Abstract

The inquisitiveness about the relation between Consciousness and the phenomenal world has long existed in the area of philosophy and science. Philosophy tries to understand it subjectively whereas science tries to understand it materially. The nature of inquiry differs in both fields. In this paper, I will try to explain the relationship between Consciousness and the phenomenal world from a metaphysical aspect in the view of Advaitic Tenet. The Advaitic tenet is the essence of the Upanishadic explanation. The Upanishads generally form the last portions of the Veda and are the positive culmination of its philosophy. The consciousness and its relation to actions can never be understood only philosophically unless the power and form of will are properly understood. According to the Upanishads, the whole apparatus of perception is distinct from the Self (Consciousness) and is a manifestation of the physical. Since superimposition of the spirit and non-spirit on each other is the root cause of transmigration, we are unable to distinct ourselves (Consciousness) from the phenomenal world. Philosophy, religion, and ethics deal with only human beings. The Upanishads assert their independence in action but since they are limited in their apparatus of perception and expression, they are limited as well. Knowledge is the limiting factor. With the help of knowledge, we will be able to remove misery and bring a happy and relaxed state. Since we are identified with our body-mind complex, we are unable to remove misery and bring a happy relaxed state. This ignorance leads us to misery again. Here comes the significance of the scriptures. In this paper, I will try to define, how to discriminate Consciousness from the phenomenal world? I will define the nature of Consciousness and the phenomenal world according to the Advaitic tenet. The main topic i.e., the relation between Consciousness and the phenomenal world will be discussed according to the Advaitic tenet. The main purpose of knowing this is to realize Self Consciousness. Hence, this paper will be concluded by introducing the methods to discriminate the Consciousness and the phenomenal world and to realize Self Consciousness.