The notion, "I am not yet endowed with Knowledge," is the root of all doubts, and should be weeded out. It is from this bulb of doubt that all sorrows sprout forth. It is due to this doubt that one is hounded by births and deaths, and the results of one's searching for happiness externally such as lust, anger, etc. are nourished. This bulb of doubt should be destroyed with the single stroke of the lustrous weapon of "Self-knowledge," acquired from the Master.

The meaning of "Soham" should be studied in detail. The word "Aham" means "I am," "Koham" means "who am I," and "Soham" means "I am He." To take shelter in one's Self means to understand "who am I." This itself is the shelter, so take shelter in "who am I." The "Knowledge of Brahman" is the understanding of the knowledge "I am Brahman." "I am the Self, Brahman" (AtmaBrahman). The mere oral repetition of this is called verbal knowledge, and is of no use.

Ego cannot be wiped off, by merely saying or thinking that the Self is present in everyone. The ego, or pride, torments us secretly and cannot be so easily vanquished. It is not possible to transform oneself into Brahman with mere words. Not a vestige of "pride" can be found when one thoroughly understands the knowledge that "I am Brahman, and I alone am present in one and all," and puts it into practice.

All is nothing but Paramatman. One should practice this in a quiet and contented manner for the ego to be wiped off. One who practices this becomes worthy of adoration. The Master is Parabrahman, and ego can be wiped out by completely surrendering to the Master. "Ananya" means "exclusively singular, allowing no other feeling." Knowing that the Master is Parabrahman, one should relinquish the ego, and surrender to Him. Those who are inspired by this feeling and behave accordingly, easily acquire "Knowledge."

Knowledge is easily achieved, if the Master is looked upon as Paramatman and worshipped. One who worships the Master and conducts himself with the understanding that Paramatman exists in everyone, can be called a "Dnyani." Just as darkness vanishes when one holds a lighted torch in one’s hand, so do illusion, affection, ego and the concept "I am the body" vanish when one worships the Master. One should worship the Master with the pure feeling of taking the Master to be Paramatman. The Self which is present in all, and which gives pleasure to all, should be worshipped by renouncing ego, attachment, and illusion. The Self is best worshipped by worshipping the Master.

If you want to sing, sing the hymns of a saint. If you want to travel, visit the towns of a saint. Worship by bowing your head low, at the feet of a saint. Dispose of the rubbish of ego by surrendering to the Master.

Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj - From a talk given June 29, 1933

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