Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Be As You Are

The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi

Edited by David Godman

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

ARKANA PENGUIN BOOK ARKANA

Pub!ished by "he Pen#uin Grou$ Pen#uin Boo%s &"d' () "rand' &ondon *+,R OR&' En#!and Pen#uin Pu"nam In-.' /01 2udson "ree"' Ne3 Yor%' Ne3 Yor% 1))14' U A Pen#uin Boo%s Aus"ra!ia &"d' ,1) +amber3e!! Road' +amber3e!!' 5i-"oria /1,4' Aus"ra!ia Pen#uin Boo%s +anada &"d' 1) A!-orn Avenue' 6oron"o' On"ario' +anada M45 /B, Pen#uin Boo%s India 78I9: &"d' 11 +ommuni"y +en"re' Pan-hshee! Par%' Ne3 De!hi 11) )10' India Pen#uin Boo%s 7N;: &"d' +nr Roseda!e and Airborne Roads' A!bany' Au-%!and' Ne3 ;ea!and Pen#uin Boo%s 7 ou"h A<ri-a: 7P"y: &"d' ,4 "urdee Avenue' Roseban% ,1=>' ou"h A<ri-a Pen#uin Boo%s &"d' Re#is"ered O<<i-es? () "rand' &ondon *+,R OR&' En#!and 333.$en#uin.-om

@irs" $ub!ished by Ar%ana 1=(1 1/ +o$yri#h"A ri Ramanasramam' 1=(1 A!! ri#h"s reserved Prin"ed in En#!and by +!ays &"d' " Ives $!-

EB-e$" in "he Uni"ed "a"es o< Ameri-a' "his boo% is so!d subCe-" "o "he -ondi"ion "ha" i" sha!! no"' by 3ay o< "rade or o"her3ise' be !en"' reDso!d' hired ou"' or o"her3ise -ir-u!a"ed 3i"hou" "he $ub!isher9s $rior -onsen" in any <orm o< bindin# or -over o"her "han "ha" in 3hi-h i" is $ub!ished and 3i"hou" a simi!ar -ondi"ion in-!udin# "his -ondi"ion bein# im$osed on "he subseEuen" $ur-haser

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Contents
Be As You Are........................................................................................................................................... 1 In"rodu-"ion................................................................................................................................................ 4 PAR6 ONE D 6he e!<............................................................................................................................... 0 +ha$"er 1 D 6he na"ure o< "he e!<......................................................................................................... 0 +ha$"er , D e!<Da3areness and e!<Di#noran-e.................................................................................. 1/ +ha$"er / D 6he Cnani...........................................................................................................................,, PAR6 6*O D EnEuiry and surrender...................................................................................................... ,( +ha$"er 4 D e!<DenEuiry F "heory......................................................................................................,= +ha$"er 1 D e!<DenEuiry $ra-"i-e..................................................................................................... /4 +ha$"er > D e!<DenEuiry F mis-on-e$"ions....................................................................................... 4, +ha$"er 0 D urrender.......................................................................................................................... 4= PAR6 62REE D 6he Guru.......................................................................................................................11 +ha$"er ( D 6he Guru...........................................................................................................................1> +ha$"er = D i!en-e and sa"Dsan#a........................................................................................................>/ PAR6 @OUR D Medi"a"ion and yo#a....................................................................................................... >( +ha$"er 1) D Medi"a"ion and -on-en"ra"ion......................................................................................... >= +ha$"er 11 Man"ras and Ca$a...............................................................................................................04 +ha$"er 1, D &i<e in "he 3or!d............................................................................................................. 0= +ha$"er 1/ D Yo#a............................................................................................................................... (1 PAR6 @I5E D EB$erien-e........................................................................................................................ =1 +ha$"er 14 D amadhi.......................................................................................................................... =, +ha$"er 11 D 5isions and $sy-hi- $o3ers........................................................................................... =0 +ha$"er 1> D Prob!ems and eB$erien-es............................................................................................ 1)1 PAR6 IG D 6heory............................................................................................................................... 1)> +ha$"er 10 D +rea"ion "heories and "he rea!i"y o< "he 3or!d.............................................................. 1)0 +ha$"er 1( D Rein-arna"ion................................................................................................................114 +ha$"er 1= D 6he na"ure o< God.........................................................................................................11( +ha$"er ,) D u<<erin# and mora!i"y..................................................................................................1,/ +ha$"er ,1 D Karma' des"iny and <ree 3i!!........................................................................................ 1,=

Ackno !edgments 6o ri Ramanasramam <or $ermission "o re$rin" eB"ra-"s <rom mos" o< "he boo%s !is"ed in "he bib!io#ra$hy. 6o Rider and +o.' &ondon' <or $ermission "o re$rin" an eB"ra-" <rom A ear-h in e-re" India. 6o adhu Om' <or $ermission "o re$rin" ma"eria! <rom 6he Pa"h o< ri Ramana and <or $ermission "o use and ada$" his un$ub!ished "rans!a"ions o< "he 3ri"in#s o< ri Ramana Maharshi and Guru 5a-ha%a Kovai. 6o Mi-hae! Hames <or assis"an-e in ada$"in# verses <rom Guru 5a-ha%a Kovai and <or o<<erin# -ons"ru-"ive advi-e "hrou#hou" "he $re$ara"ion o< "he boo%.

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

"ntroduction
In 1(=> a siB"eenDyearDo!d s-hoo!boy 3a!%ed ou" on his <ami!y and' driven by an inner -om$u!sion' s!o3!y made his 3ay "o Aruna-ha!a' a ho!y moun"ain and $i!#rima#e -en"re in ou"h India. On his arriva! he "hre3 a3ay a!! his money and $ossessions and abandoned himse!< "o a ne3!yDdis-overed a3areness "ha" his rea! na"ure 3as <orm!ess' immanen" -ons-iousness. 2is absor$"ion in "his a3areness 3as so in"ense "ha" he 3as -om$!e"e!y ob!ivious o< his body and "he 3or!dI inse-"s -he3ed a3ay $or"ions o< his !e#s' his body 3as"ed a3ay be-ause he 3as rare!y -ons-ious enou#h "o ea" and his hair and <in#ernai!s #re3 "o unmana#eab!e !en#"hs. A<"er "3o or "hree years in "his s"a"e he be#an a s!o3 re"urn "o $hysi-a! norma!i"y' a $ro-ess "ha" 3as no" <ina!!y -om$!e"ed <or severa! years. 2is a3areness o< himse!< as -ons-iousness 3as una<<e-"ed by "his $hysi-a! "ransi"ion and i" remained -on"inuous and undimmed <or "he res" o< his !i<e. In 2indu $ar!an-e he had 8rea!ised "he e!<9I "ha" is "o say' he had rea!ised by dire-" eB$erien-e "ha" no"hin# eBis"ed a$ar" <rom an indivisib!e and universa! -ons-iousness 3hi-h 3as eB$erien-ed in i"s unmani<es" <orm as bein#ness or a3areness and in i"s mani<es" <orm as "he a$$earan-e o< "he universe. Norma!!y "his a3areness is on!y #enera"ed a<"er a !on# and arduous $eriod o< s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e bu" in "his -ase i" ha$$ened s$on"aneous!y' 3i"hou" $rior e<<or" or desire. 5en%a"araman' "he siB"eenDyearDo!d s-hoo!boy' 3as a!one in an u$s"airs room o< his un-!e9s house in Madurai 7near "he sou"hern "i$ o< India: 3hen he 3as sudden!y #ri$$ed by an in"ense <ear o< dea"h. In "he <o!!o3in# <e3 minu"es he 3en" "hrou#h a simu!a"ed dea"h eB$erien-e durin# 3hi-h he be-ame -ons-ious!y a3are <or "he <irs" "ime "ha" his rea! na"ure 3as im$erishab!e and "ha" i" 3as unre!a"ed "o "he body' "he mind or "he $ersona!i"y. Many $eo$!e have re$or"ed simi!ar uneB$e-"ed eB$erien-es bu" "hey are a!mos" invariab!y "em$orary. In 5en%a"araman9s -ase "he eB$erien-e 3as $ermanen" and irreversib!e. @rom "ha" "ime on his -ons-iousness o< bein# an individua! $erson -eased "o eBis" and i" never <un-"ioned in him a#ain. 5en%a"araman "o!d no one abou" his eB$erien-e and <or siB 3ee%s he %e$" u$ "he a$$earan-e o< bein# an ordinary s-hoo!boy. 2o3ever' he <ound i" an in-reasin#!y di<<i-u!" $os"ure "o main"ain and a" "he end o< "his siB 3ee% $eriod he abandoned his <ami!y and 3en" dire-"!y "o "he ho!y moun"ain o< Aruna-ha!a. 6he -hoi-e o< Aruna-ha!a 3as <ar <rom random. 6hrou#hou" his brie< !i<e he had a!3ays asso-ia"ed "he name o< Aruna-ha!a 3i"h God and i" 3as a maCor reve!a"ion "o him 3hen he dis-overed "ha" i" 3as no" some heaven!y rea!m bu" a "an#ib!e ear"h!y en"i"y. 6he moun"ain i"se!< had !on# been re#arded by 2indus as a mani<es"a"ion o< iva' a 2indu God' and in !a"er years 5en%a"araman o<"en said "ha" i" 3as "he s$iri"ua! $o3er o< Aruna-ha!a 3hi-h had brou#h" abou" his e!<Drea!isa"ion. 2is !ove <or "he moun"ain 3as so #rea" "ha" <rom "he day he arrived in 1(=> un"i! his dea"h in 1=1) he -ou!d never be $ersuaded "o #o more "han "3o mi!es a3ay <rom i"s base. A<"er a <e3 years o< !ivin# on i"s s!o$es his inner a3areness be#an "o mani<es" as an ou"er s$iri"ua! radian-e. 6his radian-e a""ra-"ed a sma!! -ir-!e o< <o!!o3ers and' a!"hou#h he remained si!en" <or mos" o< "he "ime' he embar%ed u$on a "ea-hin# -areer. One o< his ear!ies" <o!!o3ers' im$ressed by "he eviden" sain"!iness and 3isdom o< "he youn# man' de-ided "o rename him Bha#avan ri Ramana Maharshi Bha#avan means &ord or God' ri is an Indian honori<i"i"!e' Ramana is a -on"ra-"ion o< 5en%a"araman and Maharshi means 8#rea" seer9 in ans%ri". 6he name <ound <avour 3i"h his o"her <o!!o3ers and i" soon be-ame "he "i"!e by 3hi-h he be-ame %no3n "o "he 3or!d. A" "his s"a#e o< his !i<e ri Ramana 3as s$ea%in# very !i""!e and so his "ea-hin#s 3ere "ransmi""ed in an unusua! <ashion. Ins"ead o< #ivin# ou" verba! ins"ru-"ions he -ons"an"!y emana"ed a si!en" <or-e or $o3er 3hi-h s"i!!ed "he minds o< "hose 3ho 3ere a""uned "o i" and o--asiona!!y even #ave "hem a dire-" eB$erien-e o< "he s"a"e "ha" he himse!< 3as $er$e"ua!!y immersed in. In !a"er years he be-ame more 3i!!in# "o #ive ou" verba! "ea-hin#s' bu" even "hen' "he si!en" "ea-hin#s 3ere a!3ays avai!ab!e "o "hose 3ho 3ere ab!e "o ma%e #ood use o< "hem. 6hrou#hou" his !i<e ri Ramana insis"ed "ha" "his si!en" <!o3 o< $o3er re$resen"ed his "ea-hin#s in "heir mos" dire-" and -on-en"ra"ed <orm. 6he im$or"an-e he a""a-hed "o "his is indi-a"ed by his <reEuen" s"a"emen"s "o "he e<<e-" "ha" his verba! "ea-hin#s 3ere on!y #iven ou" "o "hose 3ho 3ere unab!e "o unders"and his si!en-e. As "he years $assed he be-ame more and more <amous. A -ommuni"y #re3 u$ around him' "housands o< visi"ors <!o-%ed "o see him and <or "he !as" "3en"y years o< his !i<e he 3as 3ide!y re#arded as India9s mos" $o$u!ar and revered

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

ho!y man. ome o< "hese "housands 3ere a""ra-"ed by "he $ea-e "hey <e!" in his $resen-e' o"hers by "he au"hori"a"ive 3ay in 3hi-h he #uided s$iri"ua! see%ers and in"er$re"ed re!i#ious "ea-hin#s' and some mere!y -ame "o "e!! him "heir $rob!ems. *ha"ever "heir reasons <or -omin# a!mos" everyone 3ho -ame in"o -on"a-" 3i"h him 3as im$ressed by his sim$!i-i"y and his humb!eness. 2e made himse!< avai!ab!e "o visi"ors "3en"yD<our hours a day by !ivin# and s!ee$in# in a -ommuna! ha!! 3hi-h 3as a!3ays a--essib!e "o everyone' and his on!y $riva"e $ossessions 3ere a !oinD-!o"h' a 3a"erD $o" and a 3a!%in#Ds"i-%. A!"hou#h he 3as 3orshi$$ed by "housands as a !ivin# God' he re<used "o a!!o3 anyone "o "rea" him as a s$e-ia! $erson and he a!3ays re<used "o a--e$" any"hin# 3hi-h -ou!d no" be shared eEua!!y by everyone in his ashram. 2e shared in "he -ommuna! 3or% and <or many years he rose a" / a.m. In order "o $re$are <ood <or "he residen"s o< "he ashram. 2is sense o< eEua!i"y 3as !e#endary. *hen visi"ors -ame "o see him i" made no di<<eren-e 3he"her "hey 3ere 5IPs' $easan"s or anima!s "hey 3ou!d a!! be "rea"ed 3i"h eEua! res$e-" and -onsidera"ion. 2is e#a!i"arian -on-ern even eB"ended "o "he !o-a! "reesI he dis-oura#ed his <o!!o3ers <rom $i-%in# <!o3ers or !eaves o<< "hem and he "ried "o ensure "ha" 3henever <rui" 3as "a%en <rom "he ashram "rees i" 3as a!3ays done in su-h a 3ay "ha" "he "ree on!y su<<ered a minimum amoun" o< $ain. 6hrou#hou" "his $eriod 71=,1D1): "he -en"re o< ashram !i<e 3as "he sma!! ha!! 3here ri Ramana !ived' s!e$" and he!d -our". 2e s$en" mos" o< his day si""in# in one -orner radia"in# his si!en" $o3er and simu!"aneous!y <ie!din# Eues"ions <rom "he -ons"an" <!o3 o< visi"ors 3ho des-ended on him <rom every -orner o< "he #!obe. 2e rare!y -ommi""ed his ideas "o $a$er and so "he verba! re$!ies #iven ou" durin# "his $eriod 7by <ar "he mos" 3e!!Ddo-umen"ed o< his !i<e: re$resen" "he !ar#es" survivin# sour-e o< his "ea-hin#s. 6hese verba! "ea-hin#s <!o3ed au"hori"a"ive!y <rom his dire-" %no3!ed#e "ha" -ons-iousness 3as "he on!y eBis"in# rea!i"y. +onseEuen"!y' a!! his eB$!ana"ions and ins"ru-"ions 3ere #eared "o -onvin-in# his <o!!o3ers "ha" "his 3as "heir "rue and na"ura! s"a"e. @e3 o< his <o!!o3ers 3ere -a$ab!e o< assimi!a"in# "his "ru"h in i"s hi#hes" and mos" undi!u"ed <orm and so he o<"en ada$"ed his "ea-hin#s "o -on<orm "o "he !imi"ed unders"andin# o< "he $eo$!e 3ho -ame "o him <or advi-e. Be-ause o< "his "enden-y i" is $ossib!e "o dis"in#uish many di<<eren" !eve!s o< his "ea-hin#s. A" "he hi#hes" !eve! "ha" -ou!d be eB$ressed in 3ords he 3ou!d say "ha" -ons-iousness a!one eBis"s. I< "his 3as re-eived 3i"h s%e$"i-ism he 3ou!d say "ha" a3areness o< "his "ru"h is obs-ured by "he se!<D !imi"in# ideas o< "he mind and "ha" i< "hese ideas 3ere abandoned "hen "he rea!i"y o< -ons-iousness 3ou!d be revea!ed. Mos" o< his <o!!o3ers <ound "his hi#hD!eve! a$$roa-h a !i""!e "oo "heore"i-a! D"hey 3ere so immersed in "he se!<D!imi"in# ideas "ha" ri Ramana 3as en-oura#in# "hem "o dro$ "ha" "hey <e!" "ha" "he "ru"h abou" -ons-iousness 3ou!d on!y be revea!ed "o "hem i< "hey under3en" a !on# $eriod o< s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e. 6o sa"is<y su-h $eo$!e ri Ramana $res-ribed an innova"ive me"hod o< se!<Da""en"ion 3hi-h he -a!!ed se!<DenEuiry. 2e re-ommended "his "e-hniEue so o<"en and so vi#orous!y "ha" i" 3as re#arded by many $eo$!e as "he mos" dis"in-"ive mo"i< in his "ea-hin#s. Even "hen' many $eo$!e 3ere no" sa"is<ied and "hey 3ou!d -on"inue "o as% <or advi-e abou" o"her me"hods or "ry "o en#a#e him in "heore"i-a! $hi!oso$hi-a! dis-ussions. *i"h su-h $eo$!e ri Ramana 3ou!d "em$orari!y abandon his abso!u"e s"and$oin" and #ive a$$ro$ria"e advi-e on 3ha"ever !eve! i" 3as as%ed. I< he a$$eared on "hese o--asions "o a--e$" and endorse many o< "he mis-on-e$"ions 3hi-h his visi"ors had abou" "hemse!ves i" 3as on!y "o dra3 "heir a""en"ion "o some as$e-" o< his "ea-hin#s "ha" he <e!" 3ou!d he!$ "hem "o be""er unders"and his rea! vie3s. Inevi"ab!y' "his $o!i-y o< modi<yin# his "ea-hin#s "o mee" "he needs o< di<<eren" $eo$!e !ed "o many -on"radi-"ions. 2e mi#h"' <or eBam$!e' "e!! one $erson "ha" "he individua! se!< is nonDeBis"en" and "hen "urn "o ano"her $erson and #ive a de"ai!ed des-ri$"ion o< ho3 "he individua! se!< <un-"ions' a--umu!a"es %arma and rein-arna"es. I" is $ossib!e <or an observer "o say "ha" su-h o$$osin# s"a"emen"s may bo"h be "rue 3hen seen <rom di<<eren" s"and$oin"s' bu" "he <ormer s"a"emen" -!ear!y has more va!idi"y 3hen i" is vie3ed <rom "he abso!u"e s"and$oin" o< ri Ramana9s o3n eB$erien-e. 6his s"and$oin"' summarised by his s"a"emen" "ha" -ons-iousness a!one eBis"s' is u!"ima"e!y "he on!y yards"i-% by 3hi-h one -an rea!is"i-a!!y assess "he re!a"ive "ru"h o< his 3ide!y di<<erin# and -on"radi-"ory s"a"emen"s. 6o 3ha"ever eB"en" his o"her s"a"emen"s devia"e <rom "his i" may be assumed "ha" "o "ha" eB"en" "hey are di!u"ions o< "he "ru"h. Bearin# "his in mind I have "ried "o arran#e "he ma"eria! in "his boo% in su-h a 3ay "ha" his hi#hes" "ea-hin#s -ome

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

<irs" and his !eas" im$or"an" or mos" di!u"ed ones !as". 6he on!y eB-e$"ion is a -ha$"er in 3hi-h he "a!%s abou" his si!en" "ea-hin#s. I" ou#h" "o be some3here near "he be#innin# bu" I <ound i" more eB$edien" <or a varie"y o< reasons "o <i" i" in"o a se-"ion abou" ha!<D3ay "hrou#h "he boo%. I de-ided on "his overa!! s"ru-"ure <or "3o reasons. @irs"!y i" #ives "he reader a -han-e "o #au#e "he re!a"ive im$or"an-e o< "he various ideas $resen"ed' and se-ond!y' and more im$or"an"!y' i" 3as ri Ramana9s o3n $re<erred me"hod o< "ea-hin#. *hen visi"ors -ame "o see him he 3ou!d a!3ays "ry "o -onvin-e "hem o< "he "ru"h o< his hi#her "ea-hin#s and on!y i< "hey seemed un3i!!in# "o a--e$" "hem 3ou!d he "one do3n his ans3ers and s$ea% <rom a more re!a"ive !eve!. 6he "ea-hin#s have been $resen"ed in "he <orm o< a series o< Eues"ions and ans3ers in 3hi-h ri Ramana ou"!ines his vie3s on various subCe-"s. Ea-h -ha$"er is devo"ed "o a di<<eren" "o$i- and ea-h "o$i- is $re<a-ed by a <e3 in"rodu-"ory or eB$!ana"ory remar%s. 6he Eues"ions and ans3ers 3hi-h <orm "he bu!% o< ea-h -ha$"er have been "a%en <rom many sour-es and assemb!ed in su-h a 3ay "ha" "hey #ive "he a$$earan-e o< bein# a -on"inuous -onversa"ion. I 3as <or-ed "o ado$" "his me"hod be-ause "here are no -on"inuous !en#"hy -onversa"ions avai!ab!e 3hi-h -over "he <u!! s$e-"rum o< his vie3s on any $ar"i-u!ar subCe-". @or "hose 3ho are in"eres"ed' "he sour-es o< "he Euo"a"ions 3hi-h ma%e u$ "he -onversa"ions are a!! !is"ed a" "he end o< "he boo%. ri Ramana usua!!y ans3ered Eues"ions in one o< "he "hree verna-u!ar !an#ua#es o< ou"h India? 6ami!' 6e!u#u and Ma!ayDa!am. No "a$eDre-ordin#s 3ere ever made and mos" o< his ans3ers 3ere hurried!y 3ri""en do3n in En#!ish by his o<<i-ia! in"er$re"ers. Be-ause some o< "he in"er$re"ers 3ere no" -om$!e"e!y <!uen" in En#!ish some o< "he "rans-ri$"ions 3ere ei"her un#ramma"i-a! or 3ri""en in a %ind o< s"i!"ed En#!ish 3hi-h o--asiona!!y ma%es ri Ramana sound !i%e a $om$ous 5i-"orian. I have devia"ed <rom "he $ub!ished "eB"s by -orre-"in# a <e3 o< "he 3ors" eBam$!es o< "his %indI in su-h -ases "he meanin# has no" been "am$ered 3i"h' on!y "he mode o< eB$ression. I have a!so -on"ra-"ed some o< "he Eues"ions and ans3ers in order "o e!imina"e ma"eria! 3hi-h di#ressed "oo <ar <rom "he subCe-" under dis-ussion. 6hrou#hou" "he boo% "he Eues"ions are $re<a-ed by a 8#$9 and ri Ramana9s ans3ers by an 8A$9. 6he ori#ina! "eB"s <rom 3hi-h "hese -onversa"ions are "a%en are -hara-"erised by a !uBurian" $ro<usion o< -a$i"a! !e""ers. I have e!imina"ed mos" o< "hem' !eavin# on!y "hree "erms' Guru' e!< and 2ear"' -onsis"en"!y -a$i"a!ised. ri Ramana o<"en used "hese "erms as synonyms <or -ons-iousness and 3herever "his meanin# is im$!ied I have re"ained "he -a$i"a!isa"ion "o avoid -on<usion. A -om$!e"e #!ossary o< ans%ri" 3ords 3hi-h are no" "rans!a"ed in "he "eB" -an be <ound a" "he end o< "he boo%. 6he same #!ossary a!so in-!udes brie< des-ri$"ions o< un<ami!iar $eo$!e' $!a-es and s-ri$"ura! 3or%s 3hi-h are men"ioned in "he "eB". ri Ramana o--asiona!!y used ans%ri" "erms in un-onven"iona! 3ays. On "he <e3 o--asions "ha" he does so in "his boo% I have i#nored "he s"andard di-"ionary de<ini"ions and have ins"ead #iven a de<ini"ion 3hi-h more a--ura"e!y re<!e-"s "he in"ended meanin#.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

%ART &'E ( The Se!f

6ha" in 3hi-h a!! "hese 3or!ds seem "o eBis" s"eadi!y' "ha" o< 3hi-h a!! "hese 3or!ds are a $ossession' "ha" <rom 3hi-h a!! "hese 3or!ds rise' "ha" <or 3hi-h a!! "hese eBis"' "ha" by 3hi-h a!! "hese 3or!ds -ome in"o eBis"en-e and "ha" 3hi-h is indeed a!! "hese "ha" a!one is "he eBis"in# rea!i"y. &e" us -herish "ha" e!<' 3hi-h is "he rea!i"y' in "he 2ear".

Chapter 1 - The nature of the Se!f

6he essen-e o< ri Ramana9s "ea-hin#s is -onveyed in his <reEuen" asser"ions "ha" "here is a sin#!e immanen" rea!i"y' dire-"!y eB$erien-ed by everyone' 3hi-h is simu!"aneous!y "he sour-e' "he subs"an-e and "he rea! na"ure o< every"hin# "ha" eBis"s. 2e #ave i" number o< di<<eren" names' ea-h one si#ni<yin# a di<<eren" as$e-" o< "he same indivisib!e rea!i"y. 6he <o!!o3in# -!assi<i-a"ion in-!udes a!! o< his more -ommon synonyms and eB$!ains "he im$!i-a"ions o< "he various "erms used. ) The Se!f 6his is "he "erm "ha" he used "he mos" <reEuen"!y. 2e de<ined i" by sayin# "ha" "he rea! e!< or rea! 8I9 is' -on"rary "o $er-e$"ib!e eB$erien-e' no" an eB$erien-e o< individua!i"y bu" a nonD$ersona!' a!!Din-!usive a3areness. I" is no" "o be -on<used 3i"h "he individua! se!< 3hi-h he said 3as essen"ia!!y nonDeBis"en"' bein# a <abri-a"ion o< "he mind 3hi-h obs-ures "he "rue eB$erien-e o< "he rea! e!<. 2e main"ained "ha" "he rea! e!< is a!3ays $resen" and a!3ays eB$erien-ed bu" he em$hasiJed "ha" one is on!y -ons-ious!y a3are o< i" as i" rea!!y is 3hen "he se!<D !imi"in# "enden-ies o< "he mind have -eased. Permanen" and -on"inuous e!<D a3areness is %no3n as e!<Drea!isa"ion. * Sat(chit(ananda 6his is a ans%ri" "erm 3hi-h "rans!a"es as bein#D-ons-iousnessDb!iss. ri Ramana "au#h" "ha" "he e!< is $ure bein#' a subCe-"ive a3areness o< 8I am9 3hi-h is -om$!e"e!y devoid o< "he <ee!in# 8I am "his9 or 8I am "ha"9. 6here are no subCe-"s or obCe-"s in "he e!<' "here is on!y an a3areness o< bein#. Be-ause "his a3areness is -ons-ious i" is a!so %no3n as -ons-iousness. 6he dire-" eB$erien-e o< "his -ons-iousness is' a--ordin# "o ri Ramana' a s"a"e o< unbro%en ha$$iness and so "he "erm ananda or b!iss is a!so used "o des-ribe i". 6hese "hree as$e-"s' bein#' -ons-iousness and b!iss' are eB$erien-ed as a uni"ary 3ho!e and no" as se$ara"e a""ribu"es o< "he e!<. 6hey are inse$arab!e in "he same 3ay "ha" 3e"ness' "rans$aren-y and !iEuidi"y are inse$arab!e $ro$er"ies o< 3a"er. + God ri Ramana main"ained "ha" "he universe is sus"ained by "he $o3er o< "he e!<. in-e "heis"s norma!!y a""ribu"e "his $o3er "o God he o<"en used "he 3ord God as a synonym <or "he e!<. 2e a!so used "he 3ords Brahman' "he su$reme bein# o< 2induism' and iva' a 2indu name <or God' in "he same 3ay. ri Ramana9s God is no" a $ersona! God' he is "he <orm!ess bein# 3hi-h sus"ains "he universe. 2e is no" "he -rea"or o< "he universe' "he universe is mere!y a mani<es"a"ion o< his inheren" $o3erI he is inse$arab!e <rom i"' bu" he is no" a<<e-"ed by i"s a$$earan-e or i"s disa$$earan-e. , The -eart ri Ramana <reEuen"!y used "he ans%ri" 3ord hridayam 3hen he 3as "a!%in# abou" "he e!<. I" is usua!!y "rans!a"ed as 8"he 2ear"9 bu" a more !i"era! "rans!a"ion 3ou!d be 8"his is "he -en"re9. In usin# "his $ar"i-u!ar "erm he 3as no" im$!yin# "ha" "here 3as a $ar"i-u!ar !o-a"ion or -en"re <or "he e!<' he 3as mere!y indi-a"in# "ha" "he e!< 3as "he sour-e <rom 3hi-h a!! a$$earan-es mani<es"ed.

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

. /nana 6he eB$erien-e o< "he e!< is some"imes -a!!ed Cnana or %no3!ed#e. 6his "erm shou!d no" be "a%en "o mean "ha" "here is a $erson 3ho has %no3!ed#e o< "he e!<' be-ause in "he s"a"e o< e!<Da3areness "here is no !o-a!ised %no3er and "here is no"hin# "ha" is se$ara"e <rom "he e!< "ha" -an be %no3n. 6rue %no3!ed#e' or Cnana' is no" an obCe-" o< eB$erien-e' nor is i" an unders"andin# o< a s"a"e 3hi-h is di<<eren" and a$ar" <rom "he subCe-" %no3erI i" is a dire-" and %no3in# a3areness o< "he one rea!i"y in 3hi-h subCe-"s and obCe-"s have -eased "o eBis". One 3ho is es"ab!ished in "his s"a"e is %no3n as a Cnani. 0 Turiya and turyatita 2indu $hi!oso$hy $os"u!a"es "hree a!"erna"in# !eve!s o< re!a"ive -ons-iousness 3a%in#' dream and dee$ s!ee$. ri Ramana s"a"ed "ha" "he e!< 3as "he under!yin# rea!i"y 3hi-h su$$or"ed "he a$$earan-e o< "he o"her "hree "em$orary s"a"es. Be-ause o< "his he some"imes -a!!ed "he e!< "uriya avas"ha or "he <our"h s"a"e. 2e a!so o--asiona!!y used "he 3ord "uriya"i"a' meanin# 8"rans-endin# "he <our"h9' "o indi-a"e "ha" "here are no" rea!!y <our s"a"es bu" on!y one rea! "rans-enden"a! s"a"e' 1 &ther terms 6hree o"her "erms <or "he e!< are 3or"h no"in#. ri Ramana o<"en em$hasiJed "ha" "he e!< 3as one9s rea! and na"ura! s"a"e o< bein#' and <or "his reason' he o--asiona!!y em$!oyed "he "erms sahaCa s"hi"i' meanin# "he na"ura! s"a"e' and s3aru$a' meanin# rea! <orm or rea! na"ure. 2e a!so used "he 3ord 8si!en-e9 "o indi-a"e "ha" "he e!< 3as a si!en" "hou#h"D<ree s"a"e o< undis"urbed $ea-e and "o"a! s"i!!ness. #$ *ha" is rea!i"yK A$ Rea!i"y mus" be a!3ays rea!. I" is no" 3i"h <orms and names. 6ha" 3hi-h under!ies "hese is "he rea!i"y. I" under!ies !imi"a"ions' bein# i"se!< !imi"!ess. I" is no" bound. I" under!ies unrea!i"ies' i"se!< bein# rea!. Rea!i"y is "ha" 3hi-h is. I" is as i" is. I" "rans-ends s$ee-h. I" is beyond "he eB$ressions 8eBis"en-e' nonDeBis"en-e9' e"-. 6he rea!i"y 3hi-h is "he mere -ons-iousness "ha" remains 3hen i#noran-e is des"royed a!on# 3i"h %no3!ed#e o< obCe-"s' a!one is "he e!< La"maM. In "ha" BrahmaDs3aru$a Lrea! <orm o< BrahmanM' 3hi-h is abundan" e!<Da3areness' "here is no" "he !eas" i#noran-e. 6he rea!i"y 3hi-h shines <u!!y' 3i"hou" misery and 3i"hou" a body' no" on!y 3hen "he 3or!d is %no3n bu" a!so 3hen "he 3or!d is no" %no3n' is your rea! <orm LniCaDs3aru$aM. 6he radian-e o< -ons-iousnessDb!iss' in "he <orm o< one a3areness shinin# eEua!!y 3i"hin and 3i"hou"' is "he su$reme and b!iss<u! $rima! rea!i"y. I"s <orm is si!en-e and i" is de-!ared by Cnanis "o be "he <ina! and unobs"ru-"ab!e s"a"e o< "rue %no3!ed#e LCnanaM. Kno3 "ha" Cnana a!one is nonDa""a-hmen"I Cnana a!one is $uri"yI Cnana is "he a""ainmen" o< GodI Cnana 3hi-h is devoid o< <or#e"<u!ness o< e!< a!one is immor"a!i"yI Cnana a!one is every"hin#. #$ *ha" is "his a3areness and ho3 -an one ob"ain and -u!"iva"e i"K A$ You are a3areness. A3areness is ano"her name <or you. in-e you are a3areness "here is no need "o a""ain or -u!"iva"e i". A!! "ha" you have "o do is "o #ive u$ bein# a3are o< o"her "hin#s' "ha" is o< "he no"D e!<. I< one #ives u$ bein# a3are o< "hem "hen $ure a3areness a!one remains' and "ha" is "he e!<. #$ I< "he e!< is i"se!< a3are' 3hy am I no" a3are o< i" even no3K A$ 6here is no dua!i"y. Your $resen" %no3!ed#e is due "o "he e#o and is on!y re!a"ive. Re!a"ive %no3!ed#e reEuires a subCe-" and an obCe-"' 3hereas "he a3areness o< "he e!< is abso!u"e and reEuires no obCe-". Remembran-e a!so is simi!ar!y re!a"ive' reEuirin# an obCe-" "o be remembered and a subCe-" "o remember. *hen "here

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

is no dua!i"y' 3ho is "o remember 3homK 6he e!< is everD$resen". Ea-h one 3an"s "o %no3 "he e!<. *ha" %ind o< he!$ does one reEuire "o %no3 onese!<K Peo$!e 3an" "o see "he e!< as some"hin# ne3. Bu" i" is e"erna! and remains "he same a!! a!on#. 6hey desire "o see i" as a b!aJin# !i#h" e"-. 2o3 -an i" be soK I" is no" !i#h"' no" dar%ness. I" is on!y as i" is. I" -anno" be de<ined. 6he bes" de<ini"ion is 8I am "ha" I am9. 6he sru"is Ls-ri$"uresM s$ea% o< "he e!< as bein# "he siJe o< one9s "humb' "he "i$ o< "he hair' an e!e-"ri- s$ar%' vas"' sub"!er "han "he sub"!es"' e"-. 6hey have no <ounda"ion in <a-". I" is on!y bein#' bu" di<<eren" <rom "he rea! and "he unrea!I i" is %no3!ed#e' bu" di<<eren" <rom %no3!ed#e and i#noran-e. 2o3 -an i" be de<ined a" a!!K I" is sim$!y bein#. #$ *hen a man rea!ises "he e!<' 3ha" 3i!! he seeK A$ 6here is no seein#. eein# is on!y bein#. 6he s"a"e o< e!<Drea!isa"ion' as 3e -a!! i"' is no" a""ainin# some"hin# ne3 or rea-hin# some #oa! 3hi-h is <ar a3ay' bu" sim$!y bein# "ha" 3hi-h you a!3ays are and 3hi-h you a!3ays have been. A!! "ha" is needed is "ha" you #ive u$ your rea!isa"ion o< "he no"D"rue as "rue. A!! o< us are re#ardin# as rea! "ha" 3hi-h is no" rea!. *e have on!y "o #ive u$ "his $ra-"i-e on our $ar". 6hen 3e sha!! rea!ise "he e!< as "he e!<I in o"her 3ords' 8Be "he e!<. A" one s"a#e you 3i!! !au#h a" yourse!< <or "ryin# "o dis-over "he e!< 3hi-h is so se!<Deviden". o' 3ha" -an 3e say "o "his Eues"ionK 6ha" s"a#e "rans-ends "he seer and "he seen. 6here is no seer "here "o see any"hin#. 6he seer 3ho is seein# a!! "his no3 -eases "o eBis" and "he e!< a!one remains. #$ 2o3 "o %no3 "his by dire-" eB$erien-eK A$ I< 3e "a!% o< %no3in# "he e!<' "here mus" be "3o se!ves' one a %no3in# se!<' ano"her "he se!< 3hi-h is %no3n' and "he $ro-ess o< %no3in#. 6he s"a"e 3e -a!! rea!isa"ion is sim$!y bein# onese!<' no" %no3in# any"hin# or be-omin# any"hin#. I< one has rea!ised' one is "ha" 3hi-h a!one is and 3hi-h a!one has a!3ays been. One -anno" des-ribe "ha" s"a"e. One -an on!y be "ha". O< -ourse' 3e !oose!y "a!% o< e!<Drea!isa"ion' <or 3an" o< a be""er "erm. 2o3 "o 8rea!ise9 or ma%e rea! "ha" 3hi-h a!one is rea!K #$ You some"imes say "he e!< is si!en-e. *hy is "hisK A$ @or "hose 3ho !ive in e!< as "he beau"y devoid o< "hou#h"' "here is no"hin# 3hi-h shou!d be "hou#h" o<. 6ha" 3hi-h shou!d be adhered "o is on!y "he eB$erien-e o< si!en-e' be-ause in "ha" su$reme s"a"e no"hin# eBis"s "o be a""ained o"her "han onese!<. #$ *ha" is mouna Lsi!en-eMK A$ 6ha" s"a"e 3hi-h "rans-ends s$ee-h and "hou#h" is mouna. 6ha" 3hi-h is' is mouna. 2o3 -an mouna be eB$!ained in 3ordsK a#es say "ha" "he s"a"e in 3hi-h "he "hou#h" 8I9 L"he e#oM does no" rise even in "he !eas"' a!one is e!< Ls3aru$aM 3hi-h is si!en-e LmounaM. 6ha" si!en" e!< a!one is GodI e!< a!one is "he Civa Lindividua! sou!M. e!< a!one is "his an-ien" 3or!d. A!! o"her %no3!ed#es are on!y $e""y and "rivia! %no3!ed#esI "he eB$erien-e o< si!en-e a!one is "he rea! and $er<e-" %no3!ed#e. Kno3 "ha" "he many obCe-"ive di<<eren-es are no" rea! bu" are mere su$erim$osi"ions on e!<' 3hi-h is "he <orm o< "rue %no3!ed#e. #$ As "he bodies and "he se!ves anima"in# "hem are every3here a-"ua!!y observed "o be innumerab!e ho3 -an i" be said "ha" "he e!< is on!y oneK A$ I< "he idea 8I am "he body9 is a--e$"ed' "he se!ves are mu!"i$!e. 6he s"a"e in 3hi-h "his idea vanishes is "he e!< sin-e in "ha" s"a"e "here are no o"her obCe-"s. I" is <or "his reason "ha" "he e!< is re#arded as one on!y. in-e "he body i"se!< does no" eBis" in "he na"ura! ou"!oo% o< "he rea! e!<' bu" on!y in "he eB"rover"ed ou"!oo% o< "he mind 3hi-h is de!uded by "he $o3er o< i!!usion' "o -a!! e!<' "he s$a-e o< -ons-iousness' dehi L"he $ossessor o< "he bodyM is 3ron#. 6he 3or!d does no" eBis" 3i"hou" "he body' "he body never eBis"s 3i"hou" "he mind' "he mind never eBis"s 3i"hou" -ons-iousness and -ons-iousness never eBis"s 3i"hou" "he rea!i"y.

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

@or "he 3ise one 3ho has %no3n e!< by divin# 3i"hin himse!<' "here is no"hin# o"her "han e!< "o be %no3n. *hyK Be-ause sin-e "he e#o 3hi-h iden"i<ies "he <orm o< a body as 8I9 has $erished' he L"he 3ise oneM is "he <orm!ess eBis"en-eD-ons-iousness. 6he Cnani Lone 3ho has rea!ised "he e!<M %no3s he is "he e!< and "ha" no"hin#' nei"her his body nor any"hin# e!se' eBis"s bu" "he e!<. 6o su-h a one 3ha" di<<eren-e -ou!d "he $resen-e or absen-e o< a body ma%eK I" is <a!se "o s$ea% o< rea!isa"ion. *ha" is "here "o rea!iseK 6he rea! is as i" is a!3ays. *e are no" -rea"in# any"hin# ne3 or a-hievin# some"hin# 3hi-h 3e did no" have be<ore. 6he i!!us"ra"ion #iven in boo%s is "his. *e di# a 3e!! and -rea"e a hu#e $i". 6he s$a-e in "he $i" or 3e!! has no" been -rea"ed by us. *e have Cus" removed "he ear"h 3hi-h 3as <i!!in# "he s$a-e "here. 6he s$a-e 3as "here "hen and is a!so "here no3. imi!ar!y 3e have sim$!y "o "hro3 ou" a!! "he a#eD !on# sams%aras Linna"e "enden-iesM 3hi-h are inside us. *hen a!! o< "hem have been #iven u$' "he e!< 3i!! shine a!one. #$ Bu" ho3 "o do "his and a""ain !ibera"ionK A$ &ibera"ion is our very na"ure. *e are "ha". 6he very <a-" "ha" 3e 3ish <or !ibera"ion sho3s "ha" <reedom <rom a!! bonda#e is our rea! na"ure. I" is no" "o be <resh!y a-Euired. A!! "ha" is ne-essary is "o #e" rid o< "he <a!se no"ion "ha" 3e are bound. *hen 3e a-hieve "ha"' "here 3i!! be no desire or "hou#h" o< any sor". o !on# as one desires !ibera"ion' so !on#' you may "a%e i"' one is in bonda#e. #$ @or one 3ho has rea!iJed his e!<' i" is said "ha" he 3i!! no" have "he "hree s"a"es o< 3a%e<u!ness' dream and dee$ s!ee$. Is "ha" a <a-"K A$ *ha" ma%es you say "ha" "hey do no" have "he "hree s"a"esK In sayin# 8I had a dreamI I 3as in dee$ s!ee$I I am a3a%e9' you mus" admi" "ha" you 3ere "here in a!! "he "hree s"a"es. 6ha" ma%es i" -!ear "ha" you 3ere "here a!! "he "ime. I< you remain as you are no3' you are in "he 3a%e<u! s"a"eI "his be-omes hidden in "he dream s"a"eI and "he dream s"a"e disa$$ears 3hen you are in dee$ s!ee$. You 3ere "here "hen' you are "here no3' and you are "here a" a!! "imes. 6he "hree s"a"es -ome and #o' bu" you are a!3ays "here. I" is !i%e a -inema. 6he s-reen is a!3ays "here bu" severa! "y$es o< $i-"ures a$$ear on "he s-reen and "hen disa$$ear. No"hin# s"i-%s "o "he s-reen' i" remains a s-reen. imi!ar!y' you remain your o3n e!< in a!! "he "hree s"a"es. I< you %no3 "ha"' "he "hree s"a"es 3i!! no" "roub!e you' Cus" as "he $i-"ures 3hi-h a$$ear on "he s-reen do no" s"i-% "o i". On "he s-reen' you some"imes see a hu#e o-ean 3i"h end!ess 3avesI "ha" disa$$ears. Ano"her "ime' you see <ire s$readin# a!! aroundI "ha" "oo disa$$ears. 6he s-reen is "here on bo"h o--asions. Did "he s-reen #e" 3e" 3i"h "he 3a"er or did i" #e" burned by "he <ireK No"hin# a<<e-"ed "he s-reen. In "he same 3ay' "he "hin#s "ha" ha$$en durin# "he 3a%e<u!' dream and s!ee$ s"a"es do no" a<<e-" you a" a!!I you remain your o3n e!<. #$ Does "ha" mean "ha"' a!"hou#h $eo$!e have a!! "hree s"a"es' 3a%e<u!ness' dream and dee$ s!ee$' "hese do no" a<<e-" "hemK A$ Yes' "ha" is i". A!! "hese s"a"es -ome and #o. 6he e!< is no" bo"heredI i" has on!y one s"a"e. #$ Does "ha" mean "ha" su-h a $erson 3i!! be in "his 3or!d mere!y as a 3i"nessK A$ 6ha" is soI <or "his very "hin#' 5idyaranya' in "he "en"h -ha$"er o< "he Pan-hadasi' #ives as eBam$!e "he !i#h" "ha" is %e$" on "he s"a#e o< a "hea"re. *hen a drama is bein# $!ayed' "he !i#h" is "here' 3hi-h i!!umina"es' 3i"hou" any dis"in-"ion' a!! "he a-"ors' 3he"her "hey be %in#s or servan"s or dan-ers' and a!so a!! "he audien-e. 6ha" !i#h" 3i!! be "here be<ore "he drama be#ins' durin# "he $er<orman-e and a!so a<"er "he $er<orman-e is over. imi!ar!y' "he !i#h" 3i"hin' "ha" is' "he e!<' #ives !i#h" "o "he e#o' "he in"e!!e-"' "he memory and "he mind 3i"hou" i"se!< bein# subCe-" "o $ro-esses o< #ro3"h and de-ay. A!"hou#h durin# dee$ s!ee$ and o"her s"a"es "here is no <ee!in# o< "he e#o' "ha" e!< remains a""ribu"e!ess' and -on"inues "o shine o< i"se!<. A-"ua!!y' "he idea o< "he e!< bein# "he 3i"ness is on!y in "he mindI i" is no" "he abso!u"e "ru"h o< "he e!<. *i"nessin# is re!a"ive "o obCe-"s 3i"nessed. Bo"h "he 3i"ness and his obCe-" are men"a! -rea"ions.

