Question:
Can you please quote from shurits for “appearance of Jiva” and Jiva reflection of Brahman?
Sri Prabhuji:
Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati. – Knower of Brahman becomes Brahman.
Suppose we consider jiva as part (Amsha) of Brahman, part or amsha becomes whole – which is impossible. Hence jiva is not amsha of Brahman.
Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma which means all that is there in creation, living and Non living is Brahman. Applying this logic to spider and its web, web cannot be spider. Hence web-spider example is given to indicate Brahman is upadana karana – material substance of universe. Brahman is upadana karana and nimitta karana of universe.
If we accept Brahman has parts ( amsha) then Satyam Jnanam Anantam Brahma becomes invalid – Brahman becomes invalid.
Brahadaranyaka upanishad first Adhyaya fourth Brahmana gives details of process of how one non dual Brahman became many, how there was fear and desire in Brahman in the creative process . .
Brahman being unchanging non dual, creation being power of Maya Shakti, Brahman appeared as many. If Brahman becomes many like milk becoming curd there is no more non dual Brahman. Hence creation is “appearance only”. This appearance is abhasa chaitanya (reflected consciousness – Shankara Bhashya).
Rupam rupam prati rupo babhuva – Madhukanda of Brahadaranyaka upanishad. Brahman created many forms and assumed form of each. How can Infinite non dual Brahman assume finite form ? Hence Rupam Rupam Prati rupo babhuva means Brahman appeared (abhasa chaitanya) as each form.