Question: 1) Is aparoksha jnana and the final intuition mean the same?
Sri Prabhuji: What is intuition ? Intuition is direct understanding without logical reasoning. Intuition is also a thought.
We have a intuitive knowledge of “I AM” in the waking state. I stands for consciousness, AM stands for existence. Statement “I AM” implies I exist and I am conscious. Logical proof of “I AM” is not possible and not needed also and hence it is intuitive knowledge.
However intuitive knowledge is corrupted by perceptual knowledge. I say I exist and I am conscious because of my body which is available for perceptual knowledge. I live in ignorance (avidya) superimposing body on conscious SELF.
Intuitive knowledge of SELF + perceptual knowledge superimposition is called ignorance (avidya). In avidya SELF is objectified as body-mind-intellect.
Vedantic knowledge (shravana-manana-nidhidhyasa) is applied to discriminate (viveka) to nullify SELF and Nonself (atma-anatma). This process removes superimposition of perceptual knowledge by process of negation – neti, neti. Seeker holds on to thought I AM Brahman during this process of negation.
On completion of negation of body-mind-intellect, negator realizes negator cannot negate SELF which is pure existence. At this point the real SELF – unconditional pure existence is recognised as true “I”. Since real I is the SEER (sakshi), it cannot be perceived. Real I is intuitively apperceived
Intuition+perception is avidya vratti (thought). Intuition+apperception is Vidya vritti (thought). Avidya vritti is destroyed by Vidya vritti. After that Vidya vratti is no longer needed. Intuition+Apperception of SELF is called aparoksha Jnana
Aparoksha Anubhuti is eternal experience of SELF. In deep sleep SELF experiences itSELF as bliss (Ananda). In waking state Bliss is covered by thoughts and ignorance. It is like movie covering screen. Forgetting bliss by identifying with the body-mind-intellect, self seeks happiness in objects of world. Happiness is nothing but Bliss of SELF reflected in mind. In waking-sleep (jagrat Sushupti) bliss of SELF is experienced consciously with Aparoksha jnana.
Aparoksha jnana is recognizing I am Jnana swarupa after negating all objective knowledge and experiencing bliss (Ananda). Aparoksha jnana and anubhuti cannot be separated at the time of realization.