Stereograms and Vedanta

[Prashant Parikh]

Has anyone seen a stereogram? It's mind blowing when a new image pops out of the old one. But once you lose focus it's gone. Paradigm shifts are alike. 

Example:

Perspective: Sun rises in the east, sets in the west

Fact: the earth spins around itself giving the impression of the sun revolving around us.

Knowing this fact isn't going to change the enjoyment of watching the sun rise and set. But the perspective is demystified nonetheless.

Likewise for the recognition that the world of names and forms is none other than brahman, and what appears as separate, and the one to whom it appears separate, are both appearances upon the only impartite reality, sacchidAtma, the truth of jiva, jagat and Ishvara.

Jnanis are able to both enjoy the world and transcend (in their nishtha) the notion of separation. This is what being steady in the vision, or sthithprajna is all about. To recognize the whole while seeing the apparent parts, without losing oneself in them.