On knowing the Supreme principle nothing else remains to be known. This is true; but despite such a glorious state it is often observed in the society that all are moving around deluded by ignorance. Totally ignorant of the Supreme principle, totally engrossed in materialism! The answer to this is startling but a verse deserves a serious thought:

The embodied being is a part of the Lord. The Supreme is of the nature of supreme peace and inexhaustible joy. Whenever the demand of the embodied being for everlasting happiness is fulfilled, it will only be by the Supreme; this is a hundred per cent true. But even then, all do not turn towards the Lord. Amongst the thousands...! The reason is attraction for external sensual objects. One gets happiness side by side! But the thought never crosses the mind that this happiness is temporary; its ultimate result is sorrow. One derives the joy of devotion to the Lord, emotions for Him and meditating on Him through practice, when inclinations are in that direction, concentration is developed only then. Beings due to their restless and impatient nature are outwardly oriented. On getting buffeted by the world, discrimination dawns and then the understanding develops that goal is not the world but the Supreme; because the world will not allow the experience of complete contentment and peace. Evolution in this world and the next will only become possible by turning towards God.

You will find this verse proved in day-to-day life. All are indulging in eating, drinking and being merry; but how many are there who are keen for elevation in this world and the next? If one attains the world and its wealth, prosperity and grandeur-everyonewill be after these things but how many will have the eagerness to attain the Supreme? One will find innumerable ones to be wallowing in propensities like egoism, clinging, etc; how many will be seen having awakened discrimination, those who have grasped this truth that these tendencies are the cause of grief, dejection, fear and coming and going from this world; absolute peace and the attainment of supreme status can only be had by subduing these tendencies and immersing in the mind in the divine spirit. How many have this kind of keenness, mental state and reverence? The practical truth of this verse is evidenced even in the present day even after the lapse of a thousand years.

One amongst a thousand strives to attain Me; after stating this the Blessed Lord states a startling fact in the second part of this verse. Amongst the striving a rare one gets to know Me in essence. The reason is clear; one engages oneself in worship and reading of scriptures; some progress on this path; if was also attained but keenness could take the form of yearning and longing. There remained something lacking in keenness and some external attractions also persisted. For attaining the divine state, one could not develop the required eagerness, discipline and devotion. Despite employing means and engaging in worship one was deprived of perfecting the goal.

Dear reader! Do not get disappointed on reading this verse but heighten your enthusiasm. The aspect of disappointment could be that if amongst thousands only one would be able to become the pilgrim of the path of truth and amongst them a rare one would be able to realise the essential truth-how can I hold such a position? But the aspect of confidence is that 'one' would be none other than myself, I have to take myself forward on this path with eagerness and faith and realise the essential truth.

In the student days! Only one student could solve the question put to the whole class. Others began to give some argument or the other! The question was difficult; maybe the question itself was not rightly put, etc. The teacher gave a simple reply-I would have accepted your contention and supported your viewpoint if none could have solved the problem! If one has solved it and could solve it then why not others!

If the Blessed Lord had stated that it was impossible in the present and nobody could do it, then definitely the state of disappointment would have been there! But if one amongst a thousand can achieve and have achieved then why can I not do so? Develop this attitude! The enthusiasm will be awakened! it is necessary to maintain enthusiasm. Understand step by step the nature of knowledge and wisdom; keep observing; keep oneself associated with this! To grasp the nature of knowledge and wisdom gradually, the Blessed Lord is starting the analysis of the lower and higher nature no.