Jnani Known Only to a Jnani

Sri Ramana Maharshi

Mr. Das, of Allahabad University: Has the food which one usually takes anything to do with increase or decrease of one’s spirituality? That is, does it influence spirituality for good or bad?

M.: Yes. Satvic food in moderate quantity is helpful to spiritual development. 

D.: For a grihi, i.e., a man of the world (householder), what conduct in life will help him most spiritually? 

M.: Dhyana or bhakti, which mean the same thing. 

D.: What is meant by taking the name of God? How to reconcile the following two ideas? The Bible says: “Do not take the name of God in vain.” The Hindu sastras enjoin taking the name of God all the time. 

M.: One should not use the name of God artificially and superficially without feeling. To use the name of God one must call upon Him and surrender to Him unreservedly. After such surrender the name of God is constantly with the man. 

D.: What are the fundamental tests for discovering men of great spirituality, since some are reported to behave like insane people? 

M.: The jnani’s mind is known only to the jnani. One must be a jnani oneself in order to understand another jnani. However the peace of mind which permeates the saint’s atmosphere is the only means by which the seeker understands the greatness of the saint. His words or actions or appearance are no indications of his greatness, for they are ordinarily beyond the comprehension of common people.