Can we realize God? Know the very existence of God? Alternatively, at least His nature?
Shantideva says the study of the scriptures does not bring man to the realization of God.
“The self is not known through the study of the scriptures, or through the subtlest intellect, or through much learning; but he who longs for him knows him. He makes us dead to our own existence and alive to his own.”
We need the physical body to realize God. Although the belief that the soul/spirit/Atma/jivatma unites with God after the death of this body is held by many, saints have proved otherwise.
Ramalinga Adigal says there is no union with God after death. The union has to happen right now in this body, in this very birth. He had achieved this feat. He had prepared himself; he had purified his thoughts and body. He had performed deeds that drove away ignorance and brought him merits. He had yearned for God with utmost passion and God had to submit to him finally. God came unto him, into his body, into every cell and atom. Then changes started to take place in his body. Eventually, he dematerialized into light merging with God. He made it happen right here and as recent as 1874.
God’s grace is of utmost importance on this path to realization. With his, grace (Arul) comes his blessing (Aasi) and his guidance. His grace falls on us only when the ego dies as Shantideva says, “God appears when the ego dies.”
Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya in the preface to his book, THE LIFE BEYOND PHYSICAL DEATH (Acharya, The Life Beyond Physical Death) writes,
“Life is eternal. Considering “death” - the cessation of functions of physical body, as the end of life is a great delusion. The soul (Atma), which is the beholder of bio-energy in the physical body, is ageless, timeless and indestructible. The fear of “death” ensues from the misconception that with the end of physical existence, the individual loses its identity in totality.”
Let us recall the message of the world’s great Upanishadic Siddhas, retold by Swami Satprakashananda in his book MEDITATION - ITS PROCESS, PRACTICE, AND CULMINATION, (Satprakashananda) published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai,
“Death is not your final end. Do not give way to despair. You are not destined to be subject to this play of dualities forever. There is the Supreme Being, The very perfection of existence, Which you can reach in this mortal life and where you can find life beyond death and complete fulfillment of your ideal.Therein is the culmination of your knowledge, Therein is the consummation of your love, Therein is complete rest and therein dwells unruffled peace. There shines the light that never fails, In addition, there abides joy unbounded. How can man reach that? Through this very life, By regulating this mortal life he can reach the immortal.”
The Siddhas having experimented on themselves have proofed that the body of ours needs not drop dead at the end of its lifespan. Siddhas are believed to be alive even today. So should not we walk the Path of the Siddhas who knew the secret and had transformed themselves to live forever?