13-07-2025
God kindles your quest
Knowledge is power, but what is the use of acquiring it without letting go of worldly pleasures? One will keep repeating the cycle of births and rebirths, with no lasting peace or true realisation. Knowledge alone is not enough to bring inner peace, rather it will become a mental burden, said Ramanacharana Tirtha Swami (Nochur). Plants have life, as do birds, but what is the use of living like that? Man, who alone among creation has the ability to discern, should nurture the thirst for knowledge and moksha and seek the company of sages in order to be instructed on truth. Only then will such a person's life be fulfilled.
This Brahma Gnanam of realisation of the Lord is hidden inside the human mind. Great souls attain this knowledge of Brahman by focusing their minds on God, and distancing themselves from the clutter of a material world.
In Vivekachudamani, Adi Sankara emphasises this, saying, 'Jantu nam nara janmam dhurlabam..'. To be born as a human being is a rare gift and one should utilise it for spiritual progress and not misspend it in chasing impermanent goals that gratify only the senses and do nothing to uplift the soul. Ramana Maharshi had attained that inner peace and detachment, when very young. The Maharshi famously said, 'Pazhiyil vizhadha Ezhaiai Kaathu un padhathil niruthiveithanaye, azhiyaam karunai vallale Arunachaleswara.' (You saved me from falling into the pit, and kept me close to you, Arunachaleswara, Oh ocean of kindness). Such was the enlightenment achieved by this great soul who knew that the only purpose of human life is self-realisation. When one turns one's mind towards higher things, God Himself steps up to help such a person. As Krishna says in the Gita, 'I will kindle the quest for Brahma Gnanam in those who repose faith in me.'
