The Nature of Incarnations: Are Christs and Buddhas Second-Rate Heroes (Swami Krishnananda)

------------- This podcast discusses the nature of prophets, gurus, and spiritual understanding, asserting that true greatness lies not in fame or recognition, but in the depth and impact of one’s thoughts and actions. Greatness Beyond Recognition: The article argues that those considered great, such as Christs and Buddhas, are “second-rate heroes“ compared to unknown individuals who think profound thoughts that resonate eternally. True heroes are not defined by the number of their followers or their public recognition, but by their impact on the universe. The author suggests that a person’s worth cannot be judged by human standards, since humans are like “a horse judging a horse“. Divinity and Incarnations: The discussion explores the concept of divine beings, or Incarnations, as representing the aspirations of all humanity. These beings are described as “superphysical“ and as having the thoughts of all people vibrating through their single thought. The power of an Incarnation is directly related to the world’s needs, with more powerful vibrations occurring when humanity’s cry for help is greatest. Figures like Krishna, Buddha, and Christ are remembered because they shook the earth with their being. The Enigma of Gurus: The analysis delves into the behavior of Gurus, highlighting that they often act in unpredictable ways. The author uses the example of Shirdi Sai Baba who would sometimes act kindly and at other times be harsh. This behavior is not to be judged by normal human standards as Gurus are not human beings. Their actions are explained as being motivated by a supernormal perception that allows them to see a person’s past, present, and future. The Guru-disciple relationship is described as a spiritual connection, not a social one. Gurus are considered microcosmic forms of the Divine Spirit, whose influence continues even after their physical death. The Nature of Spiritual Perception: The essay describes the limitations of human perception and understanding, noting that “our experiences are not true indications of our exact prevailing condition“. It asserts that there is a veil separating us from the cosmos that distorts our view of the universe. The audio explores the concept of “avidya“ or ignorance as a factor that prevents an understanding of one’s relationship with the universe, leading to the question of whether one is inside or outside the universe. The author suggests that this question is meaningless, because “the universe is me“. The true “I“ is the universe itself, and this understanding leads to God-consciousness. Spiritual Guidance and Overcoming Limitations: The article argues that a competent guide is crucial for progressing on the spiritual path as one encounters challenges. It describes three knots of the heart called Brahma-granthi, Vishnu-granthi, and Rudra-granthi, which tie people to empirical existence. Breaking these knots is essential for attaining a higher level of consciousness () . The audio also suggests that suffering can sometimes be a way of atoning for past mistakes, either through grace or through experiences in the dream state. In conclusion, the discussion emphasizes the importance of inner understanding, the limitations of human judgment, the true nature of spiritual beings, the need for guidance on the spiritual path, and the essential interconnectedness between the individual and the universe.