Bhagavan: You have heard all about renunciation as I have taught it.

Disciple: Yes, Bhagavan, I understand by renunciation not only the absence of attachment to things of this world. It is non-attachment to things of this world plus something. That something is the love of God.

[State of God-vision.] Bhagavan: You are right. I am glad that you see this. God-vision cannot be made clear to others. The state of things that comes about may, however, be described to a certain extent. You have no doubt been to the theatre to witness a dramatic performance. Before the performance commences, you must have noticed that the people are very busy talking to one another on a variety of subjects,--politics, household affairs, official business. But no sooner does the drop-curtain go up and mountains, cottages, rivers, men are presented to view than all noise ceases, all conversation ends and each individual spectator is all attention to the novel scene that is being enacted before him. Pretty much the same is the state of him who is blessed with God-vision.

Disciple: Ecstatic love of God, as Thou hast said this day, is the string with which to bind

the God of love. With such love one may be sure of seeing God. But the question is whether such love is within the reach of the man of the world (Grihastha).

The Bhagavan remained silent.

Footnotes

^291:* Narada, see note page <page 168>.

^291:+ Sanaka, Sananda, and Sanat Kumara were the three Rishis or Seers of Truth in ancient India.

^305:* Sankara, same as Sankaracharya. See note <page 279>.

^306:* Vyasa, see note <page 108>.

^316:* See page <page 262>.