Recently, a thoughtful incident of saint and spiritual preacher Premanand Maharaj Ji has come into discussion, in which a devotee asked him a very deep spiritual question. The devotee said that it has been said in the scriptures that we all are parts of Shri Krishna and are not separate from God. In this case, does it mean that man and God are one and the same?
What Premanand Maharaj Ji said in response to this question is being considered as not just a religious explanation but a message explaining the balance of self-realization and devotion.
Devotee’s Question: Are we and God one?
The devotee said in his question that when it is believed that the soul is a part of God, then what is the real difference between the soul and God? Should it be rightly understood that ultimately both are one and the same?
This question also attracted the attention of other devotees present there, as this topic is deeply rooted in Indian spiritual philosophy.
Premanand Maharaj’s answer
On this, Premanand Maharaj Ji explained in simple but profound words that the relationship between the soul and the Supreme Soul is that of part and whole. He said that it is true that we are all parts of God, but this does not mean that the living beings and God become one and the same.
Giving an example, he said that just as a drop of the ocean is a part of the ocean, it cannot be equal to the entire ocean. Similarly, the soul is a part of God, but its limitations and its condition are different.
Balance of devotion and enlightenment
Maharaj Ji further explained that the purpose of this knowledge is not to increase ego, but to understand humility. When a person realizes that he is a part of God, then the feeling of devotion and dedication should not increase in him but pride.
He also said that the most important thing in the path of devotion is that man should perform his duties and maintain reverence for God, and not be deluded by considering himself equal to God.
relation between shri krishna and jeeva
This entire subject is related to devotion to Shri Krishna and Advaita philosophy. Many texts in Indian philosophy state that the soul is a part of God, but the roles and levels of both are different.
