SELF-REALIZATION OR GOD VISION

REALIZATION is the watchword of all religions and all ways of Spiritual Practice or Sadhana. If there is a God,we must see Him; if there is a Supreme Self, we must realize it, as otherwise these theories about the existence of God and the Soul have very little value. If we cannot put them on a practical basis and realize the truth of them, they remain for us but mere words. This realization is the only thing that can bring satisfaction to us. No amount of theory can ever satisfy our minds,unless we can see the reality of things for ourselves, otherwise we can never find satisfaction. What use is there in studying the Scriptures,going to temples, churches and doing Rituals if we thereby gain no spiritual wisdom. It is a like a donkey carrying loads of sandalwood on his back, only feeling the weight of the burden without getting the benefit of the sweet perfume, so it is with those who study innummerable Scriptures without knowing the essence, the truth of them. Experience is the real and only way of acquiring strength. Real strength comes through realization. When a man has seen God, he can declare with conviction that there is a God,the Almighty. When we have seen a thing, no matter how much people may deny the existence of that thing, we can still stand up boldly and declare, " I know it exists." Sohum( I am He ) and other sacred words carries very little weight without the realization of the ultimate meaning of these things.But when we realize the Self or Truth, when we perceive It as we perceive the existence of those around us, we can no longer have any doubts. Then fear of death or of disease will cease to exist. Nature has no influence on the Supreme Self of man, which is in reality one and the same with God; so Self realization and God-vision are not two different things.So the real spirituality is God vision. Man is the expression of God and God is the reality of man, Real man and God are inseparable.There is only one reality in this universe, whom the devotee worships as Personal God, and a Jnani or wise man as his own Self. The simple difference is only in names and methods of reaching the goal, but when the goal is reached, both come to the same understanding- that there is but One by Whom everything is pervaded. In Hindu system of spiritual practice, one can find various methods and several forms of God, but all reach to one stage which is self realization. Different forms of God are imaginary as the nature of the people are different and everyone's approach is different. But the ultimate result is the same. The Supersoul has no form whatsoever, but it is divine in all respects. This Atman is not to be realized by the intellect, nor by words, nor by hearing from many sources, but by whom Atman is beloved, by him alone is the Atman realized.The thing necessary for us is to feel intense love in our hearts for this Supreme Self or God, otherwise He is not attainable. There is no other way that man can reach into God, except through love - love always unites. This love for God comes unto those blessed beings who are pure in heart, from whom all attachment for unreal things, all selfish desires have vanished. This purity of heart and love for God are the sum and substance of all religious teachings.He who has attained illumination does not need to use many words. His life is an answer to all questions, for the sun of wisdom always shines in his heart. This makes one bold, before this strength all other strength is insignificant.Here comes the word "Tat Twam asi" (Thou art That)- the Lord does not exist apart form you, find Him out by yourself within yourself " In Spiritual practice there are various methods by which this may be accomplished - by prayer, by meditation , by work, devotion, self-sacrifice and self control. There are other Sadhanas like Yoga Practice, chanting God's name continuously, similar to "OM NAMASIVAYA" Mantra, the one which I chanted and got the enlightenment. In Kaliyuga, chanting God's name in any form with bhakti(devotion) can bring good results.However, from my own experience, I suggest the sacred Mantra "OM NAMASIVAYA" for the entire world, because Lord Siva is Mahadeva who will be pleased to His Devotees very soon and his form is the form of the great Universe, known as "SIVA LINGA". His human form is imaginary and the Serpent shown on his shoulder is the real " KUNDALINI " Sakthi (spiritual power)which is being carried by him like a human being. This is my view. "maya tatam idam sarvarm jagad avyakta-murtina mat-sthani sarva-bhutani na caham tesv avasthitah" (Sanskrit) (Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter 9, Text- 4, Most Confidential knowledge. Meaning: By Me, in My unmanifested form, the entire universe is pervaded. All things are in in Me, but I am not in them. Purport: The Supreme Personality of Godhead is not perceivable through the gross material senses. It is.said. It is alo said in Katha Upanishad: "yesha sarvesu bhootheshu ghoodathma na prakasathe darshyathe thawgrya bhudhya shushmaya shushma darsabhi" ( Sanskrit) Meaning: Atman is hidden in all beings, and hence He does not appear as the Self (of all). But by the seers of subtle things, He is seen through a pointed and fine intellect. Purport: Atman cannot be seen through material senses, but it can only be seen through transcendental senses. Man wants truth, wants to experience truth for himself; then alone, would all doubts vanish, all darkness be scattered, all crookedness be made straight. " Where self is, truth cannot be.Self is death and truth is life. The cleaving to self is a perpetual dying,while moving in the truth is partaking of Nirvana which is life everlasting. - Buddha." OM TAT SAT S.S.YOGI (SUBRAMANIA SIVA YOGI)