Self-Realization

Sri Lakshmana Swamy

Self-realization can be compared to the rising of the sun. First there is the blackness of total darkness. This is the mental state of tamas. Most people in the world are fully immersed in this tamas state. Just before dawn a red band appears on the horizon. This red symbolizes the rajas state, and when the rajas increases at the expense of tamas, this is an indication that a little spiritual progress is being made. Next, daylight comes. The sun has not yet risen, but the sky is white in color. This white is the white of sattva, and when the whiteness of sattva has dispelled the blackness and redness of night and early dawn, it is an indication that realization is near. Finally the sun appears in a blazing light. This is Self-realization. 

Although there are prior indications of its imminent arrival, when Self-realization finally comes it comes completely unexpectedly.