Colorlessness

Colorlessness, absolute colorlessness has been an obsession for both Yoga and Vedanta. There are solid reasons for such a state of being as the highest objective of human life (this we shall discuss in a separate attempt). Yoga Sutra of Patanjali (and its commentators) uses an analogy to describe what is ‘coloration of human mind’.  Just as a pure crystal, when placed by the side of a flower, appears to be colored, which otherwise is colorless, in the same manner, as human mind (Citta) comes in contact with the objects, it (Citta) appears to be smeared with the color of the objects. Thus, the pure nature of Citta is lost. This coloration of Citta also works as an obstacle.  It obliterates the true nature of Purusha which is ever free and blissful.

Vedanta gives the analogy of a small piece of cloud obstructing the light of the mighty sun.  Even though a piece of cloud is not comparable to the sun, yet it is capable to hide the sunshine.

There are austere (Tapasya) processes to clear up this ‘cloud’ forever as described in details in both Yoga and Vedanta.  These processes require adaptation of a number of techniques for practice. One is expected to adopt a different lifestyle, which is obviously very different from common human life. A Yogic or Vedantic lifestyle is carefully crafted by adopting specific criteria as laid down in these traditions. 

For example, the Hatha tradition requires one to settle in a hut in a remote peaceful place, away from crowd and having natural beauty.  There should be not much human contact.  A Yogi is suggested to subsist on alms.  A new set of dress code, hairstyle, footwear, food regimen, limited or no talking: all such adoptions are suggested for a Yogi.   One must devote all time in the practice of Yoga alone. 

This is merely a new adaptation, from one type of life to another.  In a mundane life one is merged in worldly life. In a Yogic life, one is engaged in Yoga. As for coloration, it is just a new color. In that case, how is it tenable that the prime objective of Yoga and Vedanta is Absolute Colorlessness?  This is a very serious issue.

There is an answer to this. The masters of Yoga and Vedanta clarified that are just means. These are not the objectives. Objective is Colorlessness. This must be firmly born in mind. Just as a ladder is used to climb the rooftop, and once the target is reached, one can ignore the ladder. One must not stick to the ladder. In the same way, one is advised to exercise detachment (Vairagya). Yoga can be an attachment. Vedanta can be an attachment. A subtle and sticky one, indeed!     

Let us talk about the probable source of inspiration for Absolute Colorlessness. Here comes a Mantra from Mandukyopanishad-7:

naantah-prajnam na bahih-prajnam nobhayatah-prajnam na prajnaana-ghanam na prajnam naa-prajnam/

adristam-avyavahaaryam-agraahyam-alakshanam-acintyam-avyapa-deshyam-ekaatma-pratyaya-saaram prapancopashamam shaantam shivam-advaitam caturtham manyante sa aatma sa vijneyah//    

Atman is:

Atman is known as the fourth state (of consciousness).  Atman is neither inward-turned nor outward-turned consciousness,  nor the two together; not an undifferentiated mass of consciousness; neither knowing,  nor unknowing; invisible,  ineffable,  intangible,  devoid of characteristics, inconceivable,  indefinable,  its sole essence being the consciousness of its own Self; the coming to rest of all relative existence; utterly quiet; peaceful; blissful; non dual; this is the Atman,  the Self; this is to be realized.

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