SHANKARA

In this reading the author asks the question “When the moon shines in its exceeding beauty, who would care to look at a painted moon?” I think here Shankara was trying to make the point that real satisfaction comes from a world with the true experience of God. Shankara talks about how Atman is everywhere. This statement seems contradictory to me because the author goes on to say, “The Vedas, the Puranas, all scriptures and all living creatures only exist because the Atman exists. How can any of them reveal the Atman, which is the revealer of everything?” If Atman is indeed everywhere why wouldn’t you see it in scriptures. I can understand that nobody can tell one how to find God - you need to find it on your own - but if Atman is everywhere wouldn’t you be able to see it in both scriptures and painted moons?

The other thing that I found interesting about this piece was the need to be selfless. The lack of attachment, and emotion is supposed to bring one satisfaction. By not having expectations or desires I guess that leaves little room for disappointment. In some ways this seems like a very apathetic way to live life. But it is also very admirable to follow the advice to forget all thought of “I” and “mine.” To be able to live your life where you find satisfaction in following the Atman, regardless of hunger or pain, is pretty amazing. I really enjoyed the comparison to that child like state of being absorbed by a toy. To be able to find such peace would truly be a cool thing to find.