Remain Awake

Sri Siddharameshwar  Maharaj

To remain in our own Self is the True Religion. There is no other sadhana, and there is no other God. Do not be deceived. Rituals are meant for those who are bound by doctrines such as the Vedas. In daily life keep up the faith that you are the Paramatman. Do not forget this. It is necessary to be very observant in this way. There is some danger that something which is incorrect may pass as the right path, and the real path of Knowledge will be lost sight of. Therefore, do not tread too much on the path of rituals. This is futile. You may beg for filling the belly, but do not do anything that will hamper the path of Knowledge. There is no shame for a man of wisdom who begs for alms, but do not allow the worship of lesser deities to prevail. Never allow the mind to fall prey to bad influences. The faith in Brahman must be well maintained. Think before you worship lesser gods. When you yourself are the "Effulgence of Truth", of what use are these pretty little deities to you? What will they give you? Will the ocean for drinking water from the river? When the Guru declares that you are God, why do you insist upon only being a jiva? This is your own foolishness. Don't do it any longer. Frequently check to see whether you maintain the right concept that you are Paramatman. This means that you should always conscious of It. Never forget it for a moment. If you go by your own Consciousness, how much time does it take for Self-Realization? It is always there. You should actually like that. You are that Paramatman, the chariot whose wheels are all of the deities. Don't make any mistake about it. Have no doubt. Remain awake to the fact that you are Paramatman. 

They say that if you do some particular thing, you get merit. Why do you want merit? True merit is giving up the state of being a jiva. The following of any religion other than that of the Self is what is called sin. How can the Supreme Self, Paramatman, which you are, follow the religions of "others"? He is the greatest. By virtue of this inherent greatness, He is fully and naturally "Supreme Joy" (Paramananda). If anyone abuses you by a foul word, you hold onto the memory of it, but you do not even notice the Knowledge that it is generously showered upon you. That is the sign of being an individual. Let a person call you that which is most lowly, but be sure you are God, and see what wonder takes place. Once the inner judge has given the judgment that you are God, that judgment will never be changed. That's all there is to it. Then you really become paramatman. Suppose that the mind is your wife and if she does not obey you, where is your bravery? Ask this to yourself each hour. "Are you with me? Are you alert and awake?" The answer must be "yes!" You must remain awake every moment.