60. Ahankaar Departs, Destination Arrives
K rishna says, “some see ‘this’ ( atma ) as a marvel, some speak of ‘this’ as a marvel, others hear of ‘this’ as a marvel, and even then, none knows ‘this’ at all” (2.29). ‘None’ refers to an observer who is using his indriyas (senses) to understand the observed ( atma ). The indication is that till the time the observer unites with atma, he can’t comprehend it. Once a salt doll wanted to explore the ocean, so it set off on its journey. Through violent surface waves, it enters the deeper parts of the ocean and slowly starts dissolving in it. By the time it enters the deepest part, it dissolves completely and becomes part of the ocean. It can be said that it has become the ocean itself and the salt doll is no longer a separate entity. ‘Observer (salt doll) is the Observed (ocean)’, which ultimately dissolves the division and brings unity. The above story will help us understand ahankaar which always tries to keep us distinct and separate from real...