There is Only One

There is Only One

Bhakta: How can delusion disappear, Swami?

Swami: When you grasp its secret through inquiry, the many merges in five, the three in one, and the I exists as I. You get headache, you apply ointment; it disappears, you are as you were. The delusion that ‘I am the body is like this. It will disappear if you apply the ointment of vichara or inquiry.

Bhakta: Can everyone adopt this path of inquiry?

Swami: No, my boy. It is only for those whose chitta [will] has become ripe.

Bhakta: Then what should we do to reach that ripe stage?

Swami: Now we have come to the place from which we started! Have you not got things like japam, dhyanam, puja, andpranayama for this? Steadily, through these, you became ripe and become capable of understanding the ‘I’ by inquiry into Reality. For such men, the atma [soul] is not something different from themselves or yourself. All is atman!

Bhakta: But, Swami, You mentioned only japam, dhyanam, bhajana etc. Some advanced persons adopt mounam, the vow of silence. Of what use is it? What exactly is mounam?

Swami: The illumination of the soul is mounam! How can there be mounam without the atma being illumi­nated? Without that, merely keeping the mouth shut is not silence. Some adopt the vow of silence, but commu­nicate writing on paper or slate; or they point successive­ly to the letters of the alphabet on a chart. All this is pseudo-mounam! It is only another way of talking with­out interruption! There is no need to attain silence. Silence is ever with you. What you have to do is only to remove all things that disturb it!

Bhakta: But many persons do not open their mouth to speak. You mean that this is useless?

Swami: Who said so? If you do not use the tongue, if you are silent in order to keep out the external obsta­cles to sadhana [spiritual effort], you certainly can develop your thoughts, you can desist from disturbing others, you can escape criticism and worry from others, you will get concentra­tion, your brain will be saved from unnecessary burdens, and it can improve much. With such a brain, you carry on smarana [remembering] of the Lord’s name better. All these advan­tages you will realize when you do sadhana.

Bhakta: Then for the full jnani [enlightened person] all this is un­necessary?

Swami: There is no full jnani in the world! He is in no need of the world itself; then why does he need all this?

Bhakta: If that is so, who are those people called jnanis?

Swami: The silent men I spoke about just now. Jnani is a term applied by courtesy; a full jnani is non­existent in the world. The jnani must know ‘All as one’! Your jnanis are all either experts in logic, or experts in the knowledge of the world; they have not known the Reality.

Bhakta: Who are the real jnanis?

Swami: He who knows the atma as atma will know himself, as milk added to milk, oil to oil, or water to water. When the physical body dies, they likewise merge in the atma. But some may have some traits still persist­ing. They continue to have some resolutions and desires.

Until these are exhausted, they will wander in the world with body. Such men are called also ‘Bits of Divinity born as Men, Daivaamsasambhuthas.’ This is also as per the Lord’s will.

Bhakta: Why should this difference arise, Swami?

Swami: It arises out of each one’s sadhana and san­kalpa [will]. Eat a mango and you belch its smell. How can you prevent it? The belch brings the perfume of the thing eaten.

Bhakta: Will such men, too, have limitations? Upadhis?

Swami: Without upadhis, how can work get on? They, too, have it, but only in a subtle form until they attain trans-corporeal mukti, videha mukti.

Bhakta: What is that, Swami?

Swami: Their acts are like the line drawn on water, seen while the line is being drawn, absent as soon as it is finished. While being done, you notice it, in an instant it is not noticeable anymore.

Bhakta: Swami, you said that a jnani has renunciation as his hallmark. How does this agree with that?

Swami: That is true! Renunciation is his hallmark. If out of the traits of previous birth he gets attached, he must know that it is only for the body and not for him. This attachment damages the bliss of jivanmukta [liberated person]; jnana[knowledge] is most important for videhamukti [liberation after death].

Bhakta: Even if one has no jnana, can one attain mukti by mere vairagyam [detachment].

Swami: What a foolish question! How can the fruit be sweet without ripening? Vairagyam cannot arise except from jnana. There is no moksha [liberation] without vairag­yam. Be sure of that!

Bhakta: Then where does bhakti come in?

Swami: We have come to the very beginning again! Earlier than jnana it is in the form of bhakti. Earlier than bhakti it is in the form of anurakti, affection. All these are one. Anurakti is the flower; bhakti is the fruit; it ripens as jnanam; Vairagyam is the sweet juicy final stage. Without one, you cannot have the next. To tend the fruit until the juice and taste are deve­loped, you must practice daily prayer, etc., mentioned above. But from the first, have in view the Oneness of all. Understand that there is no ‘other’.

Source: Sandeha Nivarini

There is Only One

In the journey of life, people search for peace, happiness, and truth in many different places. Some look for success, while others seek comfort through relationships, wealth, or power. Yet, deep within every heart lies a silent understanding that There is Only One eternal source behind all existence. This truth has inspired saints, sages, and seekers throughout history. The realization that There is Only One divine power guiding the universe brings clarity and inner peace to those who understand it deeply.

Human beings often divide themselves based on religion, language, culture, or beliefs. These divisions create distance and misunderstanding among people. However, spiritual wisdom teaches that There is Only One supreme reality that exists in every living being. The same light shines through all hearts, regardless of external differences. When a person begins to see unity instead of separation, compassion naturally grows. This understanding helps remove hatred and fills life with kindness and acceptance.

The message of oneness has been shared in many sacred teachings across the world. Whether through prayer, meditation, devotion, or selfless service, every spiritual path ultimately points toward the same truth: There is Only One divine presence. Many names may be used to describe this sacred power, but the essence remains unchanged. Just as many rivers flow into the same ocean, all sincere spiritual efforts lead toward one eternal reality.

Modern life often creates stress and confusion. People become trapped in endless desires and fears, forgetting the deeper purpose of existence. In such moments, remembering that There is Only One source of love and strength can bring comfort to the mind. Faith helps individuals remain calm during difficulties and grateful during times of success. True spirituality is not merely about rituals but about living with purity, honesty, humility, and love toward others.

The teachings shared by Devotional India beautifully inspire people to connect with inner wisdom and spiritual awareness. Through stories of saints, prayers, and sacred reflections, Devotional India encourages seekers to move beyond ego and discover the divine presence within themselves. Spiritual understanding grows when the heart becomes pure and the mind becomes peaceful.

Nature itself reflects the truth that There is Only One creator behind all creation. The rising sun, flowing rivers, blooming flowers, and endless skies remind humanity of divine harmony. Every aspect of existence works together in balance and order. When people learn to respect nature and live with gratitude, they feel closer to the sacred power that sustains life.

The path toward spiritual realization begins with self-awareness. A person who practices patience, forgiveness, and compassion slowly experiences inner transformation. The realization that There is Only One truth behind all appearances removes fear and loneliness. Instead of focusing only on personal gain, one begins to live for the welfare of others. Service done with love becomes a form of worship.

Many spiritual seekers turn to Devotional India for inspiration because it shares timeless values that strengthen faith and devotion. Spiritual wisdom reminds humanity that external achievements alone cannot provide lasting fulfillment. Real happiness arises from inner peace and connection with the divine.

As life continues to change, the eternal truth remains unchanged: There is Only One supreme source of all existence. Those who understand this truth live with greater harmony, compassion, and gratitude. Through devotion, prayer, and selfless living, every individual can experience the joy of spiritual unity. The wisdom shared by Devotional India continues to guide countless hearts toward this beautiful realization that beyond all differences, There is Only One.

-Glimpses of Baba