Beyond Knowledge, Wisdom - Insights into the Book "Sri Sarada Vijnanagita" - Babaji Bob Kindler

During the sacred life and incarnation of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, He often noted and explained that there were basically three types f human beings. The first type is of a worldly stature, characterized by a basic overall ignorance of mankind’s spiritual nature – the Soul, or Atman. The second kind of human being is one who is fast becoming more and more aware of this essential Spirit within, and is thereby approaching the comprehension of higher wisdom and its superlative facilities. The third level of human being, however, is both rare and unique, having not only come to know the divinity existing within and all around, but is also in continual and ecstatic involvement with it in all of its many and diverse modes of existence.

To explain this all in simple terms, the Great Master used the example of fire and wood by way of analogy, stating that the worldly person (ajnani) is like one who is unaware that there is fire potential in wood, while the second type is compared to that one who knows there is fire existing in wood (jnani). The third type, however, is one who is not only aware that fire is present in wood, but also knows how to chop and gather wood, stack it for burning, set it ablaze, boil water and cook food – all for the ultimate nourishment of body, mind and soul (vijnani). It can also be said that such a precious being can transmit the subtle art of kindling the flame of awareness to others, thus generating spiritual fires which lead sincere beings to aspiration and fulfillment.

Of these three – the ajnani, the jnani, and the vijnani – it is the third classification which perfectly epitomizes beings like Sri Ramakrishna and His divine Shakti, Sri Sarada Devi. Regarding Her and the exemplary life She lived, the book, Sri Sarada Vijnanagita, published by the SRV Associations, is a condensed compilation of the Holy Mother’s especial words which transmit to all seekers profound teachings correlative with the unparalleled station of Vijnana. A reverent examination of some of the nectar-like words comprising that book will further avail us of Her profound insights and bestow deeper levels of Her incomparable realization upon us.

© Nectar of Non-Dual Truth (Advaita-Satya-Amritam) (Spring, 2004), A Journal of Universal Religious and Philosophical Teachings, published by SRV Associations (Sarada Ramakrishna Vivekananda Associations), Post Box # 1364, Honokaa, HI 96727, USA. website: www.srv.org. Reprinted with permission.

Babaji Bob Kindler is the spiritual director of the SRV Associations with centers in Hawaii, Oregon and California, and editor of its journal, Nectar of Nondual Truth. A teacher of religion and spirituality and a prolific author, his books include The Avadhut, Twenty-Four Aspects of Mother Kali, Ten Divine Articles of Sri Durga, and Sri Sarada Vijnanagita. He is also the founder and artistic director of Jai Ma Music and an accomplished musician who has produced over twenty-five albums to date.

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