Vedanta - Discussion Forum I (introductory))

[Guest]

I would like to further dissect the 'Ocean model of brahman'.

It has been said that the ocean model represents the multitudes of forms appearing from a unit formless. Ocean is compared to the formless Nirguna brahman, and the ice etc the various forms that arise from it.

I have a very hard time accepting this. The ocean model is actually a model for the 'prakriti', not for the brahman.

1. It is prakriti which is the material cause. The disequilibrium of the gunas lead to various forms arising in it.
2. Prakriti has divisions already in it, just like the ocean which is inherently divided into many water molecules. Its formlessness is the formlessness in prakriti when it is not disturbed by the disequilibrium of gunas.

An calm ocean is still a collection of inert parts that just happen to be in a formless configuration. Brahman on the other hand is all consciousness and Self and one without a second.

As far as models are concerned, I prefer the upside down Ashwathha tree model where brahman is the root, and jivas and other things branches.