Maharshi - The Jnani, #12

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Q: What are the fundamental tests for discovering men of great spirituality,

since some are reported to behave like insane people?

 

A: The jnani's mind is known only to the jnani. One must be a jnani oneself in

order to understand another jnani. However, the peace of mind which

permeates the saint's atmosphere is the only means by which the seeker

understands the greatness of the saint.

 

His words or actions or appearance are no indication of his greatness,

for they are ordinarily beyond the comprehension of common people.

 

Q: Why is it said in the scriptures that the sage is like a child?

 

A: A child and a jnani are similar in a way. Incidents interest a child only so

long as they last. It ceases to think of them after they have passed away.

So then, it is apparent that they do not leave any impression on the child

and it is not affected by them mentally. So it is with a jnani.

 

Q: You are Bhagavan. So you should know when I shall get jnana. Tell me

when I shall be a jnani?

 

A: If I am Bhagavan there is no one besides the Self- therefore no jnani or

ajnani. If otherwise, I am as good as you are and know as much as

yourself. Either way I cannot answer your question.

Coming here some people do not ask about themselves. They ask:

"Does the jivan muktas see the world? Is he affected by Karma? What is

liberation after being disembodied or while alive in the body? Should the

body of the sage resolve itself in light or disappear from view in any

other manner? Can he be liberated though the body is left behind as a

corpse?" Their questions are endless. Why worry oneself in so many

ways? Does liberation consist in knowing these things?

Therefore I say to them, leave liberation alone. Is there bondage? Know

this. See yourself first and foremost.