Vishwaroopa

Sri Ramana Maharshi

D.: What is visvarupa?

M.: It is to see the world as the Self of God. In the Bhagavad Gita God is said to be various things and beings, and also the whole universe. How to realise it or see it so? Can one see one’s Self? Though not seen, can the Self be denied? What is the Truth?

D.: Is it then wrong to say that some have seen it?

M.: It is true in the same degree as you are. The Gita begins saying that no one was born; in the fourth chapter it says, “the numerous incarnations, yours and mine, have taken place; I know them but you do not.” Of these two statements, which is the truth? The instruction is according to the listener’s understanding. If the second chapter contains the whole Truth, why should so many more

chapters follow it?

In the Bible God says “I AM before Abraham.” He does not say “I was” but “I AM.”

---------------------------------

M.: People have read of Vivekananda having asked Sri Ramakrishna, “Have you seen God?” and imitate him now. They also ask, “Have you realised God?” I ask what is realisation. Realisation implies perfection. When you are limited, your perception also is limited. Your knowledge is thus imperfect. Of what value is that imperfect knowledge? In Visvarupa Darsan, Arjuna is told to see whatever he desired and not what was presented before him. How can that darsan be real?