 You are me, and I am You!  To my curious mind, a journey to understand the various schools of Indian philosophical system, has led me to one and only conclusion that the whole is too large and at best can only be seen in parts, through our own limited senses. Non-duality between the Self and Divine, is the pinnacle of spiritual wisdom but the journey to this stage of understanding requires the human mind to anchor on duality. It is for this reason why the seeker sees the benefit in visiting spiritual places and performing religious acts that provides them solace. While I am no one to say anything about any one’s belief system, but one Shabad (piece of spiritual writing) in the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) has been resonating with me for years. Bhagat Ravidas, the 15th century saint from North India, questions in this Shabad that “If I did not Sin, then how would you be called the Redeemer of Sinners?” It’s a very powerful question. A teacher may be well qualified with the best of degrees but if he has no students then how can he be called a Teacher? In the stage of duality, Bhagat Ravidas keeps his identity uniquely apart from that of the Divine and seeks an answer to this fundamental question, implying that the Divine is also dependent on the Seeker. While to the common mind, this question may not make sense but then Bhagat Ravidas soon transitions into the non-duality and says that in reality “YOU are ME and I am YOU”. Who said understanding spirituality was ever easy? During a visit to the Golden Temple, the Sikh Gurudwara at Amritsar, as I turned my camera to capture the visiting Seekers, the words of Bhagat Ravidas could be heard being sung from the sanctum sanctorum. You are me, and I am You-what is the difference We are like gold and the bracelet, or water If I did not commit any sins, O Infinite Lord, how would You have acquired the name, You are my Master, the Inner-knower, The servant is known by his God, and the Lord and Grant me the wisdom to worship and adore You O Ravi Daas, one who understands that the Lord Bhagat Ravidas (Page 93, Guru Granth Sahib) Related links : Operation Bluestar – Let’s not forget
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