The term 'Individual' denotes a person and the term 'individuality' denotes a person with a 'sense of independence'. When we trace back the origin of 'individual', it begins with 'I-Consciousness' (Existence). This 'I-Consciousness' is the 'expression' of the ABSOLUTE. I-Consciousness appears as 'I AM - a 'sense of Existence'. 'Individual' is a reflection in 'I AM'. Upon this 'individual', there is a super-imposition of 'individuality' which is a delusion, otherwise known by the name 'ego'.
In the 'individual' the 'I-Consciousness' is 'Atma", and 'I AM' is the mind. Similarly, 'I-Consciousness' is God of the Universe and 'I AM' is the Universe. The 'individual' is thus both 'I" and 'I AM', i.e. Atma (Self) and mind. He is 'life' and 'living'.He is the 'dancer' as well as the 'dance'. He is the 'Witness' as well as the 'witnessed', He is the 'Subject' as well as the 'object'. Atma is witnessing the mind similar to God witnessing the Universe. These apparent dualities, ultimately merge with the ABSOLUTE where there is neither the 'witness' nor the 'witnessed', neither the 'dancer' nor the 'dance', neither the 'subject' nor the 'object'. ABSOLUTE REALITY is beyond I-Consciousness', and is indescribable.
The imaginary 'individuality' superimposed on the 'individual' creates the problems of likes and dislikes, pleasure and pain, attraction and repulsion, and disturbs the homogeneous Peace that prevails in the 'individual. The 'individuality', as already said, is a delusion, termed as 'ego', finding pleasure in 'division' disturbing the 'unity'. This ego has three aspects viz. (i) a sense of 'ME' with independent doership; (ii)'MINE' - a sense of possession, and iii) attachment to the 'body' considering the same as the ONLY reality.
The sages and saints have never asked us to discard the body. The body as an 'individual' can exist. Only the attachment to the body, considering the same as the only reality, has to be done away with. This false attachment only, brings along with it, "ME" and 'MINE"- the other two aspects of individuality (ego).
All the Enlightened individuals - saints and sages - have experienced the Ultimate Reality, enveloping the body, similar to water enveloping the wave in the Ocean of Consciousness. The dirt of 'individuality' superimposed on the 'individual' has to be wiped off, for the realisation of the Absolute Reality.
The teaching method of 'neti-neti' adopted by vedantins, is only to bring out the Truth that the ABSOLUTE REALITY is all pervading, and is not to be confined to 'individual' or "I AM' or "I-Consciousness". There may be 'difference' in appearance, but there is no separateness. Wave, Waves and Ocean, although look as different, are not separate, for it is water alone that pervades all.
The likes and dislikes and the pleasure and pain relate to'individuality' which conceals the true nature of the 'individual'. The 'individuality' can no more rule over the person, when he realizes his true nature as ABSOLUTE REALITY.
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