If the mind ceases, the possibility of knowing anything also ceases, as all understanding exists within its domain. For instance, in deep sleep, the mind is absent, so we are unaware of objects, time, or the world. Duality vanishes in this state. However, upon waking, we affirm, “I slept.” This implies there is a witness to deep sleep—a presence beyond the mind that observes it. This witness, referred to in Advaita Vedanta as pure consciousness, is indescribable and unobservable; it simply is.
The uniqueness of “I”—our name, gender, body, and identity—is a construct of the mind. This perceived “I” is a mix of the “false self” created by the mind and the pure consciousness underlying it. The duality of life arises when the mind is active in the waking state. Letting go of this false self can feel like death, but one who realizes and transcends the false self attains a state of immortality. Birth and death, being dualities, lose their significance for such a person. To truly understand life, one must turn to philosophy.
Real philosophy does not contradict science but complements it. It differs from religion, which often relies on belief systems, rituals, and moral practices aimed at rewards like entry into heaven. Religion’s foundations can be questioned and debated. Philosophy, on the other hand, begins with self-enquiry and encourages questioning and argumentation.
The highest-known philosophy, according to me, is Advaita Vedanta (based on non-duality). It focuses on the self — breaking down the `unique you` into the `false you` + `pure consciousness`. It exposes the falseness within, guiding individuals to overcome it to realize The Truth. This Truth is beyond qualities and descriptions, as qualities belong to the realm of the mind. Any attribute assigned to Truth limits it and pulls it into the mental domain.
For true fulfilment, one must identify and break free from mental bondages, which are purely virtual and exist only in the mind. Advaita Vedanta offers a path to liberation from these bondages, including the ultimate liberation from the fear of death.