Why Words Are Imperishable: Gurudev on Consciousness and the Formless Divine

What does it mean that words are imperishable?

Question: Gurudev, the scriptures say that alphabets are divine and exist in space beyond form. Could you speak about this?

Gurudev:
Yes. Words are with God, and words are God; even the Bible says this.

In the ancient tradition, letters are called akshara (अक्षर), which means “imperishable.” A letter is imperishable, so words are also imperishable.

Whatever you speak remains in the akasha, the field of space, what some call the Akashic

The world of form and the spirit beyond form

Question: Gurudev, when we do Guru Puja, do you get a notification?

Gurudev:
Yes! (laughs)

You see, our body is manifest; it has shape and form.
But the mind has no form.

Similarly, the world has form, but the spirit has no form.

Without spirit, the world cannot exist. The world is the manifestation of spirit.

Take water vapor, you cannot see it in the atmosphere. But when it condenses into water, you can see it.

In the same way, spirit cannot be seen, but it manifests through forms and bodies.

So the divine is both form and formless. Everything is pervaded by divinity.

Consciousness exists in everything

Question: Gurudev, we have a few rapid-fire questions. Is it okay to ask?

Gurudev: Yes, go ahead.

Question: What can we learn about consciousness from a banana?

Gurudev:
Know that even bananas have consciousness. Everything has consciousness.

Question: Boarding pass?

Gurudev:
You all have come with a boarding pass to board this flight of life, but the departure time hasn't been written yet.

Question: Teacup?

Gurudev:
Keep it full, and empty it again and again.

Question: Grain of sand?

Gurudev:
Remember, you are smaller than that.

Question: And the barricades outside Kutir?

Gurudev:
Those are for your safety!
[laughter]
They want to keep you safe when you come to see me.

*******************************************************************************

Discover the deeper experience of meditation

Ancient wisdom reminds us that everything in life, from our thoughts to our words, is connected to a deeper field of consciousness. Through meditation and breathwork, we can experience this awareness more directly.

The Art of Living Part 1 Course introduces powerful yet simple practices, including SKY Breath Meditation, that help calm the mind, increase energy, and deepen your connection to the present moment.

Learn more about upcoming programs and discover how these practices can support your well-being.