Tripura Rahasya

Sage Dattatreya

The greatest of all delusions is the conviction that knowledge is not a delusion. A hallucination holds the field in the interval antecedent to correct knowledge, in the same way as it does when we mistake a shining mother-of-pearl for a piece of silver. So also the mistake of the reality of the universe persists until primary and basic Self-knowledge is realized. This false sense is universal, like the blue color of the sky, and it will end simultaneously with the realization of Pure Intelligence. I have now answered your questions. Do not waver but make up your mind at once.

I shall enlighten you further on the point you raised with regard to the activities of jnanis (Sages). Jnanis may be classified as the best, the middle class and the lowest. Of these, the last know the Self and yet are influenced by the pleasures and pains accruing to them according to their prarabdha (past karma). Jnanis of the higher order, even while reaping the fruits of their past karma, are however firmer in their internal happiness, like me inebriated with drink. Jnanis of the highest order are never detached from the enjoyment of their bliss, even if confronted with a million times more prarabdha; they are not surprised at the most unnatural and miraculous happenings; they are not elated by the greatest pleasures, nor depressed by the worst miseries. They are always peaceful and calm within, although they appear to act like common folk. These differences are due to the differences in their intellects and to the degrees of development of jnana (wisdom). Their activities depend on their predispositions as determined by their past karma. But all their actions are like those of a drunken man.