Just as you know the flowering of mango trees that you will get mango fruits shortly, so also you can know that you will get knowledge of identity of Soul and Supreme Soul when the flower of peace blossoms in your mind. Just as the six tastes—sourness, bitterness, astringency, sweetness, saltiness and pungency —are rendered full and enjoyed completely only when the energies of tastes and the mind join together, so also the plenum (All-full Brahman) arises when all these articles of worship as contentment, equal vision, etc., are combined with sweet patience or quiescence of mind. Shanti or Peace of mind is of two kinds— - ordinary peace and supreme peace. Ordinary peace comes when the modifications in the mind are controlled and the tossing of mind is removed. Supreme peace manifests when you get Jnana (Knowledge of Brahman or the Absolute).
The Jnana State
The Jnana state is a state very difficult to be comprehended. It is a tremendously high state wherein all the principles drop by themselves and mental space only —like the vast, infinite ocean of '‘Vyoma'’ or '‘ethereal space'’ or '‘Gagana' ’—shines by itself. It is the state of pure knowledge which transcends the pleasures of natural scenery and beauties. The beauties of pleasure-gardens, rivers, lakes, snow-clad mountains, green forests, etc., are the creations of delusion (Maya). It veils our eyes and prevents us from experiencing the infinite natural beauty of Soul. The melodious music of birds is also a creation of delusion. It prevents us from hearing the natural Sound of OM —the sweetest primal vibration. That Nirvana state which transcends all nature is Jnana state.
Jnana-Mouna is that state wherein the mind remains merged in Brahman or Soul or Self. In this state, there is not the slightest trace of the notion of’ 'I'.’ As there is no mental activity and as there is no doer, all the Karmas are burnt in the Jnanagni (fire of wisdom). The Jiva feels that he is entirely different from the five Koshas or sheaths of body, as he identifies himself with the Soul. In Jnana (Absolute), there is neither East nor West, neither dawning nor setting, neither increase nor decrease, neither sitting nor standing, neither life nor death, neither waking consciousness nor dream state, neither talking nor lecturing, neither thinking nor knowing, neither light nor darkness. The three —actor (Karta), action (Karma) and instrument (Karana)— will shine as one in the Self. What an exalted state it is! It is simply marvellous. It is wonderful. One becomes speechless. It can never be adequately described in words.
I sat on Padmasana. I meditated on Soul. I forgot myself and the surroundings. I saw something which I had never seen up-to this time. I heard a sound which I had never heard up-to this time. There was a sensation and knowledge that I was absolutely free from all sorts of attachment. I had an experience of new knowledge. The thought of Soul continued for some time. I had a novel experience of pure bliss. It is a void full of Light and Knowledge and Bliss free from vicissitudes of this world. When the Self is once recognized and realized it can never be forgotten. The impression of the recognition of the Self, if once made, can never be obliterated from the mind. It sticks to the mind always.
Liberation
Liberation or Mukti is for the mind only. Liberation is for Nature. It is not for the embodied Soul. Embodied Soul is already Brahman. Embodied Soul is ever free. He is identical with Brahman. When the water dries up, the reflection of the sun in water also vanishes. Even so, when the mind-lake dries up by extirpation of all thoughts and subtle desires, the reflection of intelligence in the mind-lake also vanishes. The name embodied Soul disappears. Ego goes away...
Reference
Mind – Its Mysteries and Control by Sri Swami Sivananda
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