Rising Above Pleasure and Pain: The Path of Witness Consciousness
Rising Above Pleasure and Pain: The Path of Witness Consciousness
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Rising Above Pleasure and Pain: The Path of Witness Consciousness
Introduction
In a world filled with conflict, fleeting happiness, and unending struggles,
humanity longs for lasting peace. This article reflects on the recent
discourse by Anant Bhai, Sanatan Episode 1376. It brings forward timeless
wisdom that guides us on how to rise above the dualities of life, pleasure
and pain, success and failure, praise and criticism. This article explores the
essence of his teaching, emphasizing how to free the soul from suffering
and realize its eternal identity. All quotes are by Anant Bhai shared in this
discourse.
The Illusion of Pleasure and Pain
Human life is a constant swing between moments of happiness and
sorrow. We rejoice in achievements and feel broken during failures, but
both states are temporary. Anant Bhai reminds us that ‘pleasure and pain
belong to the body and the mind, not to the soul’. The soul itself remains
untouched, eternal, and pure.
> “Sukh-dukh are only experiences of the body and mind,
not of the soul.”
Like scenes on a movie screen, joy and sorrow pass by, but we mistakenly
identify with them and become bound. Liberation comes from recognizing their
impermanence.
The Soul’s True Freedom
True independence does not lie in political liberty or worldly
achievements—it lies in recognizing our original identity as ‘pure, divine
consciousness’. Scriptures such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita
affirm that the soul is indestructible, eternal, and beyond change.
> “True freedom is recognizing that I am a pure, eternal,
divine soul.”
This realization is the first step toward freedom from suffering. Once the soul
understands its divine nature, external circumstances lose their grip.
Rising Above Pleasure and Pain: The Path of Witness Consciousness
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he Practice of Witness Consciousness
The key practice taught is, ‘sakshi bhav’, or witness consciousness.
Instead of being entangled in every thought, feeling, and reaction, we learn
to become observers. By seeing every experience, pleasant or unpleasant,
as passing clouds, the soul remains stable in peace.
> “Witness consciousness is the key—be the observer, not
the doer.”
When we practice this awareness, we stop wasting energy in endless reactions.
Arguments, judgments, and criticisms no longer bind us, and our energy is
preserved for higher realization.
Karma and Acceptance
A vital teaching from the discourse is about karma. Every circumstance in
life, whether pleasant or painful, is the fruit of past actions. Instead of
resisting or blaming others, we are asked to accept life’s events with
equanimity.
> “Every situation is the result of karma; accept it without
reaction.”
Acceptance does not mean passivity. It means facing life with clarity, without
wasting energy on resistance. This attitude transforms suffering into an
opportunity for growth.
The Danger of Reactions
In modern life, reactions dominate our interactions; whether on social
media, in relationships, or at work. One must be aware that reactions are
energy leaks. They increase inner faults (dosh), multiply karmic bondage,
and prevent spiritual growth.
> “Do not waste energy in endless reactions; learn to let
go.”
To rise higher, we must cultivate the ability to remain silent, ignore provocation,
and move forward with wisdom.
Meditation and Divine Light
Before beginning the meditation, one must remember:
Rising Above Pleasure and Pain: The Path of Witness Consciousness
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“This alone will bring change; no mantra, no ritual, no outer worship can do it.
Only when you purify your mind, free yourself from ego and faults, and practice
inner remembrance will transformation surely happen. This is the only path, the
only way.”
This is a simple yet profound meditation practice. Visualize pure white light from
the Supreme descending into your soul, filling it with infinite power, peace, and
bliss. With every breath, draw in vibrations of Param Shanti and spread them
outward to the world.
Through daily meditation, the soul learns to rest in its original state of light,
peace, and bliss.
> “Spread vibrations of supreme peace; the world needs
them now.”
This not only heals the individual but also contributes to global harmony.
Service and Higher Purpose
When the mind is absorbed in selfish pursuits, it remains trapped in
sorrow. But when engaged in service, compassion, and spreading
knowledge, the soul rises above personal happiness and suffering. Service
shifts focus from “I and mine” to the welfare of all.
> “Service and selflessness reduce the grip of personal
pleasure and pain.”
By dedicating energy to a higher purpose, suffering loses its weight, and peace
naturally arises.
The Supreme Authority or Ultimate Source or Almighty Authority’s Role
and Human Freedom
One of the most powerful reminders is that the Supreme never interferes in
human actions. God grants freedom. Just as He does not control our
choices, we should not attempt to control others. Instead, we must focus
on our own journey, free from judgment and blame.
> “The Supreme does not interfere in anyone’s actions; He
gives freedom.”
Rising Above Pleasure and Pain: The Path of Witness Consciousness
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This understanding brings humility, tolerance, and greater acceptance in
relationships.
Liberation and the Original Abode
Ultimately, liberation is returning to our eternal home; Paramdham, the
world of infinite light, love, and peace. When the soul identifies with its
origin, worldly ups and downs appear only as a passing drama.
> “Liberation comes when the soul rests in its original
abode of light and peace.”
Through consistent practice, we cultivate inner strength, and dissolve karmic
debts. Practical Steps for Daily Life
1. Morning Reflection – Begin each day affirming: ‘I am a pure, divine soul,
filled with peace.’
2. Witness Practice – See all events as passing scenes; do not overreact.
3. Breath Awareness – Inhale peace, exhale peace. Spread vibrations of Param
Shanti.
4. Acceptance of Karma – Accept each situation as the result of past actions,
without blame.
5. Service and Selflessness – Dedicate time to helping others, reducing focus
on self.
6. Meditation on Light – Visualize divine white light entering and strengthening
the soul.
7. Evening Silence– End the day by bringing awareness to self to reflect within
and notice and self-check. Be in gratitude and silence, radiating vibrations of
peace.
��My Journey with Witness Consciousness
For me, the practice of sakshi bhav or the witness state, has not been only
information but a living experience. Over the years, sitting in awareness has
helped me notice subtle patterns in my own mind and behavior.
I began to observe how often ego surfaced in my interactions, silently pushing
me to defend or prove myself. I caught myself judging others, even in small
thoughts. I noticed the cycle of negative self-talk, old beliefs and doubts that kept
repeating in the mind. Most deeply, I became aware of family karmic patterns
that seemed to pass down unconsciously from one generation to another. Source
and my spiritual guides can draw my attention with another incident or say
experience, to correct it. If I don’t get, it will repeat until I listen, acknowledge and
Rising Above Pleasure and Pain: The Path of Witness Consciousness
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correct my thoughts! Get closer to your Soul Self, becoming Soul Conscious is
important.
Through steady practice, I have learned to step back and simply watch these
patterns as an observer, without reacting or identifying with them. This
awareness itself has been healing. Slowly, the grip of old habits is loosening.
Though the work is ongoing, every day I feel more freedom, more peace, and
more space within to choose love instead of reaction.
Closing Thoughts:
Anant Bhai’s discourse, Sanatan episode 1376, is not only spiritual wisdom
but a practical guide for life. It can be watched on Bapuji Dashrathbhai
Patel’s YouTube channel. In this world of chaos, these teachings remind us
to detach from reactions, accept karma, and practice witness
consciousness. By doing so, we rise above pleasure and pain, conserve
our inner energy, and prepare for liberation.
In essence, our true victory lies not in worldly success but in realizing our eternal
self and radiating Supreme Peace – Param Shanti to all beings.
> “Without practice, knowledge remains theory;
experience transforms life.”
