Distinct, they say, is (what results) from the manifest and distinct again, they say, is (what results) from the unmanifest. Thus have we heard from the sages who taught us that.
1). What is the effect of meditation on manifest and unmanifest Brahman?
Ishwara is the cause for the universe Universe has a manifest form called Hiranyagarbha and unmanifest form called Prakriti. Those who meditate on the manifest form of Ishwara in terms of subtle objects – sound, sight… etc or universe acquire powers called Siddhis. On the other hand, those who meditate on unmanifest nature – Prakriti merge with Prakriti.
“Brahmavid apnoti Param” – Taittiriya 2.1.1. We should meditate on Brahman who is the cause of the universe in the form of Ishwara. Meditating on effect – manifest, unmanifest will not lead to supreme
Manifest Prakriti or unmanifest Prakriti is very different from Brahman. Both Vidya and avidya – manifest Prakriti and unmanifest Prakriti are appearance in Brahman. But Brahman is unattached. Air may carry a good smell or a bad smell. But air itself is unaffected.
Similarly, a person who has realized Brahman is jivanmukta. He is free from manifest and unmanifest nature.
anyad evāhuḥ saṃbhavād anyad āhur asaṃbhavāt |
iti śuśruma dhīrāṇāṃ ye nas tad vicacakṣire || 13 ||