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A Sadhu's Reminiscences of Ramana Maharshi 69 was absolutely no ground for saying so. One day a Sannyasin belonging to a well-known order, who think that their Guru alone attained Self-realization, challenged Bhagavan in a most aggressive and unmannerly fashion.
Sadhu: “People say that you are an Avatar of Subramaniam. What do you say about it?”
Bhagavan said nothing.
Sadhu: “If it is a fact, why do you keep silence about it? Why don't you speak out and tell us the truth?”
Bhagavan did not reply. Sadhu: “Tell us, we want to know.”
Bhagavan (quietly): “An Avatar is only a partial manifestation of God, whereas a Jnani is God himself.”
Here lies the whole difference between Advaita and other philosophies. In Advaita all is nothing but the Self. There is no room for such special manifestations as Avatars. A person is either Self-realized or is not. There are no degrees.
Many people said that Bhagavan did not give initiation or have any disciples, although those who lived with him had no doubts as to the relationship existing between themselves and Bhagavan. I was interested to find out what Bhagavan himself had to say on the subject, so one night after the evening meal the following conversation took place.
D.: “Bhagavan says that be has no disciples.” B.: (Looking at me suspiciously): “Yes.”
D.: “But Bhagavan also says that for the majority of aspirants a Guru is necessary?”
B.: “Yes.”
