Meaning of an Emblem of Ashram:
The Vaidic statement “Bramhavidaapnoti Param” means “one who knows the nature of Supreme Bramhan he becomes the Bramhan”. In this Mudra, the index finger bends down to touch the thumb, forming a circle. Middle finger, ring finger and little finger stand together in a straight line, separated from the index finger. These straight fingers indicate three modes of Natu
re (Prakruti) – Goodness (Sattwa), Passion (Rajas) and Darkness (Tamas). These three modes respectively create the Gross, Subtle and Causal bodies and in a sequence they create waking, dream and deep sleep state. Thumb is the substratum of our hand. It indicates the Supreme Bramhan – the substratum of entire creation. Index finger indicates individual soul who has an ego. In the beginning, the index finger is associated with three other fingers, indicating identification of individual ego with three modes of Nature and respectively with three bodies and then three states of experiences. As a result of this identification, individual soul associated with ‘Samsaara’ tends to become a limited, mortal being. After performing noble, religious deeds over many lives, the mind becomes pure and develops dispassion for all worldly objects of enjoyment. As a result, he withdraws himself and slowly achieves the highest faith and devotion in the Lord. He lives a selfless, dedicated life of service unto the Lord. And finally, by Lord’s grace and blessings, he gets a Spiritual Master unto whom he surrenders. This is indicated in Dnyana Mudra. Index finger – individual soul is separated from the Samsaara of three modes – three other fingers and then he surrenders to the Spiritual Master. This is indicated by the index finger bending down to touch the thumb creating a circle. A circle has no beginning or end. This knowledge of identity enlightens the soul that ‘I am not the body, sense organs, mind, intellect, and ego. I am different and distinct from gross, subtle and causal bodies as well as waking, dream and sleep states. I am ‘Sat-Chit-Aananda-Swaroop’ Param Bramhan. As a result of this knowledge, Jeeva becomes Param Bramhan itself – self contented, happy and full within. This is the meaning of the Vaidic statement “Bramhavidaapnoti Param”.
