The Jiva is not a reflection of the Supreme, like the sun reflected in water, because it is not so perceived. — 338.

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19. The Jiva is not a reflection of the Supreme, like the sun reflected in water, because it is not so perceived. — 338.

COMMENTARY

The similarity of the sun and water does not hold good here. The sun is at a distance from the water, and so it is possible for its reflection to be in the water. But the Supreme Self is all-pervading, so no object can be at a distance from Him. So the similarity of the sun and water cannot hold good with regard to the Self and the Jiva. The sun is reflected in water, etc., because of its distance from water, etc., but there can be no such distance between the Supreme Self and any object So «reflection» in this connection is a meaningless term.

Therefore, the Jiva cannot be a reflection of the Supreme Self. The Shruti also says, «He is colorless, reflectionless». — (Prashna Up., IV., 10.)

On the other hand, the Jiva is an intelligent entity like the Supreme Self. As says the Shruti: «He is the Eternal among the eternals, the conscious among the conscious ones». — (Katha Up., V., 13).

This refutes the illustration taken from the space and its reflection. The space has no reflection, the so-called reflection of the sky seen in water is really caused by the rays of the sun, etc., in particular limited portions of the space. It is a wrong notion of the ignorant when they say they see the reflection of space, otherwise one would also see the reflection of the directions, east, west, etc. Nor the sound and its echo are a proper illustration, for echo is not a reflection of sound. Therefore, the Lord has no reflection.

The next Sutra shows the reconciliation of these Shrutis, mentioning reflection.

SUTRA III. 2. 20.

वृद्धिह्रासभाक्त्वमन्तर्भावात् उभयसामञ्जस्यादेवम्॥३.२.२०॥

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