Ramana Maharshi
The two lady visitors were visiting the Saint known as Sri Ramana Maharshi.
The younger one asked: “Is the experience of the Highest State same to all? Or is there any difference?”
Maharshi (M): The Highest State is the same and the experience is also the same.
Devotee (D): But I find some difference in the interpretations put on the Highest Truth.
M: The interpretations are made with the mind. The minds are different and so the interpretations are different.
D: I mean to ask if the seers express themselves differently?
M: The expressions may differ according to the nature of the seekers. They are meant to guide the seekers.
D: One Seer speaks in the terms of Christianity, another in those of Islam, a third of Buddhism, etc. Is that due to their upbringing?
M: Whatever may be their upbringing, their experience is the same. But the modes of expression differ according to circumstances.
Credit: Talk 595, 16th December, 1938. Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi.
Related: Yoga’s Ultimate State