Letter 45

(45) PARATPARA RUPAM (FORM OF THE SUPREME BEING)
Prev Next
2nd May, 1946
This afternoon some Andhras came with their ladies, and went away after staying for some time in Bhagavan’s presence.

One of them asked Bhagavan with folded hands, “Swami, we have come here after going on pilgrimage to Rameswaram and other places and worshipping the gods there. We want to know from you what paratpara rupa is like. Please let us know.” With a smile Bhagavan said, “Is that so? It is the same.

You yourself are saying that you have come after worshipping all the gods. Though He is one in all, that which is above all is paratpara rupam. It means ‘The form of the Supreme Being’. As you have seen all those temples, it has occurred to you to wonder what that Supreme Being is which is the source of all these gods. Would this question arise if you had not seen them all?” On looking at Bhagavan’s face, it appeared as if the Supreme Being was dancing on his face. That glow on his face, beaming with happiness must be seen! Though those words were not understood by that young man, he was satisfied with the benevolent look of Bhagavan and so went away with his people after prostrating to Bhagavan.

After they went away, Bhagavan said enthusiastically to a devotee sitting nearby, “See, the real meaning is in their words themselves. Paratpara rupam means the form or figure of the Supreme Being which is highest of the high. The meaning of the question itself is not known. If the meaning is known, the reply is in the question itself.”