68. Cosmic Consciousness (Vaikuntha-Loka)

Affirmation:

I am one with Cosmic Consciousness, where all duality dissolves and only truth remains. In the abode of Vishnu, I experience the essence of creation and the perfect state of liberation. With gratitude, I embrace the choice to continue growing, to help others, or to rest in infinite stillness.

Mantras:

Om Vaikunthaya Namah

Om Vishnave Namah

68

Cosmic Consciousness

(Vaikuntha-loka)

Above and beyond all other lokas, in the region of the beyond, is Vaikuntha—the loka of Cosmic Consciousness, the prana of manifested reality. This loka is also composed of mahat, the “element” that is the source of elements and not an element by itself.

Before the player starts to play the game, he accepts the importance and significance of this, the plane of Being, which is always his goal. Whatever desires lure him away from his path, this is always his highest desire—to attain moksha, liberation.

Vaikuntha is the abode of Vishnu and the plane every Hindu hopes to realize after passing from the present form of existence. The dwelling-place of Vishnu is the plane of Cosmic Consciousness because Vishnu is truth, the great protector of consciousness throughout its upward climb.

The karma die observes the vibrational level of the player at all times. The die determines where the player must be placed and what course of action is to be adopted. The player can follow ashtanga yoga, the eightfold yoga, and evolve path by path through the eight levels. Or he can follow dharma and become a bhakta, a spiritual devotee. All paths lead to the same place.

Whatever his course of action among the limitless possibilities, the player has now arrived at the seat of Vishnu. And Vishnu is the essence of all creation. Cosmic Consciousness itself, truth. It is directly above the plane of reality because the highest reality is truth.

The ring that symbolized the player goes back to the finger of the one who wore it: it has lost all meaning. The game stops. What happens now depends on the player. The nature of cosmic play is simple. It is to discover by what different combinations, with what new karmas, with which companions can the player reenter the game and strive anew to seek the state that is his real home. He can continue the game of hide-and-seek with himself, or he can remain beyond the game for ever. Or he can go back to earth to see if he can help others reach the goal, thus taking the role of the twice-born boddhisattva. The choice is his. No one else can choose.

Art

The artwork beautifully encapsulates the transcendental concept of "Cosmic Consciousness" or "Vaikuntho-loka". It portrays a celestial realm that embodies the essence of Vaikuntha, the ultimate goal of a spiritual journey. This realm is bathed in ethereal light, symbolizing truth and enlightenment.

Central to the artwork is the figure of Vishnu, representing Cosmic Consciousness and the embodiment of truth. Vishnu radiates a protective aura over the entire plane, signifying his role as the great protector of consciousness throughout its upward climb.

The artwork also integrates elements signifying ashtanga yoga and the eightfold path, as well as symbols of dharma and bhakti, reflecting the various paths leading to this highest plane of existence. These elements signify the diverse spiritual practices and disciplines that can lead to the realization of Cosmic Consciousness.

The background is a cosmic landscape filled with stars and nebulae, representing the vastness of the universe and the spiritual journey that transcends physical existence. This cosmic setting highlights the concept of spiritual evolution and the journey towards the realization of ultimate truth and liberation.

The image captures the essence of the cosmic play, offering a glimpse into the realm beyond the physical, where the soul can choose its next path - be it eternal transcendence, reincarnation, or guiding others towards enlightenment. This artwork is a visual representation of the spiritual journey and the ultimate attainment of Cosmic Consciousness.

Here's an artwork by the psychotherapist Gary Gold, capturing the mystical essence of Vaikuntha, the realm of Cosmic Consciousness in Hindu belief. Notice how it blends elements of spirituality and Hindu symbolism, with Vishnu at the center, embodying truth and cosmic consciousness. Surrounding Vishnu, you can see symbolic representations like a karma die and a player symbolized by a ring, all set against an ethereal, cosmic backdrop. 

Here's the artwork with a variation that includes Vishnu and his consort in Vaikuntha. This image captures the spiritual harmony and unity between them, set in the mystical and otherworldly realm of Cosmic Consciousness. The surrounding elements and the ethereal background enhance the portrayal of this divine couple, offering a deeper insight into the spiritual essence of the text.

Here's an artwork with a variation that includes Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi in Vaikuntha. This image captures the spiritual harmony and unity between them, set in the mystical and otherworldly realm of Cosmic Consciousness. The surrounding elements and the ethereal background enhance the portrayal of this divine couple, offering a deeper insight into the spiritual essence of the text.

Song

Vaikuntha

Vaikuntha
Vaikuntha

Vaikuntha's embrace, a realm so grand,
Cosmic awareness, at our command.
Beyond all lokas, a sacred domain,
The source of all being, a whispered refrain...

Moksha's embrace, the journey's end,
Truth unveiled, a story to transcend.
Vishnu's abode, in eternal light,
Cosmic dance over, in radiant white.

Eightfold path walked, or devotion's embrace,
All roads lead here, to find our true place.
Karma's die cast, the journey complete,
At Vishnu's seat, where all paths do meet.

Moksha's embrace, the journey's end,