Liberation

A rock on the ground has no value, but a sculptor can give it a shape. If he sculpts it into the shape of a linga, people will call it a symbol of Shiva. If he makes it into a statue of Rama, everyone will call it `Rama'. If he makes it into a statue of Krishna playing the flute, we will call it `Krishna'. So you have to see the shape of the statue before calling it anything. However, Truth was existing before it assumes the forms of Rama and Krishna, but you can not visualize it because it is a direct experience that you haven't yet had. Knowledge is a practical experience, a transmission from heart to heart. One soul receives it from another soul. That is why the saints spoke about the importance of the spiritual master, or guru. He can make a man into a Bhagirath and make that Ganges of nectar flow within him. When that happens, all his latent qualities are revived. He becomes purified and attains liberation.
www.manavdharam.org