Here you find many bulbs glowing, the same current flows through all of them. Similarly, the principle of ‘I’ is the same in all. Instead of questioning. ‘Who are you?’ question yourself first, then you will know all. What is the cause of conflicts and restlessness in this world? Lack of recognition of principle of oneness is mainly responsible for this. If someone were to criticise you, do not get agitated. Remember that the same Atmic principle is present in both of you. The one who accuses and the accused are not two different entities. There will be no scope for agitation if you understand this truth. Peace and security will reign supreme once this principle of oneness is recognised. Likewise, God and devotee are not separate from each other. The one who worships and the one who is worshipped are one and the same. The devotee worshipping God amounts to worshipping himself.
Ekatma Sarvabhuta antaratma (the same atma dwells in everyone). This principle of oneness is Brahma. Viewing this oneness as many is Bhrama or Bhranthi (illusion). It is this Bhrama that is responsible for the restlessness in the world. True spiritual practice lies in cultivating the spirit of oneness. There is no greater Sadhana than this. Whatever Sadhana one undertakes, one should do it with love. Then there will be no scope for anger and jealousy. In order to understand the Vedic dicta, Ishvara Sarvabhutanam (God dwells in all beings), Sarvam khalvidam Brahma (Brahma is all pervasive), one should inculcate noble qualities.
Na karmana na prajaya dhanena, tyagenaike amrutattva manasuhu
parena nakam nihitam guhayam vibhrajate yad yatayo visanti, (neither wealth nor progeny nor good deeds can confer immortality; it can be attained only through sacrifice). People respect you as long as you occupy exalted positions in society. But that is not all in all. The Vedas address human beings as Amritasya putraha (sons of immortality). You should live up to the title. You are Amritasya putras (sons of immortality), not Anrita putras (sons of falsehood). There is Chinmaya (awareness) in Mrinmaya (physical body). That awareness is true wisdom. The Vedas refer to this as Prajnanam Brahma (constant integrated awareness). It is this constant integrated awareness that makes the body, mind and intellect function. All the four Mahavakyas namely Prajnanam Brahma, Ayam Atma Brahma, Aham Brahmasmi, and Tat tvam Asi, speak of this constant integrated awareness. Understand this truth that you are God. You may think that you are separate from Swami. But in fact, I and you are not separate from each other. ‘I am not yours, you are Mine,’ ‘You and I are one’. Understand this truth and act accordingly. ‘Abheda Darshanam Jnanam’ (experience of oneness is true wisdom). There is only one without a second. If you go on adding the number 1 to itself, the value increases. On the other hand even if crores of ‘I’ (s) are added to ‘I’, it still remains ‘I’. That ‘I’ is Divinity. Once you understand this truth, you will realise that all are embodiments of Divinity. The essence of Vedanta is contained in these four Mahavakyas. (SSS Vol.32 Part II, pp. 33-35)
Buddha had a cousin by name Ananda. He was the son of Buddha’s mother’s sister, Gautami. During the final moments of Buddha, Ananda was shedding tears. Buddha called him and said, ‘Ananda! You feel sad that I am going to attain Nirvana in a few minutes time? Do know that I have been yearning for this boon since a long time? I am really happy that my long cherished wish is going to be fulfilled shortly.’ Ananda realised the truth, put Buddha’s teachings into practice and finally attained Nirvana. The Avatars in every age established certain ideals. Buddha always put into practice first, what he had taught to others. Every Avatar and every great soul in different ages practiced this ideal in their earthly lives. The essence of their teachings was, ‘Oh! Human beings! You need not search for God anywhere. You yourself are God!’ , the Vedas declared ‘Prajnanam Brahma’ (Brahma is present in every individual in the form of Divine Wisdom). That is Constant Integrated Awareness. That is the realisation attained by Buddha. That is ever full. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom Part 2, p. 146)