Transcendental Nature of Brahman: Selections from "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna" – Chapter 3, Visit to Vidyasagar, Part 2 of 2

“‘The jnani gives up his identification with worldly things, discriminating, “Not this, not this.” Only then can he realize Brahman. It is like reaching the roof of a house by leaving the steps behind, one by one. But the vijnani, who is more intimately acquainted with Brahman, realizes something more. He realizes that the steps are made of the same materials as the roof: bricks, lime, and brick-dust. That which is realized intuitively as Brahman, through the eliminating process of “Not this, not this,” is then found to have become the universe and all its living beings. The vijnani sees that the Reality which is nirguna, without attributes, is also saguna, with attributes.’”

“‘The vijnani further sees that what is Brahman is the Bhagavan, the Personal God. He who is beyond the three gunas is the Bhagavan, with His six supernatural powers. Living beings, the universe, mind, intelligence, love, renunciation, knowledge - all these are the manifestations of His power. If an aristocrat has neither house nor property, or if he has been forced to sell them, one doesn't call him an aristocrat any more. God is endowed with the six supernatural powers. If He were not who would obey Him?’”

“‘Even after the attainment of Knowledge this “I-consciousness” comes up, nobody knows from where. O Lord, I am the servant; Thou art the Master. I am the child; Thou art the Mother.’ ‘Once Rama asked Hanuman, “How do you look on Me?” And Hanuman replied: “O Rama, as long as I have the feeling of ‘I,’ I see that Thou art the whole and I am a part; Thou art the Master and I am Thy servant. But when, O Rama, I have the knowledge of Truth, then I realize that Thou art I and I am Thou.”’”

“‘“I” and “mine” – these constitute ignorance. “My house,” “my wealth,” “my learning,” “my possessions” – the attitude that prompts one to say such things comes of ignorance. On the contrary, the attitude born of Knowledge is: “O God, Thou art the Master, and all these things belong to Thee. House, family, children, attendants, friends, are Thine.”’ ‘Can one know God through reasoning? Be His servant, surrender yourself to Him, and then pray to Him.’”