1)

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ 2o3 are "he "hree s"a"es o< -ons-iousness in<erior in de#ree o< rea!i"y "o "he <our"h L"uriyaMK *ha" is "he a-"ua! re!a"ion be"3een "hese "hree s"a"es and "he <our"hK A$ 6here is on!y one s"a"e' "ha" o< -ons-iousness or a3areness or eBis"en-e. 6he "hree s"a"es o< 3a%in#' dream and s!ee$ -anno" be rea!. 6hey sim$!y -ome and #o. 6he rea! 3i!! a!3ays eBis". 6he 8I9 or eBis"en-e "ha" a!one $ersis"s in a!! "he "hree s"a"es is rea!. 6he o"her "hree are no" rea! and so i" is no" $ossib!e "o say "hey have su-h and su-h a de#ree o< rea!i"y. *e may rou#h!y $u" i" !i%e "his. EBis"en-e or -ons-iousness is "he on!y rea!i"y. +ons-iousness $!us 3a%in#' 3e -a!! 3a%in#. +ons-iousness $!us s!ee$' 3e -a!! s!ee$. +ons-iousness $!us dream' 3e -a!! dream. +ons-iousness is "he s-reen on 3hi-h a!! "he $i-"ures -ome and #o. 6he s-reen is rea!' "he $i-"ures are mere shado3s on i". Be-ause by !on# habi" 3e have been re#ardin# "hese "hree s"a"es as rea!' 3e -a!! "he s"a"e o< mere a3areness or -ons-iousness "he <our"h. 6here is ho3ever no <our"h s"a"e' bu" on!y one s"a"e. 6here is no di<<eren-e be"3een dream and "he 3a%in# s"a"e eB-e$" "ha" "he dream is shor" and "he 3a%in# !on#. Bo"h are "he resu!" o< "he mind. Be-ause "he 3a%in# s"a"e is !on#' 3e ima#ine "ha" i" is our rea! s"a"e. Bu"' as a ma""er o< <a-"' our rea! s"a"e is "uriya or "he <our"h s"a"e 3hi-h is a!3ays as i" is and %no3s no"hin# o< "he "hree s"a"es o< 3a%in#' dream or s!ee$. Be-ause 3e -a!! "hese "hree avas"has Ls"a"esM 3e -a!! "he <our"h s"a"e a!so "uriya avas"ha. Bu" is i" no" an avas"ha' bu" "he rea! and na"ura! s"a"e o< "he e!<. *hen "his is rea!ised' 3e %no3 i" is no" a "uriya or <our"h s"a"e' <or a <our"h s"a"e is on!y re!a"ive' bu" "uriya"i"a' "he "rans-enden" s"a"e. #$ Bu" 3hy shou!d "hese "hree s"a"es -ome and #o on "he rea! s"a"e or "he s-reen o< "he e!<K A$ *ho $u"s "his Eues"ionK Does "he e!< say "hese s"a"es -ome and #oK I" is "he seer 3ho says "hese -ome and #o. 6he seer and "he seen "o#e"her -ons"i"u"e "he mind. ee i< "here is su-h a "hin# as "he mind. 6hen' "he mind mer#es in "he e!<' and "here is nei"her "he seer nor "he seen. o "he rea! ans3er "o your Eues"ion is' 86hey nei"her -ome nor #o.9 6he e!< a!one remains as i" ever is. 6he "hree s"a"es o3e "heir eBis"en-e "o nonDenEuiry and enEuiry $u"s an end "o "hem. 2o3ever mu-h one may eB$!ain' "he <a-" 3i!! no" be-ome -!ear "i!! one a""ains e!<Drea!isa"ion and 3onders ho3 one 3as b!ind "o "he se!<Deviden" and on!y eBis"en-e so !on#. #$ *ha" is "he di<<eren-e be"3een "he mind and "he e!<K A$ 6here is no di<<eren-e. 6he mind "urned in3ards is "he e!<I "urned ou"3ards' i" be-omes "he e#o and a!! "he 3or!d. +o""on made in"o various -!o"hes 3e -a!! by various names. Go!d made in"o various ornamen"s' 3e -a!! by various names. Bu" a!! "he -!o"hes are -o""on and a!! "he ornamen"s #o!d. 6he one is rea!' "he many are mere names and <orms. Bu" "he mind does no" eBis" a$ar" <rom "he e!<' "ha" is' i" has no inde$enden" eBis"en-e. 6he e!< eBis"s 3i"hou" "he mind' never "he mind 3i"hou" "he e!<. #$ Brahman is said "o be sa"D-hi"Dananda. *ha" does "ha" meanK A$ Yes. 6ha" is so. 6ha" 3hi-h is' is on!y sa". 6ha" is -a!!ed Brahman. 6he !us"re o< sa" is -hi" and i"s na"ure is ananda. 6hese are no" di<<eren" <rom sa". A!! "he "hree "o#e"her are %no3n as sa"D -hi"Dananda. #$ As "he e!< is eBis"en-e Lsa"M and -ons-iousness L-hi"M 3ha" is "he reason <or des-ribin# i" as di<<eren" <rom "he eBis"en" and "he nonDeBis"en"' "he sen"ien" and "he insen"ien"K A$ A!"hou#h "he e!< is rea!' as i" -om$rises every"hin#' i" does no" #ive room <or Eues"ions invo!vin# dua!i"y abou" i"s rea!i"y or unrea!i"y. 6here<ore i" is said "o be di<<eren" <rom "he rea! and "he unrea!. imi!ar!y' even "hou#h i" is -ons-iousness' sin-e "here is no"hin# <or i" "o %no3 or "o ma%e i"se!< %no3n "o' i" is said "o be di<<eren" <rom "he sen"ien" and "he insen"ien". a"D-hi"Dananda is said "o indi-a"e "ha" "he su$reme is no" asa" Ldi<<eren" <rom bein#M' no" a-hi" Ldi<<eren" <rom -ons-iousnessM and no" an anananda Ldi<<eren" <rom ha$$inessM. Be-ause 3e are in "he $henomena! 3or!d 3e s$ea% o< "he e!< as sa"D-hi"Dananda. #$ In 3ha" sense is ha$$iness or b!iss LanandaM our rea! na"ureK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ Per<e-" b!iss is Brahman. Per<e-" $ea-e is o< "he e!<. 6ha" a!one eBis"s and is -ons-iousness. 6ha" 3hi-h is -a!!ed ha$$iness is on!y "he na"ure o< e!<I e!< is no" o"her "han $er<e-" ha$$iness. 6ha" 3hi-h is -a!!ed ha$$iness a!one eBis"s. Kno3in# "ha" <a-" and abidin# in "he s"a"e o< e!<' enCoy b!iss e"erna!!y. I< a man "hin%s "ha" his ha$$iness is due "o eB"erna! -auses and his $ossessions' i" is reasonab!e "o -on-!ude "ha" his ha$$iness mus" in-rease 3i"h "he in-rease o< $ossessions and diminish in $ro$or"ion "o "heir diminu"ion. 6here<ore i< he is devoid o< $ossessions' his ha$$iness shou!d be ni!. *ha" is "he rea! eB$erien-e o< manK Does i" -on<orm "o "his vie3K In dee$ s!ee$ man is devoid o< $ossessions' in-!udin# his o3n body. Ins"ead o< bein# unha$$y he is Eui"e ha$$y. Everyone desires "o s!ee$ sound!y. 6he -on-!usion is "ha" ha$$iness is inheren" in man and is no" due "o eB"erna! -auses. One mus" rea!ise "he e!< in order "o o$en "he s"ore o< una!!oyed ha$$iness. #$ ri Bha#avan s$ea%s o< "he 2ear" as "he sea" o< -ons-iousness and as iden"i-a! 3i"h "he e!<. *ha" does "he 2ear" eBa-"!y si#ni<yK A$ +a!! i" by any name' God' e!<' "he 2ear" or "he sea" o< -ons-iousness' i" is a!! "he same. 6he $oin" "o be #ras$ed is "his' "ha" 2ear" means "he very -ore o< one9s bein#' "he -en"re' 3i"hou" 3hi-h "here is no"hin# 3ha"ever. 6he 2ear" is no" $hysi-a!' i" is s$iri"ua!. 2ridayam eEua!s hri" $!us ayamI i" means 8"his is "he -en"re9. I" is "ha" <rom 3hi-h "hou#h"s arise' on 3hi-h "hey subsis" and 3here "hey are reso!ved. 6he "hou#h"s are "he -on"en" o< "he mind and "hey sha$e "he universe. 6he 2ear" is "he -en"re o< a!!. 6ha" <rom 3hi-h bein#s -ome in"o eBis"en-e is said "o be Brahman in "he U$anishads. 6ha" is "he 2ear". Brahman is "he 2ear". #$ 2o3 "o rea!ise "he 2ear"K A$ 6here is no one 3ho even <or a momen" <ai!s "o eB$erien-e "he e!<. @or no one admi"s "ha" he ever s"ands a$ar" <rom "he e!<. 2e is "he e!<. 6he e!< is "he 2ear". 6he 2ear" is "he -en"re <rom 3hi-h every"hin# s$rin#s. Be-ause you see "he 3or!d' "he body and so on' i" is said "ha" "here is a -en"re <or "hese' 3hi-h is -a!!ed "he 2ear". *hen you are in "he 2ear"' "he 2ear" is %no3n "o be nei"her "he -en"re nor "he -ir-um<eren-e. 6here is no"hin# e!se a$ar" <rom i". 6he -ons-iousness 3hi-h is "he rea! eBis"en-e and 3hi-h does no" #o ou" "o %no3 "hose "hin#s 3hi-h are o"her "han e!<' a!one is "he 2ear". in-e "he "ru"h o< e!< is %no3n on!y "o "ha" -ons-iousness' 3hi-h is devoid o< a-"ivi"y' "ha" -ons-iousness 3hi-h a!3ays remains a""endin# "o e!< a!one is "he shinin# o< -!ear %no3!ed#e.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 2 - Se!f(a areness and Se!f(ignorance

ri Ramana o--asiona!!y indi-a"ed "ha" "here 3ere "hree -!asses o< s$iri"ua! as$iran"s. 6he mos" advan-ed rea!ise "he e!< as soon as "hey are "o!d abou" i"s rea! na"ure. 6hose in "he se-ond -!ass need "o re<!e-" on i" <or some "ime be<ore e!<Da3areness be-omes <irm!y es"ab!ished. 6hose in "he "hird -a"e#ory are !ess <or"una"e sin-e "hey usua!!y need many years o< in"ensive s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e "o a-hieve "he #oa! o< e!<Drea!isa"ion. ri Ramana some"imes used a me"a$hor o< -ombus"ion "o des-ribe "he "hree !eve!s? #un$o3der i#ni"es 3i"h a sin#!e s$ar%' -har-oa! needs "he a$$!i-a"ion o< hea" <or a shor" "ime' and 3e" -oa! needs "o dry ou" and hea" u$ over a !on# $eriod o< "ime be<ore i" 3i!! be#in "o burn. @or "he bene<i" o< "hose in "he "o$ "3o -a"e#ories ri Ramana "au#h" "ha" "he e!< a!one eBis"s and "ha" i" -an be dire-"!y and -ons-ious!y eB$erien-ed mere!y by -easin# "o $ay a""en"ion "o "he 3ron# ideas 3e have abou" ourse!ves. 6hese 3ron# ideas he -o!!e-"ive!y -a!!ed "he 8no"D e!<9 sin-e "hey are an ima#inary a--re"ion o< 3ron# no"ions and mis$er-e$"ions 3hi-h e<<e-"ive!y vei! "he "rue eB$erien-e o< "he rea! e!<. 6he $rin-i$a! mis$er-e$"ion is "he idea "ha" "he e!< is !imi"ed "o "he body and "he mind. As soon as one -eases "o ima#ine "ha" one is an individua! $erson' inhabi"in# a $ar"i-u!ar body' "he 3ho!e su$ers"ru-"ure o< 3ron# ideas -o!!a$ses and is re$!a-ed by a -ons-ious and $ermanen" a3areness o< "he rea! e!<. A" "his !eve! o< "he "ea-hin# "here is no Eues"ion o< e<<or" or $ra-"i-e. A!! "ha" is reEuired is an unders"andin# "ha" "he e!< is no" a #oa! "o be a""ained' i" is mere!y "he a3areness "ha" $revai!s 3hen a!! "he !imi"in# ideas abou" "he no"D e!< have been dis-arded. #$ 2o3 -an I a""ain e!<Drea!isa"ionK A$ Rea!isa"ion is no"hin# "o be #ained a<reshI i" is a!ready "here. A!! "ha" is ne-essary is "o #e" rid o< "he "hou#h" 8I have no" rea!ised99. "i!!ness or $ea-e is rea!iJa"ion. 6here is no momen" 3hen "he e!< is no". o !on# as "here is doub" or "he <ee!in# o< nonDrea!iJa"ion' "he a""em$" shou!d be made "o rid onese!< o< "hese "hou#h"s. 6hey are due "o "he iden"i<i-a"ion o< "he e!< 3i"h "he no"D e!<. *hen "he no"D e!< disa$$ears' "he e!< a!one remains. 6o ma%e room' i" is enou#h "ha" obCe-"s be removed. Room is no" brou#h" in <rom e!se3here. #$ in-e rea!iJa"ion is no" $ossib!e 3i"hou" vasanaD%shaya Ldes"ru-"ion o< men"a! "enden-iesM' ho3 am I "o rea!iJe "ha" s"a"e in 3hi-h "he "enden-ies are e<<e-"ive!y des"royedK A$ You are in "ha" s"a"e no3. #$ Does i" mean "ha" by ho!din# on "o "he e!<' "he vasanas Lmen"a! "enden-iesM shou!d be des"royed as and 3hen "hey emer#eK A$ 6hey 3i!! "hemse!ves be des"royed i< you remain as you are. #$ 2o3 sha!! I rea-h "he e!<K A$ 6here is no rea-hin# "he e!<. I< e!< 3ere "o be rea-hed' i" 3ou!d mean "ha" "he e!< is no" here and no3 and "ha" i" is ye" "o be ob"ained. *ha" is #o" a<resh 3i!! a!so be !os". o i" 3i!! be im$ermanen". *ha" is no" $ermanen" is no" 3or"h s"rivin# <or. o I say "he e!< is no" rea-hed. You are "he e!<' you are a!ready "ha". 6he <a-" is' you are i#noran" o< your b!iss<u! s"a"e. I#noran-e su$ervenes and dra3s a vei! over "he $ure e!< 3hi-h is b!iss. A""em$"s are dire-"ed on!y "o remove "his vei! o< i#noran-e 3hi-h is mere!y 3ron# %no3!ed#e. 6he 3ron# %no3!ed#e is "he <a!se iden"i<i-a"ion o< "he e!< 3i"h "he body and "he mind. 6his <a!se iden"i<i-a"ion mus" #o' and "hen "he e!< a!one remains. 6here<ore rea!iJa"ion is <or everyoneI rea!iJa"ion ma%es no di<<eren-e be"3een "he as$iran"s. 6his very doub"' 3he"her you -an rea!iJe' and "he no"ion 8IDhaveDno"Drea!iJed9 are "hemse!ves "he obs"a-!es. Be <ree

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

<rom "hese obs"a-!es a!so. #$ 2o3 !on# does i" "a%e "o rea-h mu%"i L!ibera"ionMK A$ Mu%"i is no" "o be #ained in "he <u"ure. I" is "here <or ever' here and no3. #$ I a#ree' bu" I do no" eB$erien-e i". A$ 6he eB$erien-e is here and no3. One -anno" deny one9s o3n e!<. #$ 6ha" means eBis"en-e and no" ha$$iness. A$ EBis"en-e is "he same as ha$$iness and ha$$iness is "he same as bein#. 6he 3ord mu%"i is so $rovo%in#. *hy shou!d one see% i"K One be!ieves "ha" "here is bonda#e and "here<ore see%s !ibera"ion. Bu" "he <a-" is "ha" "here is no bonda#e bu" on!y !ibera"ion. *hy -a!! i" by a name and see% i"K #$ 6rue bu" 3e are i#noran". A$ On!y remove i#noran-e. 6ha" is a!! "here is "o be done. A!! Eues"ions re!a"in# "o mu%"i are inadmissib!e. Mu%"i means re!ease <rom bonda#e 3hi-h im$!ies "he $resen" eBis"en-e o< bonda#e. 6here is no bonda#e and "here<ore no mu%"i ei"her. #$ O< 3ha" na"ure is "he rea!iJa"ion o< 3es"erners 3ho re!a"e "ha" "hey have had <!ashes o< -osmi- -ons-iousnessK A$ I" -ame as a <!ash and disa$$eared as su-h. 6ha" 3hi-h has a be#innin# mus" a!so end. On!y 3hen "he everD$resen" -ons-iousness is rea!iJed 3i!! i" be $ermanen". +ons-iousness is indeed a!3ays 3i"h us. Everyone %no3s 8I am9. No one -an deny his o3n bein#. 6he man in dee$ s!ee$ is no" a3areI 3hi!e a3a%e he seems "o be a3are. Bu" i" is "he same $erson. 6here is no -han#e in "he one 3ho s!e$" and "he one 3ho is no3 a3a%e. In dee$ s!ee$ he 3as no" a3are o< his body and so "here 3as no bodyD-ons-iousness. In "he 3a%e<u! s"a"e he is a3are o< his body and so "here is bodyD -ons-iousness. 6here<ore "he di<<eren-e !ies in "he emer#en-e o< bodyD-ons-iousness and no" in any -han#e in "he rea! -ons-iousness. 6he body and bodyD-ons-iousness arise "o#e"her and sin% "o#e"her. A!! "his amoun"s "o sayin# "ha" "here are no !imi"a"ions in dee$ s!ee$' 3hereas "here are !imi"a"ions in "he 3a%in# s"a"e. 6hese !imi"a"ions are "he bonda#e. 6he <ee!in# 86he body is I9 is "he error. 6his <a!se sense o< 8I9 mus" #o. 6he rea! 8I9 is a!3ays "here. I" is here and no3. I" never a$$ears ane3 and disa$$ears a#ain. 6ha" 3hi-h is mus" a!so $ersis" <or ever. 6ha" 3hi-h a$$ears ane3 3i!! a!so be !os". +om$are dee$ s!ee$ and 3a%in#. 6he body a$$ears in one s"a"e bu" no" in "he o"her. 6here<ore "he body 3i!! be !os". 6he -ons-iousness 3as $reDeBis"en" and 3i!! survive "he body. 6here is no one 3ho does no" say 8I am9. 6he 3ron# %no3!ed#e o< 8I am "he body9 is "he -ause o< a!! "he mis-hie<. 6his 3ron# %no3!ed#e mus" #o. 6ha" is rea!iJa"ion. Rea!iJa"ion is no" a-Euisi"ion o< any"hin# ne3 nor is i" a ne3 <a-u!"y. I" is on!y remova! o< a!! -amou<!a#e. 6he u!"ima"e "ru"h is so sim$!e. I" is no"hin# more "han bein# in "he $ris"ine s"a"e. 6his is a!! "ha" need be said. #$ Is one nearer "o $ure -ons-iousness in dee$ s!ee$ "han in "he 3a%in# s"a"eK A$ 6he s!ee$' dream and 3a%in# s"a"es are mere $henomena a$$earin# on "he e!< 3hi-h is i"se!< s"a"ionary. I" is a!so a s"a"e o< sim$!e a3areness. +an anyone remain a3ay <rom "he e!< a" any momen"K 6his Eues"ion -an arise on!y i< "ha" 3ere $ossib!e. #$ Is i" no" o<"en said "ha" one is nearer $ure -ons-iousness in dee$ s!ee$ "han in "he 3a%in# s"a"eK A$ 6he Eues"ion may as 3e!! be 8Am I nearer "o myse!< in my s!ee$ "han in my 3a%in# s"a"eK9 6he e!< is $ure -ons-iousness. No one -an ever be a3ay <rom "he e!<. 6he Eues"ion is $ossib!e on!y i< "here is dua!i"y. Bu" "here is no dua!i"y in "he s"a"e o< $ure -ons-iousness. 6he same $erson s!ee$s' dreams and 3a%es u$. 6he 3a%in# s"a"e is -onsidered "o be <u!! o< beau"i<u! and in"eres"in#

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

"hin#s. 6he absen-e o< su-h eB$erien-e ma%es one say "ha" "he s!ee$ s"a"e is du!!. Be<ore 3e $ro-eed <ur"her !e" us ma%e "his $oin" -!ear. Do you no" admi" "ha" you eBis" in your s!ee$K #$ Yes' I do. A$ You are "he same $erson "ha" is no3 a3a%e. Is i" no" soK #$ Yes. A$ o "here is a -on"inui"y in "he s!ee$ and "he 3a%in# s"a"es. *ha" is "ha" -on"inui"yK I" is on!y "he s"a"e o< $ure bein#. 6here is a di<<eren-e in "he "3o s"a"es. *ha" is "ha" di<<eren-eK 6he in-iden"s' name!y' "he body' "he 3or!d and obCe-"s a$$ear in "he 3a%in# s"a"e bu" "hey disa$$ear in s!ee$. #$ Bu" I am no" a3are in my s!ee$. A$ 6rue' "here is no a3areness o< "he body or o< "he 3or!d. Bu" you mus" eBis" in your s!ee$ in order "o say no3 8I 3as no" a3are in my s!ee$9. *ho says so no3K I" is "he 3a%e<u! $erson. 6he s!ee$er -anno" say so. 6ha" is "o say' "he individua! 3ho is no3 iden"i<yin# "he e!< 3i"h "he body says "ha" su-h a3areness did no" eBis" in s!ee$. Be-ause you iden"i<y yourse!< 3i"h "he body' you see "he 3or!d around you and say "ha" "he 3a%in# s"a"e is <i!!ed 3i"h beau"i<u! and in"eres"in# "hin#s. 6he s!ee$ s"a"e a$$ears du!! be-ause you 3ere no" "here as an individua! and "here<ore "hese "hin#s 3ere no". Bu" 3ha" is "he <a-"K 6here is "he -on"inui"y o< bein# in a!! "he "hree s"a"es' bu" no -on"inui"y o< "he individua! and "he obCe-"s. #$ Yes. A$ 6ha" 3hi-h is -on"inuous is a!so endurin#' "ha" is $ermanen". 6ha" 3hi-h is dis-on"inuous is "ransi"ory. #$ Yes. A$ 6here<ore "he s"a"e o< bein# is $ermanen" and "he body and "he 3or!d are no". 6hey are <!ee"in# $henomena $assin# on "he s-reen o< bein#D-ons-iousness 3hi-h is e"erna! and s"a"ionary. #$ Re!a"ive!y s$ea%in#' is no" "he s!ee$ s"a"e nearer "o $ure -ons-iousness "han "he 3a%in# s"a"eK A$ Yes' in "his sense? 3hen $assin# <rom s!ee$ "o 3a%in# "he 8I9D"hou#h" Lindividua! se!<M mus" s"ar" and "he mind mus" -ome in"o $!ay. 6hen "hou#h"s arise and "he <un-"ions o< "he body -ome in"o o$era"ion. A!! "hese "o#e"her ma%e us say "ha" 3e are a3a%e. 6he absen-e o< a!! "his evo!u"ion is "he -hara-"eris"i- o< s!ee$ and "here<ore i" is nearer "o $ure -ons-iousness "han "he 3a%in# s"a"e. Bu" one shou!d no" "here<ore desire "o be a!3ays in s!ee$. In "he <irs" $!a-e i" is im$ossib!e' <or i" 3i!! ne-essari!y a!"erna"e 3i"h "he o"her s"a"es. e-ond!y i" -anno" be "he s"a"e o< b!iss in 3hi-h "he Cnani is' <or his s"a"e is $ermanen" and no" a!"erna"in#. Moreover' "he s!ee$ s"a"e is no" re-o#niJed "o be one o< a3areness by $eo$!e' bu" "he sa#e is a!3ays a3are. 6hus "he s!ee$ s"a"e di<<ers <rom "he s"a"e in 3hi-h "he sa#e is es"ab!ished. "i!! more' "he s!ee$ s"a"e is <ree <rom "hou#h"s and "heir im$ression on "he individua!. I" -anno" be a!"ered by one9s 3i!! be-ause e<<or" is im$ossib!e in "ha" -ondi"ion. A!"hou#h nearer "o $ure -ons-iousness' i" is no" <i" <or e<<or"s "o rea!iJe "he e!<. #$ Is no" "he rea!iJa"ion o< one9s abso!u"e bein#' "ha" is' BrahmaDCnana' some"hin# Eui"e una""ainab!e <or a !ayman !i%e meK A$ BrahmaDCnana is no" a %no3!ed#e "o be a-Euired' so "ha" a-Euirin# i" one may ob"ain ha$$iness. I" is one9s i#noran" ou"!oo% "ha" one shou!d #ive u$. 6he e!< you see% "o %no3 is "ru!y yourse!<. Your su$$osed i#noran-e -auses you need!ess #rie< !i%e "ha" o< "he "en <oo!ish men 3ho #rieved a" "he !oss o< "he "en"h man 3ho 3as never !os". 6he "en <oo!ish men in "he $arab!e <orded a s"ream and on rea-hin# "he o"her shore 3an"ed "o ma%e sure "ha" a!! o< "hem had in <a-" sa<e!y -rossed "he s"ream. One o< "he "en be#an "o -oun"' bu" 3hi!e -oun"in# "he o"hers !e<" himse!< ou". 8I see on!y nineI sure enou#h' 3e have !os" one. *ho -an i" beK9 he said. 8Did you -oun" -orre-"!yK9 as%ed ano"her' and did "he -oun"in# himse!<. Bu" he "oo -oun"ed on!y nine. One a<"er "he o"her ea-h o< "he "en -oun"ed on!y

11

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

nine' missin# himse!<. 8*e are on!y nine9' "hey a!! a#reed' 8bu" 3ho is "he missin# oneK9 "hey as%ed "hemse!ves. Every e<<or" "hey made "o dis-over "he 8missin#9 individua! <ai!ed. 8*hoever he is "ha" is dro3ned9' said "he mos" sen"imen"a! o< "he "en <oo!s' 83e have !os" him.9 o sayin# he burs" in"o "ears' and "he o"hers <o!!o3ed sui". eein# "hem 3ee$in# on "he river ban%' a sym$a"he"i- 3ay<arer enEuired abou" "he -ause. 6hey re!a"ed 3ha" had ha$$ened and said "ha" even a<"er -oun"in# "hemse!ves severa! "imes "hey -ou!d <ind no more "han nine. On hearin# "he s"ory' bu" seein# a!! "he "en be<ore him' "he 3ay<arer #uessed 3ha" had ha$$ened. In order "o ma%e "hem %no3 <or "hemse!ves "hey 3ere rea!!y "en' "ha" a!! o< "hem had survived "he -rossin#' he "o!d "hem' 8&e" ea-h o< you -oun" <or himse!< bu" one a<"er "he o"her seria!!y' one' "3o' "hree and so on' 3hi!e I sha!! #ive you ea-h a b!o3 so "ha" a!! o< you may be sure o< havin# been in-!uded in "he -oun"' and in-!uded on!y on-e. 6he "en"h missin# man 3i!! "hen be <ound.9 2earin# "his "hey reCoi-ed a" "he $ros$e-" o< <indin# "heir 8!os"9 -omrade and a--e$"ed "he me"hod su##es"ed by "he 3ay<arer. *hi!e "he %ind 3ay<arer #ave a b!o3 "o ea-h o< "he "en in "urn' he "ha" #o" "he b!o3 -oun"ed himse!< a!oud. 86en'9 said "he !as" man as he #o" "he !as" b!o3 in his "urn. Be3i!dered "hey !oo%ed a" one ano"her' 8*e are "en'9 "hey said 3i"h one voi-e and "han%ed "he 3ay<arer <or havin# removed "heir #rie<. 6ha" is "he $arab!e. @rom 3here 3as "he "en"h man brou#h" inK *as he ever !os"K By %no3in# "ha" he had been "here a!! "he 3hi!e' did "hey !earn any"hin# ne3K 6he -ause o< "heir #rie< 3as no" "he rea! !oss o< anyone' i" 3as "heir o3n i#noran-e' or ra"her' "heir mere su$$osi"ion "ha" one o< "hem 3as !os". u-h is "he -ase 3i"h you. 6ru!y "here is no -ause <or you "o be miserab!e and unha$$y. You yourse!< im$ose !imi"a"ions on your "rue na"ure o< in<ini"e bein#' and "hen 3ee$ "ha" you are bu" a <ini"e -rea"ure. 6hen you "a%e u$ "his or "ha" s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e "o "rans-end "he nonDeBis"en" !imi"a"ions. Bu" i< your s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e i"se!< assumes "he eBis"en-e o< "he !imi"a"ions' ho3 -an i" he!$ you "o "rans-end "hemK 2en-e I say %no3 "ha" you are rea!!y "he in<ini"e $ure bein#' "he e!<. You are a!3ays "ha" e!< and no"hin# bu" "ha" e!<. 6here<ore' you -an never be rea!!y i#noran" o< "he e!<. Your i#noran-e is mere!y an ima#inary i#noran-e' !i%e "he i#noran-e o< "he "en <oo!s abou" "he !os" "en"h man. I" is "his i#noran-e "ha" -aused "hem #rie<. Kno3 "hen "ha" "rue %no3!ed#e does no" -rea"e a ne3 bein# <or you' i" on!y removes your i#noran" i#noran-e. B!iss is no" added "o your na"ure' i" is mere!y revea!ed as your "rue na"ura! s"a"e' e"erna! and im$erishab!e. 6he on!y 3ay "o be rid o< your #rie< is "o %no3 and be "he e!<. 2o3 -an "his be una""ainab!eK #$ 2o3ever o<"en Bha#avan "ea-hes us' 3e are no" ab!e "o unders"and. A$ Peo$!e say "ha" "hey are no" ab!e "o %no3 "he e!< "ha" is a!! $ervadin#. *ha" -an I doK Even "he sma!!es" -hi!d says' 8I eBis"I I doI "his is mine.9 o' everyone unders"ands "ha" "he "hin# 8I9 is a!3ays eBis"en". I" is on!y 3hen "ha" 8I9 is "here "ha" "here is "he <ee!in# "ha" you are "he body' he is 5en%anna' "his is Ramanna and so on. 6o %no3 "ha" "he one "ha" is a!3ays visib!e is one9s o3n e!<' is i" ne-essary "o sear-h 3i"h a -and!eK 6o say "ha" 3e do no" %no3 "he a"ma s3aru$a L"he rea! na"ure o< "he e!<M 3hi-h is no" di<<eren" bu" 3hi-h is in one9s o3n e!< is !i%e sayin#' 8I do no" %no3 myse!<.9 #$ Bu" ho3 is one "o rea-h "his s"a"eK A$ 6here is no #oa! "o be rea-hed. 6here is no"hin# "o be a""ained. You are "he e!<. You eBis" a!3ays. No"hin# more -an be $redi-a"ed o< "he e!< "han "ha" i" eBis"s. eein# God or "he e!< is on!y bein# "he e!< or yourse!<. eein# is bein#. You' bein# "he e!<' 3an" "o %no3 ho3 "o a""ain "he e!<. I" is some"hin# !i%e a man bein# a" Ramanasramam as%in# ho3 many 3ays "here are "o rea-h Ramanasramam and 3hi-h is "he bes" 3ay <or him. A!! "ha" is reEuired o< you is "o #ive u$ "he "hou#h" "ha" you are "his body and "o #ive u$ a!! "hou#h"s o< "he eB"erna! "hin#s or "he no"D e!<. #$ *ha" is "he e#oDse!<K 2o3 is i" re!a"ed "o "he rea! e!<K A$ 6he e#oD e!< a$$ears and disa$$ears and is "ransi"ory' 3hereas "he rea! e!< is $ermanen". 6hou#h you are a-"ua!!y "he "rue e!< you 3ron#!y iden"i<y "he rea! e!< 3i"h "he e#oDse!<.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ 2o3 does "he mis"a%e -ome abou"K A$ ee i< i" has -ome abou". #$ One has "o sub!ima"e "he e#oDse!< in"o "he "rue e!<. A$ 6he e#oDse!< does no" eBis" a" a!!. #$ *hy does i" #ive us "roub!eK A$ 6o 3hom is "he "roub!eK 6he "roub!e a!so is ima#ined. 6roub!e and $!easure are on!y <or "he e#o. #$ *hy is "he 3or!d so 3ra$$ed u$ in i#noran-eK A$ 6a%e -are o< yourse!<. &e" "he 3or!d "a%e -are o< i"se!<. ee your e!<. I< you are "he body "here is "he #ross 3or!d a!so. I< you are s$iri" a!! is s$iri" a!one. #$ I" 3i!! ho!d #ood <or "he individua!' bu" 3ha" o< "he res"K A$ Do i" <irs" and "hen see i< "he Eues"ion arises a<"er3ards. #$ Is "here avidya Li#noran-eMK A$ @or 3hom is i"K #$ @or "he e#oDse!<. A$ Yes' <or "he e#o. Remove "he e#o and avidya is #one. &oo% <or i"' "he e#o vanishes and "he rea! e!< a!one remains. 6he e#o $ro<essin# avidya is no" "o be seen. 6here is no avidya in rea!i"y. A!! sas"ras Ls-ri$"uresM are mean" "o dis$rove "he eBis"en-e o< avidya. #$ 2o3 did "he e#o ariseK A$ E#o is no". O"her3ise do you admi" o< "3o se!vesK 2o3 -an "here be avidya in "he absen-e o< "he e#oK I< you be#in "o enEuire' "he avidya' 3hi-h is a!ready nonDeBis"en"' 3i!! be <ound no" "o be' or you 3i!! say i" has <!ed a3ay. I#noran-e $er"ains "o "he e#o. *hy do you "hin% o< "he e#o and a!so su<<erK *ha" is i#noran-e a#ainK I" is "ha" 3hi-h is noneBis"en". 2o3ever "he 3or!d!y !i<e reEuires "he hy$o"hesis o< avidya. Avidya is on!y our i#noran-e and no"hin# more. I" is i#noran-e or <or#e"<u!ness o< "he e!<. +an "here be dar%ness be<ore "he sunK imi!ar!y' -an "here be i#noran-e be<ore "he se!<Deviden" and se!<D !uminous e!<K I< you %no3 "he e!< "here 3i!! be no dar%ness' no i#noran-e and no misery. I" is "he mind 3hi-h <ee!s "he "roub!e and "he misery. Dar%ness never -omes nor #oes. ee "he sun and "here is no dar%ness. imi!ar!y' see "he e!< and avidya 3i!! be <ound no" "o eBis". #$ 2o3 has "he unrea! -omeK +an "he unrea! s$rin# <rom "he rea!K A$ ee i< i" has s$run#. 6here is no su-h "hin# as "he unrea!' <rom ano"her s"and$oin". 6he e!< a!one eBis"s. *hen you "ry "o "ra-e "he e#o' 3hi-h is "he basis o< "he $er-e$"ion o< "he 3or!d and every"hin# e!se' you <ind "he e#o does no" eBis" a" a!! and nei"her does a!! "his -rea"ion "ha" you see. #$ I" is -rue! o< God9s !ee!a L$!ayM "o ma%e "he %no3!ed#e o< "he e!< so hard. A$ Kno3in# "he e!< is bein# "he e!<' and bein# means eBis"en-e' one9s o3n eBis"en-e. No one denies one9s eBis"en-e any more "han one denies one9s eyes' a!"hou#h one -anno" see "hem. 6he "roub!e !ies 3i"h your desire "o obCe-"i<y "he e!<' in "he same 3ay as you obCe-"i<y your eyes 3hen you $!a-e a mirror be<ore "hem. You have been so a--us"omed "o obCe-"ivi"y "ha" you have !os" "he %no3!ed#e o< yourse!<' sim$!y be-ause "he e!< -anno" be obCe-"i<ied. *ho is "o %no3 "he e!<K +an "he insen"ien" body %no3 i"K A!! "he "ime you s$ea% and "hin% o< your 8I9' ye" 3hen Eues"ioned you deny %no3!ed#e o< i". You are "he e!<' ye" you as% ho3 "o %no3 "he e!<. *here "hen is God9s !ee!a and 3here is i"s -rue!"yK Be-ause o< "his denia! o< "he e!< by $eo$!e "he sas"ras s$ea% o< maya' !ee!a' e"-.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ Does my rea!iJa"ion he!$ o"hersK A$ Yes' -er"ain!y. I" is "he bes" he!$ $ossib!e. Bu" "here are no o"hers "o be he!$ed. @or a rea!iJed bein# sees on!y "he e!<' Cus" !i%e a #o!dsmi"h es"ima"in# "he #o!d in various i"ems o< Ce3e!!ery sees on!y #o!d. *hen you iden"i<y yourse!< 3i"h "he body "hen on!y "he <orms and sha$es are "here. Bu" 3hen you "rans-end your body "he o"hers disa$$ear a!on# 3i"h your bodyD-ons-iousness. #$ Is i" so 3i"h $!an"s' "rees' e"-.K A$ Do "hey eBis" a" a!! a$ar" <rom "he e!<K @ind i" ou". You "hin% "ha" you see "hem. 6he "hou#h" is $roCe-"ed ou" <rom "he e!<. @ind ou" <rom 3here i" rises. 6hou#h"s 3i!! -ease "o rise and "he e!< a!one 3i!! remain. #$ I unders"and "heore"i-a!!y. Bu" "hey are s"i!! "here. A$ Yes. I" is !i%e a -inemaDsho3. 6here is "he !i#h" on "he s-reen and "he shado3s <!i""in# a-ross i" im$ress "he audien-e as "he ena-"men" o< some $ie-e. I< in "he same $!ay an audien-e a!so is sho3n on "he s-reen as $ar" o< "he $er<orman-e' "he seer and "he seen 3i!! "hen bo"h be on "he s-reen. A$$!y i" "o yourse!<. You are "he s-reen' "he e!< has -rea"ed "he e#o' "he e#o has i"s a--re"ions o< "hou#h"s 3hi-h are dis$!ayed as "he 3or!d' "he "rees and "he $!an"s o< 3hi-h you are as%in#. In rea!i"y' a!! "hese are no"hin# bu" "he e!<. I< you see "he e!<' "he same 3i!! be <ound "o be a!!' every3here and a!3ays. No"hin# bu" "he e!< eBis"s. #$ Yes' I s"i!! unders"and on!y "heore"i-a!!y. Ye" "he ans3ers are sim$!e' beau"i<u! and -onvin-in#. A$ Even "he "hou#h" 8I do no" rea!iJe9 is a hindran-e. In <a-"' "he e!< a!one is. Our rea! na"ure is mu%"i. Bu" 3e are ima#inin# 3e are bound and are ma%in# various' s"renuous a""em$"s "o be-ome <ree' 3hi!e 3e are a!! "he 3hi!e <ree. 6his 3i!! be unders"ood on!y 3hen 3e rea-h "ha" s"a#e. *e 3i!! be sur$rised "ha" 3e 3ere <ran"i-a!!y "ryin# "o a""ain some"hin# 3hi-h 3e have a!3ays been and are. An i!!us"ra"ion 3i!! ma%e "his -!ear. A man #oes "o s!ee$ in "his ha!!. 2e dreams he has #one on a 3or!d "our' is roamin# over hi!! and da!e' <ores" and -oun"ry' deser" and sea' a-ross various -on"inen"s and a<"er many years o< 3eary and s"renuous "rave!' re"urns "o "his -oun"ry' rea-hes 6iruvannama!ai' en"ers "he ashram and 3a!%s in"o "he ha!!. Hus" a" "ha" momen" he 3a%es u$ and <inds he has no" moved an in-h bu" 3as s!ee$in# 3here he !ay do3n. 2e has no" re"urned a<"er #rea" e<<or" "o "his ha!!' bu" is and a!3ays has been in "he ha!!. I" is eBa-"!y !i%e "ha". I< i" is as%ed' 8*hy bein# <ree do 3e ima#ine "ha" 3e are boundK9 I ans3er' 8*hy bein# in "he ha!! did you ima#ine you 3ere on a 3or!d adven"ure' -rossin# hi!! and da!e' deser" and seaK I" is a!! mind or maya Li!!usionM.9 #$ 2o3 "hen does i#noran-e o< "his one and on!y rea!i"y unha$$i!y arise in "he -ase o< "he aCnani Lone 3ho has no" rea!iJed "he e!<MK A$ 6he aCnani sees on!y "he mind 3hi-h is a mere re<!e-"ion o< "he !i#h" o< $ure -ons-iousness arisin# <rom "he 2ear". O< "he 2ear" i"se!< he is i#noran". *hyK Be-ause his mind is eB"rover"ed and has never sou#h" i"s sour-e. #$ *ha" $reven"s "he in<ini"e' undi<<eren"ia"ed !i#h" o< -ons-iousness arisin# <rom "he 2ear" <rom revea!in# i"se!< "o "he aCnaniK A$ Hus" as 3a"er in a $o" re<!e-"s "he enormous sun 3i"hin "he narro3 !imi"s o< "he $o"' even so "he vasanas or !a"en" "enden-ies o< "he mind o< "he individua!' a-"in# as "he re<!e-"in# medium' -a"-h "he a!!D$ervadin#' in<ini"e !i#h" o< -ons-iousness arisin# <rom "he 2ear". 6he <orm o< "his re<!e-"ion is "he $henomenon -a!!ed "he mind. eein# on!y "his re<!e-"ion' "he aCnani is de!uded in"o "he be!ie< "ha" he is a <ini"e bein#' "he Civa' "he individua! se!<. #$ *ha" are "he obs"a-!es 3hi-h hinder rea!iJa"ion o< "he e!<K A$ 6hey are habi"s o< mind LvasanasM. #$ 2o3 "o over-ome "he men"a! habi"s LvasanasMK A$ By rea!isin# "he e!<. #$ 6his is a vi-ious -ir-!e.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ I" is "he e#o 3hi-h raises su-h di<<i-u!"ies' -rea"in# obs"a-!es and "hen su<<erin# <rom "he $er$!eBi"y o< a$$aren" $aradoBes. @ind ou" 3ho ma%es "he enEuiries and "he e!< 3i!! be <ound. #$ *hy is "his men"a! bonda#e so $ersis"en"K A$ 6he na"ure o< bonda#e is mere!y "he risin#' ruinous "hou#h" 8I am di<<eren" <rom "he rea!i"y9. in-e one sure!y -anno" remain se$ara"e <rom "he rea!i"y' reCe-" "ha" "hou#h" 3henever i" rises. #$ *hy do I never remember "ha" I am "he e!<K A$ Peo$!e s$ea% o< memory and ob!ivion o< "he <u!!ness o< "he e!<. Ob!ivion and memory are on!y "hou#h"D<orms. 6hey 3i!! a!"erna"e so !on# as "here are "hou#h"s. Bu" rea!i"y !ies beyond "hese. Memory or ob!ivion mus" be de$enden" on some"hin#. 6ha" some"hin# mus" be <orei#n "o "he e!< as 3e!!' o"her3ise "here 3ou!d no" be ob!ivion. 6ha" u$on 3hi-h memory and ob!ivion de$end is "he idea o< "he individua! se!<. *hen one !oo%s <or i"' "his individua! 8I9 is no" <ound be-ause i" is no" rea!. 2en-e "his 8I9 is synonymous 3i"h i!!usion or i#noran-e 7maya' avidya or aCnanaM. 6o %no3 "ha" "here never 3as i#noran-e is "he #oa! o< a!! "he s$iri"ua! "ea-hin#s. I#noran-e mus" be o< one 3ho is a3are. A3areness is Cnana. Hnana is e"erna! and na"ura!' aCnana is unna"ura! and unrea!. #$ 2avin# heard "his "ru"h' 3hy does no" one remain -on"en"K A$ Be-ause sams%aras Linna"e men"a! "enden-iesM have no" been des"royed. Un!ess "he sams%aras -ease "o eBis"' "here 3i!! a!3ays be doub" and -on<usion. A!! e<<or"s are dire-"ed "o des"royin# doub" and -on<usion. 6o do so "heir roo"s mus" be -u". 6heir roo"s are "he sams%aras. 6hese are rendered ine<<e-"ive by $ra-"i-e as $res-ribed by "he Guru. 6he Guru !eaves i" "o "he see%er "o do "his mu-h so "ha" he mi#h" himse!< <ind ou" "ha" "here is no i#noran-e. 2earin# "he "ru"h LsravanaM is "he <irs" s"a#e. I< "he unders"andin# is no" <irm one has "o $ra-"i-e re<!e-"ion LmananaM and unin"erru$"ed -on"em$!a"ion LnididhyasanaM on i". 6hese "3o $ro-esses s-or-h "he seeds o< sams%aras so "ha" "hey are rendered ine<<e-"ive. ome eB"raordinary $eo$!e #e" unsha%ab!e Cnana a<"er hearin# "he "ru"h on!y on-e. 6hese are "he advan-ed see%ers. Be#inners "a%e !on#er "o #ain i". #$ 2o3 did i#noran-e LavidyaM arise a" a!!K A$ I#noran-e never arose. I" has no rea! bein#. 6ha" 3hi-h is' is on!y vidya L%no3!ed#eM. #$ *hy "hen do I no" rea!iJe i"K A$ Be-ause o< "he sams%aras. 2o3ever' <ind ou" 3ho does no" rea!iJe and 3ha" he does no" rea!iJe. 6hen i" 3i!! be -!ear "ha" "here is no avidyaK #$ o' i" is 3ron# "o be#in 3i"h a #oa!' is i"K A$ I< "here is a #oa! "o be rea-hed i" -anno" be $ermanen". 6he #oa! mus" a!ready be "here. *e see% "o rea-h "he #oa! 3i"h "he e#o' bu" "he #oa! eBis"s be<ore "he e#o. *ha" is in "he #oa! is even $rior "o our bir"h' "ha" is' "o "he bir"h o< "he e#o. Be-ause 3e eBis" "he e#o a$$ears "o eBis" "oo. I< 3e !oo% on "he e!< as "he e#o "hen 3e be-ome "he e#o' i< as "he mind 3e be-ome "he mind' i< as "he body 3e be-ome "he body. I" is "he "hou#h" 3hi-h bui!ds u$ shea"hs in so many 3ays. 6he shado3 on "he 3a"er is <ound "o be sha%in#. +an anyone s"o$ "he sha%in# o< "he shado3K I< i" 3ou!d -ease "o sha%e you 3ou!d no" no"i-e "he 3a"er bu" on!y "he !i#h". imi!ar!y "a%e no no"i-e o< "he e#o and i"s a-"ivi"ies' bu" see on!y "he !i#h" behind. 6he e#o is "he "hou#h" 8I9. 6he "rue 8I9 is "he e!<. #$ I< i" is Cus" a Eues"ion o< #ivin# u$ ideas "hen i" is on!y one s"e$ "o rea!iJa"ion. A$ Rea!iJa"ion is a!ready "here. 6he s"a"e <ree <rom "hou#h"s is "he on!y rea! s"a"e. 6here is no su-h a-"ion as

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

rea!iJa"ion. Is "here anyone 3ho is no" rea!isin# "he e!<K Does anyone deny his o3n eBis"en-eK $ea%in# o< rea!iJa"ion' i" im$!ies "3o se!ves "he one "o rea!iJe' "he o"her "o be rea!iJed. *ha" is no" a!ready rea!iJed is sou#h" "o be rea!iJed. On-e 3e admi" our eBis"en-e' ho3 is i" "ha" 3e do no" %no3 our e!<K #$ Be-ause o< "he "hou#h"s' "he mind. A$ Nui"e so. I" is "he mind "ha" vei!s our ha$$iness. 2o3 do 3e %no3 "ha" 3e eBis"K I< you say be-ause o< "he 3or!d around us' "hen ho3 do you %no3 "ha" you eBis"ed in dee$ s!ee$K #$ 2o3 "o #e" rid o< "he mindK A$ Is i" "he mind "ha" 3an"s "o %i!! i"se!<K 6he mind -anno" %i!! i"se!<. o your business is "o <ind "he rea! na"ure o< "he mind. 6hen you 3i!! %no3 "ha" "here is no mind. *hen "he e!< is sou#h"' "he mind is no3here. Abidin# in "he e!<' one need no" 3orry abou" "he mind. #$ Is mu%"i "he same as rea!iJa"ionK A$ Mu%"i or !ibera"ion is our na"ure. I" is ano"her name <or us. Our 3an"in# mu%"i is a very <unny "hin#. I" is !i%e a man 3ho is in "he shade' vo!un"ari!y !eavin# "he shade' #oin# in"o "he sun' <ee!in# "he severi"y o< "he hea" "here' ma%in# #rea" e<<or"s "o #e" ba-% in"o "he shade and "hen reCoi-in#' 82o3 s3ee" is "he shadeO I have rea-hed "he shade a" !as"O9 *e are a!! doin# eBa-"!y "he same. *e are no" di<<eren" <rom "he rea!i"y. *e ima#ine 3e are di<<eren"' "ha" is 3e -rea"e "he bheda bhava L"he <ee!in# o< di<<eren-eM and "hen under#o #rea" sadhana Ls$iri"ua! $ra-"i-esM "o #e" rid o< "he bheda bhava and rea!iJe "he oneness. *hy ima#ine or -rea"e bheda bhava and "hen des"roy i"K #$ 6his -an be rea!iJed on!y by "he #ra-e o< "he mas"er. I 3as readin# ri Bha#ava"a. I" says "ha" b!iss -an be had on!y by "he dus" o< "he mas"er9s <ee". I $ray <or #ra-e. A$ *ha" is b!iss bu" your o3n bein#K You are no" a$ar" <rom bein# 3hi-h is "he same as b!iss. You are no3 "hin%in# "ha" you are "he mind or "he body 3hi-h are bo"h -han#in# and "ransien". Bu" you are un-han#in# and e"erna!. 6ha" is 3ha" you shou!d %no3. #$ I" is dar%ness and I am i#noran". A$ 6his i#noran-e mus" #o. A#ain' 3ho says 8I am i#noran"9K 2e mus" be "he 3i"ness o< i#noran-e. 6ha" is 3ha" you are. o-ra"es said' 8I %no3 "ha" I do no" %no3.9 +an i" be i#noran-eK I" is 3isdom. #$ *hy "hen do I <ee! unha$$y 3hen I am in 5e!!ore and <ee! $ea-e in your $resen-eK A$ +an "he <ee!in# in "his $!a-e be b!issK *hen you !eave "his $!a-e you say you are unha$$y. 6here<ore "his $ea-e is no" $ermanen"' i" is miBed 3i"h unha$$iness 3hi-h is <e!" in ano"her $!a-e. 6here<ore you -anno" <ind b!iss in $!a-es and in $eriods o< "ime. I" mus" be $ermanen" in order "ha" i" may be use<u!. I" is your o3n bein# 3hi-h is $ermanen". Be "he e!< and "ha" is b!iss. You are a!3ays "ha". 6he e!< is a!3ays rea!iJed. I" is no" ne-essary "o see% "o rea!iJe 3ha" is a!ready and a!3ays rea!iJed. @or you -anno" deny your o3n eBis"en-e. 6ha" eBis"en-e is -ons-iousness' "he e!<. Un!ess you eBis" you -anno" as% Eues"ions. o you mus" admi" your o3n eBis"en-e. 6ha" eBis"en-e is "he e!<. I" is a!ready rea!iJed. 6here<ore "he e<<or" "o rea!iJe resu!"s on!y in your rea!isin# your $resen" mis"a%e "ha" you have no" rea!iJed your e!<. 6here is no <resh rea!iJa"ion. 6he e!< be-omes revea!ed. #$ 6ha" 3i!! "a%e some years. A$ *hy yearsK 6he idea o< "ime is on!y in your mind. I" is no" in "he e!<. 6here is no "ime <or "he e!<. 6ime arises as an idea a<"er "he e#o arises. Bu" you are "he e!< beyond "ime and s$a-e.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

