Page 248 - Basic Writings of Sriramchandra
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Basic Writings of Sri Ramchandra
questions and if they are able to answer them out of their stock of the knowledge of Shastras their greatness as Mahatma is established in their minds and they are induced to accept them as Gurus. But really they have, thus, put to test their learning and not the real worth. It must well be borne in mind that it is not learning or knowledge that makes a man perfect but it is only realization in the right sense that makes a true Yogi or saint. It is just possible that the man who has thus impressed you with his outward form, learning or eloquence, may be at the lowest level as regards practical attainments. Know-ledge, therefore, is no criterion of a true Mahatma or Yogi. Similarly the real test of a Mahatma or Guru is not his miracles or his extraordinary ways and manners but only his practical attainments on the path of realization. The popular meaning of a Mahatma as a great individuality does not seem appealing to me. I would define a Mahatma as the most insignificant being or rather a neglected figure, beyond all feelings of greatness, pride or egoism, dwelling permanently in a state of complete self - negation. There are some who hold the view that knowledge being the preliminary stage of realization is essential and indispensable.
I do not agree with them on the ground that knowledge is only an achievement of brain whereas realization is the awakening of soul and hence far beyond its scope. In books on spiritual science we read much about the conditions of mind at various spiritual stages and get
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