Here I ask ChatGPT to discuss The Absolute as viewed by the Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy.
Me: Summarize the Advaita Vedanta view of “The Absolute”
ChatGPT: Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy that teaches the ultimate reality is a single, unchanging, and non-dual consciousness known as “Brahman” and that the individual self (Atman) is identical to Brahman. The term “The Absolute” (Brahman) in Advaita Vedanta refers to the ultimate reality that is the unchanging, eternal, and infinite ground of all being.
According to Advaita Vedanta, Brahman is not just a God or deity, but the ultimate and all-pervading reality, the one without a second. This absolute reality is said to be beyond human comprehension and cannot be described in terms of qualities or attributes. It is said to be beyond all duality, such as subject and object, cause and effect, and time and space. Brahman is considered to be infinite, eternal, unchanging, and all-pervading.
Advaita Vedanta also teaches that the individual self or soul, known as Atman, is identical to Brahman. The goal of Advaita Vedanta is to realize this oneness through the attainment of self-knowledge or “Brahman-realization.” This realization is said to lead to liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and the attainment of ultimate freedom, peace and happiness. In Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate reality is not seen as separate from the individual self, but as the very essence of the self.
Advaita Vedanta is also a non-dualistic tradition, it posits that there is no fundamental difference between Atman and Brahman, between the individual self and the ultimate reality. The separation between the two is seen as an illusion, and the goal of Advaita Vedanta is to help individuals to overcome this illusion and realize their true nature as the unchanging, eternal, and infinite reality that is Brahman.
Me: Do you happen to know the “Clear Light Prayer” from the American Book of The Dead?
ChatGPT: The “Clear Light Prayer” is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist prayer that is often used in conjunction with the practice of “Phowa,” or “conscious dying,” and is also known as the “Bardo Prayer.” It is said to help individuals who are dying to recognize the clear light of death, which is considered to be the nature of the mind in its purest form.
Here is an example of the Clear Light Prayer:
“In the unfabricated expanse of the ground
The natural state of the mind, the nature of all phenomena,
Is the dharmakaya, the all-encompassing ground,
The ground of all the buddhas of the three times.
In the supreme sphere of reality, the space of dharmakaya,
The unchanging, immutable state of the ground,
With one-pointed mind, I will take my seat
And from the ground of my being, I will find my way.”
It’s important to note that, the form of the prayer can vary depending on different traditions, it is not fixed and can vary even across different versions of the book of the dead. The main purpose is to help the dying person to recognize the clear light of death and to attain liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. It is believed that by reciting the prayer and recognizing the clear light, the individual will be able to die peacefully and with minimal fear and confusion, and will be able to attain the ultimate spiritual goal of enlightenment.
Me: I would like a version of the Clear Light Prayer that would be appropriate for a child
ChatGPT: Here’s a version of the Clear Light Prayer that has been adapted for children:
“Dear God, please help me to see the light within myself and others. May we all be filled with love, kindness, and understanding. Help me to be a good person and make the world a better place. Amen.”
It is a modern adaption of the original prayer, it is not a traditional version of it, but it’s a good starting point for a child to learn about the main ideas behind it.
It can be shortened or personalized as you see fit, the most important thing is that it should come from the heart and be meaningful to the child.
Me: I would like a version of the Clear Light Prayer that would be appropriate for an adult just starting to learn.
ChatGPT: Sure, here is a simple version of the Clear Light Prayer that is often used as an introduction:
“In the space before me,
In the space behind me,
In the space to my right,
In the space to my left,
In the space above me,
In the space below me,
All around me, everywhere,
The light shines, unceasing and clear.
May the light of clarity dispel my confusion and guide me on my path.”
This prayer is used as a way to invoke feelings of clarity and peace, and to cultivate a sense of being surrounded by light and positivity. It can be said silently or out loud, and can be repeated as often as desired. You can also alter it to your preference, making it specific to your goal or feeling.