6 IN THE VISION OF GOD
existence, consciousness and bliss- Satchidananda, You can
realize Him through one-pointed devotion and complete
self-surrender. The initial step on the path to this goal is
purity and control of mind which is acquired through
concentration. An easy method for concentration is con-
stant repetition of the divine Name and performance of all
actions as a sacrifice to the Lord. You may call God by any
name—Rama, Krishna, Shiva or any other you hold dear.
The Name Himself is Brahman. The reiteration of the
Name coupled with the meditation on the attributes of God
purifies the min<L Prayers, hymns and fasting are neces-
sary aids. You must develop the divine qualities of compas-
sion, peace and forgiveness. God reveals Himself in that
heart in which these ennobling virtues reside. Now the
divine light shining within you dissolves the ego-sense, and
your identity with the Godhead is realised. This experience
grants you the knowledge of immortality. Thereafter, you
dwell in a divine consciousness and your vision becomes
universalised, bringing you supreme peace and ecstasy,
Now it is that you behold the whole universe as the very
expression of God whom you have discovered within you.
Now God is everywhere for you—in everybody and every-
thing. This transcendent vision unlocks the infinite foun-
tain of love in your heart-a love that fills and embraces tke
entire cosmos. All distinctions now disappear in the
equality of this vision. This supreme state of beatitude
bestows on you liberation and immortal joy. Believe that
incarnations or divine teachers like Jesus Christ, Muhammad,
Zoroaster and others are also manifestations of the same
great Truth, Yerily, all the different religions are so many
paths that lead mankind to the one universal God.
To the Mahanunadans Ramdas would speak of Allah and
Muhammad. Allah means the almighty. Islam signifies the
way to peace. Gtod is indeed all power and peace. Prophet Mu-
hammad established Islam anaong the warring and ignorant
tribes of Arabia so as to awaken in them the spirit of peace,