Asserted Topics:
Self-realization and the salvation of the soul.
Main Points:
- Salvation is not achieved solely through Atma-darshan (self-realization).
- Salvation of the soul is achieved through the worship of Bhagwan along with adherence to Dharma.
Explanation:
Maharaj said, “Today, I experienced deep sleep. During that sleep, I pondered a lot, and the decision I reached, I will now share with you: Even before I came to Ramanand Swami, I could clearly see my Atma (soul), and even now I can see it. The Atma is radiant like the sun. Its presence never leaves my awareness, not even for a moment, during the functioning of all my senses. Such a distinct Atma-darshan is very difficult to attain. It is possible only for a rare individual who has accumulated spiritual merits over many lifetimes. For others, no matter how much they contemplate the Atma for a hundred years, they will not achieve Atma-darshan. Even if one attains such rare Atma-darshan, it does not mean that they have attained salvation. Yes, they may achieve Mukti (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death, but they do not experience the bliss of the form of Paramatma (the Supreme God). Achieving salvation solely through Atma-darshan is like trying to cross the ocean with a hollow gourd tied around your waist — it is an extremely difficult path.
Nevertheless, Maharaj says, ‘Why do I emphasize Atma-jnan (knowledge of the soul)?’ It is so that if one understands their Atma to be distinct from the body, they will not develop attachment for the body, its relatives, or anything that interferes with their devotion to Bhagwan.”
Further, in Vach.G.L.39, Maharaj mentions that in worldly interactions, when disputes arise or emotions like anger surface, if one is unaware of their Atma, they can easily fall into seeing faults in others, especially Sadhus. This can lead to significant spiritual downfall. Thus, understanding oneself as the Atma separate from the body helps one avoid such pitfalls. In Vach.G.F.23, Maharaj also explains that the purpose of Atma-nishtha (steadfastness in the self) is to ensure that one does not see any faults in Bhagwan’s charitra (divine actions). When one firmly believes that they are the Atma, distinct from the body, no faults can touch them. And if they became this way through devotion to Bhagwan, then how can there be any fault in Paramatma? This understanding helps maintain a faultless perception of Paramatma. Hence, Atma-nishtha is necessary, but it alone does not lead to Param-pada (the highest state). Moreover, achieving Atma-darshan is extremely difficult. As stated in the Gita, ‘Klesho’dhikataraḥ teshām…’ (Gita 12.5) — engaging in mere self-realization involves significant hardship. Maharaj says that Atma-darshan is attained only through meditation on Bhagwan’s murti (divine form). Through Bhagwan’s grace, Atma-darshan becomes much easier. One should not hope to attain Atma-darshan merely by thinking of the soul, without meditation on Bhagwan. Furthermore, Maharaj says that Atma-nishtha alone does not lead to salvation; it is through worship of Bhagwan that salvation is attained. Even in this, if the worship is without Dharma, then salvation becomes as difficult as crossing the ocean with a stone on your head. Similarly, just as salvation through Atma-nishtha alone is difficult, even if one combines Atma-nishtha with worship, if Dharma is lacking, salvation is still difficult to achieve.
Maharaj explains that there is a common saying in the world, ‘If the mind is pure, then the Ganga (river) flows even in a bathtub.’ This saying is false. No matter how much one is steadfast in Samadhi (deep meditative state), or how much one sees the Atma or is a wise thinker, if one remains in the company of women, their Dharma will not survive. Similarly, no matter how virtuous a woman may be, if she associates with men, her Dharma will also not survive. Thus, Upasana (worship) or Bhakti (devotion) that is corrupted will not lead to salvation. Maharaj affirms that this is the absolute truth, and there should be no doubt about it. How can one remain in Dharma? Only by strictly following the vows of Brahmacharya (celibacy) and other rules of conduct. Even a householder devotee must maintain a pure and respectful relationship with their mother, sister, and daughter, and must never remain in seclusion with them. Only then can one remain in Dharma, otherwise, they cannot. Therefore, one must keep the awareness of the self, hold fast to the rules of Brahmacharya and Dharma, and worship Bhagwan. By meditating on Bhagwan’s murti, singing His charitra and chanting His names, the soul will undoubtedly attain salvation, but without this, salvation is not possible.
Maharaj says, ‘You all know me as Bhagwan. Wherever I have performed festivals or celebrated events, where Puja, discourses, and other such rituals took place, you should recall those divine incidents, share them with each other, and contemplate them in your mind. Even if such contemplation happens at the time of death, you will certainly attain Bhagwan’s abode. Therefore, my divine charitra, activities, and namasmarana (chanting of my names) are all auspicious and lead to salvation.’ When I said this to Swarupanand Swami, though he was experiencing extreme bodily pain, it was alleviated and he attained great peace, but despite his Atma-darshan, he did not achieve any higher spiritual state through that alone.Thus, salvation is attained only through the four means I have mentioned: worship, Dharma, singing Bhagwan’s charitra, and chanting His names. This is why I have prescribed the study of the Bhagwat and other scriptures. Furthermore, you may sing the kirtans composed by Muktanand Swami and other devotees, but do not sing or listen to the songs of those who criticize Bhagwan’s form or denounce the scriptures. Maharaj says, ‘You all trust me, and if I do not clearly tell you these truths, what good would that do for me? This is for your salvation, and I am telling you out of love.’ After hearing this, Maharaj asked everyone to take an oath to follow these teachings, and all the devotees, including the women from a distance, did so.