Jnana and Vijnana

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
(18 Feb 1836 - 16 Aug 1886)
Ramakrishna Aratrikam - Khandana Bhava Bandhana
Ramakrishna Sahasranama Stotram

Knowing fire exists in wood is Jnana but to cook rice on that is Vijnana

The awareness and conviction that fire exists in wood is Jnana, Knowledge. But to cook rice on that fire, eat the rice, and get nourishment from it is Vijnana.

To know by one's inner experience that God exists is Jnana. But to talk to Him, to enjoy Him as Child, as Friend, as Master, as Beloved, is Vijnana.

The realization that God alone has become the universe and all living beings is Vijnana.

Jnani says the world is a framework of illusion but Vijnani describes it as a mansion of mirth

The Jnani says, 'This world is a framework of illusion.' But he who is beyond both knowledge and ignorance describes it as a 'mansion of mirth'. He sees that it is God Himself who has become the universe, all living beings, and the twenty-four cosmic principles.

He alone who after reaching the Nitya can dwell in the Lila has ripe knowledge and devotion

He alone who, after reaching the Nitya, the Absolute, can dwell in the Lila, the Relative, and again climb from the Lila to the Nitya, has ripe knowledge and devotion. Sages like Narada cherished love of God after attaining the Knowledge of Brahman. This is called Vijnana.

It is God Himself who is playing the different parts

Girish: How did you like the performance?

Master: I found that it was God Himself who was acting the different parts. Those who played the female parts seemed to me the direct embodiments of the Blissful Mother, and the cowherd boys of Goloka the embodiments of Narayana Himself. It was God alone who had become all these.

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Meditations on Earth, Life and Dharma: >>

Om, May there be Peace in Heaven,
May there be Peace in the Sky,
May there be Peace in the Earth,

(Shanti Mantra of Upanishad)

Preserve Nature,
And Nature will preserve Us,
Simplify Life,
And help Nature thrive,
Plant Trees,
And make our planet Green.

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