Talk 339

With regard to Siva Visishtādvaita, (i.e., Saiva Siddhānta), Sri Bhagavan said: Garudoham bhāvana, ‘I am Garuda’—conception does not make a garuda of a man. All the same the poisonous effects of snake-bite are cured. Similarly with (Sivoham bhāvana) ‘I-am-Siva’ conception also. One is not transformed into Siva, but the ruinous effects of the ego are put an end to. Or the person retains his individuality but remains pure, i.e., fit for constituting a part of the body of Siva. Becoming so he can enjoy the Supreme Bliss. That is liberation—say the Saiva Siddhāntis. This simply betrays the love of their individuality and is in no way the true experience of liberation.