The easiest and the most difficult means of God realization

A disciple asked the spiritual master, “Dear Sir, what is the most difficult and the most easiest means of God realization?”

“Naam jaapa, chanting the God's name is the easiest and at the same time, the most difficult means of God realization,” answered the master.

After a brief silence, the master continued, “Chanting the God's name seems to be difficult to those who attempt it without gaining the proper understanding of the spiritual knowledge of the Self and the God. It seems challenging to those who are still indulged in the worldly pleasures from within, but try to chant the holy name in futile. It seems tough to those who have not yet experienced the peace associated with the selfless service and whose actions are only focused on the material gain. It seems difficult to those who have never met a Self realized saint, never listened to the words of inner wisdom and who are ignorant about the inner peace.”

After glancing at the nod from the disciple, the master continued, “It's like the son of a sheppard who told his school teacher, “Sir, please don't ask me to write one to hundred. I would do anything for you. I would herd a hundred sheep for you whole day. I would do all your household chores for whole day. But, please don't make me write one to hundred. Its very difficult for me.””

Development of the sixth sense

One of the biggest challenge in front of the seekers is that they want to experience or realize God in the same manner as they experience or realize the world – with the help of their five senses. Those who realized the God propound that God is beyond the reach of five senses and can only be realized with the help of sixth sense - the sense with the help of which one can explore the inner world for ever lasting divine peace and true happiness.

One of the humble disciple revealed his heart in front of a Self realized Saint, “Dear Sir, please excuse my folly. If you allow then I would dare to tell you the truth. I don't feel anything in meditation. In fact I get bored or often feel sleepy. But I have heard from you and from other saints that the highest form of peace and blissfulness can be experienced by quietening the mind in meditation. Please shower your grace on me and tell me where am I going wrong.”

The master instructed him to blind fold his eyes and accompany him for a walk. After reaching a scenic spot on the bank of river Ganges, the master started praising the scenic beauty, the beauty of the fauna and flora, the beauty of the flowing water, the colorful birds, the animals and the wonders of nature around him.