Some words regarding spiritual practice and pride

It is because we draw distinctions in Brahman that the Self seems to have descended to the state of an individual (Jiva). This state of individual consciousness can come to an end if we put an end to it by striking it down. Every moment presents an opportunity. Seizing opportunity, one has to strike. Striking down the tree of the state of the individual consciousness means to altogether give up the concepts which one so deeply loves.

A true Master is required in order to gain experiential knowledge. This knowledge should be brought into practice in everyday life. After practicing in this way, the ultimate state is reached, and the various practices prescribed by the Vedas are no longer required. Spiritual practices only serve the purpose of purifying the thinking (Chitta), thereby making the mind more subtle.

The various practices and rituals in the Vedas have been set up for those who identify themselves with the body. When it is understood that the body itself is Brahman, all of the precepts of the Vedas become false. He who has recognized that he himself is Brahman need not follow any specific practices or take refuge in any religion. The struggle of the individual to follow innumerable practices is futile. Just as a plough or a tractor is of no use to a farm ripe with corn, likewise, all such practices are worthless to one who is Realized. He ultimately gives up even saying "I am Brahman".

Mundane existence is the thorn of ignorance and you have to rid yourself of it. While it is true that ignorance must be eliminated, but it is even more important to give up the pride of knowledge. Only then can full contentment be reached. The shackles of ignorance are like iron shackles, while those of knowledge are as if made of gold. Still, both are but shackles, and must be removed. Do not be proud even of the fact that you are Brahman.

The vain pride arising out of ignorance dies down easily and quickly, but it is much more difficult to get over the pride of knowledge. The pride of knowledge is worse than the pride generated due to ignorance. It is as exasperating and irritating as a biting bed bug. The pride of knowledge is wickedly obstinate and subtle. Its presence is never felt and even if it appears to have been completely wiped off, traces of it continue to persist. And pride, or ego, as long as it persists, will continue to create distinctions.

"Good aspiration" is to believe that "everything is Brahman" without entertaining any element of doubt. Of all the known practices, devotion to the Master is the most valuable practice to a disciple, for it is by virtue of such devotion that one humbles oneself and attains the state of Brahman without pride.

Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj - From a talk given on June 12, 1933