Hi Burt,

I realize that you are a very busy person, so if you don’t have time to answer this email I completely understand.

I just want your comments on the fact that nowadays, everybody and his brother or sister is claiming enlightenment. Do you know of Masters that are living today that truly have the level of attainment of our beloved Sri Bhagavan? I trust you because something in me senses your tremendous honesty.

I thank you for your time.

N.

Dear N.,

Thank you for your question. It is rare to find human beings on the level of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. The word ‘enlightenment’ can be very misleading and many claim enlightenment. The term refers to a state devoid of an ego so there’s no one who can claim such a level. However, many are awakening to their true nature nowadays, and most satsang teachers are awakened, but it doesn’t mean that they are egoless. TheÊawakened state is being able to be in the world and function as any other except with the knowing (without any doubt) that spirit is the only reality and the world is an appearance of consciousness. Although the average awakened being might still react to emotional stimuli yet there is an underlying knowing that this is not reality but a conditioned state and therefore peace has been attained.Ê ÊÊÊÊÊÊ

With love,

Burt