The story of Kaduveli Siddhar told by Sri Ramana Maharshi clearly proves that a spiritual seeker should not be bothered by what people say.
Kaduveli Siddhar was a saint who had an affair with a temple dancer and even had a child by her. When he was ridiculed for falling from his high state, he publicly composed and sang a song which ended with the following words: 'If it is true that I sleep night and day quite aware of my Self, may this stone burst into two and become the wide expanse!'
Immediately, the stone he indicated burst with a loud noise, much to the astonishment of the crowd which had gathered to deride him. Bhagavan's comment, after telling this story, was, 'He proved himself an unswerving jnani. One should not be deceived by the external appearance of a jnani.
Is there then any criterion by which the onlooker, with his ignorant perspective, can decide whether or not a person is realised? Not definitively, says Bhagavan, but he adds that there is one clue, one positive sign which should always be looked for:
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 indication of his greatness, for they are ordinarily beyond the comprehension of common people.
Further Explanation And Additional Teachings:
The concept that "the jnani's mind is known only to the jnani" refers to the deeply personal and non-transferable nature of self-realization, which is a key theme in Vedanta and many spiritual traditions. The word jnani comes from the Sanskrit root jnana, meaning "knowledge" or "wisdom," but in this context, it implies not intellectual knowledge but the direct experience of one's true nature. A jnani is a person who has realized the Self, transcended the ego, and directly perceived the unity of all existence.
Expanded Explanation
The Inaccessibility of the Jnani’s Mind:
The inner experience of a jnani is a state of profound understanding and unity with the Self, which is beyond the ordinary mind’s grasp. The ordinary mind, bound by duality, ego, and personal identity, cannot comprehend this experience of non-dual awareness. This is why it is said that only another jnani can truly understand a jnani. It points to the limitations of intellectual analysis when it comes to spiritual experiences. Only through one's own journey to enlightenment can one know what enlightenment feels like.
Peace of Mind as a Reflection:
Although one cannot fully understand the state of a jnani, the peace and tranquility they emanate offer a glimpse of their inner realization. This calm presence often affects others around them, offering a tangible experience of their spiritual attainment. A jnani's peace is not merely external but comes from their direct experience of the non-dual reality, where there is no conflict, no attachment, and no personal suffering. For a seeker, this peace is often the only indicator of the saint's greatness, and it may serve as inspiration or proof of the spiritual path's validity.
Symbolism and Meaning:
Symbol of Inner Realization: The concept of a jnani represents the epitome of inner freedom, wisdom, and divine consciousness. In Hinduism, the jnani is the embodiment of liberation (moksha) and the dissolution of ego, symbolizing the highest spiritual goal one can attain. A jnani is seen as someone who has transcended the illusions of the material world (maya) and lives in a state of union with Brahman, the ultimate reality.
Peace as a Divine Quality: Peacefulness (shanti) is one of the primary qualities of divinity in Hindu scriptures. The jnani's peaceful presence symbolizes their deep alignment with the divine or the cosmic order. This quality of peace is often interpreted as a sign that the jnani has transcended the mental disturbances that plague ordinary individuals. It is said that "peace is the highest happiness," and the presence of peace in a jnani's atmosphere reflects this spiritual truth.
Modern Day Relevance and Practicality:
Inner Peace in a Busy World: In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, the idea of inner peace is more relevant than ever. People often seek peace through external means, but the example of the jnani shows that true peace comes from within, from understanding the nature of the Self and the world. This can be a powerful lesson for modern individuals striving for calmness amidst chaos. The jnani's peaceful state serves as a reminder that inner tranquility is possible regardless of external circumstances.
Role of Spiritual Teachers: In today’s world, many people turn to spiritual teachers, gurus, or enlightened beings for guidance. The peaceful presence of a realized teacher can inspire and guide seekers in their personal spiritual journey. It emphasizes the importance of satsang (being in the presence of truth or holy company) for modern seekers, as being around someone who has attained spiritual peace can lead to personal transformation.
Contemplation Over Intellectualization: The inability of an ordinary person to understand a jnani's mind highlights the limitations of the intellect when it comes to spiritual matters. In an era dominated by intellectual and scientific achievements, this teaching encourages humility and contemplation. It reminds us that certain truths must be experienced rather than simply understood mentally. Meditation, self-inquiry, and silence become practical tools for individuals seeking peace and realization in today’s world.
Similar Thoughts in Hinduism and Other Cultures:
Hinduism and Advaita Vedanta: The non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, most notably taught by Adi Shankaracharya, emphasizes that the Self (Atman) is identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman). A jnani is someone who has realized this truth and transcended all illusions of separateness. Similar ideas are found in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna tells Arjuna that the wise ones (jnanis) who see the Self in all beings are free from ego, attachment, and suffering.
Buddhism: In Buddhism, the concept of an enlightened being (Buddha or arhat) parallels that of a jnani. The enlightened mind, free from ignorance, desires, and ego, is at peace and cannot be truly understood by those who have not realized this state. The Buddha’s peaceful presence, like that of a jnani, was said to have a calming and transformative effect on those around him.
Sufism: In Sufism, the mystics (walis) who have attained union with the Divine (fana) also reflect a deep inner peace that affects their surroundings. The Sufi saint’s tranquility, wisdom, and humility resonate with the description of the jnani. Sufi teachings often emphasize that divine knowledge is experiential, not intellectual, and that one must dissolve the ego to attain divine love and peace.
Christian Mysticism: Christian mystics like St. Teresa of Avila or St. John of the Cross spoke of the "peace that surpasses understanding," a state similar to the peace of a jnani. This peace, born from union with God, transcends ordinary experience and radiates outward, affecting those around them. Just as in Hinduism, the peace of the saint in Christianity is often seen as the external sign of divine presence.
Benefits of Embracing the Jnani’s Peace:
Emotional Stability: By seeking and embodying the peace of the jnani, individuals can cultivate emotional resilience, learning to remain calm and centered in the face of life’s challenges. This internal strength leads to less stress, anxiety, and emotional turbulence.
Improved Relationships: A person who is peaceful within creates harmony in their interactions. The jnani’s peace reminds us that our internal state influences our external relationships. By cultivating inner calm, we can foster more meaningful and compassionate connections with others.
Increased Focus and Clarity: Inner peace allows for greater mental clarity and focus. In the modern age of distractions, the wisdom of the jnani encourages mindfulness and the ability to concentrate on the present moment, leading to more effective work and personal fulfillment.
Spiritual Growth: The peaceful presence of a jnani acts as a catalyst for others’ spiritual journeys. Being in the company of those who embody peace can ignite a seeker’s own quest for self-realization and lead to personal transformation.
The idea that "the jnani’s mind is known only to the jnani" serves as a profound reminder of the depth and mystery of spiritual realization. The peace that a jnani radiates is a reflection of their inner wisdom, which has transcended the ego and the dualities of the world. In the modern world, where stress and external validation dominate, this teaching encourages individuals to look inward for peace and seek inspiration from those who have attained it. Whether in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sufism, or Christianity, the peaceful presence of the enlightened ones continues to offer hope, guidance, and a path towards true fulfillment.