The Mystery of Oneness and the Reality of Individual Souls

A profound question arises in the realm of Advaita (non-dual knowledge): Are we all one, or are we eternally individual souls? Many ancient masters and Rishis have declared that the Self is one, the soul is one, and all beings are ultimately expressions of one universal existence. Yet, experience reveals difference—different faces, different thoughts, different karmas, and different destinies. This article attempts to bridge these two perspectives by exploring the real meaning of oneness, the levels from which sages speak, and why humanity experiences itself as separate despite originating from a single Divine essence.

Advaita and the Statement “We Are One”
According to Advaita, the ultimate truth is simple:
There is only one Supreme Consciousness The multiplicity we see—different beings, different souls, different forms—is part of Maya, the cosmic illusion. When enlightened masters say “We are one”, they are referring to the highest plane of existence where all individuality dissolves into the Infinite. At that level, the drop becomes the ocean. But this statement does not negate the reality of individual souls, which function at different levels across the cosmic drama.

The Reality of Individuality

In the practical world, individuality is undeniable.

Every lifetime brings:

• A different face

• A different body

• A different karmic blueprint

• A different personality

• A different destiny

The subtle body (sukshma sharir) and causal body (karana sharir) are continuously evolving based on experiences and karmas. Our DNA, sanskars, memories, tendencies, all keep changing. No two souls are the same. Even when 108 primordial souls emerged from the complete Brahman, they manifested with:

·       different power levels

·       different qualities

·       unique conditioning

Thus, difference began the moment creation began.

Religion, Diversity, and Division

If we were truly one at the practical level:

·       there would be no religions

·       no castes

·       no sects

·       no philosophical differences

Yet humanity is divided into millions of belief systems, each claiming truth. Some believe in form (Saguna), some worship the formless (Nirguna). Some follow personal gods, some deny God completely. Each religion follows a different path to liberation.

This diversity itself proves that souls carry different impressions and levels of evolution.

Life Across the Universe

Ancient scriptures mention life not just on Earth, but:

• different planets- different galaxies- different universes- different multiverses

Modern science is only beginning to discover this truth. Advanced beings from other cosmic realms carry their own knowledge and impressions, which has influenced humanity over time.

As these souls entered Earth:

• new belief systems were formed

• society changed

• philosophies evolved

This is the reason why Earth is a mixed field, where millions of ideas exist simultaneously.

Why Teachings Differ

Different saints speak from different levels of realization.

Some masters discuss:

• the body

• health

• purity of mind

• purity of soul

• the supreme consciousness

One who teaches kindergarten cannot teach doctoral knowledge.
Similarly, not every guru speaks of Brahman, because their realization may not have reached that level.

Therefore, confusion is natural unless one knows:

• their own path

• their own level

• their own purpose

What is the purpose of my life?

Without knowing the purpose:

• meditation is difficult

• the mind wanders

• desires dominate

• worldly worries pull us into Maya

Purpose gives direction, direction gives focus, and focus gives realization.

A soul must decide:

• Is this my final life?

• Do I seek liberation?

• Am I here for transformation?

• Am I ready to awaken the supreme light within?

Without clarity, knowledge remains scattered.

Only Liberated Souls Understand This Fire

This knowledge is not for:

• people trapped in 84 lakh life forms

• souls bound deeply in worldly pleasures

• minds caught in politics and ego

It is meant for awakened divine souls whose karmic burden is light and whose inner voice seeks truth. Just as a child ignores deep philosophical questions, unprepared souls cannot absorb the fire of Brahma-Vidya.

Proof of the Existence of the Soul

The simplest proof of the soul lies in the difference between:    a living body  &  a corpse

Both contain the same biological structure. The difference is the presence of consciousness.

Machines can measure:

·       brain activity

·       electrical impulses

·       bio-currents

The energy disappears at death. Where does it go?

Similarly: A dead animal and a living animal are the same externally. It is the subtle force—the soul—that animates life. Even if one denies spirituality, simply observe life and death, and the difference becomes clear.

If God is Beyond the Senses

A scientist may ask:
If God cannot be seen, how can He exist?

But:

• You cannot see air, yet it moves you.

• You cannot see electricity, yet it powers the world.

• You cannot see thoughts, yet they shape reality.

Every element of nature is beyond our senses in its true form. Then how can the Creator of all elements be limited to the senses? Before asking for proof of God, first give proof of your own existence. Who are you? Where did you come from? What is your consciousness? Why do good and bad exist within you? Only after knowing yourself can you even begin to speak about the Supreme Self.

Why Liberation Matters

Liberation (moksha) is important because:

• it frees the soul from rebirth

• ends the cycle of pleasure and pain

• brings unity with the Supreme

This truth has remained unchanged across time. The goal of life is not endless wandering but ultimate union.

Conclusion

At the highest level, we are indeed one— just as a drop and the ocean are one in essence.

But at the practical level, individuality exists because:

• karmas differ

• qualities differ

• experiences differ

• destinies differ

The journey of life is to evolve through individuality and ultimately realize unity.

We are all traveling from:

• separation → realization → union.

Only when the drop merges back into the ocean of Brahman do we understand the true meaning of “We are One.” Until then, honor your individuality, know your purpose, purify your consciousness, and walk the path with awareness.