Ordinary human existence is a finite experience marked by episodes of pleasure, but these moments of satisfaction are punctuated by periods of pain and change. It is not possible to flourish while living within these boundaries, because attachment to an evolving world represents a connection linked to non-permanence. In cases where we are tied to an erratic and unpredictable reality, we are weakened by the flow of the world and ultimately made vulnerable by this change, and we cannot experience ultimate fulfillment. To free ourselves from this cycle of change, we must realize the self as Brahman. It is through this awareness that we can achieve unification with ultimate reality and achieve fulfillment. Brahman is the imperishable Self. The nature of Brahman resides within us and everyone, but it is also beyond our understanding. It’s “not this, it’s not that [that] (neti, neti). It is elusive, because it cannot be grasped; indestructible, because it cannot be destroyed; detached, because it does not attach; is not bound, does not tremble, is not hurt…” (Radhakrishnan 88-89). These passages from the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad lead us towards an understanding of Brahman as all that we are and everything, but also highlight the indescribable nature of the absolute being that is Brahman. Brahman is the source of existence, but it does not exist. Brahman is everything, but nothing. It is impossible for us to describe any singular characteristic of Brahman because Brahman is not part of our relative understanding of what reality is. Brahman is the Self, that is, “in the space inside the heart…” (Radhakrishnan 88). Brahman is within and without, “he is your Self (atman), which is in all things…” (Radhakrishnan 83). Brahman is among many for ...... middle of paper ...... complete unity with immutability and liberation from the cyclical reality of the world. We must reject the pleasures of the world, knowing that they are only full of pleasure because of their contrast with other things that are unpleasant. We must move beyond the immediate gratification we may experience through a life of contrasts and know that there is a difference between what is pleasant and what is truly good. Good is the most difficult path, the path of unification with Brahman, but ultimately it is the best path in relationship with Brahman. We must embrace knowledge and strive to find our connection with the infinite, and in doing so we can be our true Self as Brahman and experience eternal and ultimate fulfillment. Works Cited Radhakrishnan, S. "Brhadaranyaka Upanishad". Indian philosophy. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1957. 77+. Print.