You eBis" even in "he absen-e o< "ime and s$a-e. *ere i" "rue "ha" you rea!iJe i" !a"er i" means "ha" you are no" rea!iJed no3. Absen-e o< rea!iJa"ion in "he $resen" momen" may be re$ea"ed a" any momen" in "he <u"ure' <or "ime is in<ini"e. o "oo' su-h rea!iJa"ion is im$ermanen". Bu" "ha" is no" "rue. I" is 3ron# "o -onsider rea!iJa"ion "o be im$ermanen". I" is "he "rue e"erna! s"a"e 3hi-h -anno" -han#e. #$ Yes' I sha!! unders"and i" in -ourse o< "ime. A$ You are a!ready "ha". 6ime and s$a-e -anno" a<<e-" "he e!<. 6hey are in you. o a!so a!! "ha" you see around you is in you. 6here is a s"ory "o i!!us"ra"e "his $oin". A !ady had a $re-ious ne-%!a-e round her ne-%. On-e in her eB-i"emen" she <or#o" i" and "hou#h" "ha" "he ne-%!a-e 3as !os". he be-ame anBious and !oo%ed <or i" in her home bu" -ou!d no" <ind i". he as%ed her <riends and nei#hbours i< "hey %ne3 any"hin# abou" "he ne-%!a-e. 6hey did no". A" !as" a %ind <riend o< hers "o!d her "o <ee! "he ne-%!a-e round her ne-%. he <ound "ha" i" had a!! a!on# been round her ne-% and she 3as ha$$y. *hen o"hers as%ed her !a"er i< she had <ound "he ne-%!a-e 3hi-h 3as !os"' she said' 8Yes' I have <ound i".9 he s"i!! <e!" "ha" she had re-overed a !os" Ce3e!. No3 did she !ose i" a" a!!K I" 3as a!! a!on# round her ne-%. Bu" Cud#e her <ee!in#s. he 3as as ha$$y as i< she had re-overed a !os" Ce3e!. imi!ar!y 3i"h us' 3e ima#ine "ha" 3e 3i!! rea!iJe "ha" e!< some "ime' 3hereas 3e are never any"hin# bu" "he e!<. #$ 6here mus" be some"hin# "ha" I -an do "o rea-h "his s"a"e. A$ 6he -on-e$"ion "ha" "here is a #oa! and a $a"h "o i" is 3ron#. *e are "he #oa! or $ea-e a!3ays. 6o #e" rid o< "he no"ion "ha" 3e are no" $ea-e is a!! "ha" is reEuired. #$ A!! boo%s say "ha" "he #uidan-e o< a Guru is ne-essary. A$ 6he Guru 3i!! say on!y 3ha" I am sayin# no3. 2e 3i!! no" #ive you any"hin# you have no" a!ready #o". I" is im$ossib!e <or anyone "o #e" 3ha" he has no" #o" a!ready. Even i< he #e"s any su-h "hin#' i" 3i!! #o as i" -ame. *ha" -omes 3i!! a!so #o. *ha" a!3ays is 3i!! a!one remain. 6he Guru -anno" #ive you any"hin# ne3' 3hi-h you don9" have a!ready. Remova! o< "he no"ion "ha" 3e have no" rea!iJed "he e!< is a!! "ha" is reEuired. *e are a!3ays "he e!< on!y 3e don9" rea!iJe i". *e #o round and round in sear-h o< a"ma L e!<M sayin#' 8*here is a"maK *here is i"K9 "i!! a" !as" "he da3n o< Cnana drish"i Lvision o< %no3!ed#eM is rea-hed' and 3e say' 86his is a"ma "his is me.9 *e shou!d a-Euire "ha" vision. *hen on-e "ha" vision is rea-hed' "here 3i!! be no a""a-hmen"s even i< one miBes 3i"h "he 3or!d and moves abou" in i". *hen on-e you $u" on shoes your <ee" do no" <ee! "he $ain o< 3a!%in# on any number o< s"ones or "horns on "he 3ay. You 3a!% abou" 3i"hou" <ear or -are' even i< "here are moun"ains on "he 3ay. In "he same 3ay' every"hin# 3i!! be na"ura! "o "hose 3ho have a""ained Cnana drish"i. *ha" is "here a$ar" <rom one9s o3n e!<K #$ 6he na"ura! s"a"e -an be %no3n on!y a<"er a!! "his 3or!d!y vision subsides. Bu" ho3 is i" "o subsideK A$ I< "he mind subsides' "he 3ho!e 3or!d subsides. Mind is "he -ause o< a!! "his. I< "ha" subsides' "he na"ura! s"a"e $resen"s i"se!<. 6he e!< $ro-!aims i"se!< a" a!! "imes as 8I' I9. I" is se!<D!uminous. I" is here. A!! "his is "ha". *e are in "ha" on!y. Bein# in i"' 3hy sear-h <or i"K 6he an-ien"s say? 8Ma%in# "he vision absorbed in Cnana one sees "he 3or!d as Brahman.99

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 3 - The jnani

Many o< "he ri Ramana9s visi"ors a$$eared "o have an insa"iab!e -uriosi"y abou" "he s"a"e o< e!<Drea!iJa"ion and "hey 3ere $ar"i-u!ar!y in"eres"ed "o %no3 ho3 a Cnani eB$erien-ed himse!< and "he 3or!d around him. ome o< "he Eues"ions he 3as as%ed on "he subCe-" re<!e-"ed "he biJarre no"ions "ha" many $eo$!e had abou" "his s"a"e' bu" mos" o< "hem "ended "o be varia"ions o< one o< "he <our <o!!o3in# Eues"ions? 1 2o3 -an a Cnani <un-"ion 3i"hou" any individua! a3areness o< -ons-iousnessK , 2o3 -an he say "ha" he 8does no"hin#9 7a s"a"emen" 3hi-h ri Ramana o<"en made: 3hen o"hers see him a-"ive in "he 3or!dK / 2o3 does he $er-eive "he 3or!dK Does he $er-eive "he 3or!d a" a!!K 4 2o3 does "he Cnani9s a3areness o< $ure -ons-iousness re!a"e "o "he a!"erna"in# s"a"es o< body and mind -ons-iousness eB$erien-ed in 3a%in#' dreamin# and s!ee$in#K 6he hidden $remise behind a!! su-h Eues"ions is "he be!ie< "ha" "here is a $erson 7"he Cnani: 3ho eB$erien-es a s"a"e he -a!!s "he e!<. 6his assum$"ion is no" "rue. I" is mere!y a men"a! -ons"ru-" devised by "hose 3ho have no" rea!iJed "he e!< 7aCnanis: "o ma%e sense o< "he Cnani9s eB$erien-e. Even "he use o< "he 3ord Cnani is indi-a"ive o< "his erroneous be!ie< sin-e i" !i"era!!y means a %no3er o< Cnana' "he rea!i"y. 6he aCnani uses "his "erm be-ause he ima#ines "ha" "he 3or!d is made u$ o< see%ers o< rea!i"y and %no3ers o< rea!i"yI "he "ru"h o< "he e!< is "ha" "here are nei"her Cnanis nor aCnanis' "here is on!y Cnana. ri Ramana $oin"ed "his ou" bo"h dire-"!y and indire-"!y on many o--asions' bu" <e3 o< his Eues"ioners 3ere ab!e "o #ras$' even -on-e$"ua!!y' "he im$!i-a"ions o< su-h a s"a"emen". Be-ause o< "his he usua!!y ada$"ed his ideas in su-h a 3ay "ha" "hey -on<ormed "o "he $reCudi-es o< his !is"eners. In mos" o< "he -onversa"ions in "his -ha$"er he a--e$"s "ha" his Eues"ioners $er-eive a dis"in-"ion be"3een "he Cnani and "he aCnani' and' 3i"hou" -ha!!en#in# "he basis o< "ha" assum$"ion' he assumes "he ro!e o< "he Cnani and a""em$"s "o eB$!ain "he im$!i-a"ions o< bein# in "ha" s"a"e. #$ 6hen 3ha" is "he di<<eren-e be"3een "he baddha and "he mu%"a' "he bound man and "he one !ibera"edK A$ 6he ordinary man !ives in "he brain una3are o< himse!< in "he 2ear". 6he Cnana siddha LCnaniM !ives in "he 2ear". *hen he moves abou" and dea!s 3i"h men and "hin#s' he %no3s "ha" 3ha" he sees is no" se$ara"e <rom "he one su$reme rea!i"y' "he Brahman 3hi-h he rea!iJed in "he 2ear" as his o3n e!<' "he rea!. #$ *ha" abou" "he ordinary manK A$ I have Cus" said "ha" he sees "hin#s ou"side himse!<. 2e is se$ara"e <rom "he 3or!d' <rom his o3n dee$er "ru"h' <rom "he "ru"h "ha" su$$or"s him and 3ha" he sees. 6he man 3ho has rea!iJed "he su$reme "ru"h o< his o3n eBis"en-e rea!ises "ha" i" is "he one su$reme rea!i"y "ha" is "here behind him' behind "he 3or!d. In <a-"' he is a3are o< "he one' as "he rea!' "he e!< in a!! se!ves' in a!! "hin#s' e"erna! and immu"ab!e' in a!! "ha" is im$ermanen" and mu"ab!e. #$ *ha" is "he re!a"ion be"3een "he $ure -ons-iousness rea!iJed by "he Cnani and "he 8I am9D ness 3hi-h is a--e$"ed as "he $rimary da"um o< eB$erien-eK A$ 6he undi<<eren"ia"ed -ons-iousness o< $ure bein# is "he 2ear" or hridayam' 3hi-h is 3ha" you rea!!y are. @rom "he 2ear" arises "he 8I am9Dness as "he $rimary da"um o< one9s eB$erien-e. By i"se!< i" is -om$!e"e!y $ure LsuddhaDsa""vaM in -hara-"er. I" is in "his <orm o< $ris"ine $uri"y LsuddhaD sa""vaDs3aru$aM' un-on"amina"ed by raCas and "amas La-"ivi"y and iner"iaM' "ha" "he 8I9 a$$ears "o subsis" in "he Cnani. #$ In "he Cnani "he e#o subsis"s in "he $ure <orm and "here<ore i" a$$ears as some"hin# rea!. Am I ri#h"K A$ 6he a$$earan-e o< "he e#o in any <orm' ei"her in "he Cnani or aCnani' is i"se!< an eB$erien-e. Bu" "o "he aCnani 3ho is de!uded in"o "hin%in# "ha" "he 3a%in# s"a"e and "he 3or!d are rea!' "he e#o a!so a$$ears "o be rea!. in-e he sees "he Cnani a-" !i%e o"her individua!s' he <ee!s -ons"rained "o $osi" some no"ion o< individua!i"y 3i"h

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

re<eren-e "o "he Cnani a!so. #$ 2o3 "hen does "he ahamDvri""i L8I9D"hou#h"' "he sense o< individua!i"yM <un-"ion in "he CnaniK A$ I" does no" <un-"ion in him a" a!!. 6he Cnani9s rea! na"ure is "he 2ear" i"se!<' be-ause he is one and iden"i-a! 3i"h "he undi<<eren"ia"ed' $ure -ons-iousness re<erred "o by "he U$anishads as "he $raCnana L<u!! -ons-iousnessM. PraCnana is "ru!y Brahman' "he abso!u"e' and "here is no Brahman o"her "han $raCnana. #$ Does a Cnani have san%a!$as LdesiresMK A$ 6he main Eua!i"ies o< "he ordinary mind are "amas and raCas Ls!o"h and eB-i"emen"MI hen-e i" is <u!! o< e#ois"idesires and 3ea%nesses. Bu" "he Cnani9s mind is suddhaDsa""va L$ure harmonyM and <orm!ess' <un-"ionin# in "he sub"!e viCnanamaya%osha L"he shea"h o< %no3!ed#eM' "hrou#h 3hi-h he %ee$s -on"a-" 3i"h "he 3or!d. 2is desires are "here<ore a!so $ure. #$ I am "ryin# "o unders"and "he Cnani9s $oin" o< vie3 abou" "he 3or!d. Is "he 3or!d $er-eived a<"er e!<Drea!iJa"ionK A$ *hy 3orry yourse!< abou" "he 3or!d and 3ha" ha$$ens "o i" a<"er e!<Drea!iJa"ionK @irs" rea!iJe "he e!<. *ha" does i" ma""er i< "he 3or!d is $er-eived or no"K Do you #ain any"hin# "o he!$ you in your Eues" by "he nonD$er-e$"ion o< "he 3or!d durin# s!ee$K +onverse!y' 3ha" 3ou!d you !ose no3 by "he $er-e$"ion o< "he 3or!dK I" is Eui"e imma"eria! "o "he Cnani or aCnani i< he $er-eives "he 3or!d or no". I" is seen by bo"h' bu" "heir vie3D$oin"s di<<er. #$ I< "he Cnani and "he aCnani $er-eive "he 3or!d in !i%e manner' 3here is "he di<<eren-e be"3een "hemK A$ eein# "he 3or!d' "he Cnani sees "he e!< 3hi-h is "he subs"ra"um o< a!! "ha" is seenI "he aCnani' 3he"her he sees "he 3or!d or no"' is i#noran" o< his "rue bein#' "he e!<. 6a%e "he ins"an-e o< movin# $i-"ures on "he s-reen in "he -inemaDsho3. *ha" is "here in <ron" o< you be<ore "he $!ay be#insK Mere!y "he s-reen. On "ha" s-reen you see "he en"ire sho3' and <or a!! a$$earan-es "he $i-"ures are rea!. Bu" #o and "ry "o "a%e ho!d o< "hem. *ha" do you "a%e ho!d o<K Mere!y "he s-reen on 3hi-h "he $i-"ures a$$eared. A<"er "he $!ay' 3hen "he $i-"ures disa$$ear' 3ha" remainsK 6he s-reen a#ain. o 3i"h "he e!<. 6ha" a!one eBis"s' "he $i-"ures -ome and #o. I< you ho!d on "o "he e!<' you 3i!! no" be de-eived by "he a$$earan-e o< "he $i-"ures. Nor does i" ma""er a" a!! i< "he $i-"ures a$$ear or disa$$ear. I#norin# "he e!< "he aCnani "hin%s "he 3or!d is rea!' Cus" as i#norin# "he s-reen he sees mere!y "he $i-"ures' as i< "hey eBis"ed a$ar" <rom i". I< one %no3s "ha" 3i"hou" "he seer "here is no"hin# "o be seen' Cus" as "here are no $i-"ures 3i"hou" "he s-reen' one is no" de!uded. 6he Cnani %no3s "ha" "he s-reen and "he $i-"ures are on!y "he e!<. *i"h "he $i-"ures "he e!< is in i"s mani<es" <ormI 3i"hou" "he $i-"ures i" remains in "he unmani<es" <orm. 6o "he Cnani i" is Eui"e imma"eria! i< "he e!< is in "he one <orm or "he o"her. 2e is a!3ays "he e!<. Bu" "he aCnani seein# "he Cnani a-"ive #e"s -on<ounded. #$ Does Bha#avan see "he 3or!d as $ar" and $ar-e! o< himse!<K 2o3 does he see "he 3or!dK A$ 6he e!< a!one is and no"hin# e!se. 2o3ever' i" is di<<eren"ia"ed o3in# "o i#noran-e. Di<<eren"ia"ion is "hree<o!d? 71: o< "he same %indI 7,: o< a di<<eren" %indI and 7/: as $ar"s in i"se!<. 6he 3or!d is no" ano"her e!< simi!ar "o "he e!<. I" is no" di<<eren" <rom "he e!<I nor is i" $ar" o< "he e!<. #$ Is no" "he 3or!d re<!e-"ed on "he e!<K A$ @or re<!e-"ion "here mus" be an obCe-" and an ima#e. Bu" "he e!< does no" admi" o< "hese di<<eren-es. #$ Does a Cnani have dreamsK A$ Yes' he does dream' bu" he %no3s i" "o be a dream' in "he same 3ay as he %no3s "he 3a%in# s"a"e "o be a dream. You may -a!! "hem dream no.1 and dream no.,. 6he Cnani bein# es"ab!ished in "he <our"h s"a"e "uriya' "he su$reme

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rea!i"y he de"a-hed!y 3i"nesses "he "hree o"her s"a"es' 3a%in#' dreamin# and dream!ess s!ee$' as $i-"ures su$erim$osed on i". @or "hose 3ho eB$erien-e 3a%in#' dream and s!ee$' "he s"a"e o< 3a%e<u! s!ee$' 3hi-h is beyond "hose "hree s"a"es' is named "uriya L"he <our"hM. Bu" sin-e "ha" "uriya a!one eBis"s and sin-e "he seemin# "hree s"a"es do no" eBis"' %no3 <or -er"ain "ha" "uriya is i"se!< "uriya"i"a L"ha" 3hi-h "rans-ends "he <our"hM. #$ @or "he Cnani "hen' "here is no dis"in-"ion be"3een "he "hree s"a"es o< mindK A$ 2o3 -an "here be' 3hen "he mind i"se!< is disso!ved and !os" in "he !i#h" o< -ons-iousnessK @or "he Cnani a!! "he "hree s"a"es are eEua!!y unrea!. Bu" "he aCnani is unab!e "o -om$rehend "his' be-ause <or him "he s"andard o< rea!i"y is "he 3a%in# s"a"e' 3hereas <or "he Cnani "he s"andard o< rea!i"y is rea!i"y i"se!<. 6his rea!i"y o< $ure -ons-iousness is e"erna! by i"s na"ure and "here<ore subsis"s eEua!!y durin# 3ha" you -a!! 3a%in#' dreamin# and s!ee$. 6o him 3ho is one 3i"h "ha" rea!i"y "here is nei"her "he mind nor i"s "hree s"a"es and' "here<ore' nei"her in"roversion nor eB"roversion. 2is is "he everD3a%in# s"a"e' be-ause he is a3a%e "o "he e"erna! e!<I his is "he everDdreamin# s"a"e' be-ause "o him "he 3or!d is no be""er "han a re$ea"ed!y $resen"ed dream $henomenonI his is "he everDs!ee$in# s"a"e' be-ause he is a" a!! "imes 3i"hou" "he 8bodyDamDI9 -ons-iousness. #$ Is "here no deha"ma buddhi LIDamD"heDbody ideaM <or "he CnaniK I<' <or ins"an-e' ri Bha#avan is bi""en by an inse-"' is "here no sensa"ionK A$ 6here is "he sensa"ion and "here is a!so "he deha"ma buddhi. 6he !a""er is -ommon "o bo"h Cnani and aCnani 3i"h "his di<<eren-e' "ha" "he aCnani "hin%s on!y "he body is myse!<' 3hereas "he Cnani %no3s a!! is o< "he e!<' or a!! "his is Brahman. I< "here be $ain !e" i" be. I" is a!so $ar" o< "he e!<. 6he e!< is $oorna L$er<e-"M. A<"er "rans-endin# deha"ma buddhi one be-omes a Cnani. In "he absen-e o< "ha" idea "here -anno" be ei"her %ar"ri"va Ldoershi$M or %ar"a LdoerM. o a Cnani has no %arma L"ha" is' a Cnani $er<orms no a-"ionsM. 6ha" is his eB$erien-e. O"her3ise he is no" a Cnani. 2o3ever "he aCnani iden"i<ies "he Cnani 3i"h his body' 3hi-h "he Cnani does no" do. #$ I see you doin# "hin#s. 2o3 -an you say "ha" you never $er<orm a-"ionsK A$ 6he radio sin#s and s$ea%s' bu" i< you o$en i" you 3i!! <ind no one inside. imi!ar!y' my eBis"en-e is !i%e "he s$a-eI "hou#h "his body s$ea%s !i%e "he radio' "here is no one inside as a doer. #$ I <ind "his hard "o unders"and. +ou!d you $!ease e!abora"e on "hisK A$ 5arious i!!us"ra"ions are #iven in boo%s "o enab!e us "o unders"and ho3 "he Cnani -an !ive and a-" 3i"hou" "he mind' a!"hou#h !ivin# and a-"in# reEuire "he use o< "he mind. 6he $o""er9s 3hee! #oes on "urnin# round even a<"er "he $o""er has -eased "o "urn i" be-ause "he $o" is <inished. In "he same 3ay' "he e!e-"ri- <an #oes on revo!vin# <or some minu"es a<"er 3e s3i"-h o<< "he -urren". 6he $rarabdha L$redes"ined %armaM 3hi-h -rea"ed "he body 3i!! ma%e i" #o "hrou#h 3ha"ever a-"ivi"ies i" 3as mean" <or. Bu" "he Cnani #oes "hrou#h a!! "hese a-"ivi"ies 3i"hou" "he no"ion "ha" he is "he doer o< "hem. I" is hard "o unders"and ho3 "his is $ossib!e. 6he i!!us"ra"ion #enera!!y #iven is "ha" "he Cnani $er<orms a-"ions in some su-h 3ay as a -hi!d "ha" is roused <rom s!ee$ "o ea" ea"s bu" does no" remember neB" mornin# "ha" i" a"e. I" has "o be remembered "ha" a!! "hese eB$!ana"ions are no" <or "he Cnani. 2e %no3s and has no doub"s. 2e %no3s "ha" he is no" "he body and he %no3s "ha" he is no" doin# any"hin# even "hou#h his body may be en#a#ed in some a-"ivi"y. 6hese eB$!ana"ions are <or "he on!oo%ers 3ho "hin% o< "he Cnani as one 3i"h a body and -anno" he!$ iden"i<yin# him 3i"h his body. #$ I" is said "ha" "he sho-% o< rea!iJa"ion is so #rea" "ha" "he body -anno" survive i". A$ 6here are various -on"roversies or s-hoo!s o< "hou#h" as "o 3he"her a Cnani -an -on"inue "o !ive in his $hysi-a! body a<"er rea!iJa"ion. ome ho!d "ha" one 3ho dies -anno" be a Cnani be-ause his body mus" vanish in"o air' or some su-h "hin#. 6hey $u" <or3ard a!! sor"s o< <unny no"ions. I< a man mus" a" on-e !eave his body 3hen he rea!ises "he e!<' I 3onder ho3 any %no3!ed#e o< "he e!< or "he s"a"e o< rea!iJa"ion -an -ome do3n "o o"her men. And "ha" 3ou!d mean "ha" a!! "hose 3ho have #iven us "he <rui"s o< "heir e!<Drea!iJa"ion in boo%s -anno" be -onsidered Cnanis be-ause "hey 3en" on !ivin# a<"er rea!iJa"ion. And i< i" is he!d "ha" a man -anno" be -onsidered a Cnani so !on# as he $er<orms a-"ions in "he 3or!d 7and a-"ion is im$ossib!e 3i"hou" "he mind:' "hen no" on!y "he #rea" sa#es 3ho -arried on various

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

%inds o< 3or% a<"er a""ainin# Cnana mus" be -onsidered aCnanis bu" "he #ods a!so' and Is3ara L"he su$reme $ersona! God o< 2induismM himse!<' sin-e he -on"inues !oo%in# a<"er "he 3or!d. 6he <a-" is "ha" any amoun" o< a-"ion -an be $er<ormed' and $er<ormed Eui"e 3e!!' by "he Cnani' 3i"hou" his iden"i<yin# himse!< 3i"h i" in any 3ay or ever ima#inin# "ha" he is "he doer. ome $o3er a-"s "hrou#h his body and uses his body "o #e" "he 3or% done. #$ Is a Cnani -a$ab!e o< or !i%e!y "o -ommi" sinsK A$ An aCnani sees someone as a Cnani and iden"i<ies him 3i"h "he body. Be-ause he does no" %no3 "he e!< and mis"a%es his body <or "he e!<' he eB"ends "he same mis"a%e "o "he s"a"e o< "he Cnani. 6he Cnani is "here<ore -onsidered "o be "he $hysi-a! <rame. A#ain sin-e "he aCnani' "hou#h he is no" "he doer' ima#ines himse!< "o be "he doer and -onsiders "he a-"ions o< "he body his o3n' he "hin%s "he Cnani "o be simi!ar!y a-"in# 3hen "he body is a-"ive. Bu" "he Cnani himse!< %no3s "he "ru"h and is no" -on<ounded. 6he s"a"e o< a Cnani -anno" be de"ermined by "he aCnani and "here<ore "he Eues"ion "roub!es on!y "he aCnani and never arises <or "he Cnani. I< he is a doer he mus" de"ermine "he na"ure o< "he a-"ions. 6he e!< -anno" be "he doer. @ind ou" 3ho is "he doer and "he e!< is revea!ed. #$ o i" amoun"s "o "his. 6o see a Cnani is no" "o unders"and him. You see "he Cnani9s body and no" his Cnana. One mus" "here<ore be a Cnani "o %no3 a Cnani. A$ 6he Cnani sees no one as an aCnani. A!! are on!y Cnanis in his si#h". In "he i#noran" s"a"e one su$erim$oses one9s i#noran-e on a Cnani and mis"a%es him <or a doer. In "he s"a"e o< Cnana' "he Cnani sees no"hin# se$ara"e <rom "he e!<. 6he e!< is a!! shinin# and on!y $ure Cnana. o "here is no aCnana in his si#h". 6here is an i!!us"ra"ion <or "his %ind o< i!!usion or su$erim$osi"ion. 63o <riends 3en" "o s!ee$ side by side. One o< "hem dream" "ha" bo"h o< "hem had #one on a !on# Courney and "ha" "hey had had s"ran#e eB$erien-es. On 3a%in# u$ he re-a$i"u!a"ed "hem and as%ed his <riend i< i" 3as no" so. 6he o"her one sim$!y ridi-u!ed him sayin# "ha" i" 3as on!y his dream and -ou!d no" a<<e-" "he o"her. o i" is 3i"h "he aCnani 3ho su$erim$oses his i!!usory ideas on o"hers. #$ You have said "ha" "he Cnani -an be and is a-"ive' and dea!s 3i"h men and "hin#s. I have no doub" abou" i" no3. Bu" you say a" "he same "ime "ha" he sees no di<<eren-esI "o him a!! is one' he is a!3ays in "he -ons-iousness. I< so' ho3 does he dea! 3i"h di<<eren-es' 3i"h men' 3i"h "hin#s 3hi-h are sure!y di<<eren"K A$ 2e sees "hese di<<eren-es as bu" a$$earan-es' he sees "hem as no" se$ara"e <rom "he "rue' "he rea!' 3i"h 3hi-h he is one. #$ 6he Cnani seems "o be more a--ura"e in his eB$ressions' he a$$re-ia"es "he di<<eren-es be""er "han "he ordinary man. I< su#ar is s3ee" and 3orm3ood is bi""er "o me' he "oo seems "o rea!iJe i" so. In <a-"' a!! <orms' a!! sounds' a!! "as"es' e"-.' are "he same "o him as "hey are "o o"hers. I< so' ho3 -an i" be said "ha" "hese are mere a$$earan-esK Do "hey no" <orm $ar" o< his !i<eDeB$erien-eK A$ I have said "ha" eEua!i"y is "he "rue si#n o< Cnana. 6he very "erm eEua!i"y im$!ies "he eBis"en-e o< di<<eren-es. I" is a uni"y "ha" "he Cnani $er-eives in a!! di<<eren-es' 3hi-h I -a!! eEua!i"y. EEua!i"y does no" mean i#noran-e o< dis"in-"ions. *hen you have "he rea!iJa"ion you -an see "ha" "hese di<<eren-es are very su$er<i-ia!' "ha" "hey are no" a" a!! subs"an"ia! or $ermanen"' and 3ha" is essen"ia! in a!! "hese a$$earan-es is "he one "ru"h' "he rea!. 6ha" I -a!! uni"y. You re<erred "o sound' "as"e' <orm' sme!!' e"-. 6rue "he Cnani a$$re-ia"es "he dis"in-"ions' bu" he a!3ays $er-eives and eB$erien-es "he one rea!i"y in a!! o< "hem. 6ha" is 3hy he has no $re<eren-es. *he"her he moves abou"' or "a!%s' or a-"s' i" is a!! "he one rea!i"y in 3hi-h he a-"s or moves or "a!%s. 2e has no"hin# a$ar" <rom "he one su$reme "ru"h. #$ 6hey say "ha" "he Cnani -ondu-"s himse!< 3i"h abso!u"e eEua!i"y "o3ards a!!K A$ Yes. @riendshi$' %indness' ha$$iness and su-h o"her bhavas La""i"udesM be-ome na"ura! "o "hem.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A<<e-"ion "o3ards "he #ood' %indness "o3ards "he he!$!ess' ha$$iness in doin# #ood deeds' <or#iveness "o3ards "he 3i-%ed' a!! su-h "hin#s are na"ura! -hara-"eris"i-s o< "he Cnani 7Pa"anCa!i' Yo#a u"ras' 1?/0:. You as% abou" Cnanis? "hey are "he same in any s"a"e or -ondi"ion' as "hey %no3 "he rea!i"y' "he "ru"h. In "heir dai!y rou"ine o< "a%in# <ood' movin# abou" and a!! "he res"' "hey' "he Cnanis' a-" on!y <or o"hers. No" a sin#!e a-"ion is done <or "hemse!ves. I have a!ready "o!d you many "imes "ha" Cus" as "here are $eo$!e 3hose $ro<ession is "o mourn <or a <ee' so a!so "he Cnanis do "hin#s <or "he sa%e o< o"hers 3i"h de"a-hmen"' 3i"hou" "hemse!ves bein# a<<e-"ed by "hem. 6he Cnani 3ee$s 3i"h "he 3ee$in#' !au#hs 3i"h "he !au#hin#' $!ays 3i"h "he $!ay<u!' sin#s 3i"h "hose 3ho sin#' %ee$in# "ime "o "he son#. *ha" does he !oseK 2is $resen-e is !i%e a $ure' "rans$aren" mirror. I" re<!e-"s "he ima#e eBa-"!y as i" is. Bu" "he Cnani' 3ho is on!y a mirror' is una<<e-"ed by a-"ions. 2o3 -an a mirror' or "he s"and on 3hi-h i" is moun"ed' be a<<e-"ed by "he re<!e-"ionsK No"hin# a<<e-"s "hem as "hey are mere su$$or"s. On "he o"her hand' "he a-"ors in "he 3or!d "he doers o< a!! a-"s' "he aCnanis mus" de-ide <or "hemse!ves 3ha" son# and 3ha" a-"ion is <or "he 3e!<are o< "he 3or!d' 3ha" is in a--ordan-e 3i"h "he sas"ras' and 3ha" is $ra-"i-ab!e. #$ 6here are said "o be sadeha mu%"a L!ibera"ed 3hi!e s"i!! in "he bodyM and videha mu%"a L!ibera"ed a" "he "ime o< dea"hM. A$ 6here is no !ibera"ion' and 3here are mu%"asK #$ Do no" 2indu sas"ras s$ea% o< mu%"iK A$ Mu%"i is synonymous 3i"h "he e!<. Hivan mu%"i L!ibera"ed 3hi!e s"i!! in "he bodyM and videha mu%"i are a!! <or "he i#noran". 6he Cnani is no" -ons-ious o< mu%"i or bandha Lbonda#eM. Bonda#e' !ibera"ion and orders o< mu%"i are a!! said <or an aCnani in order "ha" i#noran-e mi#h" be sha%en o<<. 6here is on!y mu%"i and no"hin# e!se. #$ I" is a!! ri#h" <rom "he s"and$oin" o< Bha#avan. Bu" 3ha" abou" usK A$ 6he di<<eren-e 8he9 and 8I9 are "he obs"a-!es "o Cnana. #$ You on-e said? 86he !ibera"ed man is <ree indeed "o a-" as he $!eases' and 3hen he !eaves "he mor"a! -oi!' he a""ains abso!u"ion' bu" re"urns no" "o "his bir"h 3hi-h is a-"ua!!y dea"h.9 6his s"a"emen" #ives "he im$ression "ha" a!"hou#h "he Cnani "a%es no bir"h a#ain on "his $!ane' he may -on"inue "o 3or% on sub"!er $!anes' i< he so -hooses. Is "here any desire !e<" in him "o -hooseK A$ No' "ha" 3as no" my in"en"ion. #$ @ur"her' an Indian $hi!oso$her' in one o< his boo%s' in"er$re"in# an%ara' says "ha" "here is no su-h "hin# as videha mu%"i' <or a<"er his dea"h' "he mu%"a "a%es a body o< !i#h" in 3hi-h he remains "i!! "he 3ho!e o< humani"y be-omes !ibera"ed. A$ 6ha" -anno" be an%ara9s vie3. In verse 1>> o< 5iveD%a-hudamani he says "ha" a<"er "he disso!u"ion o< "he $hysi-a! shea"h "he !ibera"ed man be-omes !i%e 83a"er $oured in"o 3a"er and oi! in"o oi!9. I" is a s"a"e in 3hi-h "here is nei"her bonda#e nor !ibera"ion. 6a%in# ano"her body means "hro3in# a vei!' ho3ever sub"!e' u$on rea!i"y' 3hi-h is bonda#e. &ibera"ion is abso!u"e and irrevo-ab!e. #$ 2o3 -an 3e say "he Cnani is no" in "3o $!anesK 2e moves abou" 3i"h us in "he 3or!d and sees "he various obCe-"s 3e see. I" is no" as i< he does no" see "hem. @or ins"an-e he 3a!%s a!on#. 2e sees "he $a"h he is "readin#. u$$ose "here is a -hair or "ab!e $!a-ed a-ross "ha" $a"hI he sees i"' avoids i" and #oes round. o' have 3e no" "o admi" he sees "he 3or!d and "he obCe-"s "here' 3hi!e o< -ourse he sees "he e!<K A$ You say "he Cnani sees "he $a"h' "reads i"' -omes a-ross obs"a-!es' avoids "hem' e"-. In 3hose eyeDsi#h" is a!! "his' in "he Cnani9s or yoursK 2e sees on!y "he e!< and a!! in "he e!<. #$ Are "here no" i!!us"ra"ions #iven in our boo%s "o eB$!ain "his sahaCa Lna"ura!M s"a"e -!ear!y "o usK A$ 6here are. @or ins"an-e you see a re<!e-"ion in "he mirror and "he mirror. You %no3 "he mirror "o be "he rea!i"y and "he $i-"ure in i" a mere re<!e-"ion. Is i" ne-essary "ha" "o see "he mirror 3e shou!d -ease "o see "he re<!e-"ion in i"K

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ *ha" are "he <undamen"a! "es"s <or dis-overin# men o< #rea" s$iri"ua!i"y' sin-e some are re$or"ed "o behave !i%e insane $eo$!eK A$ 6he Cnani9s mind is %no3n on!y "o "he Cnani. One mus" be a Cnani onese!< in order "o unders"and ano"her Cnani. 2o3ever "he $ea-e o< mind 3hi-h $ermea"es "he sain"9s a"mos$here is "he on!y means by 3hi-h "he see%er unders"ands "he #rea"ness o< "he sain". 2is 3ords or a-"ions or a$$earan-e are no indi-a"ion o< his #rea"ness' <or "hey are ordinari!y beyond "he -om$rehension o< -ommon $eo$!e. #$ *hy is i" said in s-ri$"ures "ha" "he sa#e is !i%e a -hi!dK A$ A -hi!d and a Cnani are simi!ar in a 3ay. In-iden"s in"eres" a -hi!d on!y so !on# as "hey !as". I" -eases "o "hin% o< "hem a<"er "hey have $assed a3ay. o "hen' i" is a$$aren" "ha" "hey do no" !eave any im$ression on "he -hi!d and i" is no" a<<e-"ed by "hem men"a!!y. o i" is 3i"h a Cnani. #$ You are Bha#avan. o you shou!d %no3 3hen I sha!! #e" Cnana. 6e!! me 3hen I sha!! be a Cnani. A$ I< I am Bha#avan "here is no one besides "he e!< "here<ore no Cnani or aCnani. I< o"her3ise' I am as #ood as you are and %no3 as mu-h as yourse!<. Ei"her 3ay I -anno" ans3er your Eues"ion. +omin# here' some $eo$!e do no" as% abou" "hemse!ves. 6hey as%? 8Does "he Civan mu%"a see "he 3or!dK Is he a<<e-"ed by %armaK *ha" is !ibera"ion a<"er bein# disembodiedK Is one !ibera"ed on!y a<"er bein# disembodied or even 3hi!e a!ive in "he bodyK hou!d "he body o< "he sa#e reso!ve i"se!< in !i#h" or disa$$ear <rom vie3 in any o"her mannerK +an he be !ibera"ed "hou#h "he body is !e<" behind as a -or$seK9 6heir Eues"ions are end!ess. *hy 3orry onese!< in so many 3aysK Does !ibera"ion -onsis" in %no3in# "hese "hin#sK 6here<ore I say "o "hem' 8&eave !ibera"ion a!one. Is "here bonda#eK Kno3 "his. ee yourse!< <irs" and <oremos".9

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

PART TWO - En2uiry and surrender

8I eBis"9 is "he on!y $ermanen" se!<Deviden" eB$erien-e o< everyone. No"hin# e!se is so se!<D eviden" as 8I am9. *ha" $eo$!e -a!! se!<Deviden"' "ha" is' "he eB$erien-e "hey #e" "hrou#h "he senses' is <ar <rom se!<Deviden". 6he e!< a!one is "ha". o "o do se!<DenEuiry and be "ha" 8I am9 is "he on!y "hin# "o do. 8I am9 is rea!i"y. I am "his or "ha" is unrea!. 8I am9 is "ru"h' ano"her name <or e!<. Devo"ion is no"hin# more "han %no3in# onese!<. On s-ru"iny' su$reme devo"ion and Cnana are in na"ure one and "he same. 6o say "ha" one o< "hese "3o is a means "o "he o"her is due "o no" %no3in# "he na"ure o< ei"her o< "hem. Kno3 "ha" "he $a"h o< Cnana and "he $a"h o< devo"ion are in"erre!a"ed. @o!!o3 "hese inse$arab!e "3o $a"hs 3i"hou" dividin# one <rom "he o"her.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 4 - Self-enquiry theory

I" 3i!! be remembered "ha" in "he -ha$"er on e!<Da3areness and e!<Di#noran-e ri Ramana main"ained "ha" e!<D rea!iJa"ion -ou!d be brou#h" abou" mere!y by #ivin# u$ "he idea "ha" "here is an individua! se!< 3hi-h <un-"ions "hrou#h "he body and "he mind. A <e3 o< his advan-ed devo"ees 3ere ab!e "o do "his Eui-%!y and easi!y' bu" "he o"hers <ound i" vir"ua!!y im$ossib!e "o dis-ard "he in#rained habi"s o< a !i<e"ime 3i"hou" under"a%in# some <orm o< s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e. ri Ramana sym$a"hised 3i"h "heir $redi-amen" and 3henever he 3as as%ed "o $res-ribe a s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e 3hi-h 3ou!d <a-i!i"a"e e!<Da3areness he 3ou!d re-ommend a "e-hniEue he -a!!ed se!<DenEuiry. 6his $ra-"i-e 3as "he -orners"one o< his $ra-"i-a! $hi!oso$hy and "he neB" "hree -ha$"ers 3i!! be devo"ed "o a de"ai!ed $resen"a"ion o< a!! i"s as$e-"s. Be<ore embar%in# on a des-ri$"ion o< "he "e-hniEue i"se!< i" 3i!! be ne-essary "o eB$!ain ri Ramana9s vie3s on "he na"ure o< "he mind sin-e "he aim o< se!<DenEuiry is "o dis-over' by dire-" eB$erien-e' "ha" "he mind is nonDeBis"en". A--ordin# "o ri Ramana' every -ons-ious a-"ivi"y o< "he mind or body revo!ves around "he "a-i" assum$"ion "ha" "here is an 8I9 3ho is doin# some"hin#. 6he -ommon <a-"or in 8I "hin%9' 8I remember9' 8I am a-"in#9 is "he 8I9 3ho assumes "ha" i" is res$onsib!e <or a!! "hese a-"ivi"ies. ri Ramana -a!!ed "his -ommon <a-"or "he 8I9D"hou#h" 7ahamDvri""i:. &i"era!!y ahamDvri""i means 8men"a! modi<i-a"ion o< I9. 6he e!< or rea! 8I9 never ima#ines "ha" i" is doin# or "hin%in# any"hin#I "he 8I9 "ha" ima#ines a!! "his is a men"a! <i-"ion and so i" is -a!!ed a men"a! modi<i-a"ion o< "he e!<. in-e "his is a ra"her -umbersome "rans!a"ion o< ahamDvri""i i" is usua!!y "rans!a"ed as 8I9D"hou#h". ri Ramana u$he!d "he vie3 "ha" "he no"ion o< individua!i"y is on!y "he 8I9D"hou#h" mani<es"in# i"se!< in di<<eren" 3ays. Ins"ead o< re#ardin# "he di<<eren" a-"ivi"ies o< "he mind 7su-h as e#o' in"e!!e-" and memory: as se$ara"e <un-"ions he $re<erred "o vie3 "hem a!! as di<<eren" <orms o< "he 8I9D"hou#h". in-e he eEua"ed individua!i"y 3i"h "he mind and "he mind 3i"h "he 8I9D"hou#h" i" <o!!o3s "ha" "he disa$$earan-e o< "he sense o< individua!i"y 7i.e. e!<Drea!iJa"ion: im$!ies "he disa$$earan-e o< bo"h "he mind and "he 8I9D"hou#h". 6his is -on<irmed by his <reEuen" s"a"emen"s "o "he e<<e-" "ha" a<"er e!<Drea!iJa"ion "here is no "hin%er o< "hou#h"s' no $er<ormer o< a-"ions and no a3areness o< individua! eBis"en-e. in-e he u$he!d "he no"ion "ha" "he e!< is "he on!y eBis"in# rea!i"y he re#arded "he 8I9D"hou#h" as a mis"a%en assum$"ion 3hi-h has no rea! eBis"en-e o< i"s o3n. 2e eB$!ained i"s a$$earan-e by sayin# "ha" i" -an on!y a$$ear "o eBis" by iden"i<yin# 3i"h an obCe-". *hen "hou#h"s arise "he 8I9D "hou#h" -!aims o3nershi$ o< "hem D 8I "hin%9' 8I be!ieve9' 8I 3an"9' 8I am a-"in#9 D bu" "here is no se$ara"e 8I9D"hou#h" "ha" eBis"s inde$enden"!y o< "he obCe-"s "ha" i" is iden"i<yin# 3i"h. I" on!y a$$ears "o eBis" as a rea! -on"inuous en"i"y be-ause o< "he in-essan" <!o3 o< iden"i<i-a"ions 3hi-h are -on"inua!!y "a%in# $!a-e. A!mos" a!! o< "hese iden"i<i-a"ions -an be "ra-ed ba-% "o an ini"ia! assum$"ion "ha" "he 8I9 is !imi"ed "o "he body' ei"her as an o3nerDo--u$an" or -oDeB"ensive 3i"h i"s $hysi-a! <orm. 6his 8I am "he body9 idea is "he $rimary sour-e o< a!! subseEuen" 3ron# iden"i<i-a"ions and i"s disso!u"ion is "he $rin-i$a! aim o< se!<D enEuiry. ri Ramana main"ained "ha" "his "enden-y "o3ards se!<D!imi"in# iden"i<i-a"ions -ou!d be -he-%ed by "ryin# "o se$ara"e "he subCe-" 8I9 <rom "he obCe-"s o< "hou#h" 3hi-h i" iden"i<ied 3i"h. in-e "he individua! 8I9D"hou#h" -anno" eBis" 3i"hou" an obCe-"' i< a""en"ion is <o-used on "he subCe-"ive <ee!in# o< 8I9 or 8I am9 3i"h su-h in"ensi"y "ha" "he "hou#h"s 8I am "his9 or 8I am "ha"9 do no" arise' "hen "he individua! 8I9 3i!! be unab!e "o -onne-" 3i"h obCe-"s. I< "his a3areness o< 8I9 is sus"ained' "he individua! 8I9 7"he 8I9D"hou#h": 3i!! disa$$ear and in i"s $!a-e "here 3i!! be a dire-" eB$erien-e o< "he e!<. 6his -ons"an" a""en"ion "o "he inner a3areness o< 8I9 or 8I am9 3as -a!!ed se!<DenEuiry 7vi-hara: by ri Ramana and he -ons"an"!y re-ommended i" as "he mos" e<<i-ien" and dire-" 3ay o< dis-overin# "he unrea!i"y o< "he 8I9D"hou#h". In ri Ramana9s "ermino!o#y "he 8I9D"hou#h" rises <rom "he e!< or "he 2ear" and subsides ba-% in"o "he e!< 3hen i"s "enden-y "o iden"i<y i"se!< 3i"h "hou#h" obCe-"s -eases. Be-ause o< "his he o<"en "ai!ored his advi-e "o -on<orm "o "his ima#e o< a risin# and subsidin# 8I9. 2e mi#h" say 8"ra-e "he 8I9D"hou#h" ba-% "o i"s sour-e9' or 8<ind ou" 3here "he 8I9 rises <rom9' bu" "he im$!i-a"ion 3as a!3ays "he same. *ha"ever "he !an#ua#e used he 3as advisin# his devo"ees "o main"ain a3areness o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" un"i! i" disso!ved in "he sour-e <rom 3hi-h i" -ame.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

2e some"imes men"ioned "ha" "hin%in# or re$ea"in# 8I9 men"a!!y 3ou!d a!so !ead one in "he ri#h" dire-"ion bu" i" is im$or"an" "o no"e "ha" "his is on!y a $re!iminary s"a#e o< "he $ra-"i-e. 6he re$e"i"ion o< 8I9 s"i!! invo!ves a subCe-" 7"he 8I9D"hou#h": havin# a $er-e$"ion o< an obCe-" 7"he "hou#h"s 8I' I9: and 3hi!e su-h dua!i"y eBis"s "he 8I9D"hou#h" 3i!! -on"inue "o "hrive. I" on!y <ina!!y disa$$ears 3hen "he $er-e$"ion o< a!! obCe-"s' bo"h $hysi-a! and men"a!' -eases. 6his is no" brou#h" abou" by bein# a3are o< an 8I9' bu" on!y by bein# "he 8I9. 6his s"a#e o< eB$erien-in# "he subCe-" ra"her "han bein# a3are o< an obCe-" is "he -u!mina"in# $hase o< se!<DenEuiry and i" 3i!! be eB$!ained in #rea"er de"ai! in "he <o!!o3in# -ha$"er. 6his im$or"an" dis"in-"ion is "he %ey e!emen" 3hi-h dis"in#uishes se!<DenEuiry <rom near!y a!! o"her s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-es and i" eB$!ains 3hy ri Ramana -onsis"en"!y main"ained "ha" mos" o"her $ra-"i-es 3ere ine<<e-"ive. 2e o<"en $oin"ed ou" "ha" "radi"iona! medi"a"ions and yo#a $ra-"i-es ne-essi"a"e "he eBis"en-e o< a subCe-" 3ho medi"a"es on an obCe-" and he 3ou!d usua!!y add "ha" su-h a re!a"ionshi$ sus"ained "he 8I9D"hou#h" ins"ead o< e!imina"in# i". In his vie3 su-h $ra-"i-es may e<<e-"ive!y Euie"en "he mind' and "hey may even $rodu-e b!iss<u! eB$erien-es' bu" "hey 3i!! never -u!mina"e in e!<Drea!iJa"ion be-ause "he 8I9D"hou#h" is no" bein# iso!a"ed and de$rived o< i"s iden"i"y. 6he -onversa"ions 3hi-h -om$rise "his -ha$"er mos"!y dea! 3i"h ri Ramana9s vie3s on "he "heore"i-a! ba-%#round o< se!<DenEuiry. 6he $ra-"i-a! as$e-"s o< "he "e-hniEue 3i!! be eB$!ained in #rea"er de"ai! in -ha$"er 1. #$ *ha" is "he na"ure o< "he mindK A$ 6he mind is no"hin# o"her "han "he 8I9D"hou#h". 6he mind and "he e#o are one and "he same. 6he o"her men"a! <a-u!"ies su-h as "he in"e!!e-" and "he memory are on!y "his. Mind L"nanasM' in"e!!e-" LbuddhiM' "he s"orehouse o< men"a! "enden-ies L-hi""amM' and e#o Laham%araMI a!! "hese are on!y "he one mind i"se!<. 6his is !i%e di<<eren" names bein# #iven "o a man a--ordin# "o his di<<eren" <un-"ions. 6he individua! sou! LCivaM is no"hin# bu" "his sou! or e#o. #$ 2o3 sha!! 3e dis-over "he na"ure o< "he mind' "ha" is' i"s u!"ima"e -ause' or "he noumenon o< 3hi-h i" is a mani<es"a"ionK A$ Arran#in# "hou#h"s in "he order o< va!ue' "he 8I9D"hou#h" is "he a!!Dim$or"an" "hou#h". Persona!i"yDidea or "hou#h" is a!so "he roo" or "he s"em o< a!! o"her "hou#h"s' sin-e ea-h idea or "hou#h" arises on!y as someone9s "hou#h" and is no" %no3n "o eBis" inde$enden"!y o< "he e#o. 6he e#o "here<ore eBhibi"s "hou#h"Da-"ivi"y. 6he se-ond and "he "hird $ersons Lhe' you' "ha"' e"-.M do no" a$$ear eB-e$" "o "he <irs" $erson LIM. 6here<ore "hey arise on!y a<"er "he <irs" $erson a$$ears' so a!! "he "hree $ersons seem "o rise and sin% "o#e"her. 6ra-e' "hen' "he u!"ima"e -ause o< 8I9 or $ersona!i"y. @rom 3here does "his 8I9 ariseK ee% <or i" 3i"hinI i" "hen vanishes. 6his is "he $ursui" o< 3isdom. *hen "he mind un-easin#!y inves"i#a"es i"s o3n na"ure' i" "rans$ires "ha" "here is no su-h "hin# as mind. 6his is "he dire-" $a"h <or a!!. 6he mind is mere!y "hou#h"s. O< a!! "hou#h"s "he "hou#h" 8I9 is "he roo". 6here<ore "he mind is on!y "he "hou#h" 8I9. 6he bir"h o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" is one9s o3n bir"h' i"s dea"h is "he $erson9s dea"h. A<"er "he 8I9D "hou#h" has arisen' "he 3ron# iden"i"y 3i"h "he body arises. Ge" rid o< "he 8I9D"hou#h". o !on# as 8I9 is a!ive "here is #rie<. *hen 8I9 -eases "o eBis" "here is no #rie<. #$ Yes' bu" 3hen I "a%e "o "he 8I9D"hou#h"' o"her "hou#h"s arise and dis"urb me. A$ ee 3hose "hou#h"s "hey are. 6hey 3i!! vanish. 6hey have "heir roo" in "he sin#!e 8I9D "hou#h". 2o!d i" and "hey 3i!! disa$$ear. #$ 2o3 -an any enEuiry ini"ia"ed by "he e#o revea! i"s o3n unrea!i"yK A$ 6he e#o9s $henomena! eBis"en-e is "rans-ended 3hen you dive in"o "he sour-e <rom 3here "he 8I9D"hou#h" rises. #$ Bu" is no" "he ahamDvri""i on!y one o< "he "hree <orms in 3hi-h "he e#o mani<es"s i"se!<. Yo#a 5asish"ha and o"her an-ien" "eB"s des-ribe "he e#o as havin# a "hree<o!d <orm. A$ I" is so. 6he e#o is des-ribed as havin# "hree bodies' "he #ross' "he sub"!e and "he -ausa!' bu" "ha" is on!y <or "he

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

$ur$ose o< ana!y"i-a! eB$osi"ion. I< "he me"hod o< enEuiry 3ere "o de$end on "he e#o9s <orm' you may "a%e i" "ha" any enEuiry 3ou!d be-ome a!"o#e"her im$ossib!e' be-ause "he <orms "he e#o may assume are !e#ion. 6here<ore' <or "he $ur$oses o< se!<DenEuiry you have "o $ro-eed on "he basis "ha" "he e#o has bu" one <orm' name!y "ha" o< ahamDvri""i. #$ Bu" i" may $rove inadeEua"e <or rea!isin# Cnana. A$ e!<DenEuiry by <o!!o3in# "he -!ue o< ahamDvri""i is Cus" !i%e "he do# "ra-in# his mas"er by his s-en". 6he mas"er may be a" some dis"an" un%no3n $!a-e' bu" "ha" does no" s"and in "he 3ay o< "he do# "ra-in# him. 6he mas"er9s s-en" is an in<a!!ib!e -!ue <or "he anima!' and no"hin# e!se' su-h as "he dress he 3ears' or his bui!d and s"a"ure' e"-.' -oun"s. 6o "ha" s-en" "he do# ho!ds on undis"ra-"ed!y 3hi!e sear-hin# <or him' and <ina!!y i" su--eeds in "ra-in# him. #$ 6he Eues"ion s"i!! remains 3hy "he Eues" <or "he sour-e o< ahamDvri""i' as dis"in#uished <rom o"her vri""is Lmodi<i-a"ions o< "he mindM' shou!d be -onsidered "he dire-" means "o e!<Drea!iJa"ion. A$ A!"hou#h "he -on-e$" o< 8I9Dness or 8I am9Dness is by usa#e %no3n as ahamDvri""i i" is no" rea!!y a vri""i Lmodi<i-a"ionM !i%e o"her vri""is o< "he mind. Be-ause un!i%e "he o"her vri""is 3hi-h have no essen"ia! in"erre!a"ion' "he ahamDvri""i is eEua!!y and essen"ia!!y re!a"ed "o ea-h and every vri""i o< "he mind. *i"hou" "he ahamDvri""i "here -an be no o"her vri""i' bu" "he ahamDvri""i -an subsis" by i"se!< 3i"hou" de$endin# on any o"her vri""i o< "he mind. 6he ahamD vri""i is "here<ore <undamen"a!!y di<<eren" <rom o"her vri""is. o "hen' "he sear-h <or "he sour-e o< "he ahamDvri""i is no" mere!y "he sear-h <or "he basis o< one o< "he <orms o< "he e#o bu" <or "he very sour-e i"se!< <rom 3hi-h arises "he 8I am9Dness. In o"her 3ords' "he Eues" <or and "he rea!iJa"ion o< "he sour-e o< "he e#o in "he <orm o< ahamDvri""i ne-essari!y im$!ies "he "rans-enden-e o< "he e#o in every one o< i"s $ossib!e <orms. #$ +on-edin# "ha" "he ahamDvri""i essen"ia!!y -om$rises a!! "he <orms o< "he e#o' 3hy shou!d "ha" vri""i a!one be -hosen as "he means <or se!<DenEuiryK A$ Be-ause i" is "he one irredu-ib!e da"um o< your eB$erien-e and be-ause see%in# i"s sour-e is "he on!y $ra-"i-ab!e -ourse you -an ado$" "o rea!iJe "he e!<. 6he e#o is said "o have a -ausa! body L"he s"a"e o< "he 8I9 durin# s!ee$M' bu" ho3 -an you ma%e i" "he subCe-" o< your inves"i#a"ionK *hen "he e#o ado$"s "ha" <orm' you are immersed in "he dar%ness o< s!ee$. #$ Bu" is no" "he e#o in i"s sub"!e and -ausa! <orms "oo in"an#ib!e "o be "a-%!ed "hrou#h "he enEuiry in"o "he sour-e o< ahamDvri""i -ondu-"ed 3hi!e "he mind is a3a%eK A$ No. 6he enEuiry in"o "he sour-e o< ahamDvri""i "ou-hes "he very eBis"en-e o< "he e#o. 6here<ore "he sub"!e"y o< "he e#o9s <orm is no" a ma"eria! -onsidera"ion. #$ *hi!e "he one aim is "o rea!iJe "he un-ondi"ioned' $ure bein# o< "he e!<' 3hi-h is in no 3ay de$enden" on "he e#o' ho3 -an enEuiry $er"ainin# "o "he e#o in "he <orm o< ahamDvri""i be o< any useK A$ @rom "he <un-"iona! $oin" o< vie3 "he e#o has one and on!y one -hara-"eris"i-. 6he e#o <un-"ions as "he %no" be"3een "he e!< 3hi-h is $ure -ons-iousness and "he $hysi-a! body 3hi-h is iner" and insen"ien". 6he e#o is "here<ore -a!!ed "he -hi"DCadaD#ran"hi L"he %no" be"3een -ons-iousness and "he iner" bodyM. In your inves"i#a"ion in"o "he sour-e o< ahamDvri""i' you "a%e "he essen"ia! -hi" L-ons-iousnessM as$e-" o< "he e#o. @or "his reason "he enEuiry mus" !ead "o "he rea!iJa"ion o< $ure -ons-iousness o< "he e!<. You mus" dis"in#uish be"3een "he 8I9' $ure in i"se!<' and "he 8I9D"hou#h". 6he !a""er' bein# mere!y a "hou#h"' sees subCe-" and obCe-"' s!ee$s' 3a%es u$' ea"s and "hin%s' dies and is reborn. Bu" "he $ure 8I9 is "he $ure bein#' e"erna! eBis"en-e' <ree <rom i#noran-e and "hou#h"Di!!usion. I< you s"ay as "he 8I9' your bein# a!one' 3i"hou" "hou#h"' "he 8I9D"hou#h" 3i!! disa$$ear and "he de!usion 3i!! vanish <or ever. In a -inemaDsho3 you -an see $i-"ures on!y in a very dim !i#h" or in dar%ness. Bu" 3hen a!! "he !i#h"s are s3i"-hed on' "he $i-"ures disa$$ear. o a!so in "he <!ood!i#h" o< "he su$reme a"man a!! obCe-"s disa$$ear. #$ 6ha" is "he "rans-enden"a! s"a"e. A$ No. 6rans-endin# 3ha"' and by 3homK You a!one eBis".

