Sri Ramana Maharshi

Sandeha Nivarini - Post 34

Devotee: Who are the real spiritually wise (jnanis)?

Swami: One who knows the Atma as Atma will know themself as milk added to milk, oil to oil, or water to water. When the physical body dies, they likewise merge in the Atma. But some may have some traits still persisting. They continue to have some resolutions and desires. Until these are exhausted, they will wander in the world, with body. Such men are called “bits of divinity born as men (daivamsa-sambuthas).” This is also as per the Lord’s will.

Devotee: Why should this difference arise, Swami?

Swami: It arises out of each one’s spiritual exercises (sadhana) and resolve (sankalpa). Eat a mango, and you

belch its smell. How can you prevent it? The belch brings the perfume of the thing eaten.

Devotee: Will such people also have limitations?

Swami: Without limitations, how can work get on? They also have it. But only in a subtle form, until they attain

transcorporeal liberation (videha-mukthi). 

Devotee: What is that, Swami?

Swami: Their acts are like the line drawn on water, seen while the line is being drawn but absent as soon as it is finished. While being done, you notice it; in an instant it is not noticeable anymore.

Devotee: Swami, you said that spiritually wise people (jnani) have renunciation as their hallmark. How does this agree with that?

Swami: That is true! Renunciation is the hallmark. If out of the traits of previous birth one gets attached, one must know that it is only for the body and not for oneself. This attachment damages the bliss of liberation-while-alive (jivan-mukthi). Spiritual wisdom (jnana) is most important for transcorporeal liberation.

Swami Vivekananda