, and taste different objects. In fact, it is the knower of everything that is possible.

If you follow the Vedanta terminology, you can call Subject the Sakshi, the witness. Subject and Sakshi are synonymous. SatChitAnanda is the Sakshi; it is the Power of Knower which enables the subject to witness the objects. See some examples below of how the Observer/Subject undertakes this task. The Subject is one, but it plays different roles.

·         When it is the knower of seeing, the Observer/Subject is a Seer

·         When it is the knower of hearing, the Observer/Subject is a Hearer

·         When it is the knower of reading, the Observer/Subject is a Reader

·         When it is the knower of running, the Observer/Subject is a Runner

SatChitAnanda is the power which allows the Subject to be the seer, hearer, reader, or runner. Mind is limited by the five senses, but the power of knower is much broader and wider. It is the observer of everything.

Previously, we discussed that Awareness comprises three distinct powers: the Power of the Knower, the Power of Knowing, and the Power of the Known. Among these, SatChitAnanda is specifically the Power of the Knower. Through this power, the Observer within us can witness everything that transpires in the mind.

The Power of the Known Within Awareness

The Power of the Known is an intrinsic ability within Awareness itself. This power enables Awareness to transform into any object or form that we perceive in our minds. To illustrate this concept, imagine a lump of Play-Doh: you can shape it into a car, a tree, or a house. No matter the shape you give it, the substance remains Play-Doh. If you craft a car, it’s still Play-Doh; if you mold a tree, it’s still Play-Doh at its core.

In much the same way, Awareness is the fundamental substance of every object in the universe. Every object, regardless of its form, is ultimately composed of Awareness. For example, when you perceive a circle, Awareness must conform precisely to that circular form for you to experience it as such. If Awareness were to take the shape of a square instead, you would never perceive the circle. Similarly, when you see a tree, Awareness molds itself in the shape of that tree. If only half of the tree were filled with Awareness, your experience would be of only half a tree.

Thus, it is accurate to say that the true content of all objects is Awareness. While Awareness itself has no specific form, it possesses the potential to take on any form or object. The force that shapes Awareness into various objects is called the Power of the Known. When sensory input suggests a car, the Power of the Known molds Awareness into the form of a car. When you hear music, it shapes Awareness into that musical experience. This transformative ability allows you to be conscious of all objects and experiences that seem to exist “out there.”

Brahman is this Power of the Known. In this way, Brahman modifies itself to become any object. Brahman is the material cause of all the objects. Brahman, which is part of Awareness, is the substratum of everything in this universe.

Awareness is the connection SatChitAnanda and Brahman 

Previously, we explored how SatChitAnanda represents the Power of the Knower within Awareness, and Brahman embodies the Power of the Known within that same Awareness. In this context, Awareness is far more expansive, encompassing all three fundamental powers, including the power of Intelligence. Awareness serves as the foundational reality underlying both SatChitAnanda and Brahman.

Although it is often taught that SatChitAnanda and Brahman are identical, our discussion so far suggests that they operate differently: SatChitAnanda expresses the Power of the Knower, while Brahman expresses the Power of the Known. Both are rooted in Awareness, which is the common element between them, but their functions appear distinct.

To resolve this apparent contradiction, we turn to the concept of non-duality explained in the earlier episode “Understanding Self-Awareness.” In Self-Awareness, there is no separation between Subject and Object; they are one and the same. The three powers of Awareness are also non-dual, meaning the Power of the Knower and the Power of the Known are fundamentally equal and indistinguishable within Self-Awareness.

Because the Power of the Knower and the Power of the Known are identical in Self-Awareness, SatChitAnanda and Brahman are also identical when viewed from this non-dual perspective. Within Self-Awareness, the distinction between them dissolves.

The Primacy of Awareness

Ultimately, Awareness is the source from which both SatChitAnanda and Brahman arise. In fact, understanding Self-Awareness is simpler and more illuminating than trying to differentiate between SatChitAnanda and Brahman. Self-Awareness offers a clearer and deeper insight into our true nature and the fundamental basis of the universe.

There is no separate SatChitAnanda for our innermost essence and Brahman as the material cause of the cosmos—Awareness encompasses both. Recognizing this unity eliminates confusion, revealing one all-encompassing entity that contains all three powers. For this reason, we will increasingly use the terms Self-Awareness and Awareness moving forward, as they best capture this comprehensive reality.

Although the scriptures most frequently use the terms SatChitAnanda and Brahman, we have chosen to use these words throughout our discussions to remain consistent with traditional references. However, it is important to note that these terms essentially refer to Self-Awareness, which is the more precise concept. In upcoming episodes, you will see SatChitAnanda, Brahman, and Self-Awareness used interchangeably.

We hope this episode has provided greater clarity on the differences between these essential Vedanta concepts—SatChitAnanda, Brahman, and Self-Awareness. Gaining a deeper understanding of Awareness itself is vital, as it serves as the fundamental source for both SatChitAnanda and Brahman.

If you’re interested in exploring more topics like this, be sure to visit our blog at Vedanta and Science dot com or check out my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. We also offer an expanding collection of episodes—feel free to browse them at your convenience.

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