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ I" is said "ha" "he e!< is beyond "he mind and ye" "he rea!iJa"ion is 3i"h "he mind. 86he mind -anno" "hin% i". I" -anno" be "hou#h" o< by "he mind and "he mind a!one -an rea!iJe i".9 2o3 are "hese -on"radi-"ions "o be re-on-i!edK A$ A"man is rea!iJed 3i"h mru"a manas Ldead mindM' "ha" is' mind devoid o< "hou#h"s and "urned in3ard. 6hen "he mind sees i"s o3n sour-e and be-omes "ha" L"he e!<M. I" is no" as "he subCe-" $er-eivin# an obCe-". *hen "he room is dar% a !am$ is ne-essary "o i!!umine and eyes "o -o#nise obCe-"s. Bu" 3hen "he sun has risen "here is no need o< a !am$ "o see obCe-"s. 6o see "he sun no !am$ is ne-essary' i" is enou#h "ha" you "urn your eyes "o3ards "he se!<D!uminous sun. imi!ar!y 3i"h "he mind. 6o see obCe-"s "he re<!e-"ed !i#h" o< "he mind is ne-essary. 6o see "he 2ear" i" is enou#h "ha" "he mind is "urned "o3ards i". 6hen mind !oses i"se!< and 2ear" shines <or"h. 6he essen-e o< mind is on!y a3areness or -ons-iousness. *hen "he e#o' ho3ever' domina"es i"' i" <un-"ions as "he reasonin#' "hin%in# or sensin# <a-u!"y. 6he -osmi- mind' bein# no" !imi"ed by "he e#o' has no"hin# se$ara"e <rom i"se!< and is "here<ore on!y a3are. 6his is 3ha" "he Bib!e means by 8I am "ha" I am9. *hen "he mind $erishes in "he su$reme -ons-iousness o< one9s o3n e!<' %no3 "ha" a!! "he various $o3ers be#innin# 3i"h "he $o3er o< !i%in# Land in-!udin# "he $o3er o< doin# and "he $o3er o< %no3in#M 3i!! en"ire!y disa$$ear' bein# <ound "o be an unrea! ima#ina"ion a$$earin# in one9s o3n <orm o< -ons-iousness. 6he im$ure mind 3hi-h <un-"ions as "hin%in# and <or#e""in#' a!one is samsara' 3hi-h is "he -y-!e o< bir"h and dea"h. 6he rea! 8I9 in 3hi-h "he a-"ivi"y o< "hin%in# and <or#e""in# has $erished' a!one is "he $ure !ibera"ion. I" is devoid o< $ramada L<or#e"<u!ness o< e!<M 3hi-h is "he -ause o< bir"h and dea"h. #$ 2o3 is "he e#o "o be des"royedK A$ 2o!d "he e#o <irs" and "hen as% ho3 i" is "o be des"royed. *ho as%s "he Eues"ionK I" is "he e#o. 6his Eues"ion is a sure 3ay "o -herish "he e#o and no" "o %i!! i". I< you see% "he e#o you 3i!! <ind "ha" i" does no" eBis". 6ha" is "he 3ay "o des"roy i". #$ 2o3 is rea!iJa"ion made $ossib!eK A$ 6here is an abso!u"e e!< <rom 3hi-h a s$ar% $ro-eeds as <rom a <ire. 6he s$ar% is -a!!ed "he e#o. In "he -ase o< an i#noran" man i" iden"i<ies i"se!< 3i"h an obCe-" simu!"aneous!y 3i"h i"s rise. I" -anno" remain inde$enden" o< su-h asso-ia"ion 3i"h obCe-"s. 6he asso-ia"ion is aCnana or i#noran-e and i"s des"ru-"ion is "he obCe-" o< our e<<or"s. I< i"s obCe-"i<yin# "enden-y is %i!!ed i" remains $ure' and a!so mer#es in"o "he sour-e. 6he 3ron# iden"i<i-a"ion 3i"h "he body is deha"ma buddhi L8I am "he body9 ideaM. 6his mus" #o be<ore #ood resu!"s <o!!o3. 6he 8I9 in i"s $uri"y is eB$erien-ed in in"erva!s be"3een "he "3o s"a"es or "3o "hou#h"s. E#o is !i%e "ha" -a"er$i!!ar 3hi-h !eaves i"s ho!d on!y a<"er -a"-hin# ano"her. I"s "rue na"ure -an be <ound 3hen i" is ou" o< -on"a-" 3i"h obCe-"s or "hou#h"s. 6his #hos"!y e#o 3hi-h is devoid o< <orm -omes in"o eBis"en-e by #ras$in# a <ormI #ras$in# a <orm i" enduresI <eedin# u$on <orms 3hi-h i" #ras$s i" 3aBes moreI !eavin# one <orm i" #ras$s ano"her <orm' bu" 3hen sou#h" <or i" "a%es "o <!i#h". On!y i< "ha" <irs" $erson' "he e#o' in "he <orm 8I am "he body9' eBis"s 3i!! "he se-ond and "hird $ersons Lyou' he' "hey' e"-.M eBis". I< by one9s s-ru"inisin# "he "ru"h o< "he <irs" $erson "he <irs" $erson is des"royed' "he se-ond and "hird $ersons 3i!! -ease "o eBis" and one9s o3n na"ure 3hi-h 3i!! "hen shine as one 3i!! "ru!y be "he s"a"e o< e!<. 6he "hou#h" 8I am "his body o< <!esh and b!ood9 is "he one "hread on 3hi-h are s"run# "he various o"her "hou#h"s. 6here<ore' i< 3e "urn in3ards enEuirin# 8*here is "his IK9 a!! "hou#h"s 7in-!udin# "he 8I9D"hou#h": 3i!! -ome "o an end and e!<D%no3!ed#e 3i!! "hen s$on"aneous!y shine <or"h. #$ *hen I read ri Bha#avan9s 3or%s I <ind "ha" inves"i#a"ion is said "o be "he one me"hod <or rea!iJa"ion. A$ Yes' "ha" is vi-hara Lse!<DenEuiryM. #$ 2o3 is "ha" "o be doneK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ 6he Eues"ioner mus" admi" "he eBis"en-e o< his e!<. 8I am9 is "he rea!iJa"ion. 6o $ursue "he -!ue "i!! rea!iJa"ion is vi-hara. 5i-hara and rea!iJa"ion are "he same. #$ I" is e!usive. *ha" sha!! I medi"a"e u$onK A$ Medi"a"ion reEuires an obCe-" "o medi"a"e u$on' 3hereas "here is on!y "he subCe-" 3i"hou" "he obCe-" in vi-hara. Medi"a"ion di<<ers <rom vi-hara in "his 3ay. #$ Is no" dhyana Lmedi"a"ionM one o< "he e<<i-ien" $ro-esses <or rea!iJa"ionK A$ Dhyana is -on-en"ra"ion on an obCe-". I" <u!<i!s "he $ur$ose o< %ee$in# a3ay diverse "hou#h"s and <iBin# "he mind on a sin#!e "hou#h"' 3hi-h mus" a!so disa$$ear be<ore rea!iJa"ion. Bu" rea!iJa"ion is no"hin# ne3 "o be a-Euired. I" is a!ready "here' bu" obs"ru-"ed by a s-reen o< "hou#h"s. A!! our a""em$"s are dire-"ed "o !i<"in# "his s-reen and "hen rea!iJa"ion is revea!ed. I< see%ers are advised "o medi"a"e' many may #o a3ay sa"is<ied 3i"h "he advi-e. Bu" someone amon# "hem may "urn round and as%' 8*ho am I "o medi"a"e on an obCe-"K9 u-h a one mus" be "o!d "o <ind "he e!<. 6ha" is "he <ina!i"y. 6ha" is vi-hara. #$ *i!! vi-hara a!one do in "he absen-e o< medi"a"ionK A$ 5i-hara is "he $ro-ess and "he #oa! a!so. 8I am9 is "he #oa! and "he <ina! rea!i"y. 6o ho!d "o i" 3i"h e<<or" is vi-hara. *hen s$on"aneous and na"ura! i" is rea!iJa"ion. I< one !eaves aside vi-hara' "he mos" e<<i-a-ious sadhana' "here are no o"her adeEua"e means 3ha"soever "o ma%e "he mind subside. I< made "o subside by o"her means' i" 3i!! remain as i< subsided bu" 3i!! rise a#ain. e!<D enEuiry is "he one in<a!!ib!e means' "he on!y dire-" one' "o rea!iJe "he un-ondi"ioned' abso!u"e bein# "ha" you rea!!y are. #$ *hy shou!d se!<DenEuiry a!one be -onsidered "he dire-" means "o CnanaK A$ Be-ause every %ind o< sadhana eB-e$" "ha" o< a"maDvi-hara Lse!<DenEuiryM $resu$$oses "he re"en"ion o< "he mind as "he ins"rumen" <or -arryin# on "he sadhana' and 3i"hou" "he mind i" -anno" be $ra-"ised. 6he e#o may "a%e di<<eren" and sub"!er <orms a" "he di<<eren" s"a#es o< one9s $ra-"i-e' bu" is i"se!< never des"royed. *hen Hana%a eB-!aimed' 8No3 I have dis-overed "he "hie< 3ho has been ruinin# me a!! a!on#. 2e sha!! be dea!" 3i"h summari!y9' "he %in# 3as rea!!y re<errin# "o "he e#o or "he mind. #$ Bu" "he "hie< may 3e!! be a$$rehended by "he o"her sadhanas as 3e!!. A$ 6he a""em$" "o des"roy "he e#o or "he mind "hrou#h sadhanas o"her "han a"maDvi-hara is Cus" !i%e "he "hie< $re"endin# "o be a $o!i-eman "o -a"-h "he "hie<' "ha" is' himse!<. A"maDvi-hara a!one -an revea! "he "ru"h "ha" nei"her "he e#o nor "he mind rea!!y eBis"s' and enab!e one "o rea!iJe "he $ure' undi<<eren"ia"ed bein# o< "he e!< or "he abso!u"e. 2avin# rea!iJed "he e!<' no"hin# remains "o be %no3n' be-ause i" is $er<e-" b!iss' i" is "he a!!. #$ *hy is se!<DenEuiry more dire-" "han o"her me"hodsK A$ A""en"ion "o one9s o3n e!<' 3hi-h is ever shinin# as 8I9' "he one undivided and $ure rea!i"y' is "he on!y ra<" 3i"h 3hi-h "he individua!' 3ho is de!uded by "hin%in# 8I am "he body9' -an -ross "he o-ean o< unendin# bir"hs. Rea!i"y is sim$!y "he !oss o< e#o. Des"roy "he e#o by see%in# i"s iden"i"y. Be-ause "he e#o is no en"i"y i" 3i!! au"oma"i-a!!y vanish and rea!i"y 3i!! shine <or"h by i"se!<. 6his is "he dire-" me"hod' 3hereas a!! o"her me"hods are done on!y by re"ainin# "he e#o. In "hose $a"hs "here arise so many doub"s and "he e"erna! Eues"ion 8*ho am IK9 remains "o be "a-%!ed <ina!!y. Bu" in "his me"hod "he <ina! Eues"ion is "he on!y one and i" is raised <rom "he be#innin#. No sadhanas are ne-essary <or en#a#in# in "his Eues". 6here is no #rea"er mys"ery "han "his "ha" bein# "he rea!i"y 3e see% "o #ain rea!i"y. *e "hin% "ha" "here is some"hin# hidin# our rea!i"y and "ha" i" mus" be des"royed be<ore "he rea!i"y is #ained. I" is ridi-u!ous. A day 3i!! da3n 3hen you 3i!! yourse!< !au#h a" your $as" e<<or"s. 6ha" 3hi-h 3i!! be on "he day you !au#h is a!so here and no3.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 5 - Self-enquiry practice

Be#inners in se!<DenEuiry 3ere advised by ri Ramana "o $u" "heir a""en"ion on "he inner <ee!in# o< 8I9 and "o ho!d "ha" <ee!in# as !on# as $ossib!e. 6hey 3ou!d be "o!d "ha" i< "heir a""en"ion 3as dis"ra-"ed by o"her "hou#h"s "hey shou!d rever" "o a3areness o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" 3henever "hey be-ame a3are "ha" "heir a""en"ion had 3andered. 2e su##es"ed various aids "o assis" "his $ro-ess one -ou!d as% onese!< 8*ho am IK9 or 8*here does "his I -ome <romK9 D bu" "he u!"ima"e aim 3as "o be -on"inuous!y a3are o< "he 8I9 3hi-h assumes "ha" i" is res$onsib!e <or a!! "he a-"ivi"ies o< "he body and "he mind. In "he ear!y s"a#es o< $ra-"i-e a""en"ion "o "he <ee!in# 8I9 is a men"a! a-"ivi"y 3hi-h "a%es "he <orm o< a "hou#h" or a $er-e$"ion. As "he $ra-"i-e deve!o$s "he "hou#h" 8I9 #ives 3ay "o a subCe-"ive!y eB$erien-ed <ee!in# o< 8I9' and 3hen "his <ee!in# -eases "o -onne-" and iden"i<y 3i"h "hou#h"s and obCe-"s i" -om$!e"e!y vanishes. *ha" remains is an eB$erien-e o< bein# in 3hi-h "he sense o< individua!i"y has "em$orari!y -eased "o o$era"e. 6he eB$erien-e may be in"ermi""en" a" <irs" bu" 3i"h re$ea"ed $ra-"i-e i" be-omes easier and easier "o rea-h and main"ain. *hen se!<DenEuiry rea-hes "his !eve! "here is an e<<or"!ess a3areness o< bein# in 3hi-h individua! e<<or" is no !on#er $ossib!e sin-e "he 8I9 3ho ma%es "he e<<or" has "em$orari!y -eased "o eBis". I" is no" e!<Drea!iJa"ion sin-e "he 8I9D"hou#h" $eriodi-a!!y reasser"s i"se!< bu" i" is "he hi#hes" !eve! o< $ra-"i-e. Re$ea"ed eB$erien-e o< "his s"a"e o< bein# 3ea%ens and des"roys "he vasanas 7men"a! "enden-ies: 3hi-h -ause "he 8I9D"hou#h" "o rise' and' 3hen "heir ho!d has been su<<i-ien"!y 3ea%ened' "he $o3er o< "he e!< des"roys "he residua! "enden-ies so -om$!e"e!y "ha" "he 8I9D"hou#h" never rises a#ain. 6his is "he <ina! and irreversib!e s"a"e o< e!<Drea!iJa"ion. 6his $ra-"i-e o< se!<Da""en"ion or a3areness o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" is a #en"!e "e-hniEue 3hi-h by$asses "he usua! re$ressive me"hods o< -on"ro!!in# "he mind. I" is no" an eBer-ise in -on-en"ra"ion' nor does i" aim a" su$$ressin# "hou#h"sI i" mere!y invo%es a3areness o< "he sour-e <rom 3hi-h "he mind s$rin#s. 6he me"hod and #oa! o< se!<D enEuiry is "o abide in "he sour-e o< "he mind and "o be a3are o< 3ha" one rea!!y is by 3i"hdra3in# a""en"ion and in"eres" <rom 3ha" one is no". In "he ear!y s"a#es e<<or" in "he <orm o< "rans<errin# a""en"ion <rom "he "hou#h"s "o "he "hin%er is essen"ia!' bu" on-e a3areness o< "he 8I9D<ee!in# has been <irm!y es"ab!ished' <ur"her e<<or" is -oun"erD $rodu-"ive. @rom "hen on i" is more a $ro-ess o< bein# "han doin#' o< e<<or"!ess bein# ra"her "han an e<<or" "o be. Bein# 3ha" one a!ready is is e<<or"!ess sin-e bein#ness is a!3ays $resen" and a!3ays eB$erien-ed. On "he o"her hand' $re"endin# "o be 3ha" one is no" 7i.e. 6he body and "he mind: reEuires -on"inuous men"a! e<<or"' even "hou#h "he e<<or" is near!y a!3ays a" a sub-ons-ious !eve!. I" "here<ore <o!!o3s "ha" in "he hi#her s"a#es o< se!<DenEuiry e<<or" "a%es a""en"ion a3ay <rom "he eB$erien-e o< bein# 3hi!e "he -essa"ion o< men"a! e<<or" revea!s i". U!"ima"e!y' "he e!< is no" dis-overed as a resu!" o< doin# any"hin#' bu" on!y by bein#. As ri Ramana himse!< on-e remar%ed? 8Do no" medi"a"e beO Do no" "hin% "ha" you are beO Don9" "hin% abou" bein# you areO9 e!<DenEuiry shou!d no" be re#arded as a medi"a"ion $ra-"i-e "ha" "a%es $!a-e a" -er"ain hours and in -er"ain $osi"ionsI i" shou!d -on"inue "hrou#hou" one9s 3a%in# hours' irres$e-"ive o< 3ha" one is doin#. ri Ramana sa3 no -on<!i-" be"3een 3or%in# and se!<DenEuiry and he main"ained "ha" 3i"h a !i""!e $ra-"i-e i" -ou!d be done under any -ir-ums"an-es. 2e did some"imes say "ha" re#u!ar $eriods o< <orma! $ra-"i-e 3ere #ood <or be#inners' bu" he never advo-a"ed !on# $eriods o< si""in# medi"a"ion and he a!3ays sho3ed his disa$$rova! 3hen any o< his devo"ees eB$ressed a desire "o #ive u$ "heir mundane a-"ivi"ies in <avour o< a medi"a"ive !i<e. #$ You say one -an rea!iJe "he e!< by a sear-h <or i". *ha" is "he -hara-"er o< "his sear-hK A$ You are "he mind or "hin% "ha" you are "he mind. 6he mind is no"hin# bu" "hou#h"s. No3 behind every $ar"i-u!ar "hou#h" "here is a #enera! "hou#h" 3hi-h is "he 8I9' "ha" is yourse!<. &e" us -a!! "his 8I9 "he <irs" "hou#h". "i-% "o "his 8I9D"hou#h" and Eues"ion i" "o <ind ou" 3ha" i" is. *hen "his Eues"ion "a%es s"ron# ho!d on you' you -anno" "hin% o< o"her "hou#h"s.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ *hen I do "his and -!in# "o my se!<' "ha" is' "he 8I9D"hou#h"' o"her "hou#h"s -ome and #o' bu" I say "o myse!< 8*ho am IK9 and "here is no ans3er <or"h-omin#. 6o be in "his -ondi"ion is "he $ra-"i-e. Is i" soK A$ 6his is a mis"a%e "ha" $eo$!e o<"en ma%e. *ha" ha$$ens 3hen you ma%e a serious Eues" <or "he e!< is "ha" "he 8I9D"hou#h" disa$$ears and some"hin# e!se <rom "he de$"hs "a%es ho!d o< you and "ha" is no" "he 8I9 3hi-h -ommen-ed "he Eues". #$ *ha" is "his some"hin# e!seK A$ 6ha" is "he rea! e!<' "he im$or" o< 8I9. I" is no" "he e#o. I" is "he su$reme bein# i"se!<. #$ Bu" you have o<"en said "ha" one mus" reCe-" o"her "hou#h"s 3hen one be#ins "he Eues" bu" "he "hou#h"s are end!ess. I< one "hou#h" is reCe-"ed' ano"her -omes and "here seems "o be no end a" a!!. A$ I do no" say "ha" you mus" #o on reCe-"in# "hou#h"s. +!in# "o yourse!<' "ha" is' "o "he 8I9D "hou#h". *hen your in"eres" %ee$s you "o "ha" sin#!e idea' o"her "hou#h"s 3i!! au"oma"i-a!!y #e" reCe-"ed and "hey 3i!! vanish. #$ And so reCe-"ion o< "hou#h"s is no" ne-essaryK A$ No. I" may be ne-essary <or a "ime or <or some. You <an-y "ha" "here is no end i< one #oes on reCe-"in# every "hou#h" 3hen i" rises. I" is no" "rue' "here is an end. I< you are vi#i!an" and ma%e a s"ern e<<or" "o reCe-" every "hou#h" 3hen i" rises you 3i!! soon <ind "ha" you are #oin# dee$er and dee$er in"o your o3n inner se!<. A" "ha" !eve! i" is no" ne-essary "o ma%e an e<<or" "o reCe-" "hou#h"s. #$ 6hen i" is $ossib!e "o be 3i"hou" e<<or"' 3i"hou" s"rain. A$ No" on!y "ha"' i" is im$ossib!e <or you "o ma%e an e<<or" beyond a -er"ain eB"en". #$ I 3an" "o be <ur"her en!i#h"ened. hou!d I "ry "o ma%e no e<<or" a" a!!K A$ 2ere i" is im$ossib!e <or you "o be 3i"hou" e<<or". *hen you #o dee$er' i" is im$ossib!e <or you "o ma%e any e<<or". I< "he mind be-omes in"rover"ed "hrou#h enEuiry in"o "he sour-e o< ahamDvri""i' "he vasanas be-ome eB"in-". 6he !i#h" o< "he e!< <a!!s on "he vasanas and $rodu-es "he $henomenon o< re<!e-"ion 3e -a!! "he mind. 6hus' 3hen "he vasanas be-ome eB"in-" "he mind a!so disa$$ears' bein# absorbed in"o "he !i#h" o< "he one rea!i"y' "he 2ear". 6his is "he sum and subs"an-e o< a!! "ha" an as$iran" needs "o %no3. *ha" is im$era"ive!y reEuired o< him is an earnes" and oneD$oin"ed enEuiry in"o "he sour-e o< "he ahamDvri""iK #$ 2o3 shou!d a be#inner s"ar" "his $ra-"i-eK A$ 6he mind 3i!! subside on!y by means o< "he enEuiry 8*ho am IK9 6he "hou#h" 8*ho am IK9' des"royin# a!! o"her "hou#h"s' 3i!! i"se!< <ina!!y be des"royed !i%e "he s"i-% used <or s"irrin# "he <unera! $yre. I< o"her "hou#h"s rise one shou!d' 3i"hou" a""em$"in# "o -om$!e"e "hem' enEuire 86o 3hom did "hey riseK9 *ha" does i" ma""er ho3ever many "hou#h"s riseK A" "he very momen" "ha" ea-h "hou#h" rises' i< one vi#i!an"!y enEuires 86o 3hom did "his riseK9' i" 3i!! be %no3n 86o me9. I< one "hen enEuires 8*ho am IK9' "he mind 3i!! "urn ba-% "o i"s sour-e L"he e!<M and "he "hou#h" 3hi-h had risen 3i!! a!so subside. By re$ea"ed!y $ra-"isin# "hus' "he $o3er o< "he mind "o abide in i"s sour-e in-reases. A!"hou#h "enden-ies "o3ards senseDobCe-"s Lvishaya vasanasM' 3hi-h have been re-urrin# do3n "he a#es' rise in -oun"!ess numbers !i%e "he 3aves o< "he o-ean' "hey 3i!! a!! $erish as medi"a"ion on one9s na"ure be-omes more and more in"ense. *i"hou" #ivin# room even "o "he doub"in# "hou#h"' 8Is i" $ossib!e "o des"roy a!! "hese "enden-ies LvasanasM and "o remain as e!< a!oneK9' one shou!d $ersis"en"!y -!in# <as" "o se!<Da""en"ion. As !on# as "here are "enden-ies "o3ards senseDobCe-"s in "he mind' "he enEuiry 8*ho am IK9 is ne-essary. As and 3hen "hou#h"s rise' one shou!d annihi!a"e a!! o< "hem "hrou#h enEuiry "hen and "here in "heir very $!a-e o< ori#in. No" a""endin# "o 3ha"DisDo"her LanyaM is nonDa""a-hmen" Lvaira#yaM or desire!essness LnirasaM. No" !eavin# e!< is %no3!ed#e LCnanaM. In "ru"h' "hese "3o Ldesire!essness and %no3!ed#eM are one and "he same. Hus" as a $ear!Ddiver' "yin# a s"one "o his 3ais"' dives in"o "he sea and "a%es "he $ear! !yin# a" "he bo""om' so everyone' divin# dee$ 3i"hin himse!< 3i"h nonDa""a-hmen"' -an a""ain "he $ear! o< e!<. I< one resor"s unin"erru$"ed!y "o remembran-e o< one9s rea! na"ure Ls3aru$aDsmaranaM un"i! one a""ains e!<' "ha" a!one 3i!! be su<<i-ien".

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

EnEuirin# 8*ho am I "ha" is in bonda#eK9 and %no3in# one9s rea! na"ure Ls3aru$aM a!one is !ibera"ion. A!3ays %ee$in# "he mind <iBed in e!< a!one is -a!!ed 8se!<DenEuiry9' 3hereas medi"a"ion LdhyanaM is "hin%in# onese!< "o be "he abso!u"e LBrahmanM' 3hi-h is eBis"en-eD-ons-iousnessDb!iss Lsa"D-hi"DanandaM. #$ 6he yo#is say "ha" one mus" renoun-e "his 3or!d and #o o<< in"o se-!uded Cun#!es i< one 3ishes "o <ind "he "ru"h. A$ 6he !i<e o< a-"ion need no" be renoun-ed. I< you medi"a"e <or an hour or "3o every day you -an "hen -arry on 3i"h your du"ies. I< you medi"a"e in "he ri#h" manner "hen "he -urren" o< mind indu-ed 3i!! -on"inue "o <!o3 even in "he mids" o< your 3or%. I" is as "hou#h "here 3ere "3o 3ays o< eB$ressin# "he same ideaI "he same !ine 3hi-h you "a%e in medi"a"ion 3i!! be eB$ressed in your a-"ivi"ies. #$ *ha" 3i!! be "he resu!" o< doin# "ha"K A$ As you #o on you 3i!! <ind "ha" your a""i"ude "o3ards $eo$!e' even"s and obCe-"s #radua!!y -han#es. Your a-"ions 3i!! "end "o <o!!o3 your medi"a"ions o< "heir o3n a--ord. #$ 6hen you do no" a#ree 3i"h "he yo#isK A$ A man shou!d surrender "he $ersona! se!<ishness 3hi-h binds him "o "his 3or!d. Givin# u$ "he <a!se se!< is "he "rue renun-ia"ion. #$ 2o3 is i" $ossib!e "o be-ome se!<!ess 3hi!e !eadin# a !i<e o< 3or!d!y a-"ivi"yK A$ 6here is no -on<!i-" be"3een 3or% and 3isdom. #$ Do you mean "ha" one -an -on"inue a!! "he o!d a-"ivi"ies in one9s $ro<ession' <or ins"an-e' and a" "he same "ime #e" en!i#h"enmen"K A$ *hy no"K Bu" in "ha" -ase one 3i!! no" "hin% "ha" i" is "he o!d $ersona!i"y 3hi-h is doin# "he 3or%' be-ause one9s -ons-iousness 3i!! #radua!!y be-ome "rans<erred un"i! i" is -en"red in "ha" 3hi-h is beyond "he !i""!e se!<. #$ I< a $erson is en#a#ed in 3or%' "here 3i!! be !i""!e "ime !e<" <or him "o medi"a"e. A$ e""in# a$ar" "ime <or medi"a"ion is on!y <or "he meres" s$iri"ua! novi-es. A man 3ho is advan-in# 3i!! be#in "o enCoy "he dee$er bea"i"ude 3he"her he is a" 3or% or no". *hi!e his hands are in so-ie"y' he %ee$s his head -oo! in so!i"ude. #$ 6hen you do no" "ea-h "he 3ay o< yo#aK A$ 6he yo#i "ries "o drive his mind "o "he #oa!' as a -o3herd drives a bu!! 3i"h a s"i-%' bu" on "his $a"h "he see%er -oaBes "he bu!! by ho!din# ou" a hand<u! o< #rass. #$ 2o3 is "ha" doneK A$ You have "o as% yourse!< "he Eues"ion 8*ho am IK9 6his inves"i#a"ion 3i!! !ead in "he end "o "he dis-overy o< some"hin# 3i"hin you 3hi-h is behind "he mind. o!ve "ha" #rea" $rob!em and you 3i!! so!ve a!! o"her $rob!ems. #$ ee%in# "he 8I9 "here is no"hin# "o be seen. A$ Be-ause you are a--us"omed "o iden"i<y yourse!< 3i"h "he body and si#h" 3i"h "he eyes' "here<ore you say you do no" see any"hin#. *ha" is "here "o be seenK *ho is "o seeK 2o3 "o seeK 6here is on!y one -ons-iousness 3hi-h' mani<es"in# as 8I9D"hou#h"' iden"i<ies i"se!< 3i"h "he body' $roCe-"s i"se!< "hrou#h "he eyes and sees "he obCe-"s around. 6he individua! is !imi"ed in "he 3a%in# s"a"e and eB$e-"s "o see some"hin# di<<eren". 6he eviden-e o< his senses 3i!! be "he sea! o< au"hori"y. Bu" he 3i!! no" admi" "ha" "he seer' "he seen and "he seein# are a!! mani<es"a"ions o< "he same -ons-iousness name!y' 8I' I9. +on"em$!a"ion he!$s one "o over-ome "he i!!usion "ha" "he e!< mus" be visua!. In "ru"h' "here is no"hin# visua!. 2o3 do you <ee! "he 8I9 no3K Do you ho!d a mirror be<ore you "o %no3 your o3n bein#K 6he a3areness is "he 8I9. Rea!iJe i" and "ha" is "he "ru"h. #$ On enEuiry in"o "he ori#in o< "hou#h"s "here is a $er-e$"ion o< 8I9. Bu" i" does no" sa"is<y me.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ Nui"e ri#h". 6he $er-e$"ion o< 8I9 is asso-ia"ed 3i"h a <orm' maybe "he body. 6here shou!d be no"hin# asso-ia"ed 3i"h "he $ure e!<. 6he e!< is "he unasso-ia"ed' $ure rea!i"y' in 3hose !i#h" "he body and "he e#o shine. On s"i!!in# a!! "hou#h"s "he $ure -ons-iousness remains. Hus" on 3a%in# <rom s!ee$ and be<ore be-omin# a3are o< "he 3or!d "here is "ha" $ure 8I' I9. 2o!d on "o i" 3i"hou" s!ee$in# or 3i"hou" a!!o3in# "hou#h"s "o $ossess you. I< "ha" is he!d <irm i" does no" ma""er even i< "he 3or!d is seen. 6he seer remains una<<e-"ed by "he $henomena. *ha" is "he e#oK EnEuire. 6he body is insen"ien" and -anno" say 8I9. 6he e!< is $ure -ons-iousness and nonDdua!. I" -anno" say 8I9. No one says 8I9 in s!ee$. *ha" is "he e#o "henK I" is some"hin# in"ermedia"e be"3een "he iner" body and "he e!<. I" has no !o-us s"andi. I< sou#h" <or i" vanishes !i%e a #hos". A" ni#h" a man may ima#ine "ha" "here is a #hos" by his side be-ause o< "he $!ay o< shado3s. I< he !oo%s -!ose!y he dis-overs "ha" "he #hos" is no" rea!!y "here' and 3ha" he ima#ined "o be a #hos" 3as mere!y a "ree or a $os". I< he does no" !oo% -!ose!y "he #hos" may "erri<y him. A!! "ha" is reEuired is "o !oo% -!ose!y and "he #hos" vanishes. 6he #hos" 3as never "here. o a!so 3i"h "he e#o. I" is an in"an#ib!e !in% be"3een "he body and $ure -ons-iousness. I" is no" rea!. o !on# as one does no" !oo% -!ose!y a" i"' i" -on"inues "o #ive "roub!e. Bu" 3hen one !oo%s <or i"' i" is <ound no" "o eBis". 6here is ano"her s"ory 3hi-h i!!us"ra"es "his. In 2indu marria#e <un-"ions "he <eas"s o<"en -on"inue <or <ive or siB days. On one o< "hese o--asions a s"ran#er 3as mis"a%en <or "he bes" man by "he bride9s $ar"y and "hey "here<ore "rea"ed him 3i"h s$e-ia! re#ard. eein# him "rea"ed 3i"h s$e-ia! re#ard by "he bride9s $ar"y' "he bride#room9s $ar"y -onsidered him "o be some man o< im$or"an-e re!a"ed "o "he bride9s $ar"y and "here<ore "hey "oo sho3ed him s$e-ia! res$e-". 6he s"ran#er had a!"o#e"her a ha$$y "ime o< i". 2e 3as a!so a!! a!on# a3are o< "he rea! si"ua"ion. On one o--asion "he #room9s $ar"y 3an"ed "o re<er "o him on some $oin" and so "hey as%ed "he bride9s $ar"y abou" him. Immedia"e!y he s-en"ed "roub!e and made himse!< s-ar-e. o i" is 3i"h "he e#o. I< !oo%ed <or' i" disa$$ears. I< no"' i" -on"inues "o #ive "roub!e. #$ I< I "ry "o ma%e "he 8*ho am IK9 enEuiry' I <a!! in"o s!ee$. *ha" shou!d I doK A$ Persis" in "he enEuiry "hrou#hou" your 3a%in# hours. 6ha" 3ou!d be Eui"e enou#h. I< you %ee$ on ma%in# "he enEuiry "i!! you <a!! as!ee$' "he enEuiry 3i!! #o on durin# s!ee$ a!so. 6a%e u$ "he enEuiry a#ain as soon as you 3a%e u$. #$ 2o3 -an I #e" $ea-eK I do no" seem "o ob"ain i" "hrou#h vi-hara. A$ Pea-e is your na"ura! s"a"e. I" is "he mind "ha" obs"ru-"s "he na"ura! s"a"e. I< you do no" eB$erien-e $ea-e i" means "ha" your vi-hara has been made on!y in "he mind. Inves"i#a"e 3ha" "he mind is' and i" 3i!! disa$$ear. 6here is no su-h "hin# as mind a$ar" <rom "hou#h". Never"he!ess' be-ause o< "he emer#en-e o< "hou#h"' you surmise some"hin# <rom 3hi-h i" s"ar"s and "erm "ha" "he mind. *hen you $robe "o see 3ha" i" is' you <ind "here is rea!!y no su-h "hin# as mind. *hen "he mind has "hus vanished' you rea!iJe e"erna! $ea-e. #$ *hen I am en#a#ed in enEuiry as "o "he sour-e <rom 3hi-h "he 8I9 s$rin#s' I arrive a" a s"a#e o< s"i!!ness o< mind beyond 3hi-h I <ind myse!< unab!e "o $ro-eed <ur"her. I have no "hou#h" o< any %ind and "here is an em$"iness' a b!an%ness. A mi!d !i#h" $ervades and I <ee! "ha" i" is myse!< bodi!ess. I have nei"her -o#ni"ion nor vision o< body and <orm. 6he eB$erien-e !as"s near!y ha!< an hour and is $!easin#. *ou!d I be -orre-" in -on-!udin# "ha" a!! "ha" 3as ne-essary "o se-ure e"erna! ha$$iness' "ha" is <reedom or sa!va"ion or 3ha"ever one -a!!s i"' 3as "o -on"inue "he $ra-"i-e "i!! "his eB$erien-e -ou!d be main"ained <or hours' days and mon"hs "o#e"herK A$ 6his does no" mean sa!va"ion. u-h a -ondi"ion is "ermed mano!aya or "em$orary s"i!!ness o< "hou#h". Mano!aya means -on-en"ra"ion' "em$orari!y arres"in# "he movemen" o< "hou#h"s. As soon as "his -on-en"ra"ion -eases' "hou#h"s' o!d and ne3' rush in as usua!I and even i< "his "em$orary !u!!in# o< mind shou!d !as" a "housand years' i" 3i!! never !ead "o "o"a! des"ru-"ion o< "hou#h"' 3hi-h is 3ha" is -a!!ed !ibera"ion <rom bir"h and dea"h. 6he $ra-"i"ioner mus" "here<ore be ever on "he a!er" and enEuire 3i"hin as "o 3ho has "his eB$erien-e' 3ho rea!ises i"s $!easan"ness. *i"hou" "his enEuiry he 3i!! #o in"o a !on# "ran-e or dee$ s!ee$ Lyo#a nidraM. Due "o "he absen-e o< a $ro$er #uide a" "his s"a#e o< s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e' many have been de!uded and <a!!en a $rey "o a <a!se sense o< !ibera"ion and on!y a <e3 have mana#ed "o rea-h "he #oa! sa<e!y.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

6he <o!!o3in# s"ory i!!us"ra"es "he $oin" very 3e!!. A yo#i 3as doin# $enan-e L"a$asM <or a number o< years on "he ban%s o< "he Gan#es. *hen he had a""ained a hi#h de#ree o< -on-en"ra"ion' he be!ieved "ha" -on"inuan-e in "ha" s"a#e <or $ro!on#ed $eriods -ons"i"u"ed !ibera"ion and $ra-"ised i". One day' be<ore #oin# in"o dee$ -on-en"ra"ion' he <e!" "hirs"y and -a!!ed "o his dis-i$!e "o brin# a !i""!e drin%in# 3a"er <rom "he Gan#es. Bu" be<ore "he dis-i$!e arrived 3i"h "he 3a"er' he had #one in"o yo#a nidra and remained in "ha" s"a"e <or -oun"!ess years' durin# 3hi-h "ime mu-h 3a"er <!o3ed under "he brid#e. *hen he 3o%e u$ <rom "his eB$erien-e he immedia"e!y -a!!ed 8*a"erO *a"erO9I bu" "here 3as nei"her his dis-i$!e nor "he Gan#es in si#h". 6he <irs" "hin# 3hi-h he as%ed <or 3as 3a"er be-ause' be<ore #oin# in"o dee$ -on-en"ra"ion' "he "o$mos" !ayer o< "hou#h" in his mind 3as 3a"er and by -on-en"ra"ion' ho3ever dee$ and $ro!on#ed i" mi#h" have been' he had on!y been ab!e "em$orari!y "o !u!! his "hou#h"s. *hen he re#ained -ons-iousness "his "o$mos" "hou#h" <!e3 u$ 3i"h a!! "he s$eed and <or-e o< a <!ood brea%in# "hrou#h "he dy%es. I< "his is "he -ase 3i"h re#ard "o a "hou#h" 3hi-h "oo% sha$e immedia"e!y be<ore he sa" <or medi"a"ion' "here is no doub" "ha" "hou#h"s 3hi-h "oo% roo" ear!ier 3ou!d a!so remain unannihi!a"ed. I< annihi!a"ion o< "hou#h"s is !ibera"ion -an he be said "o have a""ained sa!va"ionK adha%as Lsee%ersM rare!y unders"and "he di<<eren-e be"3een "his "em$orary s"i!!in# o< "he mind Lmano!ayaM and $ermanen" des"ru-"ion o< "hou#h"s LmanonasaM. In mano!aya "here is "em$orary subsiden-e o< "hou#h"D3aves' and "hou#h "his "em$orary $eriod may even !as" <or a "housand years' "hou#h"s' 3hi-h are "hus "em$orari!y s"i!!ed' rise u$ as soon as "he mano!aya -eases. One mus" "here<ore 3a"-h one9s s$iri"ua! $ro#ress -are<u!!y. One mus" no" a!!o3 onese!< "o be over"a%en by su-h s$e!!s o< s"i!!ness o< "hou#h". 6he momen" one eB$erien-es "his' one mus" revive -ons-iousness and enEuire 3i"hin as "o 3ho i" is 3ho eB$erien-es "his s"i!!ness. *hi!e no" a!!o3in# any "hou#h"s "o in"rude' one mus" no"' a" "he same "ime' be over"a%en by "his dee$ s!ee$ Lyo#a nidraM or se!<D hy$no"ism. 6hou#h "his is a si#n o< $ro#ress "o3ards "he #oa!' ye" i" is a!so "he $oin" 3here "he diver#en-e be"3een "he road "o !ibera"ion and yo#a nidra "a%es $!a-e. 6he easy 3ay' "he dire-" 3ay' "he shor"es" -u" "o sa!va"ion is "he enEuiry me"hod. By su-h enEuiry' you 3i!! drive "he "hou#h" <or-e dee$er "i!! i" rea-hes i"s sour-e and mer#es "herein. I" is "hen "ha" you 3i!! have "he res$onse <rom 3i"hin and <ind "ha" you res" "here' des"royin# a!! "hou#h"s' on-e and <or a!!. #$ 6his 8I9D"hou#h" rises <rom me. Bu" I do no" %no3 "he e!<. A$ A!! "hese are on!y men"a! -on-e$"s. You are no3 iden"i<yin# yourse!< 3i"h a 3ron# 8I9' 3hi-h is "he 8I9D"hou#h". 6his 8I9D"hou#h" rises and sin%s' 3hereas "he "rue si#ni<i-an-e o< 8I9 is beyond bo"h. 6here -anno" be a brea% in your bein#. You 3ho s!e$" are a!so no3 a3a%e. 6here is no unha$$iness in your dee$ s!ee$ 3hereas i" eBis"s no3. *ha" is i" "ha" has ha$$ened no3 so "ha" "his di<<eren-e is eB$erien-edK 6here 3as no 8I9D"hou#h" in your s!ee$' 3hereas i" is $resen" no3. 6he "rue 8I9 is no" a$$aren" and "he <a!se 8I9 is $aradin# i"se!<. 6his <a!se 8I9 is "he obs"a-!e "o your ri#h" %no3!ed#e. @ind ou" <rom 3here "his <a!se 8I9 arises. 6hen i" 3i!! disa$$ear. You 3i!! "hen be on!y 3ha" you are' "ha" is' abso!u"e bein#. #$ 2o3 "o do i"K I have no" su--eeded so <ar. A$ ear-h <or "he sour-e o< "he 8I9D"hou#h". 6ha" is a!! "ha" one has "o do. 6he universe eBis"s on a--oun" o< "he 8I9D"hou#h". I< "ha" ends "here is an end "o misery a!so. 6he <a!se 8I9 3i!! end on!y 3hen i"s sour-e is sou#h". A#ain $eo$!e o<"en as% ho3 "he mind is -on"ro!!ed. I say "o "hem' 8 ho3 me "he mind and "hen you 3i!! %no3 3ha" "o do.9 6he <a-" is "ha" "he mind is on!y a bund!e o< "hou#h"s. 2o3 -an you eB"in#uish i" by "he "hou#h" o< doin# so or by a desireK Your "hou#h"s and desires are $ar" and $ar-e! o< "he mind. 6he mind is sim$!y <a""ened by ne3 "hou#h"s risin# u$. 6here<ore i" is <oo!ish "o a""em$" "o %i!! "he mind by means o< "he mind. 6he on!y 3ay o< doin# i" is "o <ind i"s sour-e and ho!d on "o i". 6he mind 3i!! "hen <ade a3ay o< i"s o3n a--ord. Yo#a "ea-hes -hi""a vri""i nirodha L-on"ro! o< "he a-"ivi"ies o< "he mindM. Bu" I say a"ma vi-hara Lse!<Dinves"i#a"ionM. 6his is "he $ra-"i-a! 3ay. +hi""a vri""i nirodha is brou#h" abou" in s!ee$' s3oon' or by s"arva"ion. As soon as "he -ause is 3i"hdra3n "here is a re-rudes-en-e o< "hou#h"s. O< 3ha" use is i" "henK In "he s"a"e o< s"u$or "here is $ea-e and no misery. Bu" misery re-urs 3hen "he s"u$or is removed. o nirodha L-on"ro!M is use!ess and -anno" be o< !as"in# bene<i". 2o3 "hen -an "he bene<i" be made !as"in#K I" is by <indin# "he -ause o< misery. Misery is due "o "he $er-e$"ion o< obCe-"s. I< "hey are no" "here' "here 3i!! be no -on"in#en" "hou#h"s and so misery is 3i$ed o<<. 82o3 3i!! obCe-"s -ease

