Sri Ramakrishna suggests to feel one is a free soul

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Sri Ramakrishna (to M.) : " Self-Knowledge is discussed in the Ashtavakra

Samhita. The non-dualists say, 'Soham', that is, 'I am the Supreme Self.'

This is the view of the sannyasis of the Vedantic school. But this is not

the right attitude for householders, who are conscious of doing everything

themselves. That being so, how can they declare, 'I am That, the actionless

Supreme Self?

 

According to the non-dualists the Self is unattached. Good and bad, virtue

and vice, and the other pairs of opposites, cannot in any way injure the

Self, though they undoubtedly afflict those who have identified themselves

with their bodies. Smoke soils the wall, certainly, but it cannot in any way

affect akasa, space. Following the Vedantists of this class, Krishnakishore

used to say, 'I am Kha', meaning akasa. Being a great devotee, he could say

that with some justification; but it is not becoming for others to do so.

 

" But to feel that one is a free soul is very good. By constantly repeating,

'I am free, I am free', a man verily becomes free. On the other hand, by

constantly repeating, 'I am bound, I am bound', he certainly becomes bound

to worldliness. The fool who says only, 'I am a sinner, I am a sinner',

verily drowns himself in worldliness. One should rather say: 'I have chanted

the name of God. How can I be a sinner? How can I be bound?'

 

--

Om namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya

Prasanth Jalasutram