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Spiritual awareness

CHENNAI : The main tenets of Yoga Sastra claim that though it is possible to gain knowledge of the Infinite through the study of scriptures, that which is gained from Samadhi — the transcendental state where direct experience of the divine is possible — is of a much higher order.

The former is obtained through reason and intellect acting on the experience of sense perception. The ordinary individual whose knowledge and awareness is dependent on senses, intellect, emotions and reason, realises the limitations of these that are unable to reveal the extraordinary nature and infinite magnitude of the divine.

Sri Ramakrishna was and fortunate to attain Samadhi (transcendental consciousness) and from his own personal experience of Brahmam he described the different stages of perception of God. Having realised the very presence of the divine in all Its glory and bliss, Sri Ramakrishna was keen to share this spiritual wealth with those who were willing to partake of it, said Swami Gautamananda in a lecture. He had the power to communicate this experience.

His teachings offer solace and wisdom that can appeal to the humanity of contemporary times. He was willing to teach his disciples the necessary disciplines that will lead to devotion to the Lord. He initiated them into the mysteries of spiritual life.

One realises the presence of God, and also knows Him as both personal and impersonal. In this state of ecstatic realisation all thoughts cease. There is no power of speech to express this experience and one remains silent.

When such an enlightened soul comes to normal consciousness, he is able to see this universe as a divine leela (play) and a manifestation of that Supreme Being.

Devotion to God brings along with it a wealth of benefits that constitute the values such as the upholding of truth, following the code of dharma, and abiding by the laws and conditions of the social set up.

God realisation is based on personal conviction that accepts nothing but one's own experience.

It is an exploration that each individual undertakes not out of compulsion from outside but from inner promptings. Only those who have experienced this spiritual awareness can communicate it to others.

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