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

"o beK9 is "he neB" Eues"ion. 6he sru"is Ls-ri$"uresM and "he sa#es say "ha" "he obCe-"s are on!y men"a! -rea"ions. 6hey have no subs"an"ive bein#. Inves"i#a"e "he ma""er and as-er"ain "he "ru"h o< "he s"a"emen". 6he resu!" 3i!! be "he -on-!usion "ha" "he obCe-"ive 3or!d is in "he subCe-"ive -ons-iousness. 6he e!< is "hus "he on!y rea!i"y 3hi-h $ermea"es and a!so enve!o$s "he 3or!d. in-e "here is no dua!i"y' no "hou#h"s 3i!! arise "o dis"urb your $ea-e. 6his is rea!iJa"ion o< "he e!<. 6he e!< is e"erna! and so a!so is rea!iJa"ion. Abhyasa Ls$iri"ua! $ra-"i-eM -onsis"s in 3i"hdra3a! 3i"hin "he e!< every "ime you are dis"urbed by "hou#h". I" is no" -on-en"ra"ion or des"ru-"ion o< "he mind bu" 3i"hdra3a! in"o "he e!<. #$ *hy is -on-en"ra"ion ine<<e-"iveK A$ 6o as% "he mind "o %i!! "he mind is !i%e ma%in# "he "hie< "he $o!i-eman. 2e 3i!! #o 3i"h you and $re"end "o -a"-h "he "hie<' bu" no"hin# 3i!! be #ained. o you mus" "urn in3ard and see <rom 3here "he mind rises and "hen i" 3i!! -ease "o eBis". #$ In "urnin# "he mind in3ards' are 3e no" s"i!! em$!oyin# "he mindK A$ O< -ourse 3e are em$!oyin# "he mind. I" is 3e!! %no3n and admi""ed "ha" on!y 3i"h "he he!$ o< "he mind -an "he mind be %i!!ed. Bu" ins"ead o< se""in# abou" sayin# "here is a mind' and I 3an" "o %i!! i"' you be#in "o see% "he sour-e o< "he mind' and you <ind "he mind does no" eBis" a" a!!. 6he mind' "urned ou"3ards' resu!"s in "hou#h"s and obCe-"s. 6urned in3ards' i" be-omes i"se!< "he e!<. #$ Even so' I do no" unders"and. 8I9' you say' is "he 3ron# 8I9 no3. 2o3 "o e!imina"e "he 3ron# 8I9K A$ You need no" e!imina"e "he 3ron# 8I9. 2o3 -an 8I9 e!imina"e i"se!<K A!! "ha" you need do is "o <ind ou" i"s ori#in and abide "here. Your e<<or"s -an eB"end on!y "hus <ar. 6hen "he beyond 3i!! "a%e -are o< i"se!<. You are he!$!ess "here. No e<<or" -an rea-h i". #$ I< 8I9 am a!3ays' here and no3' 3hy do I no" <ee! soK A$ 6ha" is i". *ho says i" is no" <e!"K Does "he rea! 8I9 say i" or "he <a!se 8I9K EBamine i". You 3i!! <ind i" is "he 3ron# 8I9. 6he 3ron# 8I9 is "he obs"ru-"ion. I" has "o be removed in order "ha" "he "rue 8I9 may no" be hidden. 6he <ee!in# "ha" I have no" rea!iJed is "he obs"ru-"ion "o rea!iJa"ion. In <a-" i" is a!ready rea!iJed and "here is no"hin# more "o be rea!iJed. O"her3ise' "he rea!iJa"ion 3i!! be ne3. I< i" has no" eBis"ed so <ar' i" mus" "a%e $!a-e herea<"er. *ha" is born 3i!! a!so die. I< rea!iJa"ion is no" e"erna! i" is no" 3or"h havin#. 6here<ore 3ha" 3e see% is no" "ha" 3hi-h mus" ha$$en a<resh. I" is on!y "ha" 3hi-h is e"erna! bu" no" no3 %no3n due "o obs"ru-"ions. I" is "ha" 3hi-h 3e see%. A!! "ha" 3e need do is remove "he obs"ru-"ion. 6ha" 3hi-h is e"erna! is no" %no3n "o be so be-ause o< i#noran-e. I#noran-e is "he obs"ru-"ion. Ge" over "he i#noran-e and a!! 3i!! be 3e!!. 6he i#noran-e is iden"i-a! 3i"h "he 8I9D"hou#h". @ind i"s sour-e and i" 3i!! vanish. 6he 8I9D"hou#h" is !i%e a s$iri" 3hi-h' a!"hou#h no" $a!$ab!e' rises u$ simu!"aneous!y 3i"h "he body' <!ourishes and disa$$ears 3i"h i". 6he bodyD-ons-iousness is "he 3ron# 8I9. Give u$ "his bodyD-ons-iousness. I" is done by see%in# "he sour-e o< "he 8I9. 6he body does no" say 8I am9. I" is you 3ho say' 8I am "he body9. @ind ou" 3ho "his 8I9 is. ee%in# i"s sour-e i" 3i!! vanish. #$ 2o3 !on# -an "he mind s"ay or be %e$" in "he 2ear"K A$ 6he $eriod eB"ends by $ra-"i-e. #$ *ha" ha$$ens a" "he end o< "he $eriodK A$ 6he mind re"urns "o "he $resen" norma! s"a"e. Uni"y in "he 2ear" is re$!a-ed by a varie"y o< $er-eived $henomena. 6his is -a!!ed "he ou"#oin# mind. 6he 2ear"D#oin# mind is -a!!ed "he res"in# mind. *hen one dai!y $ra-"ises more and more in "his manner' "he mind 3i!! be-ome eB"reme!y $ure due "o "he remova! o< i"s de<e-"s and "he $ra-"i-e 3i!! be-ome so easy "ha" "he $uri<ied mind 3i!! $!un#e in"o "he 2ear" as soon as "he enEuiry is -ommen-ed. #$ Is i" $ossib!e <or a $erson 3ho on-e has had "he eB$erien-e o< sa"D-hi"Dananda in medi"a"ion "o iden"i<y himse!<

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

3i"h "he body 3hen ou" o< medi"a"ionK A$ Yes' i" is $ossib!e' bu" he #radua!!y !oses "he iden"i<i-a"ion in "he -ourse o< his $ra-"i-e. In "he <!ood!i#h" o< "he e!< "he dar%ness o< i!!usion dissi$a"es <or ever. EB$erien-e #ained 3i"hou" roo"in# ou" a!! "he vasanas -anno" remain s"eady. E<<or"s mus" be made "o eradi-a"e "he vasanasI %no3!ed#e -an on!y remain unsha%en a<"er a!! "he vasanas are roo"ed ou". *e have "o -on"end a#ains" a#eD!on# men"a! "enden-ies. 6hey 3i!! a!! #o. On!y "hey #o -om$ara"ive!y soon in "he -ase o< "hose 3ho have made sadhana in "he $as" and !a"er in "he -ase o< o"hers. #$ Do "hese "enden-ies #o #radua!!y or 3i!! "hey sudden!y a!! disa$$ear one dayK I as% "his be-ause a!"hou#h I have remained here <or a !on# "ime I do no" $er-eive any #radua! -han#e in me. A$ *hen "he sun rises' does "he dar%ness #o #radua!!y or a!! a" on-eK #$ 2o3 -an I "e!! i< I am ma%in# $ro#ress 3i"h my enEuiryK A$ 6he de#ree o< "he absen-e o< "hou#h"s is "he measure o< your $ro#ress "o3ards e!<D rea!iJa"ion. Bu" e!<D rea!iJa"ion i"se!< does no" admi" o< $ro#ress' i" is ever "he same. 6he e!< remains a!3ays in rea!iJa"ion. 6he obs"a-!es are "hou#h"s. Pro#ress is measured by "he de#ree o< remova! o< "he obs"a-!es "o unders"andin# "ha" "he e!< is a!3ays rea!iJed. o "hou#h"s mus" be -he-%ed by see%in# "o 3hom "hey arise. o you #o "o "heir sour-e' 3here "hey do no" arise. #$ Doub"s are a!3ays arisin#. 2en-e my Eues"ion. A$ A doub" arises and is -!eared. Ano"her arises and "ha" is -!eared' ma%in# 3ay <or ye" ano"herI and so i" #oes on. o "here is no $ossibi!i"y o< -!earin# a3ay a!! doub"s. ee "o 3hom "he doub"s arise. Go "o "heir sour-e and abide in i". 6hen "hey -ease "o arise. 6ha" is ho3 doub"s are "o be -!eared. #$ hou!d I #o on as%in# 8*ho am IK9 3i"hou" ans3erin#K *ho as%s 3homK *hi-h bhavana La""i"udeM shou!d be in "he mind a" "he "ime o< enEuiryK *ha" is 8I9' "he e!< or "he e#oK A$ In "he enEuiry 8*ho am IK9' 8I9 is "he e#o. 6he Eues"ion rea!!y means' 3ha" is "he sour-e or ori#in o< "his e#oK You need no" have any bhavana La""i"udeM in "he mind. A!! "ha" is reEuired is "ha" you mus" #ive u$ "he bhavana "ha" you are "he body' o< su-h and su-h a des-ri$"ion' 3i"h su-h and su-h a name' e"-. 6here is no need "o have a bhavana abou" your rea! na"ure. I" eBis"s as i" a!3ays does. I" is rea! and no bhavana. #$ Bu" is i" no" <unny "ha" "he 8I9 shou!d be sear-hin# <or "he 8I9K Does no" "he enEuiry 8*ho am IK9 "urn ou" in "he end "o be an em$"y <ormu!aK Or' am I "o $u" "he Eues"ion "o myse!< end!ess!y' re$ea"in# i" !i%e some man"raK A$ e!<DenEuiry is -er"ain!y no" an em$"y <ormu!a and i" is more "han "he re$e"i"ion o< any man"ra. I< "he enEuiry 8*ho am IK9 3ere a mere men"a! Eues"ionin#' i" 3ou!d no" be o< mu-h va!ue. 6he very $ur$ose o< se!<DenEuiry is "o <o-us "he en"ire mind a" i"s sour-e. I" is no"' "here<ore' a -ase o< one 8I9 sear-hin# <or ano"her 8I9. Mu-h !ess is se!<DenEuiry an em$"y <ormu!a' <or i" invo!ves an in"ense a-"ivi"y o< "he en"ire mind "o %ee$ i" s"eadi!y $oised in $ure e!<Da3areness. #$ Is i" enou#h i< I s$end some "ime in "he mornin#s and some "ime in "he evenin#s <or "his a"maDvi-haraK Or shou!d I do i" a!3ays' even 3hen I am 3ri"in# or 3a!%in#K A$ *ha" is your rea! na"ureK Is i" 3ri"in#' 3a!%in# or bein#K 6he one una!"erab!e rea!i"y is bein#. Un"i! you rea!iJe "ha" s"a"e o< $ure bein# you shou!d $ursue "he enEuiry. I< on-e you are es"ab!ished in i" "here 3i!! be no <ur"her 3orry. No one 3i!! enEuire in"o "he sour-e o< "hou#h"s un!ess "hou#h"s arise. o !on# as you "hin% 8I am 3a!%in#9 or 8I am 3ri"in#9' enEuire 3ho does i". #$ I< I #o on reCe-"in# "hou#h"s -an I -a!! i" vi-haraK A$ I" may be a s"e$$in# s"one. Bu" rea!!y vi-hara be#ins 3hen you -!in# "o your e!< and are a!ready o<< "he men"a! movemen"' "he "hou#h" 3aves.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ 6hen vi-hara is no" in"e!!e-"ua!K A$ No' i" is an"ara vi-hara' inner Eues". 2o!din# "he mind and inves"i#a"in# i" is advised <or a be#inner. Bu" 3ha" is mind a<"er a!!K I" is a $roCe-"ion o< "he e!<. ee <or 3hom i" a$$ears and <rom 3here i" rises. 6he 8I9D"hou#h" 3i!! be <ound "o be "he roo"D-ause. Go dee$er. 6he 8I9D"hou#h" disa$$ears and "here is an in<ini"e!y eB$anded 8I9D-ons-iousness. #$ I as%ed Mo"her in ri Aurobindo Ashram "he <o!!o3in# Eues"ion? I %ee$ my mind b!an% 3i"hou" "hou#h"s arisin# so "ha" God mi#h" sho3 himse!< in his "rue bein#. Bu" I do no" $er-eive any"hin#.9 6he re$!y 3as "o "his e<<e-"? 86he a""i"ude is ri#h". 6he $o3er 3i!! -ome do3n <rom above. I" is a dire-" eB$erien-e.9 hou!d I do any"hin# <ur"herK A$ Be 3ha" you are. 6here is no"hin# "o -ome do3n or be-ome mani<es". A!! "ha" is ne-essary is "o !ose "he e#o. 6ha" 3hi-h is is a!3ays "here. Even no3 you are "ha". You are no" a$ar" <rom i". 6he b!an% is seen by you. You are "here "o see "he b!an%. *ha" do you 3ai" <orK 6he "hou#h"' 8I have no" seen9' "he eB$e-"a"ion "o see and "he desire o< #e""in# some"hin#' are a!! "he 3or%in#s o< "he e#o. You have <a!!en in"o snares o< "he e#o. 6he e#o says a!! "hese and no" you. Be yourse!< and no"hin# moreO On-e born you rea-h some"hin#. I< you rea-h i" you re"urn a!so. 6here<ore !eave o<< a!! "his verbia#e. Be as you are. ee 3ho you are and remain as "he e!<' <ree <rom bir"h' #oin#' -omin# and re"urnin#. #$ 2o3 is one "o %no3 "he e!<K A$ Kno3in# "he e!< means bein# "he e!<. +an you say "ha" you do no" %no3 "he e!<K 6hou#h you -anno" see your o3n eyes and "hou#h no" $rovided 3i"h a mirror "o !oo% in' do you deny "he eBis"en-e o< your eyesK imi!ar!y' you are a3are o< "he e!< even "hou#h "he e!< is no" obCe-"i<ied. Or' do you deny your e!< be-ause i" is no" obCe-"i<iedK *hen you say 8I -anno" %no3 "he e!<' i" means absen-e in "erms o< re!a"ive %no3!ed#e' be-ause you have been so a--us"omed "o re!a"ive %no3!ed#e "ha" you iden"i<y yourse!< 3i"h i". u-h 3ron# iden"i"y has <or#ed "he di<<i-u!"y o< no" %no3in# "he obvious e!< be-ause i" -anno" be obCe-"i<ied. And "hen you as% 8ho3 is one "o %no3 "he e!<K9 #$ You "a!% o< bein#. Bein# 3ha"K A$ Your du"y is "o be and no" "o be "his or "ha". 8I am "ha" I am9 sums u$ "he 3ho!e "ru"h. 6he me"hod is summed u$ in "he 3ords 8Be s"i!!9. *ha" does s"i!!ness meanK I" means des"roy yourse!<. Be-ause any <orm or sha$e is "he -ause o< "roub!e. Give u$ "he no"ion "ha" 8I am so and so9. A!! "ha" is reEuired "o rea!iJe "he e!< is "o be s"i!!. *ha" -an be easier "han "ha"K 2en-e a"maDvidya L e!<D %no3!ed#eM is "he easies" "o a""ain. 6he "ru"h o< onese!< a!one is 3or"hy "o be s-ru"inised and %no3n. 6a%in# i" as "he "ar#e" o< one9s a""en"ion' one shou!d %een!y %no3 i" in "he 2ear". 6his %no3!ed#e o< onese!< 3i!! be revea!ed on!y "o "he -ons-iousness 3hi-h is si!en"' -!ear and <ree <rom "he a-"ivi"y o< "he a#i"a"ed and su<<erin# mind. Kno3 "ha" "he -ons-iousness 3hi-h a!3ays shines in "he 2ear" as "he <orm!ess e!<' 8I9' and 3hi-h is %no3n by one9s bein# s"i!! 3i"hou" "hin%in# abou" any"hin# as eBis"en" or nonD eBis"en"' a!one is "he $er<e-" rea!i"y.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 6 - Self-enquiry misconceptions

ri Ramana9s $hi!oso$hi-a! $ronoun-emen"s 3ere very simi!ar "o "hose u$he!d by "he <o!!o3ers o< advai"a vedan"a' an Indian $hi!oso$hi-a! s-hoo! 3hi-h has <!ourished <or 3e!! over a "housand years. ri Ramana and "he advai"ins a#ree on mos" "heore"i-a! ma""ers bu" "heir a""i"udes "o $ra-"i-e are radi-a!!y di<<eren". *hi!e ri Ramana advo-a"ed se!<D enEuiry' mos" advai"i- "ea-hers re-ommended a sys"em o< medi"a"ion 3hi-h men"a!!y a<<irmed "ha" "he e!< 3as "he on!y rea!i"y. 6hese a<<irma"ions su-h as 8I am Brahman9 or 8I am he9' are usua!!y used as man"ras' or' more rare!y' one medi"a"es on "heir meanin# and "ries "o eB$erien-e "he im$!i-a"ions o< "he s"a"emen". Be-ause se!<DenEuiry o<"en s"ar"s 3i"h "he Eues"ion 8*ho am IK9' many o< "he "radi"iona! <o!!o3ers o< advai"a assumed "ha" "he ans3er "o "he Eues"ion 3as 8I am Brahman9 and "hey o--u$ied "heir minds 3i"h re$e"i"ions o< "his men"a! so!u"ion. ri Ramana -ri"i-ised "his a$$roa-h by sayin# "ha" 3hi!e "he mind 3as -ons"an"!y en#a#ed in <indin# or re$ea"in# so!u"ions "o "he Eues"ion i" 3ou!d never sin% in"o i"s sour-e and disa$$ear. 2e 3as eEua!!y -ri"i-a!' <or "he same reason' o< "hose 3ho "ried "o use 8*ho am IK9 as a man"ra' sayin# "ha" bo"h a$$roa-hes missed "he $oin" o< se!<D enEuiry. 6he Eues"ion 8*ho am IK9' he said' is no" an invi"a"ion "o ana!yse "he mind and "o -ome "o -on-!usions abou" i"s na"ure' nor is i" a man"ri- <ormu!a' i" is sim$!y a "oo! 3hi-h <a-i!i"a"es redire-"in# a""en"ion <rom "he obCe-"s o< "hou#h" and $er-e$"ion "o "he "hin%er and $er-eiver o< "hem. In ri Ramana9s o$inion' "he so!u"ion "o "he Eues"ion 8*ho am IK9 is no" "o be <ound in or by "he mind sin-e "he on!y rea! ans3er is "he eB$erien-e o< "he absen-e o< mind. Ano"her 3ides$read misunders"andin# arose <rom "he 2indu be!ie< "ha" "he e!< -ou!d be dis-overed by men"a!!y reCe-"in# a!! "he obCe-"s o< "hou#h" and $er-e$"ion as no"D e!<. 6radi"iona!!y "his is -a!!ed "he ne"iDne"i a$$roa-h 7no" "his' no" "his:. 6he $ra-"i"ioner o< "his sys"em verba!!y reCe-"s a!! "he obCe-"s "ha" "he 8I9 iden"i<ies 3i"h D 8I am no" "he mind9' 8I am no" "he body9' e"-. D in "he eB$e-"a"ion "ha" "he rea! 8I9 3i!! even"ua!!y be eB$erien-ed in i"s $ure un-on"amina"ed <orm. 2induism -a!!s "his $ra-"i-e 8se!<DenEuiry9 and' be-ause o< "he iden"i"y o< names' i" 3as o<"en -on<used 3i"h ri Ramana9s me"hod. ri Ramana9s a""i"ude "o "his "radi"iona! sys"em o< se!<D ana!ysis 3as 3ho!!y ne#a"ive and he dis-oura#ed his o3n <o!!o3ers <rom $ra-"isin# i" by "e!!in# "hem "ha" i" 3as an in"e!!e-"ua! a-"ivi"y 3hi-h -ou!d no" "a%e "hem beyond "he mind. In his s"andard re$!y "o Eues"ions abou" "he e<<e-"iveness o< "his $ra-"i-e he 3ou!d say "ha" "he 8I9D"hou#h" is sus"ained by su-h a-"s o< dis-rimina"ion and "ha" "he 8I9 3hi-h e!imina"es "he body and "he mind as 8no" I9 -an never e!imina"e i"se!<. 6he <o!!o3ers o< "he 8I am Brahman9 and 8ne"iDne"i9 s-hoo!s share a -ommon be!ie< "ha" "he e!< -an be dis-overed by "he mind' ei"her "hrou#h a<<irma"ion or ne#a"ion. 6his be!ie< "ha" "he mind -an' by i"s o3n a-"ivi"ies' rea-h "he e!< is "he roo" o< mos" o< "he mis-on-e$"ions abou" "he $ra-"i-e o< se!<DenEuiry. A -!assi- eBam$!e o< "his is "he be!ie< "ha" se!<DenEuiry invo!ves -on-en"ra"in# on a $ar"i-u!ar -en"re in "he body -a!!ed "he 2ear"D-en"re. 6his 3ide!yDhe!d vie3 resu!"s <rom a misin"er$re"a"ion o< some o< ri Ramana9s s"a"emen"s on "he 2ear"' and "o unders"and ho3 "his be!ie< has -ome abou" i" 3i!! be ne-essary "o "a%e a -!oser !oo% a" some o< his ideas on "he subCe-". In des-ribin# "he ori#in o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" he some"imes said "ha" i" rose "o "he brain "hrou#h a -hanne! 3hi-h s"ar"ed <rom a -en"re in "he ri#h"Dhand side o< "he -hes". 2e -a!!ed "his -en"re "he 2ear"D-en"re and said "ha" 3hen "he 8I9D"hou#h" subsided in"o "he e!< i" 3en" ba-% in"o "he -en"re and disa$$eared. 2e a!so said "ha" 3hen "he e!< is -ons-ious!y eB$erien-ed' "here is a "an#ib!e a3areness "ha" "his -en"re is "he sour-e o< bo"h "he mind and "he 3or!d. 2o3ever' "hese s"a"emen"s are no" s"ri-"!y "rue and ri Ramana some"imes Eua!i<ied "hem by sayin# "ha" "hey 3ere on!y s-hema"i- re$resen"a"ions 3hi-h 3ere #iven "o "hose $eo$!e 3ho $ersis"ed in iden"i<yin# 3i"h "heir bodies. 2e said "ha" "he 2ear" is no" rea!!y !o-a"ed in "he body and "ha" <rom "he hi#hes" s"and$oin" i" is eEua!!y un"rue "o say "ha" "he 8I9D"hou#h" arises and subsides in"o "his -en"re on "he ri#h" o< "he -hes". Be-ause ri Ramana o<"en said 8@ind "he $!a-e 3here "he 8I9 arises9 or 8@ind "he sour-e o< "he mind9' many $eo$!e in"er$re"ed "hese s"a"emen"s "o mean "ha" "hey shou!d -on-en"ra"e on "his $ar"i-u!ar -en"re 3hi!e doin# se!<DenEuiry. ri Ramana reCe-"ed "his in"er$re"a"ion many "imes by sayin# "ha" "he sour-e o< "he mind or "he 8I9 -ou!d on!y be

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

dis-overed "hrou#h a""en"ion "o "he 8I9D "hou#h" and no" "hrou#h -on-en"ra"ion on a $ar"i-u!ar $ar" o< "he body. 2e did some"imes say "ha" $u""in# a""en"ion on "his -en"re is a #ood -on-en"ra"ion $ra-"i-e' bu" he never asso-ia"ed i" 3i"h se!<D enEuiry. 2e a!so o--asiona!!y said "ha" medi"a"ion on "he 2ear" 3as an e<<e-"ive 3ay o< rea-hin# "he e!<' bu" a#ain' he never said "ha" "his shou!d be done by -on-en"ra"in# on "he 2ear"D-en"re. Ins"ead he said "ha" one shou!d medi"a"e on "he 2ear" 8as i" is9. 6he 2ear" 8as i" is9 is no" a !o-a"ion' i" is "he immanen" e!< and one -an on!y be a3are o< i"s rea! na"ure by bein# i". I" -anno" be rea-hed by -on-en"ra"ion. A!"hou#h "here are severa! $o"en"ia!!y ambi#uous -ommen"s o< "his %ind abou" "he 2ear" and "he 2ear"D-en"re' in a!! his 3ri"in#s and re-orded -onversa"ions "here is no" a sin#!e s"a"emen" "o su$$or" "he -on"en"ion "ha" se!<DenEuiry is "o be $ra-"ised by -on-en"ra"in# on "his -en"re. In <a-"' by -!ose!y eBaminin# his s"a"emen"s on "he subCe-" one -an on!y -on-!ude "ha" 3hi!e "he eB$erien-e o< "he e!< -on"ains an a3areness o< "his -en"re' -on-en"ra"ion on "his -en"re 3i!! no" resu!" in "he eB$erien-e o< "he e!<. #$ I be#in "o as% myse!< 8*ho am IK9 e!imina"e "he body as no" 8I9' "he brea"h as no" 8I9' and I am no" ab!e "o $ro-eed <ur"her. A$ *e!!' "ha" is as <ar as "he in"e!!e-" -an #o. Your $ro-ess is on!y in"e!!e-"ua!. Indeed' a!! "he s-ri$"ures men"ion "he $ro-ess on!y "o #uide "he see%er "o %no3 "he "ru"h. 6he "ru"h -anno" be dire-"!y $oin"ed ou". 2en-e "his in"e!!e-"ua! $ro-ess. You see' "he one 3ho e!imina"es a!! "he 8no" I9 -anno" e!imina"e "he 8I9. 6o say 8I am no" "his9 or 8I am "ha"9 "here mus" be "he 8I9. 6his 8I9 is on!y "he e#o or "he 8I9D"hou#h". A<"er "he risin# u$ o< "his 8I9D"hou#h"' a!! o"her "hou#h"s arise. 6he 8I9D"hou#h" is "here<ore "he roo"D"hou#h". I< "he roo" is $u!!ed ou" a!! o"hers are a" "he same "ime u$roo"ed. 6here<ore see% "he roo" 8I9' Eues"ion yourse!< 8*ho am IK9. @ind ou" i"s sour-e' and "hen a!! "hese o"her ideas 3i!! vanish and "he $ure e!< 3i!! remain. #$ 2o3 "o do i"K A$ 6he 8I9 is a!3ays "here in dee$ s!ee$' in dream and in 3a%e<u!ness. 6he one in s!ee$ is "he same as "ha" 3ho no3 s$ea%s. 6here is a!3ays "he <ee!in# o< 8I9. O"her3ise do you deny your eBis"en-eK You do no". You say 8I am9. @ind ou" 3ho is. #$ I medi"a"e ne"iDne"i Lno" "his no" "hisM. A$ No "ha" is no" medi"a"ion. @ind "he sour-e. You mus" rea-h "he sour-e 3i"hou" <ai!. 6he <a!se 8I9 3i!! disa$$ear and "he rea! 8I9 3i!! be rea!iJed. 6he <ormer -anno" eBis" a$ar" <rom "he !a""er. 6here is no3 3ron# iden"i<i-a"ion o< "he e!< 3i"h "he body' senses' e"-. You $ro-eed "o dis-ard "hese' and "his is ne"i. 6his -an be done on!y by ho!din# "o "he one 3hi-h -anno" be dis-arded. 6ha" is i"i L"ha" 3hi-h isM. #$ *hen I "hin% 8*ho am IK9' "he ans3er -omes I am no" "his mor"a! body bu" I am -hai"anya' a"ma L-ons-iousness' "he e!<M.9 And sudden!y ano"her Eues"ion arises' 8*hy has a"ma -ome in"o maya Li!!usionMK9 or in o"her 3ords' 8*hy has God -rea"ed "his 3or!dK9 A$ 6o enEuire 8*ho am IK9 rea!!y means "ryin# "o <ind ou" "he sour-e o< "he e#o or "he 8I9D "hou#h". You are no" "o "hin% o< o"her "hou#h"s' su-h as 8I am no" "his body9. ee%in# "he sour-e o< 8I9 serves as a means o< #e""in# rid o< a!! o"her "hou#h"s. *e shou!d no" #ive s-o$e "o o"her "hou#h"s' su-h as you men"ion' bu" mus" %ee$ "he a""en"ion <iBed on <indin# ou" "he sour-e o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" by as%in#' as ea-h "hou#h" arises' "o 3hom "he "hou#h" arises. I< "he ans3er is 8I #e" "he "hou#h"9 -on"inue "he enEuiry by as%in# 8*ho is "his 8I9 and 3ha" is i"s sour-eK9 #$ Am I "o %ee$ on re$ea"in# 8*ho am IK9 so as "o ma%e a man"ra o< i"K A$ No. 8*ho am IK9 is no" a man"ra. I" means "ha" you mus" <ind ou" 3here in you arises "he 8I9D "hou#h" 3hi-h is "he sour-e o< a!! o"her "hou#h"s. #$ ha!! I medi"a"e on 8I am Brahman9 Laham BrahmasmiMK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ 6he "eB" is no" mean" <or "hin%in# 8I am Brahman9. Aham L8I9M is %no3n "o every one. Brahman abides as aham in every one. @ind ou" "he 8I9. 6he 8I9 is a!ready Brahman. You need no" "hin% so. im$!y <ind ou" "he 8I9. #$ Is no" dis-ardin# o< "he KKKeK Lne"iDne"iM men"ioned in "he sas"rasK A$ A<"er "he rise o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" "here is "he <a!se iden"i<i-a"ion o< "he 8I9 3i"h "he body' "he senses' "he mind' e"-. 8I9 is 3ron#!y asso-ia"ed 3i"h "hem and "he "rue 8I9 is !os" si#h" o<. In order "o si<" "he $ure 8I9 <rom "he -on"amina"ed 8I9' "his dis-ardin# is men"ioned. Bu" i" does no" mean eBa-"!y dis-ardin# o< "he nonD e!<' i" means "he <indin# o< "he rea! e!<. 6he rea! e!< is "he in<ini"e 8I9. 6ha" 8I9 is $er<e-"ion. I" is e"erna!. I" has no ori#in and no end. 6he o"her 8I9 is born and a!so dies. I" is im$ermanen". ee "o 3hom "he -han#in# "hou#h"s be!on#. 6hey 3i!! be <ound "o arise a<"er "he 8I9D"hou#h". 2o!d "he 8I9D"hou#h" and "hey subside. 6ra-e ba-% "he sour-e o< "he 8I9D"hou#h". 6he e!< a!one 3i!! remain. #$ I" is di<<i-u!" "o <o!!o3. I unders"and "he "heory. Bu" 3ha" is "he $ra-"i-eK A$ 6he o"her me"hods are mean" <or "hose 3ho -anno" "a%e "o "he inves"i#a"ion o< "he e!<. Even "o re$ea" aham Brahmasmi or "hin% o< i"' a doer is ne-essary. *ho is i"K I" is 8I9. Be "ha" 8I9. I" is "he dire-" me"hod. 6he o"her me"hods a!so 3i!! u!"ima"e!y !ead everyone "o "his me"hod o< "he inves"i#a"ion o< "he e!<. #$ I am a3are o< "he 8I9. Ye" my "roub!es are no" ended. A$ 6his 8I9D"hou#h" is no" $ure. I" is -on"amina"ed 3i"h "he asso-ia"ion o< "he body and senses. ee "o 3hom "he "roub!e is. I" is "o "he 8I9D"hou#h". 2o!d i". 6hen "he o"her "hou#h"s vanish. #$ Yes. 2o3 "o do i"K 6ha" is "he 3ho!e "roub!e. A$ 6hin% 8I' I9' and ho!d "o "ha" one "hou#h" "o "he eB-!usion o< a!! o"hers. #$ Is no" a<<irma"ion o< God more e<<e-"ive "han "he Eues"' 8*ho am IK9 A<<irma"ion is $osi"ive' 3hereas "he o"her is ne#a"ion. Moreover' i" indi-a"es se$ara"eness. A$ o !on# as you see% "o %no3 ho3 "o rea!iJe' "his advi-e is #iven "o <ind your e!<. Your see%in# "he me"hod deno"es your se$ara"eness. #$ Is i" no" be""er "o say I am "he su$reme bein#9 "han as% 8*ho am IK9 A$ *ho a<<irmsK 6here mus" be one "o do i". @ind "ha" one. #$ Is no" medi"a"ion be""er "han inves"i#a"ionK A$ Medi"a"ion im$!ies men"a! ima#ery' 3hereas inves"i#a"ion is <or "he rea!i"y. 6he <ormer is obCe-"ive' 3hereas "he !a""er is subCe-"ive. #$ 6here mus" be a s-ien"i<i- a$$roa-h "o "his subCe-". A$ 6o es-he3 unrea!i"y and see% "he rea!i"y is s-ien"i<i-. #$ I mean "here mus" be a #radua! e!imina"ion' <irs" o< "he mind' "hen o< "he in"e!!e-"' "hen o< "he e#o. A$ 6he e!< a!one is rea!. A!! o"hers are unrea!. 6he mind and in"e!!e-" do no" remain a$ar" <rom you. 6he Bib!e says' 8Be s"i!! and %no3 "ha" I am God.9 "i!!ness is "he so!e reEuisi"e <or "he rea!iJa"ion o< "he e!< as God. #$ Is soham L"he a<<irma"ion I am 8he9M "he same as 8*ho am IK9 A$ Aham L8I9M a!one is -ommon "o "hem. One is soham. 6he o"her is %oham 8*ho am IK9. 6hey are di<<eren". *hy shou!d 3e #o on sayin# sohamK One mus" <ind ou" "he rea! 8I9. In "he Eues"ion 8*ho am IK9' 8I9 re<ers "o "he e#o. 6ryin# "o "ra-e i" and <ind i"s sour-e' 3e see i" has no se$ara"e eBis"en-e bu" mer#es in "he rea! 8I9. You see "he di<<i-u!"y. 5i-hara is di<<eren" in me"hod <rom "he medi"a"ion sivoham or soham L8I am iva9 or 8I am

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

he9M. I ra"her !ay s"ress u$on e!<D%no3!ed#e' <or you are <irs" -on-erned 3i"h yourse!< be<ore you $ro-eed "o %no3 "he 3or!d and i"s &ord. 6he soham medi"a"ion or 8I am Brahman9 medi"a"ion is more or !ess a men"a! "hou#h". Bu" "he Eues" <or "he e!< I s$ea% o< is a dire-" me"hod' indeed su$erior "o "he o"her medi"a"ion. 6he momen" you s"ar" !oo%in# <or "he se!< and #o dee$er and dee$er' "he rea! e!< is 3ai"in# "here "o "a%e you in. 6hen 3ha"ever is done is done by some"hin# e!se and you have no hand in i". In "his $ro-ess' a!! doub"s and dis-ussions are au"oma"i-a!!y #iven u$ Cus" as one 3ho s!ee$s <or#e"s' <or "he "ime bein#' a!! his -ares. #$ *ha" -er"ain"y is "here "ha" some"hin# e!se 3ai"s "here "o 3e!-ome meK A$ *hen one is a su<<i-ien"!y deve!o$ed sou! L$a%viM one be-omes na"ura!!y -onvin-ed. #$ 2o3 is "his deve!o$men" $ossib!eK A$ 5arious ans3ers are #iven. Bu" 3ha"ever "he $revious deve!o$men"' vi-hara Eui-%ens "he deve!o$men". #$ 6ha" is ar#uin# in a -ir-!e. I am deve!o$ed and so I am sui"ab!e <or "he Eues" bu" "he Eues" i"se!< -auses me "o deve!o$. A$ 6he mind has a!3ays "his sor" o< di<<i-u!"y. I" 3an"s a -er"ain "heory "o sa"is<y i"se!<. Rea!!y' no "heory is ne-essary <or "he man 3ho serious!y desires "o a$$roa-h God or "o rea!iJe his o3n "rue bein#. #$ No doub" "he me"hod "au#h" by Bha#avan is dire-". Bu" i" is so di<<i-u!". *e do no" %no3 ho3 "o be#in i". I< 3e #o on as%in#' 8*ho am IK9' 8*ho am IK9 !i%e a Ca$a Lre$e"i"ion o< "he name o< GodM or a man"ra' i" be-omes du!!. In o"her me"hods "here is some"hin# $re!iminary and $osi"ive 3i"h 3hi-h one -an be#in and "hen #o s"e$ by s"e$. Bu" in Bha#avan9s me"hod' "here is no su-h "hin#' and "o see% "he e!< a" on-e' "hou#h dire-"' is di<<i-u!". A$ You yourse!< -on-ede i" is "he dire-" me"hod. I" is "he dire-" and easy me"hod. *hen #oin# a<"er o"her "hin#s "ha" are a!ien "o us is so easy' ho3 -an i" be di<<i-u!" <or one "o #o "o one9s o3n e!<K You "a!% o< 8*here "o be#inK9 6here is no be#innin# and no end. You are yourse!< in "he be#innin# and "he end. I< you are here and "he e!< some3here e!se' and you have "o rea-h "ha" e!<' you may be "o!d ho3 "o s"ar"' ho3 "o "rave! and "hen ho3 "o rea-h. u$$ose you 3ho are no3 in Ramanasramam as%' 8I 3an" "o #o "o Ramanasramam. 2o3 sha!! I s"ar" and ho3 "o rea-h i"K9' 3ha" is one "o sayK A man9s sear-h <or "he e!< is !i%e "ha". 2e is a!3ays "he e!< and no"hin# e!se. You say 8*ho am IK9 be-omes a Ca$a. I" is no" mean" "ha" you shou!d #o on as%in# 8*ho am IK9 In "ha" -ase' "hou#h" 3i!! no" so easi!y die. In "he dire-" me"hod' as you -a!! i"' in as%in# yourse!< 8*ho am IK9' you are "o!d "o -on-en"ra"e 3i"hin yourse!< 3here "he 8I9D"hou#h"' "he roo" o< a!! o"her "hou#h"s' arises. As "he e!< is no" ou"side bu" inside you' you are as%ed "o dive 3i"hin' ins"ead o< #oin# 3i"hou". *ha" -an be more easy "han #oin# "o yourse!<K Bu" "he <a-" remains "ha" "o some "his me"hod 3i!! seem di<<i-u!" and 3i!! no" a$$ea!. 6ha" is 3hy so many di<<eren" me"hods have been "au#h". Ea-h o< "hem 3i!! a$$ea! "o some as "he bes" and easies". 6ha" is a--ordin# "o "heir $a%va or <i"ness. Bu" "o some' no"hin# eB-e$" "he vi-hara mar#a L"he $a"h o< enEuiryM 3i!! a$$ea!. 6hey 3i!! as%' 8You 3an" me "o %no3 or "o see "his or "ha". Bu" 3ho is "he %no3er' "he seerK9 *ha"ever o"her me"hod may be -hosen' "here 3i!! be a!3ays a doer. 6ha" -anno" be es-a$ed. One mus" <ind ou" 3ho "he doer is. 6i!! "hen' "he sadhana -anno" be ended. o even"ua!!y' a!! mus" -ome "o <ind ou" 8*ho am IK9 You -om$!ain "ha" "here is no"hin# $re!iminary or $osi"ive "o s"ar" 3i"h. You have "he 8I9 "o s"ar" 3i"h. You %no3 you eBis" a!3ays' 3hereas "he body does no" eBis" a!3ays' <or eBam$!e in s!ee$. !ee$ revea!s "ha" you eBis" even 3i"hou" a body. *e iden"i<y "he 8I9 3i"h a body' 3e re#ard "he e!< as havin# a body' and as havin# !imi"s' and hen-e a!! our "roub!e. A!! "ha" 3e have "o do is "o #ive u$ iden"i<yin# "he e!< 3i"h "he body' 3i"h <orms and !imi"s' and "hen 3e sha!! %no3 ourse!ves as "he e!< "ha" 3e a!3ays are. #$ Am I "o "hin% 8*ho am IK9 A$ You have %no3n "ha" "he 8I9D"hou#h" s$rin#s <or"h. 2o!d "he 8I9D"hou#h" and <ind i"s sour-e. #$ May I %no3 "he 3ayK A$ Do as you have no3 been "o!d and see. #$ I do no" unders"and 3ha" I shou!d do. A$ I< i" is any"hin# obCe-"ive "he 3ay -an be sho3n obCe-"ive!y. 6his is subCe-"ive.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ Bu" I do no" unders"and. A$ *ha"O Do you no" unders"and "ha" you areK #$ P!ease "e!! me "he 3ay. A$ Is i" ne-essary "o sho3 "he 3ay in "he in"erior o< your o3n homeK 6his is 3i"hin you. #$ You have said "ha" "he 2ear" is "he -en"re o< "he e!<. A$ Yes' i" is "he one su$reme -en"re o< "he e!<. You need have no doub" abou" i". 6he rea! e!< is "here in "he 2ear" behind "he Civa or e#oDse!<. #$ No3 be $!eased "o "e!! me 3here i" is in "he body. A$ You -anno" %no3 i" 3i"h your mind. You -anno" rea!iJe i" by ima#ina"ion' 3hen I "e!! you here is "he -en"re L$oin"in# "o "he ri#h" side o< "he -hes"M. 6he on!y dire-" 3ay "o rea!iJe i" is "o -ease "o <an"asise and "ry "o be yourse!<. *hen you rea!iJe' you au"oma"i-a!!y <ee! "ha" "he -en"re is "here. 6his is "he -en"re' "he 2ear"' s$o%en o< in "he s-ri$"ures as hri"D#uha L-avi"y o< "he hear"M' aru! L#ra-eM' u!!am L"he 2ear"M. #$ In no boo% have I <ound i" s"a"ed "ha" i" is "here. A$ &on# a<"er I -ame here I -han-ed u$on a verse in "he Ma!aya!am version o< Ash"an#ahridayam' "he s"andard 3or% on ayurveda L2indu medi-ineM' 3herein "he oCas s"hana Lsour-e o< bodi!y vi"a!i"y or $!a-e o< !i#h"M is men"ioned as bein# !o-a"ed in "he ri#h" side o< "he -hes" and -a!!ed "he sea" o< -ons-iousness Lsamvi"M. Bu" I %no3 o< no o"her 3or% 3hi-h re<ers "o i" as bein# !o-a"ed "here. #$ +an I be sure "ha" "he an-ien"s mean" "his -en"re by "he "erm 82ear"9K A$ Yes' "ha" is so. Bu" you shou!d "ry "o have ra"her "han "o !o-a"e "he eB$erien-e. A man need no" <ind ou" 3here his eyes are si"ua"ed 3hen he 3an"s "o see. 6he 2ear" is "here ever o$en "o you i< you -are "o en"er i"' ever su$$or"in# a!! your movemen"s even 3hen you are una3are. I" is $erha$s more $ro$er "o say "ha" "he e!< is "he 2ear" i"se!< "han "o say "ha" i" is in "he 2ear". Rea!!y' "he e!< is "he -en"re i"se!<. I" is every3here' a3are o< i"se!< as 82ear"9' "he e!<D a3areness. #$ In "ha" -ase' ho3 -an i" be !o-a!ised in any $ar" o< "he bodyK @iBin# a $!a-e <or "he 2ear" 3ou!d im$!y se""in# $hysio!o#i-a! !imi"a"ions "o "ha" 3hi-h is beyond s$a-e and "ime. A$ 6ha" is ri#h". Bu" "he $erson 3ho $u"s "he Eues"ion abou" "he $osi"ion o< "he 2ear" -onsiders himse!< as eBis"in# 3i"h or in "he body. *hi!e $u""in# "he Eues"ion no3' 3ou!d you say "ha" your body a!one is here bu" you are s$ea%in# <rom some3here e!seK No' you a--e$" your bodi!y eBis"en-e. I" is <rom "his $oin" o< vie3 "ha" any re<eren-e "o a $hysi-a! body -omes "o be made. 6ru!y s$ea%in#' $ure -ons-iousness is indivisib!e' i" is 3i"hou" $ar"s. I" has no <orm and sha$e' no 83i"hin9 and 83i"hou"9. 6here is no 8ri#h"9 or 8!e<"9 <or i". Pure -ons-iousness' 3hi-h is "he 2ear"' in-!udes a!!' and no"hin# is ou"side or a$ar" <rom i". 6ha" is "he u!"ima"e "ru"h. @rom "his abso!u"e s"and$oin"' "he 2ear"' e!< or -ons-iousness -an have no $ar"i-u!ar $!a-e assi#ned "o i" in "he $hysi-a! body. *ha" is "he reasonK 6he body is i"se!< a mere $roCe-"ion o< "he mind' and "he mind is bu" a $oor re<!e-"ion o< "he radian" 2ear". 2o3 -an "ha"' in 3hi-h every"hin# is -on"ained' be i"se!< -on<ined as a "iny $ar" 3i"hin "he $hysi-a! body 3hi-h is bu" an in<ini"esima!' $henomena! mani<es"a"ion o< "he one rea!i"yK Bu" $eo$!e do no" unders"and "his. 6hey -anno" he!$ "hin%in# in "erms o< "he $hysi-a! body and "he 3or!d. @or ins"an-e' you say' 8I have -ome "o "his ashram a!! "he 3ay <rom my -oun"ry beyond "he 2ima!ayas.9 Bu" "ha" is no" "he "ru"h. *here is 8-omin#9 or 8#oin#9 or any movemen" 3ha"ever' <or "he one' a!!D$ervadin# s$iri" 3hi-h you rea!!y areK You are 3here you have a!3ays been. I" is your body "ha" moved or 3as -onveyed <rom $!a-e "o $!a-e "i!! i" rea-hed "his ashram. 6his is "he sim$!e "ru"h' bu" "o a $erson 3ho -onsiders himse!< a subCe-" !ivin# in an obCe-"ive 3or!d' i" a$$ears as some"hin# a!"o#e"her visionaryO

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

I" is by -omin# do3n "o "he !eve! o< ordinary unders"andin# "ha" a $!a-e is assi#ned "o "he 2ear" in "he $hysi-a! body. #$ 2o3 "hen sha!! I unders"and ri Bha#avan9s s"a"emen" "ha" "he eB$erien-e o< "he 2ear"D -en"re is a" "he $ar"i-u!ar $!a-e in "he -hes"K A$ On-e you a--e$" "ha" <rom "he "rue and abso!u"e s"and$oin"' "he 2ear" as $ure -ons-iousness is beyond s$a-e and "ime' i" 3i!! be easy <or you "o unders"and "he res" in i"s -orre-" $ers$e-"ive. #$ 6he 2ear" is said "o be on "he ri#h"' on "he !e<"' or in "he -en"re. *i"h su-h di<<eren-es o< o$inion ho3 are 3e "o medi"a"e on i"K A$ You are and i" is a <a-". Dhyana Lmedi"a"ionM is by you' o< you' and in you. I" mus" #o on 3here you are. I" -anno" be ou"side you. o you are "he -en"re o< dhyana and "ha" is "he 2ear". Doub"s arise on!y 3hen you iden"i<y i" 3i"h some"hin# "an#ib!e and $hysi-a!. 2ear" is no -on-e$"ion' no obCe-" <or medi"a"ion. Bu" i" is "he sea" o< medi"a"ion. 6he e!< remains a!! a!one. You see "he body in "he 2ear"' "he 3or!d is a!so in i". 6here is no"hin# se$ara"e <rom i". o a!! %inds o< e<<or" are !o-a"ed "here on!y. #$ You say "he 8I9D"hou#h" rises <rom "he 2ear"D-en"re. hou!d 3e see% i"s sour-e "hereK A$ I as% you "o see 3here "he 8I9 arises in your body' bu" i" is rea!!y no" Eui"e -orre-" "o say "ha" "he 8I9 rises <rom and mer#es in "he 2ear" in "he ri#h" side o< "he -hes". 6he 2ear" is ano"her name <or "he rea!i"y and i" is nei"her inside nor ou"side "he body. 6here -an be no in or ou" <or i"' sin-e i" a!one is. #$ hou!d I medi"a"e on "he ri#h" -hes" in order "o medi"a"e on "he 2ear"K A$ 6he 2ear" is no" $hysi-a!. Medi"a"ion shou!d no" be on "he ri#h" or "he !e<". Medi"a"ion shou!d be on "he e!<. Everyone %no3s 8I am9. *ho is "he 8I9K I" 3i!! be nei"her 3i"hin nor 3i"hou"' nei"her on "he ri#h" nor on "he !e<". 8I am9 D "ha" is a!!. &eave a!one "he idea o< ri#h" and !e<". 6hey $er"ain "o "he body. 6he 2ear" is "he e!<. Rea!iJe i" and "hen you 3i!! see <or yourse!<. 6here is no need "o %no3 3here and 3ha" "he 2ear" is. I" 3i!! do i"s 3or% i< you en#a#e in "he Eues" <or "he e!<. #$ *ha" is "he 2ear" re<erred "o in "he verse o< U$adesa aram 3here i" is said' 8Abidin# in "he 2ear" is "he bes" %arma' yo#a' bha%"i and CnanaK9 A$ 6ha" 3hi-h is "he sour-e o< a!!' "ha" in 3hi-h a!! !ive' and "ha" in"o 3hi-h a!! <ina!!y mer#e' is "he 2ear" re<erred "o. #$ 2o3 -an 3e -on-eive o< su-h a 2ear"K A$ *hy shou!d you -on-eive o< any"hin#K You have on!y "o see <rom 3here "he 8I9 s$rin#s. 6ha" <rom 3hi-h a!! "hou#h"s o< embodied bein#s issue <or"h is -a!!ed "he 2ear". A!! des-ri$"ions o< i" are on!y men"a! -on-e$"s. #$ 6here are said "o be siB or#ans o< di<<eren" -o!ours in "he -hes"' o< 3hi-h "he 2ear" is said "o be "3o <in#erDbread"hs "o "he ri#h" o< "he midd!e !ine. Bu" "he 2ear" is a!so <orm!ess. hou!d 3e "hen ima#ine i" "o have a sha$e and medi"a"e on i"K A$ No. On!y "he Eues" 8*ho am IK9 is ne-essary. *ha" remains a!! "hrou#h dee$ s!ee$ and 3a%in# is "he same. Bu" in 3a%in# "here is unha$$iness and "he e<<or" "o remove i". As%ed 3ho 3a%es u$ <rom s!ee$ you say 8I9. No3 you are "o!d "o ho!d <as" "o "his 8I9. I< i" is done "he e"erna! bein# 3i!! revea! i"se!<. Inves"i#a"ion o< 8I9 is "he $oin" and no" medi"a"ion on "he 2ear"D-en"re. 6here is no"hin# !i%e 3i"hin or 3i"hou". Bo"h mean ei"her "he same "hin# or no"hin#. O< -ourse "here is a!so "he $ra-"i-e o< medi"a"ion on "he 2ear"D-en"re. I" is on!y a $ra-"i-e and no" inves"i#a"ion. On!y "he one 3ho medi"a"es on "he 2ear" -an remain a3are 3hen "he mind -eases "o be a-"ive and remains s"i!!' 3hereas "hose 3ho medi"a"e on o"her -en"res -anno" be so a3are bu" in<er "ha" "he mind 3as s"i!! on!y a<"er i" be-omes a#ain a-"ive.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

