This article was published in Mihira in 90s by Dr. Kolluru Avatara Sarma
We know that man like other animals acts instinctively; but at the same time he is capable of doing things deliberately as he desires. That is, he can consciously set before himself ends and work for them.
While indulging in worldly pleasures he constructs his own cocoon and enters it. At last he gets realisation and becomes immortal, by attaining the Pradhana Purushartha, namely ‘Moksha’ permanent Liberation.
For this, every individual seeker dedicates his life. He thinks of God as the manifestation of this end, chooses devotion, knowledge or awareness as the means to attain this goal
Now a days, we see most of the seekers are experiencing frustrations instead of eternal peace. They often complain–‘I have tried concentration and prayer but I could not get any realisation of god ‘. It is true. Every seeker cannot attain his goal. The main reason is nothing but confusion. Two confusions are mainly observed - we do not know who or where God is; and in the same way we do not really know who we are? This ignorance with respect to God as well as one’s own self is named Maya or Avidya; which is the cosmic illusion that creates ignorance and veils the vision of God or Brahma - the one Reality. To get rid of this Maya one should try to attain the shelter of God. This is the easiest way suggested by God himself.
‘mameva ye prapadymte - mayametam taramti te’;.
(Geeta)
For this, first of all we should clear all the confusions with firm determination; because different pictures of God are given in different religions and even in the same religion different concepts of God are found. In our Hindustan it is suggested - one ought to approach a GURU to overcome this difficulty. If the seeker cannot decide a suitable God form among the innumerable concepts of the Divine, he should seek the guidance of a competent spiritual teacher i.e. GURU. If this question is not settled one’s spiritual life is bound to be confused.
Some people may like to think of God as-infinite reality, infinite consciousness and infinite bliss. They should stick to this idea of an impersonal God. This is known as Nirguna worship.
One may adopt any of the paths, with firm determination and dedication. At any stage he should not lose his patience. We see some persons become restless during their practice as they do not find “Instant vision” or ‘Sadyassiddhi’. So by discontentment they try another concept of God. Then another and so on. This drifting is a great obstacle to any effective search. If one has sincerity and patience he should certainly attain the goal. The book of knowledge will reveal itself and his search for God will be fruitful. This is what is called Sradha which is the most important means in spiritual life. It is a means to attain the knowledge which leads to Liberation. It is said “Sraddhavan Labhate’ Jnanam”. And ‘Jnanadevva hi Keivalyam’ which means through this knowledge only one can get realisation and thus succeed in overcoming the vicious circle of death and birth. Such souls are named as Liberated Souls’. At this stage we can experience the totality or completeness which is the characteristic feature of the God. That is why the Upanishads propose the maximum- ‘Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati’.
Thus one can become Divine in his search and this is the end or goal of human life. This is not a difficult task. Our mythology defines God as a simple and subtle form - as Anoraniyan and at the same time he seems to be “Mahato Mahiyan and thus he is the simplest of the simple for them who seek the above divine knowledge by his constant faith and patience. Thus God realisation and self realisation are attained in their spiritual discipline.
As a result of our achievement we find ourselves eternally related to God, and our life will be grounded in his endless love. The fear of death will vanish forever and we will not have any future or past, as we live in an eternal timeless present. That is how our science of realisation teaches the courage as Abhih! Abhih!! My dear sons eternal, don’t be fearful!
अमृतस्य पुत्राः - amrutasya putraH
Every seeker can attain this state of liberation and eternality during his life span itself. Such persons are named Jeevan Muktas.
This state of supremacy is the life goal of every seeker in India under the guidance of a traditional GURU.