Brahman is without action, Atman is Brahman, and we are Atman; knowledge like this takes off all error. It must be heard, apprehended intellectually, and lastly realised. Cogitating is applying reason and establishing this knowledge in ourselves by reason. Realising is making it a part of our lives by constant thinking of it. This constant thought or Dhyana is as oil that pours in one unbroken line from vessel to vessel; Dhyana rolls the mind in this thought day and night and so helps us to attain to liberation. Think always “Soham, Soham”; this is almost as good as liberation. Say it day and night; realisation will come as the result of this continuous cogitation. This absolute and continuous remembrance of the Lord is what is meant by Bhakti.
This Bhakti is indirectly helped by all good works. Good thoughts and good works create less differentiation than bad ones; so indirectly they lead to freedom. Work, but give up the results to the Lord. Knowledge alone can make us perfect. He who follows the God of Truth with devotion, to him the God of Truth reveals Himself. (VII, 37- 38)
We are all lamps and burning is our life. When the oxygen is over the light will be extinguished. All that we can do is to keep the lamp clean. When our mind is clean the lamp sheds good light. The best way to clean the lamp is to nurture satwic qualities. Never do anything that is not in tune with Truth, through words, deeds or thoughts. Eradicate fragmentary thoughts and always emphasise oneness. Purer the mind better the light that emanates from it. Life will then be filled with peace and happiness. We have to do this ourselves. None can help us. Internal cleaning cannot be entrusted to someone else. ‘Uddaret atmanatmanam’ is the advice from Sri Krishna to Arjuna which is applicable universally.
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