The Free Press Journal

KNOWLEDGE

- — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

You walk until you come to the ocean. You don't walk or run in the ocean – you float and swim. Like this, once you come to the Master, seeking stops, blossoming begins. You seek until you come to the Master.

Seeking is a desire. Desire is a thought. Thoughts are in the mind. The mind is in the Big Mind. The Big Mind in me is love. Emotions are ripples in love. Love is all Knowledge. Every atom of the Big Mind is crammed with Knowledge. Knowing this, you stop seeking.

You are Knowledge. Every atom in you is shimmering with Knowledge. In Sanskrit, this is called go. Go has four meanings: • Knowledge • Movement • Achievemen­t • Freedom or liberation Pal means friend or protector – one who takes care of you. Be a Gopal (go-pal); be a friend in Knowledge. Often you become friends by: • Gossiping about negative things • Complainin­g • Similar cravings or aversions • Common enemies or common problems • Common goals or common addictions You become friends with someone because you have something in common. But coming together in Knowledge is rare. Be a friend in Knowledge. Uplift each other in Knowledge. All Satsangees­are Gopals– reminding each other of the Knowledge, coming together for Knowledge. That is Gopal. Be a protector of this Knowledge.

Knowledge is a burden if it robs you of innocence.

Knowledge is a burden if it makes you feel you are special.

Knowledge is a burden if it gives you an idea that you are wise.

Knowledge is a burden if it is not integrated into life.

Knowledge is a burden if it does not bring you joy.

Knowledge is a burden if it does not set you free.

Knowledge must be properly digested and assimilate­d. Indigestio­n of the Knowledge leads to developmen­t of a subtle ego which has no cure. Subtle ego gives rise to habits that are not life-supporting. Indigestio­n of Knowledge leads to: • Subtle ego • Adamancy • Tendency to preach • Using Knowledge for one’s own small ends

• Familiarit­y without depth or understand­ing – flakiness

• Disinteres­t, taking for granted, lack of awareness • “Heart” burn If you are in love with the Divine, then you can digest knowledge. Love is the appetizer - sevais the exercise. Without love and seva, knowledge becomes indigestib­le.

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