Immanence is a philosophical and metaphysical concept that means ‘to reside within’. In Hinduism, and other world religions, it is the polarity of transcendence.
This dual concept is often looked at from two points of view. However, immanence and transcendence are a balance. Whereas immanence refers to self-reflection, transcendence leads us to believe God is a physical presence outside of human existence.
Hindus essentially take both views as being correct. We see this is the principle of the Supreme God Brahman and the inner God – Atman. In Hinduism, we connect with Brahman through the Atman – the god that resides within.
Swami Adiswarananda of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center in New York writes:
“Brahman is non-dual pure consciousness, indivisible, incorporeal, infinite, and all-pervading like the sky. Brahman is of the nature of existence-knowledge-bliss-absolute-the ground of all existence, basis of all awareness, and source of all bliss. It is the reality of all realities.”
This is no difference from how many people in other world religions consider God. A belief in God’s immanence projects the idea that God is in all creation whilst still remaining separate from it.
The Rig Veda, the most ancient text still in existence says the same thing:
‘The human body is the temple of God
One who kindles the light of awareness within
Gets true light.
The scared flame of your inner shrine
Is constantly bright.
The experience of unity
Is the fulfilment of human endeavors.
The mysteries of life are revealed.
The Upanishads also enlighten us with wisdom that explains how human beings can be profoundly spiritual on the inside. Without awareness of your inner world, you are only aware of your ego in the physical world. And the ego often leads us along the wrong path.
When we are only aware of the ego, we struggle to recognize the rights and wrongs of our actions; we therefore continue to make the same mistakes. And we fail to understand our true nature. As a consequence, we roam the earth restlessly and without purpose.
Transcendence v Immanence
Whereas immanence points us towards the inner-word, transcendence teaches us that God is the substance of the Universe that he created. If we take the view that God is consciousness and energy, then we cannot argue with this concept. And it makes perfect sense.
Transcendence is a state of spiritual attainment that goes beyond our physical selves. Whilst it is true there is a higher power, a Supreme God that is not a physical aspect of mankind, the higher power can still be felt from within.
And this is how transcendence can be misconstrued by organized religions. Finding God by looking on the outside limits your view. Yes, Brahman is there, guiding you, nurturing you, delivering what you deserve. But Brahman can only be reached from within.
Thus God also resides within but as the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad states he also resides on the outside:
“As a man, when embraced by a beloved wife,
Knows nothing that is without, nothing that is within,
Thus this person, when embraced by the Prajna Self
Knows nothing that is without, nothing that is within.
This indeed is his true form, in which he wishes are fulfilled,
In which the Self only is his wish, in which no other wish is left,
He is free from any sorrow.”
And so it is left to the initiate whether to connect with the Supreme Brahman, the divine energy that creates reality. Immanence is the choice of worshippers to find God through self-examination.
By understanding the Atman, you are with Brahman. And He will protect you. But to understand Brahman you know that the Universe is one mind and that reality is nothing but an illusion we create in the physical mind.
On the other hand, being with Brahman gives you more control over how He guides you and what He delivers to you. Essentially, you create your own reality. Braham is the creator in you.
Dissolving the ego
Immanence is a means of dissolving the ego. In search of spiritual attainment, enlightened beings have to gain control of worldly desires such as material possessions and emotional attachment.
It is customary that we look outside ourselves for recognition and happiness. We feel the need to hear someone tell us, “I love you’ or ‘I am so proud of you.” We have that desire to feel special.
Immanence is a means of understanding you are special without needing to hear it from others. Self-recognition is the light within you that reflects your true value into the mind of ego.
Once you come to realize your true self, there is no need for ego. The struggle for recognition and the multiple appearances we cloak our frailties with fade away and eventually disappear.
The ego is simply a means we use to measure our value to the world. But value is a falsehood that has been articulated by authorities that want to control the minds of their subjects to enslave us.
Hindus therefore strive for Moksha. This is a concept that enables initiates to liberate the mind from the burden of illusion. It involves living a pure life and understanding the inner world. Through immanence we expand our consciousness to discover Moksha.
The more we dissolve ego, the more understanding we have of the world and people in it. Then we recognize there is no reason to be angry, greedy, violent or jealous. We can survive on inner bliss.
Is there anything more satisfying than inner peace? Ask a rich man what makes him happy. He will not say money or his possessions. He is more likely to say, relaxing with his family. Being at peace with himself.
The more we struggle against the world, the more dissatisfied we become. Recognize the value of the Atman and ego will dissolve. Then you can connect completely with Brahman and know you are protected at all times. Life starts with immanence.
