MDDM: Chs 46-7 This And Tat: A Hindoo Perspective

[s~Z]

>>>The pronoun reference goes back to "the Night Sky" I think -
its "pitiless
Clarity" (463.27) - but I agree that the word "*That*" is
italicised in the
text to load it with greater significance.<<<

Chandogya Upanishad  (VI.14)

1. 'Suppose, good lad, that someone were to lead a man blindfold
from Gandhara and then release him in a deserted place; and
suppose that he were to be blown to east, north, south, or west,
crying, "I have been led blindfold and released blindfold!"

2. 'And suppose that someone were to undo the blindfold and tell
him, "Gandhara is in this direction. Walk in this direction." And
he, being wise and intelligent, by asking from village to village
would reach Gandhara. In the same way a person who has a teacher
knows, "It is only so long until I am released. Then I will reach
my goal."

3. 'This subtle part is what all this has as self. It is truth: it
is the self.
 You are THAT (Tat tvam asi), Svetaketu.'
'Blessed one, explain it to me further.'
'I will, good lad,' he said.

"Tat" (THAT) denotes the Brahman that is held as the absolute
cause of the universe. It is ascertained in this Sat Vidya that
Brahman is the material cause of the universe and the instrumental
cause of the universe. Material cause is the one that undergoes
change to become the effect. For example, mud is the material
cause for the pot. The instrumental cause is the one that brings
out the effect by his wish and action. For example, the potter is
the instrumental cause in making the pot. Here in this Vedanta,
the Brahman is held as both material cause and as the instrumental
cause and the universe is the effect. The comparison of mud, gold,
iron etc denotes that the Brahman is the material cause. Brahman's
wish to become many and hence his creation denotes that Brahman is
the instrumental cause also. Further it is stated that knowing
Brahman, everything becomes known. This ascertains the Brahman as
material cause for the universe. Therefore the term "Tat" denotes
Brahman who is qualified by characteristics like being the cause
of the universe, greatest in terms of reality, form attributes and
unparalleled - unsurpassed supreme lordship, having the entire
universe as its body/mode, having infinite divine qualities,
untouched by all impurities etc.

For the significance of the word 'Field' see:
http://www.asitis.com/13/index.html