With regard to the title of this article, please imagine that you are courageously stepping toward a guard at the entrance to a grand castle. As you approach, the guard clearly indicates by his hand that you are to stop. He then forcefully asks: “What bear ye?” The content of this article deals with the possible answers that you might offer if you were hoping to enter the castle.

Diverging briefly, let’s now briefly examine a couple of Sanskrit terms. In Hinduism, a “jiva” is loosely translated as the perspective of a “person.” A “gnani” is considered a “knower;” meaning a being who is aware of his/her true Self. Based solely upon appearance, it’s impossible to tell the difference between a jiva and gnani. This is complicated by the fact that a true gnani will never be prideful about being a knower; for such would be a clear indication that traits of a jiva remain.

It’s important to understand that everyone is already a gnani–it’s just that the majority of beings are unaware of the fact. Becoming a gnani is not achieved by the accumulation of knowledge; it must be directly recognized. With regard to the fact that everyone is already a gnani, another way of expressing this would be to state that we cannot “not” be That which we truly are.

One of ways that we can differentiate between the two is related to the behaviour that both exhibit. The following passage from the Bible (Matthew 7: 15 – 16) relates this principle:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.”

To “know them by their fruits” is a symbolic way of expressing that “actions speak louder than words.” A person might claim to be holy but then turn around and steal from unsuspecting investors. A gnani, conversely, who is clearly established in the Truth of his/her being, would never act against the best interests of everyone; for he/she recognizes our shared Oneness.

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Dear Readers: I now ask you to consider how you would answer the following: “What bear ye?” Only you will know the answer. Through self inquiry, we can recognize our essential nature and, thereby, realize the highest gift that we can share with the world. Are we the jiva, with self-centered goals? Or are we bearing gifts to help elevate everyone?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2023 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

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