In 3ha"ever $!a-e in "he body one "hin%s e!< "o be residin#' due "o "he $o3er o< "ha" "hin%in# i" 3i!! a$$ear "o "he one 3ho "hin%s "hus as i< e!< is residin# in "ha" $!a-e. 2o3ever' "he be!oved 2ear" a!one is "he re<u#e <or "he risin# and subsidin# o< "ha" 8I9. Kno3 "ha" "hou#h i" is said "ha" "he 2ear" eBis"s bo"h inside and ou"side' in abso!u"e "ru"h i" does no" eBis" bo"h inside and ou"side' be-ause "he body' 3hi-h a$$ears as "he base o< "he di<<eren-es 8inside9 and 8ou"side9' is an ima#ina"ion o< "he "hin%in# mind. 2ear"' "he sour-e' is "he be#innin#' "he midd!e and "he end o< a!!. 2ear"' "he su$reme s$a-e' is never a <orm. I" is "he !i#h" o< "ru"h.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 7 - Surrender
Many o< "he 3or!d9s re!i#ious "radi"ions advo-a"e surrender "o God as a means o< "rans-endin# "he individua! se!<. ri Ramana a--e$"ed "he va!idi"y o< su-h an a$$roa-h and o<"en said "ha" "his me"hod 3as as e<<e-"ive as se!<DenEuiry. 6radi"iona!!y "he $a"h o< surrender is asso-ia"ed 3i"h dua!is"i- devo"iona! $ra-"i-es' bu" su-h a-"ivi"ies 3ere on!y o< se-ondary im$or"an-e "o ri Ramana. Ins"ead he s"ressed "ha" "rue surrender "rans-ended 3orshi$$in# God in a subCe-" obCe-" re!a"ionshi$ sin-e i" -ou!d on!y be su--ess<u!!y a--om$!ished 3hen "he one 3ho ima#ined "ha" he 3as se$ara"e <rom God had -eased "o eBis". 6o a-hieve "his #oa! he re-ommended "3o dis"in-" $ra-"i-es? 1 2o!din# on "o "he 8I9D"hou#h" un"i! "he one 3ho ima#ines "ha" he is se$ara"e <rom God disa$$ears. , +om$!e"e!y surrenderin# a!! res$onsibi!i"y <or one9s !i<e "o God or "he e!<. @or su-h se!<Dsurrender "o be e<<e-"ive one mus" have no 3i!! or desire o< one9 o3n and one mus" be -om$!e"e!y <ree o< "he idea "ha" "here is an individua! $erson 3ho is -a$ab!e o< a-"in# inde$enden"!y o< God. 6he <irs" me"hod is -!ear!y se!<DenEuiry masEueradin# under a di<<eren" name. ri Ramana o<"en eEua"ed "he $ra-"i-es o< surrender and enEuiry ei"her by sayin# "ha" "hey 3ere di<<eren" names <or "he same $ro-ess or "ha" "hey 3ere "he on!y "3o e<<e-"ive means by 3hi-h e!<Drea!iJa"ion -ou!d be a-hieved. 6his is Eui"e -onsis"en" 3i"h his vie3 "ha" any $ra-"i-e 3hi-h invo!ved a3areness o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" 3as a va!id and dire-" rou"e "o "he e!<' 3hereas a!! $ra-"i-es 3hi-h didn9" 3ere no". 6his insis"en-e on "he subCe-"ive a3areness o< 8I9 as "he on!y means o< rea-hin# "he e!< -o!oured his a""i"ude "o3ards $ra-"i-es o< devo"ion Lbha%"i: and 3orshi$ 3hi-h are usua!!y asso-ia"ed 3i"h surrender "o God. 2e never dis-oura#ed his devo"ees <rom <o!!o3in# su-h $ra-"i-es' bu" he $oin"ed ou" "ha" any re!a"ionshi$ 3i"h God 7devo"ee' 3orshi$$er' servan"' e"-.: 3as an i!!usory one sin-e God a!one eBis"s. 6rue devo"ion' he said' is "o remain as one rea!!y is' in "he s"a"e o< bein# in 3hi-h a!! ideas abou" re!a"ionshi$s 3i"h God have -eased "o eBis". 6he se-ond me"hod' o< surrenderin# res$onsibi!i"y <or one9s !i<e "o God' is a!so re!a"ed "o se!<D enEuiry sin-e i" aims "o e!imina"e "he 8I9D"hou#h" by se$ara"in# i" <rom "he obCe-"s and a-"ions "ha" i" -ons"an"!y iden"i<ies 3i"h. In <o!!o3in# "his $ra-"i-e "here shou!d be a -ons"an" a3areness "ha" "here is no individua! 8I9 3ho ar"s or desires' "ha" on!y "he e!< eBis"s and "ha" "here is no"hin# a$ar" <rom "he e!< "ha" is -a$ab!e o< a-"in# inde$enden"!y o< i". *hen <o!!o3in# "his $ra-"i-e' 3henever one be-omes a3are "ha" one is assumin# res$onsibi!i"y <or "hou#h"s and a-"ions <or eBam$!e' 8I 3an"9 or 8I am doin# "his9 F one shou!d "ry "o 3i"hdra3 "he mind <rom i"s eB"erna! -on"a-"s and <iB i" in "he e!<. 6his is ana!o#ous "o "he "rans<er o< a""en"ion 3hi-h "a%es $!a-e in se!<DenEuiry 3hen one rea!ises "ha" se!<Da""en"ion has been !os". In bo"h -ases "he aim is "o iso!a"e "he 8I9D"hou#h" and ma%e i" disa$$ear in i"s sour-e. ri Ramana himse!< admi""ed "ha" s$on"aneous and -om$!e"e surrender o< "he 8I9 by "his me"hod 3as an im$ossib!e #oa! <or many $eo$!e and so he some"imes advised his <o!!o3ers "o under"a%e $re!iminary eBer-ises 3hi-h 3ou!d -u!"iva"e "heir devo"ion and -on"ro! "heir minds. Mos" o< "hese $ra-"i-es invo!ved "hin%in# o< or medi"a"in# on God or "he Guru ei"her by -ons"an"!y re$ea"in# his name 7Ca$a: or by visua!isin# his <orm. 2e "o!d his devo"ees "ha" i< "his 3as done re#u!ar!y 3i"h !ove and devo"ion "hen "he mind 3ou!d be-ome e<<or"!ess!y absorbed in "he obCe-" o< medi"a"ion. On-e "his has been a-hieved -om$!e"e surrender be-omes mu-h easier. 6he -ons"an" a3areness o< God $reven"s "he mind <rom iden"i<yin# 3i"h o"her obCe-"s and enhan-es "he -onvi-"ion "ha" God a!one eBis"s. I" a!so $rodu-es a re-i$ro-a! <!o3 o< $o3er or #ra-e <rom "he e!< 3hi-h 3ea%ens "he ho!d o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" and des"roys "he vasanas 3hi-h $er$e"ua"e and rein<or-e i"s eBis"en-e. Even"ua!!y "he 8I9D"hou#h" is redu-ed "o mana#eab!e $ro$or"ions and 3i"h a !i""!e se!<Da""en"ion i" -an be made "o sin% "em$orari!y in"o "he 2ear". As 3i"h se!<DenEuiry' <ina! rea!iJa"ion is brou#h" abou" au"oma"i-a!!y by "he $o3er o< "he e!<. *hen a!! "he ou"#oin# "enden-ies o< "he mind have been disso!ved in "he re$ea"ed eB$erien-es o< bein#' "he e!<

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des"roys "he ves"i#ia! 8I9D"hou#h" so -om$!e"e!y "ha" i" never rises a#ain. 6his <ina! des"ru-"ion o< "he 8I9 "a%es $!a-e on!y i< "he se!<Dsurrender has been -om$!e"e!y mo"ive!ess. I< i" is done 3i"h a desire <or #ra-e or e!<Drea!iJa"ion i" -an never be more "han $ar"ia! surrender' a business "ransa-"ion in 3hi-h "he 8I9D"hou#h" ma%es an e<<or" in "he eB$e-"a"ion o< re-eivin# a re3ard. #$ *ha" is un-ondi"iona! surrenderK A$ I< one surrenders onese!< "here 3i!! be no one "o as% Eues"ions or "o be "hou#h" o<. Ei"her "he "hou#h"s are e!imina"ed by ho!din# on "o "he roo"D"hou#h" 8I9' or one surrenders onese!< un-ondi"iona!!y "o "he hi#her $o3er. 6hese are "he on!y "3o 3ays <or rea!iJa"ion. #$ Does no" "o"a! or -om$!e"e surrender reEuire "ha" one shou!d no" have !e<" even "he desire <or !ibera"ion or GodK A$ +om$!e"e surrender does reEuire "ha" you have no desire o< your o3n. You mus" be sa"is<ied 3i"h 3ha"ever God #ives you and "ha" means havin# no desires o< your o3n. #$ No3 "ha" I am sa"is<ied on "ha" $oin"' I 3an" "o %no3 3ha" "he s"e$s are by 3hi-h I -ou!d a-hieve surrender. A$ 6here are "3o 3ays. One is !oo%in# in"o "he sour-e o< 8I9 and mer#in# in"o "ha" sour-e. 6he o"her is <ee!in# 8I am he!$!ess by myse!<' God a!one is a!!D$o3er<u! and eB-e$" by "hro3in# myse!< -om$!e"e!y on him' "here is no o"her means o< sa<e"y <or me.9 By "his me"hod one #radua!!y deve!o$s "he -onvi-"ion "ha" God a!one eBis"s and "ha" "he e#o does no" -oun". Bo"h me"hods !ead "o "he same #oa!. +om$!e"e surrender is ano"her name <or Cnana or !ibera"ion. #$ I <ind surrender is easier. I 3an" "o ado$" "ha" $a"h. A$ By 3ha"ever $a"h you #o' you 3i!! have "o !ose yourse!< in "he one. urrender is -om$!e"e on!y 3hen you rea-h "he s"a#e 86hou ar" a!!9 and 86hy 3i!! be done9. 6he s"a"e is no" di<<eren" <rom Cnana. In soham L"he a<<irma"ion o< 8I am he9M "here is dvai"a Ldua!ismM. In surrender "here is advai"a LnonDdua!ismM. In "he rea!i"y "here is nei"her dvai"a nor advai"a' bu" "ha" 3hi-h is. urrender a$$ears easy be-ause $eo$!e ima#ine "ha"' on-e "hey say 3i"h "heir !i$s 8I surrender9 and $u" "heir burdens on "heir &ord' "hey -an be <ree and do 3ha" "hey !i%e. Bu" "he <ar" is "ha" you -an have no !i%es or dis!i%es a<"er your surrenderI your 3i!! shou!d be-ome -om$!e"e!y nonD eBis"en"' "he &ord9s 3i!! "a%in# i"s $!a-e. 6he dea"h o< "he e#o in "his 3ay brin#s abou" a s"a"e 3hi-h is no" di<<eren" <rom Cnana. o by 3ha"ever $a"h you may #o' you mus" -ome "o Cnana or oneness. #$ *ha" is "he bes" 3ay o< %i!!in# "he e#oK A$ 6o ea-h $erson "ha" 3ay is "he bes" 3hi-h a$$ears easies" or a$$ea!s mos". A!! "he 3ays are eEua!!y #ood' as "hey !ead "o "he same #oa!' 3hi-h is "he mer#in# o< "he e#o in "he e!<. *ha" "he bha%"a Ldevo"eeM -a!!s surrender' "he man 3ho does vi-hara -a!!s Cnana. Bo"h are "ryin# on!y "o "a%e "he e#o ba-% "o "he sour-e <rom 3hi-h i" s$ran# and ma%e i" mer#e "here. #$ +anno" #ra-e has"en su-h -om$e"en-e in a see%erK A$ &eave i" "o God. urrender unreserved!y. One o< "3o "hin#s mus" be done. Ei"her surrender be-ause you admi" your inabi!i"y and reEuire a hi#her $o3er "o he!$ you' or inves"i#a"e "he -ause o< misery by #oin# "o "he sour-e and mer#in# in"o "he e!<. Ei"her 3ay you 3i!! be <ree <rom misery. God never <orsa%es one 3ho has surrendered. #$ *ha" is "he dri<" o< "he mind a<"er surrenderK A$ Is "he surrendered mind raisin# "he Eues"ionK #$ By -ons"an"!y desirin# "o surrender I ho$e "ha" in-reasin# #ra-e is eB$erien-ed. A$ urrender on-e <or a!! and be done 3i"h "he desire. o !on# as "he sense o< doershi$ is re"ained "here is "he desire. 6ha" is a!so $ersona!i"y. I< "his #oes "he e!< is <ound "o shine <or"h $ure.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

6he sense o< doershi$ is "he bonda#e and no" "he a-"ions "hemse!ves. 8Be s"i!! and %no3 "ha" I am God.9 2ere s"i!!ness is "o"a! surrender 3i"hou" a ves"i#e o< individua!i"y. "i!!ness 3i!! $revai! and "here 3i!! be no a#i"a"ion o< mind. A#i"a"ion o< mind is "he -ause o< desire' "he sense o< doershi$ and $ersona!i"y. I< "ha" is s"o$$ed "here is Euie". 6here 8%no3in#9 means 8bein#9. I" is no" "he re!a"ive %no3!ed#e invo!vin# "he "riads' %no3!ed#e' %no3in# and %no3n. #$ Is "he "hou#h" 8I am God9 or 8I am "he su$reme bein#9 he!$<u!K A$ 8I am "ha" I am.9 8I am9 is God' no" "hin%in# 8I am God.9 Rea!iJe 8I am9 and do no" "hin% 8I am.9 8Kno3 I am God'9 i" is said' and no" 86hin% I am God.9 A!! "a!% o< surrender is !i%e $in-hin# bro3n su#ar <rom a bro3n su#ar ima#e o< &ord Ganesa and o<<erin# i" as naivedya L<ood o<<erin#M "o "he same &ord Ganesa. You say you o<<er your body' sou! and a!! $ossessions "o God. *ere "hey yours "ha" you -ou!d o<<er "hemK A" bes"' you -an on!y say' 8I <a!se!y ima#ined "i!! no3 "ha" a!! "hese 3hi-h are yours 3ere mine. No3 I rea!iJe "hey are yours. I sha!! no more a-" as i< "hey are mine.9 6his %no3!ed#e "ha" "here is no"hin# bu" God or e!<' "ha" I and mine don9" eBis" and "ha" on!y "he e!< eBis"s' is Cnana. 6hus "here is no di<<eren-e be"3een bha%"i and Cnana. Bha%"i is Cnana ma"a or "he mo"her o< Cnana. #$ Men o< "he 3or!d "ha" 3e are' 3e have some %ind o< #rie< or ano"her and do no" %no3 ho3 "o #e" over i". *e $ray "o God and s"i!! are no" sa"is<ied. *ha" -an 3e doK A$ 6rus" God. #$ *e surrenderI bu" s"i!! "here is no he!$. A$ Yes. I< you have surrendered' you mus" be ab!e "o abide by "he 3i!! o< God and no" ma%e a #rievan-e o< 3ha" may no" $!ease you. 6hin#s may "urn ou" di<<eren"!y <rom "he 3ay "hey !oo% a$$aren"!y. Dis"ress o<"en !eads men "o <ai"h in God. #$ Bu" 3e are 3or!d!y. 6here is "he 3i<e' "here are "he -hi!dren' <riends and re!a"ives. *e -anno" i#nore "heir eBis"en-e and resi#n ourse!ves "o divine 3i!!' 3i"hou" re"ainin# some !i""!e o< "he $ersona!i"y in us. A$ 6ha" means you have no" surrendered as $ro<essed by you. You mus" on!y "rus" God. urrender "o him and abide by his 3i!! 3he"her he a$$ears or vanishes. A3ai" his $!easure. I< you as% him "o do as you $!ease' i" is no" surrender bu" -ommand "o him. You -anno" have him obey you and ye" "hin% "ha" you have surrendered. 2e %no3s 3ha" is bes" and 3hen and ho3 "o do i". &eave every"hin# en"ire!y "o him. 2is is "he burden' you have no !on#er any -ares. A!! your -ares are his. u-h is surrender. 6his is bha%"i. Or' enEuire "o 3hom "hese Eues"ions arise. Dive dee$ in "he 2ear" and remain as "he e!<. One o< "hese "3o 3ays is o$en "o "he as$iran". #$ urrender is im$ossib!e. A$ Yes. +om$!e"e surrender is im$ossib!e in "he be#innin#. Par"ia! surrender is -er"ain!y $ossib!e <or a!!. In -ourse o< "ime "ha" 3i!! !ead "o -om$!e"e surrender. *e!!' i< surrender is im$ossib!e' 3ha" -an be doneK 6here is no $ea-e o< mind. You are he!$!ess "o brin# i" abou". I" -an be done on!y by surrender. #$ Is surrender' by i"se!<' su<<i-ien" "o rea-h "he e!<K A$ I" is enou#h "ha" one surrenders onese!<. urrender is "o #ive onese!< u$ "o "he ori#ina! -ause o< one9s bein#. Do no" de!ude yourse!< by ima#inin# su-h a sour-e "o be some God ou"side you. Your sour-e is 3i"hin yourse!<. Give yourse!< u$ "o i". 6ha" means "ha" you shou!d see% "he sour-e and mer#e in i". #$ LGiven "o ri Ra"nana in "he <orm o< a 3ri""en no"e.M 6hey say "ha" one -an ob"ain every"hin# i< one "a%es re<u#e in God 3ho!!y and so!e!y' and 3i"hou" "hou#h" o< any"hin# e!se. Does i" mean si""in# s"i!! in one $!a-e and -on"em$!a"in# God en"ire!y a" a!! "imes' dis-ardin# a!! "hou#h"s' in-!udin# even "hou#h"s abou" <ood' 3hi-h is essen"ia! <or "he sus"enan-e o< "he bodyK Does i" mean "ha" 3hen one #e"s i!!' one shou!d no" "hin% o< medi-ine and "rea"men"' bu"

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en"rus" one9s hea!"h or si-%ness eB-!usive!y "o $roviden-eK In "he Bha#avad Gi"a i" says? 86he man 3ho sheds a!! !on#in# and moves 3i"hou" -on-ern' <ree <rom "he sense o< 8I9 and 8mine9' he a""ains $ea-e9 7,?01:. I" means "he dis-ardin# o< a!! desires. 6here<ore shou!d 3e devo"e ourse!ves eB-!usive!y "o "he -on"em$!a"ion o< God' and a--e$" <ood and 3a"er on!y i< "hey are avai!ab!e by God9s #ra-e' 3i"hou" as%in# <or "hemK Or does i" mean "ha" 3e shou!d ma%e a !i""!e e<<or"K Bha#avan' $!ease eB$!ain "he se-re" o< "his sarana#a"i LsurrenderM. A$ LA<"er readin# "he no"e ri Ramana addressed everyone in "he room.M Ananya sarana#a"i L-om$!e"e surrenderM means "o be 3i"hou" any a""a-hmen" "o "hou#h"s' no doub"' bu" does i" mean "o dis-ard even "hou#h"s o< <ood and 3a"er 3hi-h are essen"ia! <or "he sus"enan-e o< "he $hysi-a! bodyK 2e as%s' 8 hou!d I ea" on!y i< I #e" any"hin# by God9s dire-"ion' and 3i"hou" my as%in# <or i"K Or shou!d I ma%e a !i""!e e<<or"K9 A!! ri#h". &e" us "a%e i" "ha" 3ha" 3e have "o ea" -omes o< i"s o3n a--ord. Bu" even "hen' 3ho is "o ea"K u$$ose somebody $u"s i" in our mou"h' shou!d 3e no" s3a!!o3 i" a" !eas"K Is "ha" no" an e<<or"K 2e as%s' 8I< I be-ome si-%' shou!d I "a%e medi-ine or shou!d I %ee$ Euie" !eavin# my hea!"h and si-%ness in "he hands o< GodK9 In "he boo% adhana Pan-ha%am 3ri""en by an%ara' i" is s"a"ed "ha" <or "rea"men" o< "he disease -a!!ed hun#er one shou!d ea" <ood re-eived as a!ms. Bu" "hen one mus" a" !eas" #o ou" and be# <or i". I< a!! $eo$!e -!ose "heir eyes and si" s"i!! sayin# i< "he <ood -omes 3e ea"' ho3 is "he 3or!d "o #e" onK 2en-e one mus" "a%e "hin#s as "hey -ome in a--ordan-e 3i"h one9s "radi"ions' bu" one mus" be <ree <rom "he <ee!in# "ha" one is doin# "hem onese!<. 6he <ee!in# "ha" I am doin# i" is "he bonda#e. I" is "here<ore ne-essary "o -onsider and <ind ou" "he me"hod 3hereby su-h a <ee!in# -an be over-ome' ins"ead o< doub"in# as "o 3he"her medi-ine shou!d be adminis"ered i< one is si-% or 3he"her <ood shou!d be "a%en i< one is hun#ry. u-h doub"s 3i!! -on"inue "o -ome u$ and 3i!! never end. Even su-h doub"s as 8May I #roan i< "here is $ainK May I inha!e air a<"er eBha!in#K9 a!so o--ur. +a!! i" Is3ara LGodM or -a!! i" %arma Ldes"inyMI some %ar"a Lhi#her $o3erM 3i!! -arry on every"hin# in "his 3or!d a--ordin# "o "he deve!o$men" o< "he mind o< ea-h individua!. I< "he res$onsibi!i"y is "hro3n on "he hi#her $o3er "hin#s 3i!! #o on o< "heir o3n a--ord. *e 3a!% on "his #round. *hi!e doin# so' do 3e -onsider a" every s"e$ 3he"her 3e shou!d raise one !e# a<"er "he o"her or s"o$ a" some s"a#eK Isn9" "he 3a!%in# done au"oma"i-a!!yK 6he same is "he -ase 3i"h inha!in# and eBha!in#. No s$e-ia! e<<or" is made "o inha!e or eBha!e. 6he same is "he -ase 3i"h "his !i<e a!so. +an 3e #ive u$ any"hin# i< 3e 3an" "o' or do any"hin# as 3e $!easeK Nui"e a number o< "hin#s are done au"oma"i-a!!y 3i"hou" our bein# -ons-ious o< i". +om$!e"e surrender "o God means #ivin# u$ a!! "hou#h"s and -on-en"ra"in# "he mind on him. I< 3e -an -on-en"ra"e on him' o"her "hou#h"s disa$$ear. I< "he a-"ions o< "he mind' s$ee-h and body are mer#ed 3i"h God' a!! "he burdens o< our !i<e 3i!! be on him. #$ Bu" is God rea!!y "he doer o< a!! "he a-"ions I $er<ormK A$ 6he $resen" di<<i-u!"y is "ha" man "hin%s he is "he doer. Bu" i" is a mis"a%e. I" is "he hi#her $o3er 3hi-h does every"hin# and man is on!y a "oo!. I< he a--e$"s "ha" $osi"ion he is <ree <rom "roub!es' o"her3ise he -our"s "hem. 6a%e' <or ins"an-e' "he s-u!$"ed <i#ure a" "he base o< a #o$uram L"em$!e "o3erM' 3hi-h is made "o a$$ear as i< i" is bearin# "he burden o< "he "o3er on i"s shou!der. I"s $os"ure and !oo% are a $i-"ure o< #rea" s"rain 3hi-h #ives "he im$ression "ha" i" is bearin# "he 3ei#h" o< "he "o3er. Bu" "hin%. 6he "o3er is bui!" on "he ear"h and i" res"s on i"s <ounda"ions. 6he <i#ure is a $ar" o< "he "o3er' bu" i" is made "o !oo% as i< i" is bearin# "he 3ei#h" o< "he "o3er. Is i" no" <unnyK o a!so is "he man 3ho "a%es on himse!< "he sense o< doin#. #$ 3ami' i" is #ood "o !ove God' is i" no"K 6hen 3hy no" <o!!o3 "he $a"h o< !oveK A$ *ho said you -ou!dn9" <o!!o3 i"K You -an do so. Bu" 3hen you "a!% o< !ove' "here is dua!i"y' is "here no" "he $erson 3ho !oves and "he en"i"y -a!!ed God 3ho is !ovedK 6he individua! is no" se$ara"e <rom God. 2en-e !ove means one has !ove "o3ards one9s o3n e!<. #$ 6ha" is 3hy I am as%in# you 3he"her God -ou!d be 3orshi$$ed "hrou#h "he $a"h o< !ove.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ 6ha" is eBa-"!y 3ha" I have been sayin#. &ove i"se!< is "he a-"ua! <orm o< God. I< by sayin#' 8I do no" !ove "his' I do no" !ove "ha"9' you reCe-" a!! "hin#s' "ha" 3hi-h remains is s3aru$a' "ha" is "he rea! <orm o< "he e!<. 6ha" is $ure b!iss. +a!! i" $ure b!iss' God' a"ma' or 3ha" you 3i!!. 6ha" is devo"ion' "ha" is rea!iJa"ion and "ha" is every"hin#. I< you "hus reCe-" every"hin#' 3ha" remains is "he e!< a!one. 6ha" is rea! !ove. One 3ho %no3s "he se-re" o< "ha" !ove <inds "he 3or!d i"se!< <u!! o< universa! !ove. 6he eB$erien-e o< no" <or#e""in# -ons-iousness a!one is "he s"a"e o< devo"ion Lbha%"iM 3hi-h is "he re!a"ionshi$ o< un<adin# rea! !ove' be-ause "he rea! %no3!ed#e o< e!<' 3hi-h shines as "he undivided su$reme b!iss i"se!<' sur#es u$ as "he na"ure o< !ove. On!y i< one %no3s "he "ru"h o< !ove' 3hi-h is "he rea! na"ure o< e!<' 3i!! "he s"ron# en"an#!ed %no" o< !i<e be un"ied. On!y i< one a""ains "he hei#h" o< !ove 3i!! !ibera"ion be a""ained. u-h is "he hear" o< a!! re!i#ions. 6he eB$erien-e o< e!< is on!y !ove' 3hi-h is seein# on!y !ove' hearin# on!y !ove' <ee!in# on!y !ove' "as"in# on!y !ove and sme!!in# on!y !ove' 3hi-h is b!iss. #$ I !on# <or bha%"i. I 3an" more o< "his !on#in#. Even rea!iJa"ion does no" ma""er <or me. &e" me be s"ron# in my !on#in#. A$ I< "he !on#in# is "here' rea!iJa"ion 3i!! be <or-ed on you even i< you do no" 3an" i". &on# <or i" in"ense!y so "ha" "he mind me!"s in devo"ion. A<"er -am$hor burns a3ay no residue is !e<". 6he mind is "he -am$hor. *hen i" has reso!ved i"se!< in"o "he e!< 3i"hou" !eavin# even "he s!i#h"es" "ra-e behind' i" is rea!iJa"ion o< "he e!<. #$ I have <ai"h in mur"i dhyana L3orshi$ o< <ormM. *i!! i" no" he!$ me "o #ain CnanaK A$ ure!y i" 3i!!. U$asana Lmedi"a"ionM he!$s -on-en"ra"ion o< mind. 6hen "he mind is <ree <rom o"her "hou#h"s and is <u!! o< "he medi"a"ed <orm. 6he mind "hen be-omes one 3i"h "he obCe-" o< medi"a"ion' and "his ma%es i" Eui"e $ure. 6hen "hin% 3ho is "he 3orshi$$er. 6he ans3er is 8I9' "ha" is' "he e!<. In "his 3ay "he e!< is u!"ima"e!y #ained. *orshi$$in# "he <orm!ess rea!i"y by un"hou#h" "hou#h" is "he bes" %ind o< 3orshi$. Bu" 3hen one is no" <i" <or su-h <orm!ess 3orshi$ o< God' 3orshi$ o< <orm a!one is sui"ab!e. @orm!ess 3orshi$ is $ossib!e on!y <or $eo$!e 3ho are devoid o< "he e#oD<orm. Kno3 "ha" a!! "he 3orshi$ done by $eo$!e 3ho $ossess "he e#oD<orm is on!y 3orshi$ o< <orm. 6he $ure s"a"e o< bein# a""a-hed "o #ra-e L e!<M' 3hi-h is devoid o< any a""a-hmen"' a!one is one9s o3n s"a"e o< si!en-e' 3hi-h is devoid o< any o"her "hin#. Kno3 "ha" one9s ever abidin# as "ha" si!en-e' havin# eB$erien-ed i" as i" is' a!one is "rue men"a! 3orshi$ Lmanasi%aD$uCaM. Kno3 "ha" "he $er<orman-e o< "he un-easin#' "rue and na"ura! 3orshi$ in 3hi-h "he mind is submissive!y es"ab!ished as "he one e!<' havin# ins"a!!ed "he &ord on "he 2ear"D"hrone' is si!en-e' "he bes" o< a!! <orms o< 3orshi$. i!en-e' 3hi-h is devoid o< "he asser"ive e#o' a!one is !ibera"ion. 6he evi! <or#e"<u!ness o< e!< 3hi-h -auses one "o s!i$ do3n <rom "ha" si!en-e' a!one is nonDdevo"ion Lvibha%"iM. Kno3 "ha" abidin# as "ha" si!en-e 3i"h "he mind subsided as nonDdi<<eren" <rom e!<' is "he "ru"h o< iva bha%"i Ldevo"ion "o GodM. *hen one has -om$!e"e!y surrendered onese!< a" "he <ee" o< iva' "hereby be-omin# o< "he na"ure o< "he e!<' "he resu!"in# abundan" $ea-e' in 3hi-h "here is no" even "he !eas" room 3i"hin "he 2ear" <or one "o ma%e any -om$!ain" abou" one9s de<e-"s and de<i-ien-ies' a!one is "he na"ure o< su$reme devo"ion. One9s "hus be-omin# a s!ave "o "he &ord and one9s remainin# Euie" and si!en"' devoid even o< "he e#o"is"i-a! "hou#h" 8I am his s!ave9' is e!<Dabidan-e' and "his is "he su$reme %no3!ed#e. #$ +an s$iri"ua! see%ers a""ain "his #oa! in !i<e i< "hey #o abou" "he 3or!d absorbed in sin#in# son#s in $raise o< GodK Or shou!d "hey s"ay a" one $!a-e on!yK A$ I" is #ood "o %ee$ "he mind -on-en"ra"ed on one "hin# on!y 3herever "he $erson 3anders. *ha" is "he use o< %ee$in# "he body a" one $!a-e i< "he mind is a!!o3ed "o 3anderK #$ Is ahe"u%a bha%"i Ldevo"ion 3i"hou" a mo"iveM $ossib!eK A$ Yes i" is $ossib!e. *orshi$$in# God <or "he sa%e o< a desired obCe-" is 3orshi$$in# "ha" desired obCe-" a!one. 6he -om$!e"e -essa"ion o< any "hou#h" o< a desired obCe-" is "he <irs" $rereEuisi"e in a mind 3hi-h 3ishes "o a""ain "he s"a"e o< iva.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ ri Bha#ava"am ou"!ines a 3ay "o <ind Krishna in "he 2ear" by $ros"ra"in# "o a!! and !oo%in# on a!! as "he &ord himse!<. Is "his "he ri#h" $a"h !eadin# "o e!<Drea!iJa"ionK Is i" no" easier "o adore Bha#avan in 3ha"ever mee"s "he mind' "han "o see% "he su$ramen"a! "hrou#h "he men"a! enEuiry 8*ho am IK9 A$ Yes' 3hen you see God in a!!' do you "hin% o< God or do you no"K You mus" -er"ain!y "hin% o< God i< you 3an" "o see God a!! round you. Kee$in# God in your mind in "his 3ay be-omes dhyana Lmedi"a"ionM and dhyana is "he s"a#e be<ore rea!iJa"ion. Rea!iJa"ion -an on!y be in and o< "he e!<. I" -an never be a$ar" <rom "he e!<. Dhyana mus" $re-ede rea!iJa"ion' bu" 3he"her you ma%e dhyana on God or on "he e!< is imma"eria!' <or "he #oa! is "he same. You -anno"' by any means' es-a$e "he e!<. You 3an" "o see God in a!!' bu" no" in yourse!<K I< every"hin# is God' are you no" in-!uded in "ha" every"hin#K Bein# God yourse!<' is i" a 3onder "ha" a!! is GodK 6his is "he me"hod advised in ri Bha#ava"am' and e!se3here by o"hers. Bu" even <or "his $ra-"i-e "here mus" be "he seer or "hin%er. *ho is heK #$ 2o3 "o see God 3ho is a!!D$ervasiveK A$ 6o see God is "o be God. 6here is no a!! a$ar" <rom God <or him "o $ervade. 2e a!one is. #$ 6he bha%"a reEuires a God "o 3hom he -an do bha%"i. Is he "o be "au#h" "ha" "here is on!y "he e!<' no" a 3orshi$$er and "he 3orshi$$edK A$ O< -ourse' God is reEuired <or sadhana. Bu" "he end o< "he sadhana' even in bha%"i mar#a L"he $a"h o< devo"ionM' is a""ained on!y a<"er -om$!e"e surrender. *ha" does i" mean' eB-e$" "ha" e<<a-emen" o< "he e#o resu!"s in e!< remainin# as i" a!3ays has beenK *ha"ever $a"h one may -hoose' "he 8I9 is ines-a$ab!e' "he 8I9 "ha" does "he nish%ama %arma Lmo"ive!ess a-"sM' "he 8I9 "ha" $ines <or Coinin# "he &ord <rom 3hom i" <ee!s i" has been se$ara"ed' "he 8I9 "ha" <ee!s i" has s!i$$ed <rom i"s rea! na"ure' and so on. 6he sour-e o< "his 8I9 mus" be <ound ou". 6hen a!! Eues"ions 3i!! be so!ved. #$ I< 8I9 a!so is an i!!usion' 3ho "hen -as"s o<< "he i!!usionK A$ 6he 8I9 -as"s o<< "he i!!usion o< 8I9 and ye" remains as 8I9. u-h is "he $aradoB o< e!<D rea!iJa"ion. 6he rea!iJed do no" see any -on"radi-"ion in i". 6a%e "he -ase o< bha%"i. I a$$roa-h Is3ara and $ray "o be absorbed in him. I "hen surrender myse!< 3i"h <ai"h and -on-en"ra"e on him. *ha" remains a<"er3ardsK In $!a-e o< "he ori#ina! 8I9' $er<e-" se!<Dsurrender !eaves a residuum o< God in 3hi-h "he 8I9 is !os". 6his is "he hi#hes" <orm o< devo"ion L$arabha%"iM and surrender and "he hei#h" o< vaira#ya LnonDa""a-hmen"M. You #ive u$ "his and "ha" o< 8my9 $ossessions. I< you #ive u$ 8I9 and 8mine9 ins"ead' a!! are #iven u$ a" a s"ro%e. 6he very seed o< $ossession is !os". 6hus "he evi! is ni$$ed in "he bud or -rushed in "he #erm i"se!<. Dis$assion Lvaira#yaM mus" be very s"ron# "o do "his. Ea#erness "o do i" mus" be eEua! "o "ha" o< a man %e$" under 3a"er "ryin# "o rise u$ "o "he sur<a-e <or his !i<e.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

%ART T-REE ( The Guru

God and Guru are in "ru"h no" di<<eren". Hus" as "he $rey "ha" has <a!!en in"o "he Ca3s o< a "i#er -anno" es-a$e' so "hose 3ho have -ome under "he #!an-e o< "he Guru9s #ra-e 3i!! sure!y be saved and 3i!! never be <orsa%enI ye" one shou!d <o!!o3 3i"hou" <ai! "he $a"h sho3n by "he Guru. @rom Bha#avan9s $oin" o< vie3 "here are no dis-i$!es bu" <rom "he $oin" o< vie3 o< "he dis-i$!e "he #ra-e o< "he Guru is !i%e an o-ean. I< he -omes 3i"h a -u$ he 3i!! on!y #e" a -u$<u!. I" is no use -om$!ainin# o< "he ni##ard!iness o< "he o-eanI "he bi##er "he vesse! "he more he 3i!! be ab!e "o -arry. I" is en"ire!y u$ "o him. One me"hod o< se-urin# "he "em$orary -essa"ion o< men"a! a-"ivi"ies is asso-ia"ion 3i"h sa#es. 6hey are ade$"s in samadhi and i" has be-ome easy' na"ura! and $er$e"ua! 3i"h "hem. 6hose movin# 3i"h "hem -!ose!y' and in sym$a"he"i- -on"a-"' #radua!!y absorb "he samadhi habi" <rom "hem.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 8 - The Guru

6he "erm Guru is o<"en !oose!y used "o des-ribe anyone 3ho #ives ou" s$iri"ua! advi-e' bu" in ri Ramana9s vo-abu!ary "he 3ord has a mu-h more res"ri-"ed de<ini"ion. @or him' a "rue Guru is someone 3ho has rea!iJed "he e!< and 3ho is ab!e "o use his $o3er "o assis" o"hers "o3ards "he #oa! o< e!<Drea!iJa"ion. ri Ramana o<"en said "ha" God' Guru and "he e!< are iden"i-a!I "he Guru is God in human <orm and' simu!"aneous!y' he is a!so "he e!< in "he 2ear" o< ea-h devo"ee. Be-ause he is bo"h inside and ou"side' his $o3er 3or%s in "3o di<<eren" 3ays. 6he ou"er Guru #ives ins"ru-"ions and by his $o3er enab!es "he devo"ee "o %ee$ his a""en"ion on "he e!<I "he inner Guru $u!!s "he devo"ee9s mind ba-% "o i"s sour-e' absorbs i" in "he e!< and <ina!!y des"roys i". I" is a basi- "ene" o< ri Ramana9s "ea-hin# "ha" a Guru is ne-essary <or a!mos" everyone 3ho is s"rivin# "o3ards a $ermanen" a3areness o< "he e!<. 6he -a"a!y"i- ro!e o< "he Guru in s$iri"ua! deve!o$men" is "here<ore -ru-ia!I eB-e$" in rare ins"an-es' i#noran-e o< "he e!< is so dee$!y roo"ed "ha" individua! see%ers are unab!e "o es-a$e <rom i" by "heir o3n e<<or"s. A!"hou#h ri Ramana "au#h" "ha" a Guru is indis$ensab!e <or "hose see%in# e!<Drea!iJa"ion' he a!so $oin"ed ou" "ha" "he Guru has no $o3er "o brin# abou" rea!iJa"ion in "hose 3ho are no" ener#e"i-a!!y see%in# i". I< "he individua! see%er ma%es a serious a""em$" "o dis-over "he e!<' "hen "he #ra-e and $o3er o< "he Guru 3i!! au"oma"i-a!!y s"ar" "o <!o3. I< no su-h a""em$" is made' "he Guru is he!$!ess. 6he -onversa"ions in "his -ha$"er summarise ri Ramana9s vie3s on "he na"ure o< "he Guru and "he ro!e he $!ays in brin#in# abou" rea!iJa"ion o< "he e!<. 6he dis"in-"ive 3ay in 3hi-h ri Ramana u"i!ised his o3n $o3er 3i!! be eB$!ored in #rea"er de"ai! in -ha$"er nine. #$ *ha" is Guru9s #ra-eK 2o3 does i" !ead "o e!<Drea!iJa"ionK A$ Guru is "he e!<. ome"imes in his !i<e a man be-omes dissa"is<ied and' no" -on"en" 3i"h 3ha" he has' he see%s "he sa"is<a-"ion o< his desires "hrou#h $rayer "o God. 2is mind is #radua!!y $uri<ied un"i! he !on#s "o %no3 God' more "o ob"ain his #ra-e "han "o sa"is<y his 3or!d!y desires. 6hen' God9s #ra-e be#ins "o mani<es". God "a%es "he <orm o< a Guru and a$$ears "o "he devo"ee' "ea-hes him "he "ru"h and' moreover' $uri<ies his mind by asso-ia"ion. 6he devo"ee9s mind #ains s"ren#"h and is "hen ab!e "o "urn in3ard. By medi"a"ion i" is <ur"her $uri<ied and i" remains s"i!! 3i"hou" "he !eas" ri$$!e. 6ha" -a!m eB$anse is "he e!<. 6he Guru is bo"h eB"erna! and in"erna!. @rom "he eB"erior he #ives a $ush "o "he mind "o "urn i" in3ards. @rom "he in"erior he $u!!s "he mind "o3ards "he e!< and he!$s in "he Euie"enin# o< "he mind. 6ha" is Guru9s #ra-e. 6here is no di<<eren-e be"3een God' Guru and "he e!<. #$ In "he 6heoso$hi-a! o-ie"y "hey medi"a"e in order "o see% mas"ers "o #uide "hem. A$ 6he mas"er is 3i"hinI medi"a"ion is mean" "o remove "he i#noran" idea "ha" he is on!y ou"side. I< he is a s"ran#er 3hom you a3ai"' he is bound "o disa$$ear a!so. *ha" is "he use o< a "ransien" bein# !i%e "ha"K Bu" so !on# as you "hin% you are se$ara"e or "ha" you are "he body' an eB"erna! mas"er is a!so ne-essary and he 3i!! a$$ear "o have a body. *hen "he 3ron# iden"i<i-a"ion o< onese!< 3i"h "he body -eases' "he mas"er 3i!! be <ound "o be none o"her "han "he e!<. #$ *i!! "he Guru he!$ us "o %no3 "he e!< "hrou#h ini"ia"ionK A$ Does "he Guru ho!d you by "he hand and 3his$er in "he earK You may ima#ine him "o be 3ha" you are yourse!<. Be-ause you "hin% you are 3i"h a body' you "hin% he a!so has a body and "ha" he 3i!! do some"hin# "an#ib!e "o you. 2is 3or% !ies 3i"hin' in "he s$iri"ua! rea!m. #$ 2o3 is "he Guru <oundK A$ God' 3ho is immanen"' in his #ra-e "a%es $i"y on "he !ovin# devo"ee and mani<es"s himse!< a--ordin# "o "he

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

devo"ee9s deve!o$men". 6he devo"ee "hin%s "ha" he is a man and eB$e-"s a re!a"ionshi$ be"3een "3o $hysi-a! bodies. Bu" "he Guru 3ho is God or "he e!< in-arna"e 3or%s <rom 3i"hin' he!$s "he man "o see "he error o< his 3ays and #uides him on "he ri#h" $a"h un"i! he rea!ises "he e!< 3i"hin. #$ *ha" are "he mar%s o< a rea! "ea-her Lsad#uruMK A$ "eady abidan-e in "he e!<' !oo%in# a" a!! 3i"h an eEua! eye unsha%eab!e -oura#e a" a!! "imes' in a!! $!a-es and -ir-ums"an-es. #$ 6here are a number o< s$iri"ua! "ea-hers "ea-hin# various $a"hs. *hom shou!d one "a%e <or one9s GuruK A$ +hoose "ha" one 3here you <ind you #e" shan"i L$ea-eM. #$ hou!d 3e no" a!so -onsider his "ea-hin#sK A$ 2e 3ho ins"ru-"s an arden" see%er "o do "his or "ha" is no" a "rue mas"er. 6he see%er is a!ready a<<!i-"ed by his a-"ivi"ies and 3an"s $ea-e and res". In o"her 3ords he 3an"s -essa"ion o< his a-"ivi"ies. I< a "ea-her "e!!s him "o do some"hin# in addi"ion "o' or in $!a-e o<' his o"her a-"ivi"ies' -an "ha" be a he!$ "o "he see%erK A-"ivi"y is -rea"ion. A-"ivi"y is "he des"ru-"ion o< one9s inheren" ha$$iness. I< a-"ivi"y is advo-a"ed "he adviser is no" a mas"er bu" a %i!!er. In su-h -ir-ums"an-es ei"her "he -rea"or LBrahmaM or dea"h LYamaM may be said "o have -ome in "he #uise o< a mas"er. u-h a $erson -anno" !ibera"e "he as$iran"' he -an on!y s"ren#"hen his <e""ers. #$ 2o3 -an I <ind my o3n GuruK A$ By in"ense medi"a"ion. #$ I< i" is "rue "ha" "he Guru is one9s o3n e!<' 3ha" is "he $rin-i$!e under!yin# "he do-"rine 3hi-h says "ha"' ho3ever !earned a dis-i$!e may be or 3ha"ever o--u!" $o3ers he may $ossess' he -anno" a""ain e!<Drea!iJa"ion 3i"hou" "he #ra-e o< "he GuruK A$ A!"hou#h in abso!u"e "ru"h "he s"a"e o< "he Guru is "ha" o< onese!< L"he e!<M' i" is very hard <or "he se!< 3hi-h has be-ome "he individua! LCivaM "hrou#h i#noran-e "o rea!iJe i"s "rue s"a"e or na"ure 3i"hou" "he #ra-e o< "he Guru. #$ *ha" are "he mar%s o< "he Guru9s #ra-eK A$ I" is beyond 3ords or "hou#h"s. #$ I< "ha" is so' ho3 is i" "ha" i" is said "ha" "he dis-i$!e rea!ises his "rue s"a"e by "he Guru9s #ra-eK A$ I" is !i%e "he e!e$han" 3hi-h 3a%es u$ on seein# a !ion in i"s dream. Even as "he e!e$han" 3a%es u$ a" "he mere si#h" o< "he !ion' so "oo is i" -er"ain "ha" "he dis-i$!e 3a%es u$ <rom "he s!ee$ o< i#noran-e in"o "he 3a%e<u!ness o< "rue %no3!ed#e "hrou#h "he Guru9s benevo!en" !oo% o< #ra-e. #$ *ha" is "he si#ni<i-an-e o< "he sayin# "ha" "he na"ure o< "he rea! Guru is "ha" o< "he su$reme &ord LsarvesvarayMK A$ @irs"' "he individua! sou! 3hi-h desires "o a""ain "he s"a"e o< Godhood' or "he s"a"e o< "rue %no3!ed#e' $ra-"ises in-essan" devo"ion. *hen "he individua!9s devo"ion has rea-hed a ma"ure s"a#e' "he &ord' 3ho is "he 3i"ness o< "ha" individua! sou! and iden"i-a! 3i"h i"' mani<es"s. 2e a$$ears in human <orm 3i"h "he he!$ o< sa"D-hi"Dananda' his "hree na"ura! <ea"ures' and <orm and name 3hi-h he a!so #ra-ious!y assumes. In "he #uise o< b!essin# "he dis-i$!e he absorbs him in himse!<. A--ordin# "o "his do-"rine "he Guru -an "ru!y be -a!!ed "he &ord. #$ 2o3 "hen did some #rea" $ersons a""ain %no3!ed#e 3i"hou" a GuruK A$ 6o a <e3 ma"ure $ersons "he &ord shines as "he <orm!ess !i#h" o< %no3!ed#e and im$ar"s a3areness o< "he "ru"h. #$ 2o3 is one "o de-ide u$on a $ro$er GuruK *ha" is "he s3aru$a Lna"ure or rea! <ormM o< a GuruK A$ 2e is "he $ro$er Guru "o 3hom your mind is a""uned. I< you as%' 82o3 "o de-ide 3ho is "he Guru and 3ha" is his s3aru$aK9' he shou!d be endo3ed 3i"h "ranEui!!i"y' $a"ien-e' <or#iveness and o"her vir"uesI he shou!d be -a$ab!e o< a""ra-"in# o"hers even 3i"h his eyes Cus" as a ma#ne" a""ra-"s ironI he shou!d have a <ee!in# o< eEua!i"y "o3ards a!!. 2e 3ho has "hese vir"ues is "he "rue Guru' bu" i< one 3an"s "o %no3 "he s3aru$a o< "he Guru' one mus" %no3 one9s o3n

