Indian Philosophy v2.c26.s41.2.2

v2.c26.s41.2.2

In the ultimate reality called God we have determination, limitation, difference, other-being which is at the same time dissolved, contained and gathered together in the one. Finitude is in the infinite itself. Brahman has internal difference (svagatabheda) and is a synthetic whole, with souls and matter as his moments (cidacidviśiṣṭa).² The qualities of being (sat), consciousness (cit), and bliss (ānanda) give to Brahman a character and a personality. Brahman’s knowledge is immediate, and is not dependent on the organs of sense.³ He is all-knowing and has direct intuition of all. Brahman is the supreme personality, while the individuals are personal in an imperfect way. Personality implies the power to plan and realise one’s purposes. God is perfect personality, since he contains all experience within himself and is dependent on nothing external to him. The differences necessary for personality are contained within himself. The most prominent qualities of God are knowledge, power and love (karuṇa). Out of his love God has created the world, established laws, and helps constantly all who seek to attain perfection.⁴ While each quality by itself is different from the others, they all belong to one identity and do not divide its integrity of being. The Lord’s connection with them is natural (svābhāvika) and eternal (sanātana).⁵ These attributes are said to be abstract, as distinct from matter and souls, which are also called the attributes of God.