Question Yourself

Sri Annamalai Swami

Q: Swamiji is saying that some jnanis are big lamps and that others are small. Do the small lamps become bigger, or do they always remain the same?

AS: Whichever light you go to, the light is always the same. This business of the lamps is just an example. What I am trying to say is, only a few people have the capacity to guide a large number of people towards the truth. Realizing the truth is one thing, but guiding others towards it is something else. All jnanis are not equally capable when it comes to guiding others.

Q: But my question was, 'Do the little lamps become big lamps, or are they always destined to be little?'

[A devotee of AS, who was clearly irritated by this line of questioning, then interrupted and asked, "Why are you repeating the question? Have you just come here to test Swamiji's state?"]

AS: This kind of questioning will not help you to realize the Self. Questions such as these will disappear if you have a strong desire for realization. Your mind will then not be occupied with such thoughts. You can ask me many questions and I can give you any number of answers. We could go on like this for hours, but neither your questions nor my answers would give you any kind of contentment. Having such questions in your mind will not lead you to an experience of the Self.

I would advise you to question yourself, 'Who is asking the question? And who is getting the answer?' If you have this attitude towards your doubts and your questions, your quest for their source will lead you back to the Self. In that place there are no questions and no answers. There is only peace.