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

s3aru$a <irs". 2o3 -an one %no3 "he rea! na"ure o< "he Guru i< one does no" %no3 one9s o3n rea! na"ure <irs"K I< you 3an" "o $er-eive "he rea! na"ure or <orm o< "he Guru you mus" <irs" !earn "o !oo% u$on "he 3ho!e universe as Guru ru$am L"he <orm o< "he GuruM. One mus" see "he Guru in a!! !ivin# bein#s. I" is "he same 3i"h God. You mus" !oo% u$on a!! obCe-"s as God9s ru$a L<ormM. 2o3 -an he 3ho does no" %no3 his o3n e!< $er-eive "he rea! <orm o< God or "he rea! <orm o< "he GuruK 2o3 -an he de"ermine "hemK 6here<ore' <irs" o< a!! %no3 your o3n rea! <orm and na"ure. #$ Isn9" a Guru ne-essary "o %no3 even "ha"K A$ 6ha" is "rue. 6he 3or!d -on"ains many #rea" men. &oo% u$on him as your Guru 3i"h 3hom your mind #e"s a""uned. 6he one in 3hom you have <ai"h is your Guru. #$ *ha" is "he si#ni<i-an-e o< Guru9s #ra-e in "he a""ainmen" o< !ibera"ionK A$ &ibera"ion is no" any3here ou"side you. I" is on!y 3i"hin. I< a man is anBious <or de!iveran-e' "he in"erna! Guru $u!!s him in and "he eB"erna! Guru $ushes him in"o "he e!<. 6his is "he #ra-e o< "he Guru. #$ ome $eo$!e re$or"ed you "o have said "ha" "here 3as no need <or a Guru. O"hers #ave "he o$$osi"e re$or". *ha" does Maharshi sayK A$ I have never said "ha" "here is no need <or a Guru. #$ ri Aurobindo and o"hers re<er "o you as havin# had no Guru. A$ I" a!! de$ends on 3ha" you -a!! a Guru. 2e need no" be in a human <orm. Da""a"reya had "3en"yD<our Gurus in-!udin# "he <ive e!emen"s ear"h' 3a"er' e"-. Every obCe-" in "his 3or!d 3as his Guru. 6he Guru is abso!u"e!y ne-essary. 6he U$anishads say "ha" none bu" a Guru -an "a%e a man ou" o< "he Cun#!e o< in"e!!e-" and senseD$er-e$"ions. o "here mus" be a Guru. #$ I mean a human Guru F Maharshi did no" have one. A$ I mi#h" have had one a" one "ime or o"her. Bu" did I no" sin# hymns "o Aruna-ha!aK *ha" is a GuruK Guru is God or "he e!<. @irs" a man $rays "o God "o <u!<i! his desires. A "ime -omes 3hen he 3i!! no more $ray <or "he <u!<i!men" o< ma"eria! desires bu" <or God himse!<. God "hen a$$ears "o him in some <orm or o"her' human or nonDhuman' "o #uide him "o himse!< in ans3er "o his $rayer and a--ordin# "o his needs. #$ *hen !oya! "o one Mas"er -an you res$e-" o"hersK A$ Guru is on!y one. 2e is no" $hysi-a!. o !on# as "here is 3ea%ness "he su$$or" o< s"ren#"h is needed. #$ H. Krishnamur"i says' 8No Guru is ne-essary.9 A$ 2o3 did he %no3 i"K One -an say so a<"er rea!isin# bu" no" be<ore. #$ +an ri Bha#avan he!$ us "o rea!iJe "he "ru"hK A$ 2e!$ is a!3ays "here. #$ 6hen "here is no need "o as% Eues"ions. I do no" <ee! "he everD$resen" he!$. A$ urrender and you 3i!! <ind i". #$ I am a!3ays a" your <ee". *i!! Bha#avan #ive us some u$adesa L"ea-hin#M "o <o!!o3K O"her3ise ho3 -an I #e" he!$ !ivin# >)) mi!es a3ayK A$ 6he sad#uru L"he Guru 3ho is one 3i"h bein#M is 3i"hin. #$ ad#uru is ne-essary "o #uide me "o unders"and i". A$ 6he sad#uru is 3i"hin. #$ I 3an" a visib!e Guru. A$ 6ha" visib!e Guru says "ha" he is 3i"hin.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ Is su--ess no" de$enden" on "he Guru9s #ra-eK A$ Yes' i" is. Is no" your $ra-"i-e i"se!< due "o su-h #ra-eK 6he <rui"s are "he resu!" o< "he $ra-"i-e and <o!!o3 i" au"oma"i-a!!y. 6here is a s"anJa in Kaiva!ya 3hi-h says' 8O GuruO You have been a!3ays 3i"h me' 3a"-hin# me "hrou#h severa! rein-arna"ions' and ordainin# my -ourse un"i! I 3as !ibera"ed.9 6he e!< mani<es"s eB"erna!!y as "he Guru 3hen "he o--asion arises' o"her3ise he is a!3ays 3i"hin' doin# 3ha" is ne-essary. #$ ome dis-i$!es o< hirdi ai Baba 3orshi$ a $i-"ure o< him and say "ha" i" is "heir Guru. 2o3 -ou!d "ha" beK 6hey -an 3orshi$ i" as God' bu" 3ha" bene<i" -ou!d "hey #e" by 3orshi$$in# i" as "heir GuruK A$ 6hey se-ure -on-en"ra"ion by "ha". #$ 6ha" is a!! very 3e!!' I a#ree. I" may be "o some eB"en" an eBer-ise in -on-en"ra"ion. Bu" isn9" a Guru reEuired <or "ha" -on-en"ra"ionK A$ +er"ain!y' bu" a<"er a!!' Guru on!y means #uri' -on-en"ra"ion. #$ 2o3 -an a !i<e!ess $i-"ure he!$ in deve!o$in# dee$ -on-en"ra"ionK I" reEuires a !ivin# Guru 3ho -ou!d sho3 i" in $ra-"i-e. I" is $ossib!e $erha$s <or Bha#avan "o a""ain $er<e-"ion 3i"hou" a !ivin# Guru' bu" is i" $ossib!e <or $eo$!e !i%e myse!<K A$ 6ha" is "rue. Even so' by 3orshi$$in# a !i<e!ess $or"rai"' "he mind #e"s -on-en"ra"ed "o a -er"ain eB"en". 6ha" -on-en"ra"ion 3i!! no" remain -ons"an" un!ess one %no3s one9s o3n e!< by enEuirin#. @or "ha" enEuiry' a Guru9s he!$ is ne-essary. #$ I" is said "ha" "he Guru -an ma%e his dis-i$!e rea!iJe "he e!< by "ransmi""in# some o< his o3n $o3er "o himK Is i" "rueK A$ Yes. 6he Guru does no" brin# abou" e!<Drea!iJa"ion. 2e sim$!y removes "he obs"a-!es "o i". 6he e!< is a!3ays rea!iJed. #$ Is i" abso!u"e!y ne-essary "o have a Guru i< one is see%in# e!<Drea!iJa"ionK A$ o !on# as you see% e!<Drea!iJa"ion "he Guru is ne-essary. Guru is "he e!<. 6a%e Guru "o be "he rea! e!< and your se!< as "he individua! se!<. 6he disa$$earan-e o< "his sense o< dua!i"y is "he remova! o< i#noran-e. o !on# as dua!i"y $ersis"s in you "he Guru is ne-essary. Be-ause you iden"i<y yourse!< 3i"h "he body you "hin% "ha" "he Guru is a!so a body. You are no" "he body' nor is "he Guru. You are "he e!< and so is "he Guru. 6his %no3!ed#e is #ained by 3ha" you -a!! e!<Drea!iJa"ion. #$ 2o3 -an one %no3 3he"her a $ar"i-u!ar individua! is -om$e"en" "o be a GuruK A$ By "he $ea-e o< mind <ound in his $resen-e and by "he sense o< res$e-" you <ee! <or him. #$ I< "he Guru ha$$ens "o "urn ou" in-om$e"en"' 3ha" 3i!! be "he <a"e o< "he dis-i$!e 3ho has im$!i-i" <ai"h in himK A$ Ea-h one a--ordin# "o his meri"s. #$ May I have Guru9s #ra-eK A$ Gra-e is a!3ays "here. #$ Bu" I do no" <ee! i". A$ urrender 3i!! ma%e one unders"and "he #ra-e. #$ I have surrendered hear" and sou!. I am "he bes" Cud#e o< my hear". "i!! I do no" <ee! "he #ra-e. A$ I< you had surrendered "he Eues"ions 3ou!d no" arise. #$ I have surrendered. "i!! "he Eues"ions arise.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ Gra-e is -ons"an". Your Cud#men" is "he variab!e. *here e!se shou!d "he <au!" !ieK #$ May one have more "han one s$iri"ua! mas"erK A$ *ho is a mas"erK 2e is "he e!< a<"er a!!. A--ordin# "o "he s"a#es o< deve!o$men" o< "he mind "he e!< mani<es"s as "he mas"er eB"erna!!y. 6he <amous an-ien" sain" Da""a"reya said "ha" he had more "han "3en"yD<our mas"ers. 6he mas"er is one <rom 3hom one !earns any"hin#. 6he Guru may be some"imes inanima"e a!so' as in "he -ase o< Da""a"reya. God' Guru and "he e!< are iden"i-a!. A s$iri"ua!!yDminded man "hin%s "ha" God is a!!D$ervadin# and "a%es God <or his Guru. &a"er' God brin#s him in -on"a-" 3i"h a $ersona! Guru and "he man re-o#nises him as a!! in a!!. &as"!y "he same man is made by "he #ra-e o< "he mas"er "o <ee! "ha" his e!< is "he rea!i"y and no"hin# e!se. 6hus he <inds "ha" "he e!< is "he mas"er. #$ I" is said in rimad Bha#avad Gi"a? 8Rea!iJe "he e!< 3i"h $ure in"e!!e-" and a!so by servi-e "o "he Guru and by enEuiry.9 2o3 are "hey "o be re-on-i!edK A$ 8Is3aro Gurura"me"i9 D Is3ara' Guru and e!< are iden"i-a!. o !on# as "he sense o< dua!i"y $ersis"s in you' you see% a Guru' "hin%in# "ha" he is di<<eren" <rom you. 2o3ever' he "ea-hes you "he "ru"h and you #ain "he insi#h". 2e 3ho bes"o3s "he su$reme %no3!ed#e o< e!< u$on "he sou! by ma%in# i" <a-e "o3ards e!<' a!one is "he su$reme Guru 3ho is $raised by sa#es as "he <orm o< God' 3ho is e!<. +!in# "o him. By a$$roa-hin# "he Guru and servin# him <ai"h<u!!y one shou!d !earn "hrou#h his #ra-e "he -ause o< one9s bir"h and one9s su<<erin#. Kno3in# "hen "ha" "hese are due "o one9s s"rayin# <rom e!<' i" is bes" "o abide <irm!y as e!<. A!"hou#h "hose 3ho have embra-ed and are s"ead<as"!y <o!!o3in# "he $a"h "o sa!va"ion may a" "imes ha$$en "o s3erve <rom "he 5edi- $a"h ei"her due "o <or#e"<u!ness or due "o some o"her reasons' %no3 "ha" "hey shou!d no" a" any "ime #o a#ains" "he 3ords o< "he Guru. 6he 3ords o< sa#es assure "ha" i< one does a 3ron# "o God' i" -an be re-"i<ied by "he Guru' bu" "ha" a 3ron# done "o a Guru -anno" be re-"i<ied even by God. @or one 3ho' due "o rare' in"ense and abundan" !ove' has -om$!e"e <ai"h in "he #!an-e o< #ra-e bes"o3ed by "he Guru' "here 3i!! be no su<<erin# and he 3i!! !ive in "his 3or!d !i%e Puruhu"a La name o< Indra' "he %in# o< "he #odsM. Pea-e' "he one "hin# 3hi-h is desired by everyone' -anno" be a""ained in any 3ay' by anyone' a" any "ime or in any $!a-e' un!ess s"i!!ness o< mind is ob"ained "hrou#h "he #ra-e o< "he sad#uru. 6here<ore a!3ays see% "ha" #ra-e 3i"h a oneD$oin"ed mind. #$ 6here are dis-i$!es o< Bha#avan 3ho have had his #ra-e and rea!iJed 3i"hou" any -onsiderab!e di<<i-u!"y. I "oo 3ish "o have "ha" #ra-e. Bein# a 3oman and !ivin# a" a !on# dis"an-e I -anno" avai! myse!< o< Maharshi9s ho!y -om$any as mu-h as I 3ou!d 3ish and as o<"en as I 3ou!d. Possib!y I may no" be ab!e "o re"urn. I reEues" Bha#avan9s #ra-e. *hen I am ba-% in my $!a-e' I 3an" "o remember Bhava#an. May Bha#avan be $!eased "o #ran" my $rayer. A$ *here are you #oin#K You are no" #oin# any3here. Even su$$osin# you are "he body' has your body -ome <rom &u-%no3 "o 6iruvannama!aiK You sim$!y sa" in "he -ar and one -onveyan-e or ano"her moved. And <ina!!y you say "ha" you have -ome here. 6he <a-" is "ha" you are no" "he body. 6he e!< does no" move' "he 3or!d moves in i". You are on!y 3ha" you are. 6here is no -han#e in you. o "hen' even a<"er 3ha" !oo%s !i%e de$ar"ure <rom here' you are here and "here and every3here. 6hese s-enes shi<". As <or #ra-e' #ra-e is 3i"hin you. I< i" is eB"erna! i" is use!ess. Gra-e is "he e!<. You are never ou" o< i"s o$era"ion. Gra-e is a!3ays "here. #$ I mean "ha" 3hen I remember your <orm' my mind shou!d be s"ren#"hened and a res$onse shou!d -ome <rom your side "oo. I shou!d no" be !e<" "o my individua! e<<or"s 3hi-h are a<"er a!! on!y 3ea%. A$ Gra-e is "he e!<. I have a!ready said' i< you remember Bha#avan' you are $rom$"ed "o do so by "he e!<. Is no"

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#ra-e a!ready "hereK Is "here a momen" 3hen #ra-e is no" o$era"in# in youK Your remembran-e is "he <orerunner o< #ra-e. 6ha" is "he res$onse' "ha" is "he s"imu!us' "ha" is "he e!< and "ha" is #ra-e. 6here is no -ause <or anBie"y. #$ +an I dis$ense 3i"h ou"side he!$ and by my o3n e<<or" #e" "o "he dee$er "ru"h by myse!<K A$ 6he very <a-" "ha" you are $ossessed o< "he Eues" <or "he e!< is a mani<es"a"ion o< "he divine #ra-e. I" is e<<u!#en" in "he 2ear"' "he inner bein#' "he rea! e!<. I" dra3s you <rom 3i"hin. You have "o a""em$" "o #e" in <rom ou"side. Your a""em$" is "he earnes" Eues"' "he dee$ inner movemen" is #ra-e. 6ha" is 3hy I say "here is no rea! Eues" 3i"hou" #ra-e' nor is "here #ra-e a-"ive <or him 3ho does no" see% "he e!<. Bo"h are ne-essary. #$ 2o3 !on# is a Guru ne-essary <or e!<Drea!iJa"ionK A$ Guru is ne-essary so !on# as "here is i#noran-e. I#noran-e is due "o "he se!<Dim$osed bu" 3ron# !imi"a"ion o< "he e!<. God' on bein# 3orshi$$ed' bes"o3s s"eadiness in devo"ion 3hi-h !eads "o surrender. On "he devo"ee surrenderin#' God sho3s his mer-y by mani<es"in# as "he Guru. 6he Guru' o"her3ise God' #uides "he devo"ee' sayin# "ha" God is 3i"hin and "ha" he is no" di<<eren" <rom "he e!<. 6his !eads "o in"roversion o< mind and <ina!!y "o rea!iJa"ion. #$ I< #ra-e is so im$or"an"' 3ha" is "he ro!e o< individua! e<<or"K A$ E<<or" is ne-essary u$ "o "he s"a"e o< rea!iJa"ion. Even "hen "he e!< shou!d s$on"aneous!y be-ome eviden"' o"her3ise ha$$iness 3i!! no" be -om$!e"e. U$ "o "ha" s"a"e o< s$on"anei"y "here mus" be e<<or" in some <orm or ano"her. 6here is a s"a"e beyond our e<<or"s or e<<or"!essness. Un"i! i" is rea!iJed e<<or" is ne-essary. A<"er "as"in# su-h b!iss' even on-e' one 3i!! re$ea"ed!y "ry "o re#ain i". 2avin# on-e eB$erien-ed "he b!iss o< $ea-e no one 3an"s "o be ou" o< i" or "o en#a#e in any o"her a-"ivi"y. #$ Is divine #ra-e ne-essary <or a""ainin# rea!iJa"ion' or -an an individua!9s hones" e<<or"s by "hemse!ves !ead "o "he s"a"e <rom 3hi-h "here is no re"urn "o !i<e and dea"hK A$ Divine #ra-e is essen"ia! <or rea!iJa"ion. I" !eads one "o God rea!iJa"ion. Bu" su-h #ra-e is vou-hsa<ed on!y "o him 3ho is a "rue devo"ee or a yo#i. I" is #iven on!y "o "hose 3ho have s"riven hard and -ease!ess!y on "he $a"h "o3ards <reedom. #$ Does dis"an-e have any e<<e-" u$on #ra-eK A$ 6ime and s$a-e are 3i"hin us. You are a!3ays in your e!<. 2o3 do "ime and s$a-e a<<e-" i"K #$ On "he radio "hose 3ho are nearer hear sooner. You are 2indu' 3e are Ameri-an. Does i" ma%e any di<<eren-eK A$ No. #$ Even "hou#h"s are read by o"hers. A$ 6ha" sho3s "ha" a!! are one. #$ Does Bha#avan <ee! <or us and sho3 #ra-eK A$ You are ne-%Ddee$ in 3a"er and ye" -ry <or 3a"er. I" is as #ood as sayin# "ha" one ne-%Ddee$ in 3a"er <ee!s "hirs"y' or "ha" a <ish in 3a"er <ee!s "hirs"y' or "ha" 3a"er <ee!s "hirs"y. Gra-e is a!3ays "here. 8Dis$assion -anno" be a-Euired' nor rea!iJa"ion o< "he "ru"h' nor inheren-e in "he e!<' in "he absen-e o< Guru9s #ra-e9. Bu" $ra-"i-e is a!so ne-essary. "ayin# in "he e!< by one9s e<<or"s is !i%e "rainin# a ro#uish bu!! -on<ined "o his s"a!! by "em$"in# him 3i"h !us-ious #rass and $reven"in# him <rom s"rayin#. #$ I have re-en"!y -ome a-ross a 6ami! son# in 3hi-h "he au"hor !amen"s he is no" !i%e "he "ena-ious youn# mon%ey "ha" -an ho!d on "o i"s mo"her "i#h"!y' bu" ra"her !i%e a $u!in# %i""en "ha" mus" be -arried by "he ne-% in i"s mo"her9s Ca3s. 6he au"hor "here<ore $rays "o God "o "a%e -are o< him. My -ase is eBa-"!y "he same. You mus" "a%e $i"y on me

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Bha#avan. 2o!d me by "he ne-% and see "ha" I don9" <a!! and #e" inCured. A$ 6ha" is im$ossib!e. I" is ne-essary bo"h <or you "o s"rive and <or "he Guru "o he!$. #$ 2o3 !on# 3i!! i" "a%e <or one "o #e" "he #ra-e o< "he GuruK A$ *hy do you desire "o %no3K #$ 6o #ive me ho$e. A$ Even su-h a desire is an obs"a-!e. 6he e!< is ever "here' "here is no"hin# 3i"hou" i". Be "he e!< and "he desires and doub"s 3i!! disa$$ear. Gra-e is "he be#innin#' midd!e and end. Gra-e is "he e!<. Be-ause o< "he <a!se iden"i<i-a"ion o< "he e!< 3i"h "he body "he Guru is -onsidered "o be a body. Bu" <rom "he Guru9s ou"!oo% "he Guru is on!y "he e!<. 6he e!< is one on!y and "he Guru "e!!s you "ha" "he e!< a!one is. Is no" "hen "he e!< your GuruK *here e!se 3i!! #ra-e -ome <romK I" is <rom "he e!< a!one. Mani<es"a"ion o< "he e!< is a mani<es"a"ion o< #ra-e and vi-e versa. A!! "hese doub"s arise be-ause o< "he 3ron# ou"!oo% and -onseEuen" eB$e-"a"ion o< "hin#s eB"erna! "o onese!<. No"hin# is eB"erna! "o "he e!<.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 9 - Silence and sat-sanga

A!"hou#h ri Ramana 3as ha$$y "o #ive his verba! "ea-hin#s "o anyone 3ho as%ed <or "hem' he <reEuen"!y $oin"ed ou" "ha" his 8si!en" "ea-hin#s9 3ere more dire-" and more $o3er<u!. 6hese 8si!en" "ea-hin#s9 -onsis"ed o< a s$iri"ua! <or-e 3hi-h seemed "o emana"e <rom his <orm' a <or-e so $o3er<u! "ha" he -onsidered i" "o be "he mos" dire-" and im$or"an" as$e-" o< his "ea-hin#s. Ins"ead o< #ivin# ou" verba! ins"ru-"ions on ho3 "o -on"ro! "he mind' he e<<or"!ess!y emi""ed a si!en" $o3er 3hi-h au"oma"i-a!!y Euie"ened "he minds o< everyone in his vi-ini"y. 6he $eo$!e 3ho 3ere a""uned "o "his <or-e re$or" "ha" "hey eB$erien-ed i" as a s"a"e o< inner $ea-e and 3e!!Dbein#I in some advan-ed devo"ees i" even $re-i$i"a"ed a dire-" eB$erien-e o< "he e!<. 6his me"hod o< "ea-hin# has a !on# "radi"ion in India' i"s mos" <amous eB$onen" bein# Da%shinamur"i' a mani<es"a"ion o< iva 3ho brou#h" <our !earned sa#es "o an eB$erien-e o< "he e!< "hrou#h "he $o3er o< his si!en-e. ri Ramana <reEuen"!y s$o%e o< Da%shinamur"i 3i"h #rea" a$$rova! and his name -ro$s u$ in many o< "he -onversa"ions in "his -ha$"er. 6his <!o3 o< $o3er <rom "he Guru -an be re-eived by anyone 3hose a""en"ion is <o-used on "he e!< or on "he <orm o< "he GuruI dis"an-e is no im$edimen" "o i"s e<<i-a-y. 6his a""en"ion is o<"en -a!!ed sa"Dsan#a' 3hi-h !i"era!!y means 8asso-ia"ion 3i"h bein#9. ri Ramana 3ho!ehear"ed!y en-oura#ed "his $ra-"i-e and <reEuen"!y said "ha" i" 3as "he mos" e<<i-ien" 3ay o< brin#in# abou" a dire-" eB$erien-e o< "he e!<. 6radi"iona!!y i" invo!ves bein# in "he $hysi-a! $resen-e o< one 3ho has rea!iJed "he e!<' bu" ri Ramana #ave i" a mu-h 3ider de<ini"ion. 2e said "ha" "he mos" im$or"an" e!emen" in sa"Dsan#a 3as "he men"a! -onne-"ion 3i"h "he GuruI sa"Dsan#a "a%es $!a-e no" on!y in his $resen-e bu" 3henever and 3herever one "hin%s o< him. 6he <o!!o3in# Euo"a"ion #ives an indi-a"ion o< "he $o3er o< sa"Dsan#a. I" -onsis"s o< <ive s"ray ans%ri" verses 3hi-h ri Ramana -ame a-ross a" various "imes. 2e 3as so im$ressed by "heir -on"en"s "ha" he "rans!a"ed "hem in"o 6ami! and in-or$ora"ed "hem in U!!adu Nar$adu Anubandham' one o< his o3n 3ri""en 3or%s 3hi-h dea!s 3i"h "he na"ure o< rea!i"y. 1 By sa"Dsan#a "he asso-ia"ion 3i"h "he obCe-"s o< "he 3or!d 3i!! be removed. *hen "ha" 3or!d!y asso-ia"ion is removed "he a""a-hmen" or "enden-ies o< "he mind 3i!! be des"royed. 6hose 3ho are devoid o< men"a! a""a-hmen" 3i!! $erish in "ha" 3hi-h is mo"ion!ess. 6hus "hey a""ain Civan mu%"i L!ibera"ionM. +herish "heir asso-ia"ion. , 6he su$reme s"a"e 3hi-h is $raised and 3hi-h is a""ained here in "his !i<e by -!ear vi-hara' 3hi-h arises in "he 2ear" 3hen asso-ia"ion 3i"h a sadhu La nob!e $erson' or one 3ho has rea!iJed "he e!<M is #ained' is im$ossib!e "o a""ain by !is"enin# "o $rea-hers' by s"udyin# and !earnin# "he meanin# o< "he s-ri$"ures' by vir"uous deeds or by any o"her means. / I< one #ains asso-ia"ion 3i"h sadhus' o< 3ha" use are a!! "he re!i#ious observan-es LniyamasMK *hen "he eB-e!!en" -oo! sou"hern breeJe i"se!< is b!o3in#' 3ha" is "he use o< ho!din# a handD<anK 4 2ea" 3i!! be removed by "he -oo! moon' $over"y by "he -e!es"ia! 3ishD<u!<i!!in# "ree and sin by "he Gan#es. Bu" %no3 "ha" a!! "hese' be#innin# 3i"h hea"' 3i!! be removed mere!y by havin# "he darshan Lsi#h"M o< in-om$arab!e sadhus. 1 a-red ba"hin# $!a-es' 3hi-h are -om$osed o< 3a"er' and ima#es o< dei"ies' 3hi-h are made o< s"one and ear"h' -anno" be -om$arab!e "o "hose #rea" sou!s Lmaha"masM. Ah' 3ha" a 3onderO 6he ba"hin# $!a-es and dei"ies bes"o3 $uri"y o< mind a<"er -oun"!ess days' 3hereas su-h $uri"y is ins"an"!y bes"o3ed u$on $eo$!e as soon as sadhus see "hem 3i"h "heir eyes. #$ *hy does no" Bha#avan #o abou" and $rea-h "he "ru"h "o "he $eo$!e a" !ar#eK A$ 2o3 do you %no3 I am no" doin# i"K Does $rea-hin# -onsis" in moun"in# a $!a"<orm and haran#uin# "he $eo$!e aroundK Prea-hin# is sim$!e -ommuni-a"ion o< %no3!ed#eI i" -an rea!!y be done in si!en-e on!y. *ha" do you "hin% o<

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

a man 3ho !is"ens "o a sermon <or an hour and #oes a3ay 3i"hou" havin# been im$ressed by i" so as "o -han#e his !i<eK +om$are him 3i"h ano"her' 3ho si"s in a ho!y $resen-e and #oes a3ay a<"er some "ime 3i"h his ou"!oo% on !i<e "o"a!!y -han#ed. *hi-h is "he be""er' "o $rea-h !oud!y 3i"hou" e<<e-" or "o si" si!en"!y sendin# ou" inner <or-eK A#ain' ho3 does s$ee-h ariseK @irs" "here is abs"ra-" %no3!ed#e. Ou" o< "his arises "he e#o' 3hi-h in "urn #ives rise "o "hou#h"' and "hou#h" "o "he s$o%en 3ord. o "he 3ord is "he #rea"D #randson o< "he ori#ina! sour-e. I< "he 3ord -an $rodu-e an e<<e-"' Cud#e <or yourse!<' ho3 mu-h more $o3er<u! mus" be "he $rea-hin# "hrou#h si!en-e. #$ 2o3 -an si!en-e be so $o3er<u!K A$ A rea!iJed one sends ou" 3aves o< s$iri"ua! in<!uen-e 3hi-h dra3 many $eo$!e "o3ards him. Ye" he may si" in a -ave and main"ain -om$!e"e si!en-e. *e may !is"en "o !e-"ures u$on "ru"h and -ome a3ay 3i"h hard!y any #ras$ o< "he subCe-"' bu" "o -ome in"o -on"a-" 3i"h a rea!iJed one' "hou#h he s$ea%s no"hin#' 3i!! #ive mu-h more #ras$ o< "he subCe-". 2e never needs "o #o ou" amon# "he $ub!i-. I< ne-essary he -an use o"hers as ins"rumen"s. 6he Guru is "he bes"o3er o< si!en-e 3ho revea!s "he !i#h" o< e!<D%no3!ed#e 3hi-h shines as "he residua! rea!i"y. $o%en 3ords are o< no use 3ha"soever i< "he eyes o< "he Guru mee" "he eyes o< "he dis-i$!e. #$ Does Bha#avan #ive di%sha Lini"ia"ionMK A$ Mouna Lsi!en-eM is "he bes" and "he mos" $o"en" di%sha. 6ha" 3as $ra-"ised by ri Da%shinamur"i. Ini"ia"ion by "ou-h' !oo%' e"-.' are a!! o< a !o3er order. i!en" ini"ia"ion -han#es "he hear"s o< a!!. Da%shinamur"i observed si!en-e 3hen "he dis-i$!es a$$roa-hed him. 6ha" is "he hi#hes" <orm o< ini"ia"ion. I" in-!udes "he o"her <orms. 6here mus" be subCe-"DobCe-" re!a"ionshi$ es"ab!ished in "he o"her di%shas. @irs" "he subCe-" mus" emana"e and "hen "he obCe-". Un!ess "hese "3o are "here ho3 is "he one "o !oo% a" "he o"her or "ou-h himK Mouna di%sha is "he mos" $er<e-"I i" -om$rises !oo%in#' "ou-hin# and "ea-hin#. I" 3i!! $uri<y "he individua! in every 3ay and es"ab!ish him in "he rea!i"y. #$ 3ami 5ive%ananda says "ha" a s$iri"ua! Guru -an "rans<er s$iri"ua!i"y subs"an"ia!!y "o "he dis-i$!e. A$ Is "here a subs"an-e "o be "rans<erredK 6rans<er means eradi-a"ion o< "he sense o< bein# "he dis-i$!e. 6he mas"er does i". No" "ha" "he man 3as some"hin# a" one "ime and me"amor$hosed !a"er in"o ano"her. #$ Is no" #ra-e "he #i<" o< "he GuruK A$ God' #ra-e and Guru are a!! synonymous and a!so e"erna! and immanen". Is no" "he e!< a!ready 3i"hinK Is i" <or "he Guru "o bes"o3 i" by his !oo%K I< a Guru "hin%s so' he does no" deserve "he name. 6he boo%s say "ha" "here are so many %inds o< di%sha' ini"ia"ion by hand' by "ou-h' by eye' e"-. 6hey a!so say "ha" "he Guru ma%es some ri"es 3i"h <ire' 3a"er' Ca$a or man"ras and -a!!s su-h <an"as"i- $er<orman-es di%shas' as i< "he dis-i$!e be-omes ri$e on!y a<"er su-h $ro-esses are #one "hrou#h by "he Guru. I< "he individua! is sou#h" he is no3here "o be <ound. u-h is "he Guru. u-h is Da%shinamur"i. *ha" did he doK 2e 3as si!en" 3hen "he dis-i$!es a$$eared be<ore him. 2e main"ained si!en-e and "he doub"s o< "he dis-i$!es 3ere dis$e!!ed' 3hi-h means "ha" "hey !os" "heir individua! iden"i"ies. 6ha" is Cnana and no" a!! "he verbia#e usua!!y asso-ia"ed 3i"h i". i!en-e is "he mos" $o"en" <orm o< 3or%. 2o3ever vas" and em$ha"i- "he sas"ras may be "hey <ai! in "heir e<<e-". 6he Guru is Euie" and $ea-e $revai!s in a!!. 2is si!en-e is more vas" and more em$ha"i- "han a!! "he sas"ras $u" "o#e"her. 6hese Eues"ions arise be-ause o< "he <ee!in# "ha"' havin# been here so !on#' heard so mu-h' eBer"ed so hard' one has no" #ained any"hin#. 6he 3or% $ro-eedin# 3i"hin is no" a$$aren". In <a-" "he Guru is a!3ays 3i"hin you. #$ +an "he Guru9s si!en-e rea!!y brin# abou" advan-ed s"a"es o< s$iri"ua! a3arenessK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ 6here is an o!d s"ory 3hi-h demons"ra"es "he $o3er o< "he Guru9s si!en-e. 6a""varaya -om$osed a bharani' a %ind o< $oe"i- -om$osi"ion in 6ami!' in honour o< his Guru 3aru$ananda' and -onvened an assemb!y o< !earned $andi"s "o hear "he 3or% and assess i"s va!ue. 6he $andi"s raised "he obCe-"ion "ha" a bharani 3as on!y -om$osed in honour o< #rea" heroes -a$ab!e o< %i!!in# a "housand e!e$han"s in ba""!e and "ha" i" 3as no" in order "o -om$ose su-h a 3or% in honour o< an as-e"i-. 6hereu$on "he au"hor said' 8&e" us a!! #o "o my Guru and 3e sha!! have "his ma""er se""!ed "here.9 6hey 3en" "o "he Guru and' a<"er "hey had a!! "a%en "heir sea"s' "he au"hor "o!d his Guru "he $ur$ose o< "heir visi". 6he Guru sa" si!en" and a!! "he o"hers a!so remained in mouna. 6he 3ho!e day $assed' "he ni#h" -ame' and some more days and ni#h"s' and ye" a!! sa" "here si!en"!y' no "hou#h" a" a!! o--urrin# "o any o< "hem and nobody "hin%in# or as%in# 3hy "hey had -ome "here. A<"er "hree or <our days !i%e "his' "he Guru moved his mind a bi"' and "he $eo$!e assemb!ed immedia"e!y re#ained "heir "hou#h" a-"ivi"y. 6hey "hen de-!ared' 8+onEuerin# a "housand e!e$han"s is no"hin# beside "his Guru9s $o3er "o -onEuer "he ru""in# e!e$han"s o< a!! our e#os $u" "o#e"her. o -er"ain!y he deserves "he bharani in his honourO9 #$ 2o3 does "his si!en" $o3er 3or%K A$ &an#ua#e is on!y a medium <or -ommuni-a"in# one9s "hou#h"s "o ano"her. I" is -a!!ed in on!y a<"er "hou#h"s arise. O"her "hou#h"s arise a<"er "he 8I9D"hou#h" rises and so "he 8I9D"hou#h" is "he roo" o< a!! -onversa"ion. *hen one remains 3i"hou" "hin%in# one unders"ands ano"her by means o< "he universa! !an#ua#e o< si!en-e. i!en-e is everDs$ea%in#. I" is a $erennia! <!o3 o< !an#ua#e 3hi-h is in"erru$"ed by s$ea%in#. 6hese 3ords I am s$ea%in# obs"ru-" "ha" mu"e !an#ua#e. @or eBam$!e' "here is e!e-"ri-i"y <!o3in# in a 3ire. *i"h resis"an-e "o i"s $assa#e' i" #!o3s as a !am$ or revo!ves as a <an. In "he 3ire i" remains as e!e-"ri- ener#y. imi!ar!y a!so' si!en-e is "he e"erna! <!o3 o< !an#ua#e' obs"ru-"ed by 3ords. *ha" one <ai!s "o %no3 by -onversa"ion eB"endin# "o severa! years -an be %no3n ins"an"!y in si!en-e' or in <ron" o< si!en-e DDa%shinamur"i and his <our dis-i$!es are a #ood eBam$!e o< "his. 6his is "he hi#hes" and mos" e<<e-"ive !an#ua#e. #$ Bha#avan says' 86he in<!uen-e o< "he Cnani s"ea!s in"o "he devo"ee in si!en-e.9 Bha#avan a!so says' 8+on"a-" 3i"h #rea" men Lmaha"masM is one e<<i-a-ious means o< rea!isin# one9s "rue bein#.9 A$ Yes. *ha" is "he -on"radi-"ionK Hnani' #rea" men' maha"mas do you di<<eren"ia"e be"3een "hemK #$ No. A$ +on"a-" 3i"h "hem is #ood. 6hey 3i!! 3or% "hrou#h si!en-e. By s$ea%in# "heir $o3er is redu-ed. i!en-e is mos" $o3er<u!. $ee-h is a!3ays !ess $o3er<u! "han si!en-e' so men"a! -on"a-" is "he bes". #$ Does "his ho!d #ood even a<"er "he disso!u"ion o< "he $hysi-a! body o< "he Cnani or is i" "rue on!y so !on# as he is in <!esh and b!oodK A$ Guru is no" "he $hysi-a! <orm. o "he -on"a-" 3i!! remain even a<"er "he $hysi-a! <orm o< "he Guru vanishes. One -an #o "o ano"her Guru a<"er one9s Guru $asses a3ay' bu" a!! Gurus are one and none o< "hem is "he <orm you see. A!3ays men"a! -on"a-" is "he bes". #$ Is "he o$era"ion o< #ra-e "he mind o< "he Guru a-"in# on "he mind o< "he dis-i$!e or is i" a di<<eren" $ro-essK A$ 6he hi#hes" <orm o< #ra-e is si!en-e. I" is a!so "he hi#hes" u$adesa L"ea-hin#M. #$ 5ive%ananda has a!so said "ha" si!en-e is "he !oudes" <orm o< $rayer. A$ I" is so <or "he see%er9s si!en-e. 6he Guru9s si!en-e is "he !oudes" u$adesa. I" is a!so #ra-e in i"s hi#hes" <orm. A!! o"her di%shas Lini"ia"ionsM are derived <rom mouna' and are "here<ore se-ondary. Mouna is "he $rimary <orm. I< "he Guru is si!en" "he see%er9s mind #e"s $uri<ied by i"se!<. #$ ri Bha#avan9s si!en-e is i"se!< a $o3er<u! <or-e. I" brin#s abou" a -er"ain $ea-e o< mind in us. A$ i!en-e is neverDendin# s$ee-h. 5o-a! s$ee-h obs"ru-"s "he o"her s$ee-h o< si!en-e. In si!en-e one is in in"ima"e -on"a-" 3i"h "he surroundin#s. 6he si!en-e o< Da%shinamur"i removed "he doub"s o< "he <our sa#es. Mouna vya%hya

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

$ra%a"i"a "a""vam means "he "ru"h eB$ounded by si!en-e. i!en-e is said "o be eB$osi"ion. i!en-e is so $o"en". @or vo-a! s$ee-h' or#ans o< s$ee-h are ne-essary and "hey $re-ede s$ee-h. Bu" "he o"her s$ee-h !ies even beyond "hou#h". I" is in shor" "rans-enden" s$ee-h or uns$o%en 3ords L$ara va%KK #$ +an everyone bene<i" <rom "his si!en-eK A$ i!en-e is "he "rue u$adesa. I" is "he $er<e-" u$adesa. I" is sui"ed on!y <or "he mos" advan-ed see%er. 6he o"hers are unab!e "o dra3 <u!! ins$ira"ion <rom i". 6here<ore "hey reEuire 3ords "o eB$!ain "he "ru"h. Bu" "ru"h is beyond 3ords. I" does no" admi" o< eB$!ana"ion. A!! "ha" i" is $ossib!e "o do is "o indi-a"e i". #$ I" is said "ha" one !oo% o< a maha"ma is enou#h' "ha" ido!s' $i!#rima#es' e"-.' are no" so e<<e-"ive. I have been here <or "hree mon"hs' bu" I do no" %no3 ho3 I have been bene<i"ed by "he !oo% o< Maharshi. A$ 6he !oo% has a $uri<yin# e<<e-". Puri<i-a"ion -anno" be visua!ised. Hus" as a $ie-e o< -oa! "a%es a !on# "ime "o be i#ni"ed' a $ie-e o< -har-oa! "a%es a shor"er "ime' and a mass o< #un$o3der is ins"an"aneous!y i#ni"ed' so i" is 3i"h #rades o< men -omin# in"o -on"a-" 3i"h maha"mas. 6he <ire o< 3isdom -onsumes a!! a-"ions. *isdom is a-Euired by asso-ia"ion 3i"h "he 3ise Lsa"Dsan#aM or ra"her i"s men"a! a"mos$here. #$ +an "he Guru9s si!en-e brin# abou" rea!iJa"ion i< "he dis-i$!e ma%es no e<<or"K A$ In "he $roBimi"y o< a #rea" mas"er' "he vasanas -ease "o be a-"ive' "he mind be-omes s"i!! and samadhi resu!"s. 6hus "he dis-i$!e #ains "rue %no3!ed#e and ri#h" eB$erien-e in "he $resen-e o< "he mas"er. 6o remain unsha%en in i" <ur"her e<<or"s are ne-essary. Even"ua!!y "he dis-i$!e 3i!! %no3 i" "o be his rea! bein# and 3i!! "hus be !ibera"ed even 3hi!e a!ive. #$ I< "he sear-h has "o be made 3i"hin' is i" ne-essary "o be in "he $hysi-a! $roBimi"y o< "he Mas"erK A$ I" is ne-essary "o be so un"i! a!! doub"s are a" an end. #$ I am no" ab!e "o -on-en"ra"e by myse!<. I am in sear-h o< a <or-e "o he!$ me. A$ Yes' "ha" is -a!!ed #ra-e. Individua!!y 3e are in-a$ab!e be-ause "he mind is 3ea%. Gra-e is ne-essary. adhu seva Lservin# a sadhuM 3i!! brin# i" abou". 6here is ho3ever no"hin# ne3 "o #e". Hus" as a 3ea% man -omes under "he -on"ro! o< a s"ron#er one' "he 3ea% mind o< a man -omes under -on"ro! easi!y in "he $resen-e o< s"ron#Dminded sadhus. 6ha" 3hi-h is is on!y #ra-eI "here is no"hin# e!se. #$ Is i" ne-essary "o serve "he Guru $hysi-a!!yK A$ 6he sas"ras say "ha" one mus" serve a Guru <or "3e!ve years in order "o a""ain e!<D rea!iJa"ion. *ha" does "he Guru doK Does he hand i" over "o "he dis-i$!eK Is no" "he e!< a!3ays rea!iJedK *ha" does "he -ommon be!ie< mean "henK Man is a!3ays "he e!< and ye" he does no" %no3 i". Ins"ead he -on<ounds i" 3i"h "he nonD e!<' "he body' e"-. u-h -on<usion is due "o i#noran-e. I< i#noran-e is 3i$ed ou" "he -on<usion 3i!! -ease "o eBis" and "he "rue %no3!ed#e 3i!! be un<o!ded. By remainin# in -on"a-" 3i"h rea!iJed sa#es "he man #radua!!y !oses "he i#noran-e un"i! i"s remova! is -om$!e"e. 6he e"erna! e!< is "hus revea!ed. #$ You say "ha" asso-ia"ion 3i"h "he 3ise Lsa"Dsan#aM and servi-e o< "hem is reEuired o< "he dis-i$!e. A$ Yes' "he <irs" rea!!y means asso-ia"ion 3i"h "he unmani<es" sa" or abso!u"e eBis"en-e' bu" as very <e3 -an do "ha"' "hey have "o "a%e se-ond bes" 3hi-h is asso-ia"ion 3i"h "he mani<es" sa"' "ha" is' "he Guru. Asso-ia"ion 3i"h sa#es shou!d be made be-ause "hou#h"s are so $ersis"en". 6he sa#e has a!ready over-ome "he mind and remains in $ea-e. Bein# in his $roBimi"y he!$s "o brin# abou" "his -ondi"ion in o"hers' o"her3ise "here is no meanin# in see%in# his -om$any. 6he Guru $rovides "he needed s"ren#"h <or "his' unseen by o"hers. ervi-e is $rimari!y "o abide in "he e!<' bu" i" a!so in-!udes ma%in# "he Guru9s body -om<or"ab!e and !oo%in# a<"er his $!a-e o< abode. +on"a-" 3i"h "he Guru is a!so ne-essary' bu" "his means s$iri"ua! -on"a-". I< "he dis-i$!e <inds "he Guru in"erna!!y' "hen i" does no" ma""er 3here he #oes. "ayin# here or e!se3here mus" be unders"ood "o be "he same and "o have "he same e<<e-".

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ My $ro<ession reEuires me "o s"ay near my $!a-e o< 3or%. I -anno" remain in "he vi-ini"y o< sadhus. +an I have rea!iJa"ion even in "he absen-e o< sa"Dsan#aK A$ a" is aham $ra"yaya saram' "he e!< o< se!ves. 6he sadhu is "ha" e!< o< se!ves. 2e is immanen" in a!!. +an anyone remain 3i"hou" "he e!<K No. o no one is a3ay <rom sa"Dsan#a. #$ Is $roBimi"y "o "he Guru he!$<u!K A$ Do you mean $hysi-a! $roBimi"yK *ha" is "he #ood o< i"K 6he mind a!one ma""ers. 6he mind mus" be -on"a-"ed. a"Dsan#a 3i!! ma%e "he mind sin% in"o "he 2ear". u-h asso-ia"ion is bo"h men"a! and $hysi-a!. 6he eB"reme!y visib!e bein# o< "he Guru $ushes "he mind in3ard. 2e is a!so in "he 2ear" o< "he see%er and so he dra3s "he !a""er9s in3ardDben" mind in"o "he 2ear". #$ A!! "ha" I 3an" "o %no3 is 3he"her sa"Dsan#a is ne-essary and 3he"her my -omin# here 3i!! he!$ me or no". A$ @irs" you mus" de-ide 3ha" is sa"Dsan#a. I" means asso-ia"ion 3i"h sa" or rea!i"y. One 3ho %no3s or has rea!iJed sa" is a!so re#arded as sa". u-h asso-ia"ion 3i"h sa" or 3i"h one 3ho %no3s sa" is abso!u"e!y ne-essary <or a!!. an%ara has said "ha" in a!! "he "hree 3or!ds "here is no boa" !i%e sa"Dsan#a "o -arry one sa<e!y a-ross "he o-ean o< bir"hs and dea"hs. a"Dsan#a means san#a Lasso-ia"ionM 3i"h sa". a" is on!y "he e!<. in-e "he e!< is no" no3 unders"ood "o be sa"' "he -om$any o< "he sa#e 3ho has "hus unders"ood i" is sou#h". 6ha" is sa"D san#a. In"roversion resu!"s. 6hen sa" is revea!ed.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

%ART 3&4R ( Meditation and yoga

6he bes" medi"a"ion is "ha" 3hi-h -on"inues in a!! "he "hree s"a"es. I" mus" be so in"ense "ha" i" does no" #ive room even "o "he "hou#h" 8I am medi"a"in#9. 2avin# made "he !i%in# "o see "hrou#h "he de-ei"<u! senses subside' and havin# "hereby ended "he obCe-"ive %no3in# o< "he mind' "he Cum$in# e#o' "o %no3 "he !i#h"!ess !i#h" and "he sound!ess sound in "he 2ear" is "he "rue $o3er o< yo#a Lyo#aDsa%"iM.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 10 - Meditation and concentration

ri Ramana9s insis"en-e "ha" a3areness o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" 3as a $rereEuisi"e <or e!<Drea!iJa"ion !ed him "o "he -on-!usion "ha" a!! s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-es 3hi-h did no" in-or$ora"e "his <ea"ure 3ere indire-" and ine<<i-ien"? 6his $a"h La""en"ion "o "he 8I9M is "he dire-" $a"hI a!! o"hers are indire-" 3ays. 6he <irs" !eads "o "he e!<' "he o"hers e!se3here. And even i< "he !a""er do arrive a" "he e!< i" is on!y be-ause "hey !ead a" "he end "o "he <irs" $a"h 3hi-h u!"ima"e!y -arries "hem "o "he #oa!. o' in "he end' "he as$iran"s mus" ado$" "he <irs" $a"h. *hy no" do so no3K *hy 3as"e "imeK 6ha" is "o say' o"her "e-hniEues may some"imes brin# one "o an inner s"a"e o< s"i!!ness in 3hi-h se!<D a""en"ion or se!<Da3areness inadver"en"!y "a%es $!a-e' bu" i" is a very roundabou" 3ay o< rea-hin# "he e!<. ri Ramana main"ained "ha" o"her "e-hniEues -ou!d on!y "a%e one "o "he $!a-e 3here se!<DenEuiry s"ar"s and so he never endorsed "hem un!ess he <e!" "ha" $ar"i-u!ar Eues"ioners 3ere unab!e or un3i!!in# "o ado$" se!<DenEuiry. 6his is i!!us"ra"ed by a -onversa"ion in ri Ramana Gi"a 7an ear!y -o!!e-"ion o< his Eues"ions and ans3ers: in 3hi-h ri Ramana eB$!ained in de"ai! 3hy se!<DenEuiry 3as "he on!y 3ay "o rea!iJe "he e!<. A<"er !is"enin# -are<u!!y "o ri Ramana9s eB$!ana"ion "he Eues"ioner 3as s"i!! un3i!!in# "o a--e$" "ha" se!<DenEuiry 3as "he on!y rou"e "o "he e!< and so he as%ed i< "here 3ere any o"her me"hods by 3hi-h "he e!< -ou!d be rea!iJed. ri Ramana re$!ied? 6he #oa! is "he same <or "he one 3ho medi"a"es Lon an obCe-"M and "he one 3ho $ra-"ises se!<D enEuiry. One a""ains s"i!!ness "hrou#h medi"a"ion' "he o"her "hrou#h %no3!ed#e. One s"rives "o a""ain some"hin#I "he o"her see%s "he one 3ho s"rives "o a""ain. 6he <ormer "a%es a !on#er "ime' bu" in "he end a""ains "he e!<. No" 3an"in# "o sha%e "he <ai"h o< a man 3ho had a %no3n $redi!e-"ion <or subCe-"DobCe-" medi"a"ion and' havin# a!ready as-er"ained "ha" he 3as un3i!!in# "o "a%e u$ se!<D enEuiry' ri Ramana en-oura#ed him "o <o!!o3 his o3n -hosen me"hod by "e!!in# him "ha" i" 3ou!d enab!e him "o rea-h "he e!<. In ri Ramana9s vie3 any me"hod is be""er "han no me"hod sin-e "here is a!3ays "he $ossibi!i"y "ha" i" 3i!! !ead "o se!<DenEuiry. 2e #ave many o"her simi!ar re$!ies "o o"her $eo$!e <or simi!ar reasons. 6hese re$!ies' 3hi-h indi-a"e "ha" me"hods o"her "han se!<DenEuiry or surrender -ou!d resu!" in e!<Drea!iJa"ion' shou!d no" be "a%en a" <a-e va!ue sin-e "hey 3ere on!y #iven "o $eo$!e 3ho 3ere no" a""ra-"ed "o se!<DenEuiry and 3ho 3an"ed "o <o!!o3 "heir o3n me"hods. *hen he s$o%e "o o"her devo"ees 3ho 3ere no" a""a-hed "o 3ha" he -a!!ed 8indire-" me"hods9' he 3ou!d usua!!y rea<<irm "ha" se!<Da""en"ion 3as u!"ima"e!y indis$ensab!e. A!"hou#h ri Ramana vi#orous!y de<ended his vie3s on se!<DenEuiry he never insis"ed "ha" anyone -han#e "heir be!ie<s or $ra-"i-es and' i< he 3as unab!e "o -onvin-e his <o!!o3ers "o "a%e u$ se!<DenEuiry' he 3ou!d ha$$i!y #ive advi-e on o"her me"hods. In "he -onversa"ions in "his -ha$"er he is mos"!y ans3erin# Eues"ions <rom devo"ees 3ho 3an"ed advi-e on -onven"iona! <orms o< medi"a"ion 7dhyana:. In #ivin# "his advi-e he usua!!y de<ined medi"a"ion as -on-en"ra"ion on one "hou#h" "o "he eB-!usion o< a!! o"hers' bu" he some"imes #ave i" a hi#her de<ini"ion by sayin# "ha" %ee$in# "he mind <iBed in "he e!< 3as "rue medi"a"ion. 6his !a""er $ra-"i-e is rea!!y ano"her name <or se!<DenEuiry' <or' as he eB$!ained in one o< his ear!y 3ri""en 3or%s' 8A!3ays %ee$in# "he mind <iBed in e!< a!one is -a!!ed se!<DenEuiry' 3hereas medi"a"ion is "hin%in# onese!< "o be Brahman.9 #$ *ha" is "he di<<eren-e be"3een medi"a"ion LdhyanaM and inves"i#a"ion Lvi-haraMK A$ Bo"h amoun" "o "he same. 6hose un<i" <or inves"i#a"ion mus" $ra-"ise medi"a"ion. In medi"a"ion "he as$iran" <or#e""in# himse!< medi"a"es 8I am Brahman9 or 8I am iva9 and by "his me"hod ho!ds on "o Brahman or iva. 6his 3i!! u!"ima"e!y end 3i"h "he residua! a3areness o< Brahman or iva as bein#. 2e 3i!! "hen rea!iJe "ha" "his is $ure bein#' "ha" is' "he e!<. 2e 3ho en#a#es in inves"i#a"ion s"ar"s by ho!din# on "o himse!<' and by as%in# himse!< 8*ho am IK9 "he e!< be-omes -!ear "o him. Men"a!!y ima#inin# onese!< "o be "he su$reme rea!i"y' 3hi-h shines as eBis"en-eD-ons-iousnessD b!iss' is medi"a"ion. @iBin# "he mind in "he e!< so "ha" "he unrea! seed o< de!usion 3i!! die is enEuiry. *hoever medi"a"es u$on "he e!< in 3ha"ever bhava Lmen"a! ima#eM a""ains i" on!y in "ha" ima#e. 6hose $ea-e<u! ones

