The sun metaphor (or light metaphor) is used to illustrate the relationship between Consciousness (the Seer, or Dṛk) and the mind (the Seen, which contains Vṛttis or mental objects) .
The metaphor teaches that Consciousness is the unaffected illuminator of
the mind's contents:
- The
Light/Sun is Consciousness (Dṛk): Consciousness is like
the sun or light, which shines upon and reveals objects . It is the
"revealer of Vṛttis" in your mind (perceptions,
cognitions, and emotions) .
- The
Objects are Mental States (Vṛttis): These are the thoughts
and emotions that are being revealed .
- The
Principle of Non-Affection: The core illustration is that the sun
is utterly unaffected by what it shines upon .
- When
the sun shines on a holy scripture, it does not become holy .
- When
the sun shines on a filthy gutter, it does not become impure .
The conclusion for the self is that just as the sun remains
untainted, the light of your consciousness remains unaffected by
the mental states it reveals . Therefore, when consciousness reveals the
presence of sadness in your mind, consciousness does not become sad, and when
it reveals happiness, it does not become happy .
