Ramakrishna: 'When the divine vision is attained, all appear equal; and there remains no distinction of good and bad, or of high and low.'

When the divine vision is attained, all appear equal; and there remains no distinction of good and bad, or of high and low.

Ramakrishna's quote, 'When the divine vision is attained, all appear equal; and there remains no distinction of good and bad, or of high and low,' conveys a powerful message about the transformational effects of spiritual enlightenment. On a straightforward level, this quote suggests that once someone obtains a divine vision - a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things - they are able to perceive and appreciate the inherent equality and unity among all beings. In this state of consciousness, distinctions such as good and bad, or high and low, become irrelevant, as all aspects of existence are seen as essential and interconnected parts of the divine whole.The significance of this quote lies in its ability to challenge our conventional ways of perceiving the world. From a conventional standpoint, we tend to place judgments on people and things, categorizing them as good or bad, superior or inferior. This tendency to label and compare often leads to feelings of separation, division, and inequality. However, Ramakrishna suggests that by attaining the divine vision, these distinctions vanish, and unity prevails.To further explore the depth of this idea, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept – the concept of duality. Duality asserts that the world is composed of opposing forces, such as light and dark, good and evil, and high and low. This philosophical perspective has influenced many religious and spiritual traditions, and it often forms the basis for our own moral judgments and societal hierarchies.Contrasting Ramakrishna's viewpoint with the concept of duality allows us to delve into the deeper implications of his words. While duality perceives the world as being divided between opposing forces, Ramakrishna's divine vision perceives unity and interconnectedness. In this sense, the quote challenges the very foundation of our perceptions and offers an alternative way of understanding reality.By transcending the limitations of duality, we can begin to see beyond surface-level distinctions and worldly divisions. We can recognize that what we perceive as good or bad, high or low, are simply relative concepts shaped by our own perspectives and conditioned beliefs. Ramakrishna invites us to broaden our consciousness and embrace a new way of perceiving, one that acknowledges the divine essence within everything and everyone.When we attain this divine vision, our perceptions become infused with compassion, empathy, and unconditional acceptance. We begin to experience a profound sense of equality, knowing that each being, despite their apparent differences, is an expression of the same divine source. In this state, judgment and comparison lose their hold over us, and instead, we foster a deep sense of interconnectedness and unity.This transformative realization also brings about a fundamental shift in how we relate to others and the world around us. We no longer see ourselves as separate individuals striving for personal gain or superiority. Instead, we recognize the shared humanity in every person, and our actions become aligned with the well-being of all. This shift in perspective allows for the cultivation of a more harmonious, compassionate, and equitable society.In conclusion, Ramakrishna's quote encapsulates the profound wisdom that arises from the divine vision. It invites us to transcend the limitations of duality and conventional thinking, and instead embrace an understanding of reality that recognizes the inherent equality and unity among all beings. By attaining this higher level of consciousness, we can dissolve the distinctions of good and bad, or of high and low, and foster a more compassionate and interconnected world. May we all strive to develop this divine vision and bring about positive transformation in our lives and the lives of those around us.