Class 35, Tattva Bodha

In this deeply integrative and practically transformative class, Acharya Tadany introduced two powerful meditation practices to assimilate the ātmā-anātmā distinction: 

(1) recognizing the entire universe as a remote object while the body-mind-sense complex is an intimate object — both are objects of perception and therefore distinct from the true Self, with the intimacy of the body-mind creating the illusion of identity; 

and (2) mentally preparing to return the body-mind-sense complex to the five elements (pañca-bhūtāni) with gratitude even before physical death — treating it as a temporary lease from Bhagavān, used intelligently to understand “I am not this.” 

Acharya Tadany emphasized that the primary purpose of human life is to claim “I am the caitanya-svarūpa ātmā” (pure consciousness principle) — a capacity unique to humans, as animals and plants cannot gain this knowledge. 

Acharya Tadany used the possession principle (“my body,” “my mind” = not me) and lease metaphor (body returns to elements when puṇya-pāpa prārabdha karma exhausts) to show all relationships and ownerships are temporary, valid only while we have the body. 

Acharya Tadany clarified that this teaching is not denial or neglect: the body-mind is a blessing and extraordinary instrument — maintain it, care for it, keep it healthy for spiritual practice — but put everything in its proper place: “I own it, I am not it.” The class concluded that this shift from “I am the body” to “the body is mine” creates immense inner freedom, reduces attachment, and allows us to live responsibly while rooted in the eternal Self.

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