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

3ho remain Euie" 3i"hou" any su-h bhava a""ain "he nob!e and unEua!i<ied s"a"e o< %aiva!ya' "he <orm!ess s"a"e o< "he e!<. #$ Medi"a"ion is more dire-" "han inves"i#a"ion be-ause "he <ormer ho!ds on "o "he "ru"h 3hereas "he !a""er si<"s "he "ru"h <rom "he un"ru"h. A$ @or "he be#inner medi"a"ion on a <orm is more easy and a#reeab!e. Pra-"i-e o< i" !eads "o se!<DenEuiry 3hi-h -onsis"s in si<"in# "he rea!i"y <rom unrea!i"y. *ha" is "he use o< ho!din# on "o "ru"h 3hen you are <i!!ed 3i"h an"a#onis"i- <a-"orsK e!<DenEuiry dire-"!y !eads "o rea!iJa"ion by removin# "he obs"a-!es 3hi-h ma%e you "hin% "ha" "he e!< is no" a!ready rea!iJed. Medi"a"ion di<<ers a--ordin# "o "he de#ree o< advan-emen" o< "he see%er. I< one is <i" <or i" one mi#h" dire-"!y ho!d on "o "he "hin%er' and "he "hin%er 3i!! "hen au"oma"i-a!!y sin% in"o his sour-e' $ure -ons-iousness. I< one -anno" dire-"!y ho!d on "o "he "hin%er one mus" medi"a"e on God and in due -ourse "he same individua! 3i!! have be-ome su<<i-ien"!y $ure "o ho!d on "o "he "hin%er and "o sin% in"o abso!u"e bein#. Medi"a"ion is $ossib!e on!y i< "he e#o is %e$" u$. 6here is "he e#o and "he obCe-" medi"a"ed u$on. 6he me"hod is "here<ore indire-" be-ause "he e!< is on!y one. ee%in# "he e#o' "ha" is i"s sour-e' "he e#o disa$$ears. *ha" is !e<" over is "he e!<. 6his me"hod is "he dire-" one. #$ 6here is no 3ay <ound "o #o in3ard by means o< medi"a"ion. A$ *here e!se are 3e no3K Our very bein# is "ha". #$ Bein# so' 3e are i#noran" o< i". A$ I#noran" o< 3ha"' and 3hose is "he i#noran-eK I< i#noran" o< "he e!< are "here "3o se!vesK #$ 6here are no" "3o se!ves. 6he <ee!in# o< !imi"a"ion -anno" be denied. Due "o !imi"a"ions.... A$ &imi"a"ion is on!y in "he mind. Did you <ee! i" in dee$ s!ee$K You eBis" in s!ee$. You do no" deny your eBis"en-e "hen. 6he same e!< is here and no3 in "he 3a%e<u! s"a"e. You are no3 sayin# "ha" "here are !imi"a"ions. *ha" has no3 ha$$ened is "ha" "here are "hese di<<eren-es be"3een "he "3o s"a"es. 6he di<<eren-es are due "o "he mind. 6here 3as no mind in s!ee$ 3hereas i" is no3 a-"ive. 6he e!< eBis"s in "he absen-e o< "he mind a!so. #$ A!"hou#h i" is unders"ood' i" is no" rea!iJed. A$ I" 3i!! be by and by' 3i"h medi"a"ion. #$ Medi"a"ion is 3i"h mind. 2o3 -an i" %i!! "he mind in order "o revea! "he e!<K A$ Medi"a"ion is s"i-%in# "o one "hou#h". 6ha" sin#!e "hou#h" %ee$s a3ay o"her "hou#h"s. Dis"ra-"ion o< mind is a si#n o< i"s 3ea%ness. By -ons"an" medi"a"ion i" #ains s"ren#"h' "ha" is "o say' "he 3ea%ness o< <u#i"ive "hou#h" #ives $!a-e "o "he endurin# ba-%#round <ree <rom "hou#h". 6his eB$anse devoid o< "hou#h" is "he e!<. Mind in $uri"y is "he e!<. #$ *ha" is dhyana Lmedi"a"ionMK A$ I" is abidin# as one9s e!< 3i"hou" s3ervin# in any 3ay <rom one9s rea! na"ure and 3i"hou" <ee!in# "ha" one is medi"a"in#. #$ *ha" is "he di<<eren-e be"3een dhyana and samadhiK A$ Dhyana is a-hieved "hrou#h de!ibera"e men"a! e<<or". In samadhi "here is no su-h e<<or". #$ *ha" are "he <a-"ors "o be %e$" in vie3 in dhyanaK A$ I" is im$or"an" <or one 3ho is es"ab!ished in his e!< La"manish"haM "o see "ha" he does no" s3erve in "he !eas" <rom "his absor$"ion. By s3ervin# <rom his "rue na"ure he may see be<ore him bri#h" e<<u!#en-es' or hear unusua! sounds'

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

or re#ard as rea! "he visions o< #ods a$$earin# 3i"hin or ou"side himse!<. 2e shou!d no" be de-eived by "hese and <or#e" himse!<. #$ 2o3 is medi"a"ion "o be $ra-"isedK A$ Medi"a"ion is' "ru!y s$ea%in#' a"manish"ha L"o be <iBed as "he e!<M. Bu" 3hen "hou#h"s -ross "he mind and an e<<or" is made "o e!imina"e "hem "he e<<or" is usua!!y "ermed medi"a"ion. A"manish"ha is your rea! na"ure. Remain as you are. 6ha" is "he aim. #$ Bu" "hou#h"s -ome u$. Is our e<<or" mean" "o e!imina"e "hou#h"s on!yK A$ Yes. Medi"a"ion bein# on a sin#!e "hou#h"' "he o"her "hou#h"s are %e$" a3ay. Medi"a"ion is on!y ne#a"ive in e<<e-" in as mu-h as "hou#h"s are %e$" a3ay. #$ I" is said 8a"ma sams"ham manah %r"va9 L<iBin# "he mind in "he e!<M. Bu" "he e!< is un"hin%ab!e. A$ *hy do you 3ish "o medi"a"e a" a!!K Be-ause you 3ish "o do so you are "o!d 8a"ma sams"ham manah %r"va9. *hy do you no" remain as you are 3i"hou" medi"a"in#K *ha" is "ha" 8manah9 LmindMK *hen a!! "hou#h"s are e!imina"ed i" be-omes 8a"ma sams"ha9 L<iBed in "he e!<M. #$ I< a <orm is #iven I -an medi"a"e on i" and o"her "hou#h"s are e!imina"ed. Bu" "he e!< is <orm!ess. A$ Medi"a"ion on <orms or -on-re"e obCe-"s is said "o be dhyana' 3hereas "he enEuiry in"o "he e!< is vi-hara LenEuiryM or nididhyasana Lunin"erru$"ed a3areness o< bein#M. #$ 6here is more $!easure in dhyana "han in sensua! enCoymen"s. Ye" "he mind runs a<"er "he !a""er and does no" see% "he <ormer. *hy is i" soK A$ P!easure or $ain are as$e-"s o< "he mind on!y. Our essen"ia! na"ure is ha$$iness. Bu" 3e have <or#o""en "he e!< and ima#ine "ha" "he body or "he mind is "he e!<. I" is "ha" 3ron# iden"i"y "ha" #ives rise "o misery. *ha" is "o be doneK 6his men"a! "enden-y is very an-ien" and has -on"inued <or innumerab!e $as" bir"hs. 2en-e i" has #ro3n s"ron#. 6ha" mus" #o be<ore "he essen"ia! na"ure' ha$$iness' asser"s i"se!<. #$ 2o3 is dhyana $ra-"ised 3i"h eyes o$en or -!osedK A$ I" may be done ei"her 3ay. 6he $oin" is "ha" "he mind mus" be in"rover"ed and %e$" a-"ive in i"s $ursui". ome"imes i" ha$$ens "ha" 3hen "he eyes are -!osed "he !a"en" "hou#h"s rush <or"h 3i"h #rea" vi#our. I" may a!so be di<<i-u!" "o in"rover" "he mind 3i"h "he eyes o$en. I" reEuires s"ren#"h o< mind "o do so. 6he mind is -on"amina"ed 3hen i" "a%es in obCe-"s. O"her3ise' i" is $ure. 6he main <a-"or in dhyana is "o %ee$ "he mind a-"ive in i"s o3n $ursui" 3i"hou" "a%in# in eB"erna! im$ressions or "hin%in# o< o"her ma""ers. #$ Bha#avan' 3henever I medi"a"e' I <ee! #rea" hea" in "he head and' i< I $ersis"' my 3ho!e body burns. *ha" is "he remedyK A$ I< -on-en"ra"ion is made 3i"h "he brain' sensa"ions o< hea" and even heada-he ensue. +on-en"ra"ion has "o be made in "he 2ear"' 3hi-h is -oo! and re<reshin#. Re!aB and your medi"a"ion 3i!! be easy. Kee$ your mind s"eady by #en"!y 3ardin# o<< a!! in"rudin# "hou#h"s bu" 3i"hou" s"rain. oon you 3i!! su--eed. #$ 2o3 do I $reven" myse!< <a!!in# as!ee$ in medi"a"ionK A$ I< you "ry "o $reven" s!ee$ i" 3i!! mean "hin%in# in medi"a"ion' 3hi-h mus" be avoided. Bu" i< you s!i$ in"o s!ee$ 3hi!e medi"a"in#' "he medi"a"ion 3i!! -on"inue even durin# and a<"er s!ee$. Ye"' bein# a "hou#h"' s!ee$ mus" be #o" rid o<' <or "he <ina! na"ura! s"a"e has "o be ob"ained -ons-ious!y in Ca#ra" L"he 3a%in# s"a"eM 3i"hou" "he dis"urbin# "hou#h". *a%in# and s!ee$in# are mere $i-"ures on "he s-reen o< "he na"ive' "hou#h"D<ree s"a"e. &e" "hem $ass unno"i-ed. #$ *ha" is "o be medi"a"ed u$onK A$ Any"hin# "ha" you $re<er.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ iva' 5ishnu and #aya"ri are said "o be eEua!!y e<<i-a-ious. *hi-h shou!d I medi"a"e u$onK A$ Any one you !i%e bes". 6hey are a!! eEua! in "heir e<<e-". Bu" you shou!d s"i-% "o one. #$ 2o3 do I medi"a"eK A$ +on-en"ra"e on "ha" one 3hom you !i%e bes". I< a sin#!e "hou#h" $revai!s' a!! o"her "hou#h"s are $u" o<< and <ina!!y eradi-a"ed. o !on# as diversi"y $revai!s "here are bad "hou#h"s. *hen "he obCe-" o< !ove $revai!s on!y #ood "hou#h"s ho!d "he <ie!d. 6here<ore ho!d on "o one "hou#h" on!y. Dhyana is "he -hie< $ra-"i-e. Dhyana means <i#h". As soon as you be#in medi"a"ion o"her "hou#h"s 3i!! -ro3d "o#e"her' #a"her <or-e and "ry "o sin% "he sin#!e "hou#h" "o 3hi-h you "ry "o ho!d. 6he #ood "hou#h" mus" #radua!!y #ain s"ren#"h by re$ea"ed $ra-"i-e. A<"er i" has #ro3n s"ron# "he o"her "hou#h"s 3i!! be $u" "o <!i#h". 6his is "he ba""!e roya! a!3ays "a%in# $!a-e in medi"a"ion. One 3an"s "o rid onese!< o< misery. I" reEuires $ea-e o< mind' 3hi-h means absen-e o< $er"urba"ion o3in# "o a!! %inds o< "hou#h"s. Pea-e o< mind is brou#h" abou" by dhyana a!one. #$ in-e ri Bha#avan says "ha" "he e!< may <un-"ion a" any o< "he -en"res or -ha%ras 3hi!e i"s sea" is in "he 2ear"' is i" no" $ossib!e "ha" by "he $ra-"i-e o< in"ense -on-en"ra"ion or dhyana be"3een "he eyebro3s "his -en"re may be-ome "he sea" o< "he e!<K A$ Any -onsidera"ion abou" "he sea" o< "he e!< is "heore"i-a! i< you <iB your a""en"ion on a $!a-e in "he body. You -onsider yourse!< as "he subCe-"' "he seer' and "he $!a-e 3here you <iB your a""en"ion be-omes "he obCe-" seen. 6his is mere!y bhavana Lmen"a! ima#eryM. *hen' on "he -on"rary' you see "he seer himse!<' you mer#e in "he e!< and you be-ome one 3i"h i". 6ha" is "he 2ear". #$ Is "he $ra-"i-e o< -on-en"ra"ion be"3een "he eyebro3s advisab!eK A$ 6he <ina! resu!" o< "he $ra-"i-e o< any %ind o< dhyana is "ha" "he obCe-" on 3hi-h "he see%er <iBes his mind -eases "o eBis" as dis"in-" and se$ara"e <rom "he subCe-". 6hey' "he subCe-" and obCe-"' be-ome "he one e!<' and "ha" is "he 2ear". #$ *hy does no" ri Bha#avan dire-" us "o $ra-"ise -on-en"ra"ion on some $ar"i-u!ar -en"re or -ha%raK A$ Yo#a as"ra says "ha" "he sahasrara L"he -ha%ra !o-a"ed in "he brainM or "he brain is "he sea" o< "he e!<. Purusha u%"a de-!ares "ha" "he 2ear" is i"s sea". 6o enab!e "he sadha%a "o s"eer -!ear o< $ossib!e doub"' I "e!! him "o "a%e u$ "he "hread or "he -!ue o< 8I9Dness or 8I am9Dness and <o!!o3 i" u$ "o i"s sour-e. Be-ause' <irs"!y' i" is im$ossib!e <or anybody "o en"er"ain any doub" abou" "his 8I9 no"ion. e-ond!y' 3ha"ever be "he means ado$"ed' "he <ina! #oa! is "he rea!iJa"ion o< "he sour-e o< 8I am9Dness 3hi-h is "he $rimary da"um o< your eB$erien-e. I< you "here<ore $ra-"ise se!<DenEuiry' you 3i!! rea-h "he 2ear" 3hi-h is "he e!<. #$ I $ra-"ise ha"ha yo#a and I a!so medi"a"e 8I am Brahman9. A<"er a <e3 momen"s o< "his medi"a"ion' a b!an% $revai!s' "he brain #e"s hea"ed and a <ear o< dea"h arises. *ha" shou!d I doK A$ 8I am Brahman9 is on!y a "hou#h". *ho says i"K Brahman i"se!< does no" say so. *ha" need is "here <or i" "o say i"K Nor -an "he rea! 8I9 say so. @or 8I9 a!3ays abides as Brahman. 6o be sayin# i" is on!y a "hou#h". *hose "hou#h" is i"K A!! "hou#h"s are <rom "he unrea! 8I9' "ha" is "he 8I9D"hou#h". Remain 3i"hou" "hin%in#. o !on# as "here is "hou#h" "here 3i!! be <ear. #$ As I #o on "hin%in# o< i" "here is <or#e"<u!ness' "he brain be-omes hea"ed and I am a<raid. A$ Yes' "he mind is -on-en"ra"ed in "he brain and hen-e you #e" a ho" sensa"ion "here. I" is be-ause o< "he 8I9D"hou#h". *hen "he 8I9D"hou#h" arises <ear o< dea"h arises simu!"aneous!y. *i"h re#ard "o <or#e"<u!ness' so !on# as "here is "hou#h" "here 3i!! be <or#e"<u!ness. @irs" "here is "he "hou#h" 8I am Brahman9' "hen <or#e"<u!ness su$ervenes. @or#e"<u!ness and "hou#h" are <or "he 8I9D "hou#h" on!y. 2o!d on "o i" and i" 3i!! disa$$ear !i%e a $han"om. *ha" remains over is "he rea! 8I9 and "ha" is "he e!<. 8I am Brahman9 is an aid "o -on-en"ra"ion sin-e i" %ee$s o<< o"her "hou#h"s. *hen "ha" one "hou#h" a!one $ersis"s' see

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

3hose "hou#h" i" is. I" 3i!! be <ound "o be <rom 8I9. @rom 3here is "he 8I9D "hou#h"K Probe in"o i"' "he 8I9D"hou#h" 3i!! vanish' and "he su$reme e!< 3i!! shine <or"h o< i"se!<. No <ur"her e<<or" is needed. *hen "he one rea! 8I9 remains a!one' i" 3i!! no" be sayin# 8I am Brahman9. Does a man #o on re$ea"in# 8I am a man9K Un!ess he is -ha!!en#ed' 3hy shou!d he de-!are himse!< a manK Does anyone mis"a%e himse!< <or an anima! "ha" he shou!d say' 8No' I am no" an anima!' I am a man9K imi!ar!y' Brahman or 8I9 bein# "he on!y eBis"in# rea!i"y' "here is no one "here "o -ha!!en#e i" and so "here is no need "o be re$ea"in# 8I am Brahman9. #$ *hy shou!d one ado$" "his se!<Dhy$no"ism by "hin%in# on "he un"hin%ab!e $oin"K *hy no" ado$" o"her me"hods !i%e #aJin# in"o !i#h"' ho!din# "he brea"h' hearin# musi-' hearin# in"erna! sounds' re$e"i"ion o< "he sa-red sy!!ab!e om or o"her man"rasK A$ &i#h"D#aJin# s"u$e<ies "he mind and $rodu-es -a"a!e$sy o< "he 3i!! <or "he "ime bein#' bu" i" se-ures no $ermanen" bene<i". Brea"h -on"ro! "em$orari!y benumbs "he 3i!! bu" i" is no" $ermanen". I" is "he same 3i"h !is"enin# "o sounds' un!ess "he man"ra is sa-red and se-ures "he he!$ o< a hi#her $o3er "o $uri<y and raise "he "hou#h"s. #$ *e are advised "o -on-en"ra"e on "he s$o" in "he <orehead be"3een "he eyebro3s. Is "his ri#h"K A$ Everyone is a3are D 8I am9. &eavin# aside "ha" a3areness one #oes abou" in sear-h o< God. *ha" is "he use o< <iBin# one9s a""en"ion be"3een "he eyebro3sK I" is mere <o!!y "o say "ha" God is be"3een "he eyebro3s. 6he aim o< su-h advi-e is "o he!$ "he mind "o -on-en"ra"e. I" is one o< "he <or-ib!e me"hods "o -he-% "he mind and $reven" i"s dissi$a"ion. I" is <or-ib!y dire-"ed in"o one -hanne!. I" is a he!$ "o -on-en"ra"ion. Bu" "he bes" means o< rea!iJa"ion is "he enEuiry 8*ho am IK9 6he $resen" "roub!e is "o "he mind and i" mus" be removed by "he mind on!y. #$ I do no" a!3ays -on-en"ra"e on "he same -en"re in "he body. ome"imes I <ind i" easier "o -on-en"ra"e on one -en"re and some"imes on ano"her. And some"imes 3hen I -on-en"ra"e on one -en"re "he "hou#h" o< i"s o3n a--ord #oes and <iBes i"se!< in ano"her. *hy is "ha"K A$ I" may be be-ause o< $as" $ra-"i-es o< yours. Bu" in any -ase i" is imma"eria! on 3hi-h -en"re you -on-en"ra"e sin-e "he rea! 2ear" is in every -en"re and even ou"side "he body. On 3ha"ever $ar" o< "he body you may -on-en"ra"e or on 3ha"ever eB"erna! obCe-"' "he 2ear" is "here. #$ +an one -on-en"ra"e a" one "ime on one -en"re and a" ano"her "ime on ano"her or shou!d one -on-en"ra"e a!3ays -onsis"en"!y on "he same -en"reK A$ As I have Cus" said' "here -an be no harm 3herever you -on-en"ra"e' be-ause -on-en"ra"ion is on!y a means o< #ivin# u$ "hou#h"s. *ha"ever "he -en"re or obCe-" on 3hi-h you -on-en"ra"e' he 3ho -on-en"ra"es is a!3ays "he same. #$ ome say "ha" one shou!d $ra-"ise medi"a"ion on #ross obCe-"s on!y. I" may be disas"rous i< one -ons"an"!y see%s "o %i!! "he mind. A$ @or 3hom is i" disas"rousK +an "here be disas"er a$ar" <rom "he e!<K Unbro%en 8I' I9 is "he in<ini"e o-ean. 6he e#o' "he 8I9D"hou#h"' remains on!y a bubb!e on i" and is -a!!ed Civa or individua! sou!. 6he bubb!e "oo is 3a"er <or 3hen i" burs"s i" on!y miBes in "he o-ean. *hen i" remains a bubb!e i" is s"i!! a $ar" o< "he o-ean. I#noran" o< "his sim$!e "ru"h' innumerab!e me"hods under di<<eren" denomina"ions' su-h as yo#a' bha%"i' %arma' ea-h a#ain 3i"h many modi<i-a"ions' are bein# "au#h" 3i"h #rea" s%i!! and in in"ri-a"e de"ai! on!y "o en"i-e "he see%ers and -on<use "heir minds. o a!so are "he re!i#ions and se-"s and do#mas. *ha" are "hey a!! <orK On!y <or %no3in# "he e!<. 6hey are aids and $ra-"i-es reEuired <or %no3in# "he e!<. ObCe-"s $er-eived by "he senses are s$o%en o< as immedia"e %no3!ed#e L$ra"ya%shaM. +an any"hin# be as dire-" as "he e!< Da!3ays eB$erien-ed 3i"hou" "he aid o< "he sensesK enseD $er-e$"ions -an on!y be indire-" %no3!ed#e' and no" dire-" %no3!ed#e. On!y one9s o3n a3areness is dire-" %no3!ed#e' and "ha" is "he -ommon eB$erien-e o< one and a!!. No aids are needed "o %no3 one9s o3n e!<.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 11 Mantras and japa

A man"ra is a 3ord or $hrase 3hi-h has been #iven "o a dis-i$!e by a Guru' usua!!y as $ar" o< an ini"ia"ion ri"e. I< "he Guru has a--umu!a"ed s$iri"ua! $o3er as a resu!" o< his rea!iJa"ion or medi"a"ion' some o< "his $o3er is "ransmi""ed in "he man"ra. I< "he dis-i$!e re$ea"s "he 3ord -on"inuous!y' "he $o3er o< "he Guru is invo%ed in su-h a 3ay "ha" i" he!$s "he dis-i$!e "o $ro#ress "o3ards "he #oa! o< e!<Drea!iJa"ion. ri Ramana a--e$"ed "he va!idi"y o< "his a$$roa-h bu" he very rare!y #ave ou" man"ras himse!< and he never used "hem as $ar" o< an ini"ia"ion -eremony. 2e did' on "he o"her hand' s$ea% hi#h!y o< "he $ra-"i-e o< namaDCa$a 7"he -on"inuous re$e"i"ion o< God9s name: and he o<"en advo-a"ed i" as a use<u! aid <or "hose 3ho 3ere <o!!o3in# "he $a"h o< surrender. In -ha$"er I i" 3as $oin"ed ou" "ha" surrender "o God or "he e!< -ou!d be e<<e-"ive!y $ra-"ised by bein# a3are a" a!! "imes "ha" "here is no individua! 8I9 a-"in# and "hin%in#' on!y a 8hi#her $o3er9 3hi-h is res$onsib!e <or a!! "he a-"ivi"ies o< "he 3or!d. ri Ramana re-ommended Ca$a as an e<<e-"ive 3ay o< -u!"iva"in# "his a""i"ude sin-e i" re$!a-es an a3areness o< "he individua! and "he 3or!d 3i"h a -ons"an" a3areness o< "his hi#her $o3er. In i"s ear!y s"a#es "he re$e"i"ion o< "he name o< God is on!y an eBer-ise in -on-en"ra"ion and medi"a"ion' bu" 3i"h -on"inued $ra-"i-e a s"a#e is rea-hed in 3hi-h "he re$e"i"ion $ro-eeds e<<or"!ess!y' au"oma"i-a!!y and -on"inuous!y. 6his s"a#e is no" rea-hed by -on-en"ra"ion a!one bu" on!y by -om$!e"e!y surrenderin# "o "he dei"y 3hose name is bein# re$ea"ed? 86o use "he name o< God one mus" -a!! u$on him 3i"h yearnin# and unreserved!y surrender onese!< "o him. On!y a<"er su-h surrender is "he name o< God -ons"an"!y 3i"h "he man.9 *hen ri Ramana "a!%ed abou" "his advan-ed s"a#e o< Ca$a "here 3as an a!mos" mys"i-a! dimension "o his ideas. 2e 3ou!d s$ea% o< "he iden"i"y o< "he name o< God 3i"h "he e!< and some"imes he 3ou!d even say "ha" 3hen "he e!< is rea!iJed "he name o< God re$ea"s i"se!< e<<or"!ess!y and -on"inuous!y in "he 2ear". 6his u!"ima"e s"a#e is on!y rea-hed a<"er "he $ra-"i-e o< Ca$a mer#es in"o "he $ra-"i-e o< se!<D a""en"ion. ri Ramana usua!!y i!!us"ra"ed "he ne-essi"y o< "his "ransi"ion by Euo"in# <rom "he 3ords o< Namdev' a <our"een"hD-en"ury Maharash"ra sain"? 86he a!!D$ervadin# na"ure o< "he Name -an on!y be unders"ood 3hen one re-o#nises one9s o3n 8I9. *hen one9s o3n name is no" re-o#niJed' i" is im$ossib!e "o #e" "he a!!D$ervadin# Name.9 6his Euo"a"ion -omes <rom a shor" 3or% by Namdev en"i"!ed 6he Phi!oso$hy o< "he Divine Name and "he <u!! "eB" is #iven in one o< ri Ramana9s ans3ers !a"er in "he -ha$"er. 2e <irs" dis-overed i" in 1=/0 and <or "he !as" "hir"een years o< his !i<e he %e$" a -o$y o< i" on a sma!! boo%she!< by his bed. 2e <reEuen"!y read i" ou" 3hen visi"ors as%ed him abou" "he na"ure and use<u!ness o< Ca$a and <rom "he number o< "imes he s$o%e o< i" 3i"h a$$rova! i" is reasonab!e "o assume "ha" he <u!!y endorsed i"s -on"en"s. #$ My $ra-"i-e has been a -on"inuous Ca$a o< "he names o< God 3i"h "he in-omin# brea"h and "he name o< ai Baba 3i"h "he ou"#oin# brea"h. imu!"aneous!y 3i"h "his I see "he <orm o< Baba a!3ays. Even in Bha#avan' I see Baba. No3' shou!d I -on"inue "his or -han#e "he me"hod' as some"hin# <rom 3i"hin says "ha" i< I s"i-% "o "he name and <orm I sha!! never #o above name and <ormK Bu" I -an9" unders"and 3ha" <ur"her "o do a<"er #ivin# u$ name and <orm. *i!! Bha#avan en!i#h"en me on "his $oin"K A$ You may -on"inue in your $resen" me"hod. *hen "he Ca$a be-omes -on"inuous' a!! o"her "hou#h"s -ease and one is in one9s rea! na"ure' 3hi-h is Ca$a or dhyana. *e "urn our mind ou"3ards on "hin#s o< "he 3or!d and are "here<ore no" a3are o< our rea! na"ure bein# a!3ays Ca$a. *hen by -ons-ious e<<or" o< Ca$a or dhyana' as 3e -a!! i"' 3e $reven" our mind <rom "hin%in# o< o"her "hin#s' "hen 3ha" remains is our rea! na"ure' 3hi-h is Ca$a. o !on# as you "hin% you are name and <orm' you -an9" es-a$e name and <orm in Ca$a a!so. *hen you rea!iJe you are no" name and <orm' "hen name and <orm 3i!! dro$ o< "hemse!ves. No o"her e<<or" is ne-essary. Ha$a or dhyana 3i!! na"ura!!y and as a ma""er o< -ourse !ead "o i". *ha" is no3 re#arded as "he means' Ca$a' 3i!! "hen be <ound "o be "he #oa!. Name and God are no" di<<eren". 6his is -!ear!y sho3n in "he "ea-hin#s o< Namdev. 1 6he Name $ermea"es dense!y "he s%y and "he !o3es" re#ions and "he en"ire universe. *ho -an "e!! "o 3ha" de$"hs in "he ne"her re#ions and "o 3ha" hei#h" in "he heavens i" eB"ends. 6he i#noran" under#o "he (4 !a%hs L(.4 mi!!ionM o<

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

s$e-ies o< bir"hs' no" %no3in# "he essen-e o< "hin#s. Namdev says "he Name is immor"a!. @orms are innumerab!e' bu" "he Name is a!! "ha". , 6he Name i"se!< is @orm. 6here is no dis"in-"ion be"3een Name and @orm. God be-ame mani<es" and assumed Name and @orm. 2en-e "he Name "he 5edas es"ab!ished. Be3are "here is no man"ra beyond "he Name. 6hose 3ho say o"her3ise are i#noran". Namdev says "he Name is Keshava LGodM 2imse!<. 6his is %no3n on!y "o "he !ovin# devo"ees o< "he &ord. / 6he a!!D$ervadin# na"ure o< "he Name -an on!y be unders"ood 3hen one re-o#nises one9s o3n 8I9. *hen one9s o3n name is no" re-o#niJed' i" is im$ossib!e "o #e" "he a!!D$ervadin# Name. *hen one %no3s onese!<' "hen one <inds "he Name every3here. 6o see "he Name as di<<eren" <rom "he Named -rea"es i!!usion. Namdev says' 8As% "he ain"s.9 4 No one -an rea!iJe "he Name by $ra-"i-e o< %no3!ed#e' medi"a"ion or aus"eri"y. urrender yourse!< <irs" a" "he <ee" o< "he Guru and !earn "o %no3 "ha" 8I9 myse!< is "ha" Name. A<"er <indin# "he sour-e o< "ha" 8I9 mer#e your individua!i"y in "ha" oneness 3hi-h is se!<DeBis"en" and devoid o< a!! dua!i"y. 6ha" 3hi-h $ervades beyond dvai"a Ldua!i"yM and dvai"a"i"a L"ha" 3hi-h is beyond dua!i"yM' "ha" Name has -ome in"o "he "hree 3or!ds. 6he Name is Parabrahman i"se!< 3here "here is no a-"ion arisin# ou" o< dua!i"y. 6he same idea is a!so <ound in "he Bib!e? 8In "he be#innin# 3as "he *ord and "he *ord 3as 3i"h God and "he *ord 3as God.9 #$ o "he "rue name o< God 3i!! u!"ima"e!y be revea!ed by se!<DenEuiryK A$ in-e you yourse!< are "he <orm o< "he Ca$a' i< you %no3 your o3n na"ure by enEuirin# 3ho you are' 3ha" a 3onder i" 3i!! beO 6he Ca$a 3hi-h 3as $revious!y #oin# on 3i"h e<<or" 3i!! "hen -on"inue un"irin#!y and e<<or"!ess!y in "he 2ear". #$ 2o3 !on# shou!d I do Ca$a <orK hou!d I a!so -on-en"ra"e on an ima#e o< God a" "he same "imeK A$ Ha$a is more im$or"an" "han eB"erna! <orm. I" mus" be done un"i! i" be-omes na"ura!. I" s"ar"s 3i"h e<<or" and is -on"inued un"i! i" $ro-eeds o< i"se!<. *hen na"ura! i" is -a!!ed rea!iJa"ion. Ha$a may be done even 3hi!e en#a#ed in o"her 3or%. 6ha" 3hi-h is' is "he one rea!i"y. I" may be re$resen"ed by a <orm' a Ca$a' man"ra' vi-hara' or any %ind o< a""em$" "o rea-h rea!i"y. A!! o< "hem <ina!!y reso!ve "hemse!ves in"o "ha" one sin#!e rea!i"y. Bha%"i' vi-hara and Ca$a are on!y di<<eren" <orms o< our e<<or"s "o %ee$ ou" "he unrea!i"y. 6he unrea!i"y is an obsession a" $resen" bu" our "rue na"ure is rea!i"y. *e are 3ron#!y $ersis"in# in unrea!i"y' "ha" is' a""a-hmen" "o "hou#h"s and 3or!d!y a-"ivi"ies. +essa"ion o< "hese 3i!! revea! "he "ru"h. Our a""em$"s are dire-"ed "o3ards %ee$in# "hem ou" and "his is done by "hin%in# o< "he rea!i"y on!y. A!"hou#h i" is our "rue na"ure i" !oo%s as i< 3e are "hin%in# o< i" 3hi!e doin# "hese $ra-"i-es. *ha" 3e do rea!!y amoun"s "o "he remova! o< obs"a-!es <or "he reve!a"ion o< our "rue bein#. #$ Are our a""em$"s sure "o su--eedK A$ Rea!iJa"ion is our na"ure. I" is no"hin# ne3 "o be #ained. *ha" is ne3 -anno" be e"erna!. 6here<ore "here is no need <or doub"in# 3he"her one -ou!d !ose or #ain "he e!<. #$ Is i" #ood "o do Ca$a 3hen 3e %no3 "ha" enEuiry in"o "he e!< is "he rea! "hin#K A$ A!! me"hods are #ood sin-e "hey 3i!! !ead "o "he enEuiry even"ua!!y. Ha$a is our rea! na"ure. *hen 3e rea!iJe "he e!< "hen Ca$a #oes on 3i"hou" e<<or". *ha" is "he means a" one s"a#e be-omes "he #oa! a" ano"her. *hen e<<or"!ess -ons"an" Ca$a #oes on' i" is rea!iJa"ion. #$ I am no" !earned in "he s-ri$"ures and I <ind "he me"hod o< se!<DenEuiry "oo hard <or me. I am a 3oman 3i"h seven -hi!dren and a !o" o< househo!d -ares and i" !eaves me !i""!e "ime <or medi"a"ion. I reEues" Bha#avan "o #ive me some sim$!er and easier me"hod. A$ No !earnin# or %no3!ed#e o< s-ri$"ures is ne-essary "o %no3 "he e!<' as no man reEuires a mirror "o see himse!<.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A!! %no3!ed#e is reEuired on!y "o be #iven u$ even"ua!!y as no"D e!<. Nor is househo!d 3or% or -ares 3i"h -hi!dren ne-essari!y an obs"a-!e. I< you -an do no"hin# more a" !eas" -on"inue sayin# 8I' I9 "o yourse!< men"a!!y as advised in *ho am IK9... i< one in-essan"!y "hin%s 8I' I9' i" 3i!! !ead "o "ha" s"a"e L"he e!<M.9 +on"inue "o re$ea" i" 3ha"ever 3or% you may be doin#' 3he"her you are si""in#' s"andin# or 3a!%in#. 8I9 is "he name o< God. I" is "he <irs" and #rea"es" o< a!! man"ras. Even om is se-ond "o i". #$ @or -on"ro!!in# "he mind' 3hi-h o< "he "3o is be""er' $er<ormin# Ca$a o< "he aCa$a Luns$o%enM man"ra or o< om%ar L"he sound o< 8om9MK A$ *ha" is your idea o< uns$o%en and invo!un"ary Ca$a LaCa$aMK *i!! i" be aCa$a i< you #o on re$ea"in# 3i"h "he mou"h 8soham' soham9 L8I am he' I am he9MK ACa$a rea!!y means "o %no3 "ha" Ca$a 3hi-h #oes on invo!un"ari!y 3i"hou" bein# u""ered "hrou#h "he mou"h. *i"hou" %no3in# "his rea! meanin# $eo$!e "hin% "ha" i" means re$ea"in# 3i"h "he mou"h "he 3ords 8soham' soham9 hundreds o< "housands o< "imes' -oun"in# "hem on "he <in#ers or on a s"rin# o< beads. Be<ore be#innin# a Ca$a brea"h -on"ro! is $res-ribed. 6ha" means' <irs" do $ranayama Lre#u!a"in# o< brea"hM and "hen be#in re$ea"in# "he man"ra. Pranayama means <irs" -!osin# "he mou"h' doesn9" i"K I<' by s"o$$in# "he brea"h' "he <ive e!emen"s in "he body are bound do3n and -on"ro!!ed' 3ha" remains is "he rea! e!<. 6ha" e!< 3i!! by i"se!< be re$ea"in# a!3ays 8aham' aham9 L8I' I9M. 6ha" is aCa$a. Kno3in# "his' ho3 -ou!d "ha" 3hi-h is re$ea"ed by mou"h be aCa$aK 6he vision o< "he rea! e!< 3hi-h $er<orms Ca$a o< i"s o3n a--ord invo!un"ari!y and in a neverDendin# s"ream' !i%e "he <!o3in# do3n -on"inuous!y o< oi!' is aCa$a' #aya"ri and every"hin#. I< you %no3 3ho i" is "ha" is doin# Ca$a you 3i!! %no3 3ha" Ca$a is. I< you sear-h and "ry "o <ind ou" 3ho i" is "ha" is doin# Ca$a' "ha" Ca$a i"se!< be-omes "he e!<. #$ Is "here no bene<i" a" a!! in doin# Ca$a 3i"h "he mou"hK A$ *ho said "here is no bene<i"K u-h Ca$a 3i!! be "he means <or -hi""a suddhi L$uri<yin# "he mindM. As "he Ca$a is done re$ea"ed!y "he e<<or" ri$ens and sooner or !a"er !eads "o "he ri#h" $a"h. Good or bad' 3ha"ever is done never #oes "o 3as"e. On!y "he di<<eren-es and "he meri"s and demeri"s o< ea-h 3i!! have "o be "o!d' !oo%in# "o "he s"a#e o< deve!o$men" o< "he $erson -on-erned. #$ Is no" men"a! Ca$a be""er "han ora! Ca$aK A$ Ora! Ca$a -onsis"s o< sounds. 6he sounds arise <rom "hou#h"s' <or one mus" "hin% be<ore one eB$resses "he "hou#h"s in 3ords. 6he "hou#h"s <orm "he mind. 6here<ore men"a! Ca$a is be""er "han ora! Ca$a. #$ hou!d 3e no" -on"em$!a"e "he Ca$a and re$ea" i" ora!!y a!soK A$ *hen "he Ca$a be-omes men"a!' 3here is "he need <or "he soundsK Ha$a' be-omin# men"a!' be-omes -on"em$!a"ion. Dhyana' -on"em$!a"ion and men"a! Ca$a are "he same. *hen "hou#h"s -ease "o be $romis-uous and one "hou#h" $ersis"s "o "he eB-!usion o< a!! o"hers' i" is said "o be -on"em$!a"ion. 6he obCe-" o< Ca$a or dhyana is "he eB-!usion o< severa! "hou#h"s and -on<inin# onese!< "o one sin#!e "hou#h". 6hen "ha" "hou#h" "oo vanishes in"o i"s sour-e Dabso!u"e -ons-iousness. 6he e!<' "he mind en#a#es in Ca$a and "hen sin%s in"o i"s o3n sour-e. #$ 6he mind is said "o be <rom "he brain. A$ *here is "he brainK I" is in "he body. I say "ha" "he body i"se!< is a $roCe-"ion o< "he mind. You s$ea% o< "he brain 3hen you "hin% o< "he body. I" is "he mind 3hi-h -rea"es "he body' "he brain in i" and a!so as-er"ains "ha" "he brain is i"s sea". #$ ri Bha#avan has said "ha" "he Ca$a mus" be "ra-ed "o i"s sour-e. Is i" no" "he mind "ha" is mean"K A$ A!! "hese are on!y "he 3or%in#s o< "he mind. Ha$a he!$s "o <iB "he mind on a sin#!e "hou#h". A!! o"her "hou#h"s are <irs" subordina"ed un"i! "hey disa$$ear. *hen i" be-omes men"a! i" is -a!!ed dhyana. Dhyana is your "rue na"ure. I" is ho3ever -a!!ed dhyana be-ause i" is made 3i"h e<<or".

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

E<<or" is ne-essary so !on# as "hou#h"s are $romis-uous. Be-ause you are 3i"h o"her "hou#h"s' you -a!! "he -on"inui"y o< a sin#!e "hou#h" medi"a"ion or dhyana. I< "ha" dhyana be-omes e<<or"!ess i" 3i!! be <ound "o be your rea! na"ure. #$ Peo$!e #ive some names "o God and say "ha" "he name is sa-red and "ha" re$e"i"ions o< "he name bes"o3 meri" on "he individua!. +an i" be "rueK A$ *hy no"K You bear a name "o 3hi-h you ans3er. Bu" your body 3as no" born 3i"h "ha" name 3ri""en on i"' nor did i" say "o anyone "ha" i" bore su-h and su-h a name. And ye" a name is #iven "o you and you ans3er "o "ha" name' be-ause you have iden"i<ied yourse!< 3i"h "he name. 6here<ore "he name si#ni<ied some"hin# and i" is no" a mere <i-"ion. imi!ar!y' God9s name is e<<e-"ive. Re$e"i"ion o< "he name is remembran-e o< 3ha" i" si#ni<ies. 2en-e i"s meri". #$ *hi!e ma%in# Ca$a <or an hour or more I <a!! in"o a s"a"e !i%e s!ee$. On 3a%in# u$ I re-o!!e-" "ha" my Ca$a has been in"erru$"ed. o I "ry a#ain. A$ 8&i%e s!ee$9' "ha" is ri#h". I" is "he na"ura! s"a"e. Be-ause you are no3 asso-ia"ed 3i"h "he e#o' you -onsider "ha" "he na"ura! s"a"e is some"hin# 3hi-h in"erru$"s your 3or%. o you mus" have "he eB$erien-e re$ea"ed un"i! you rea!iJe "ha" i" is your na"ura! s"a"e. You 3i!! "hen <ind "ha" Ca$a is eB"raneous bu" s"i!! i" 3i!! #o on au"oma"i-a!!y. Your $resen" doub" is due "o "ha" <a!se iden"i"y' name!y o< iden"i<yin# yourse!< 3i"h "he mind "ha" does "he Ca$a. Ha$a means -!in#in# "o one "hou#h" "o "he eB-!usion o< a!! o"her "hou#h"s. 6ha" is i"s $ur$ose. I" !eads "o dhyana 3hi-h ends in e!<D rea!iJa"ion or Cnana. #$ 2o3 shou!d I -arry on Ca$aK A$ One shou!d no" use "he name o< God me-hani-a!!y and su$er<i-ia!!y 3i"hou" "he <ee!in# o< devo"ion. #$ o me-hani-a! re$e"i"ion is un$rodu-"iveK A$ A-u"e diseases 3i!! no" be -ured mere!y by re$ea"in# "he name o< "he medi-ine bu" on!y by drin%in# "he medi-ine. imi!ar!y' "he bonds o< bir"h and dea"h 3i!! no" -ease mere!y by doin# many re$e"i"ions o< mahava%yas su-h as 8I am iva9. Ins"ead o< 3anderin# abou" re$ea"in# 8I am "he su$reme9' abide as "he su$reme yourse!<. 6he misery o< bir"h and dea"h 3i!! no" -ease by vo-a!!y re$ea"in# -oun"!ess "imes 8I am "ha"9' bu" on!y by abidin# as "ha". #$ +an anyone #e" any bene<i" by re$ea"in# sa-red sy!!ab!esPman"rasM $i-%ed u$ -asua!!yK A$ No. 2e mus" be -om$e"en" and ini"ia"ed in su-h man"ras. 6his is i!!us"ra"ed by "he s"ory o< "he %in# and his minis"er. A %in# visi"ed his $remier in his residen-e. 6here he 3as "o!d "ha" "he $remier 3as en#a#ed in re$e"i"ion o< sa-red sy!!ab!es. 6he %in# 3ai"ed <or him' and on mee"in# him' as%ed 3ha" "he man"ra 3as. 6he $remier said "ha" i" 3as "he ho!ies" o< a!!' #aya"ri. 6he %in# desired "o be ini"ia"ed by "he $remier bu" "he $remier -on<essed his inabi!i"y "o ini"ia"e him. 6here<ore "he %in# !earned i" <rom someone e!se' and' mee"in# "he minis"er !a"er' he re$ea"ed "he #aya"ri and 3an"ed "o %no3 i< i" 3as ri#h". 6he minis"er said "ha" "he man"ra 3as -orre-"' bu" i" 3as no" $ro$er <or him "o say i". *hen $ressed <or an eB$!ana"ion' "he minis"er -a!!ed "o a $a#e -!ose by and ordered him "o "a%e ho!d o< "he %in#. 6he order 3as no" obeyed. 6he order 3as o<"en re$ea"ed' and s"i!! no" obeyed. 6he %in# <!e3 in"o a ra#e and ordered "he same man "o ho!d "he minis"er' and i" 3as immedia"e!y done. 6he minis"er !au#hed and said "ha" "he in-iden" 3as "he eB$!ana"ion reEuired by "he %in#. 82o3K9 as%ed "he %in#. 6he minis"er re$!ied' 86he order 3as "he same and "he eBe-u"or a!so' bu" "he au"hori"y 3as di<<eren". *hen I ordered' "he e<<e-" 3as ni!' 3hereas' 3hen you ordered' "here 3as immedia"e e<<e-". imi!ar!y 3i"h man"ras. #$ I am "au#h" "ha" man"ra Ca$a is very $o"en" in $ra-"i-e. A$ 6he e!< is "he #rea"es" o< a!! man"ras i" #oes on au"oma"i-a!!y and e"erna!!y. I< you are no" a3are o< "his in"erna! man"ra' you shou!d "a%e "o i" -ons-ious!y as Ca$a' 3hi-h is a""ended 3i"h e<<or"' "o 3ard o<< a!! o"her "hou#h"s. By -ons"an" a""en"ion "o i"' you 3i!! even"ua!!y be-ome a3are o< "he in"erna! man"ra 3hi-h is "he s"a"e o< rea!iJa"ion and is e<<or"!ess. @irmness in "his a3areness 3i!! %ee$ you -on"inua!!y and e<<or"!ess!y in "he -urren"' ho3ever mu-h you may be en#a#ed in o"her a-"ivi"ies.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

By re$e"i"ion o< man"ras' "he mind #e"s -on"ro!!ed. 6hen "he man"ra be-omes one 3i"h "he mind and a!so 3i"h "he $rana L"he ener#y "ha" sus"ains "he bodyM. *hen "he sy!!ab!es o< "he man"ra be-ome one 3i"h "he $rana' i" is "ermed dhyana' and 3hen dhyana be-omes dee$ and <irm i" !eads "o sahaCa s"hi"i L"he na"ura! s"a"eM. #$ I have re-eived a man"ra. Peo$!e <ri#h"en me by sayin# "ha" i" may have un<oreseen resu!"s i< re$ea"ed. I" is on!y $ranava Lom.M. o I see% advi-e. May I re$ea" i"K I have -onsiderab!e <ai"h in i". A$ +er"ain!y' i" shou!d be re$ea"ed 3i"h <ai"h. #$ *i!! i" do by i"se!<' or -an you %ind!y #ive me any <ur"her ins"ru-"ionsK A$ 6he obCe-" o< man"ra Ca$a is "o rea!iJe "ha" "he same Ca$a is a!ready #oin# on in onese!< even 3i"hou" e<<or". 6he ora! Ca$a be-omes men"a! and "he men"a! Ca$a <ina!!y revea!s i"se!< as bein# e"erna!. 6ha" man"ra is "he $erson9s rea! na"ure. 6ha" is a!so "he s"a"e o< rea!iJa"ion. #$ +an "he b!iss o< samadhi be #ained "husK A$ 6he Ca$a be-omes men"a! and <ina!!y revea!s i"se!< as "he e!<. 6ha" is samadhi.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 12 - Life in the world

6here is a 3e!!Des"ab!ished 2indu "radi"ion 3hi-h $res-ribes <our s"a#es o< !i<e 7asramas: <or serious s$iri"ua! see%ers? 1 Brahma-harya 7-e!iba"e s"udy:. A !on# $eriod o< s-ri$"ura! s"udy $rior "o marria#e' usua!!y in an ins"i"u"ion 3hi-h s$e-ia!ises in 5edi- s-ho!arshi$. , Grihas"ha 7marria#e and <ami!y:. A" "he -on-!usion o< his s"udies "he as$iran" is eB$e-"ed "o marry and "o dis-har#e his business and househo!d du"ies -ons-ien"ious!y' bu" 3i"hou" a""a-hmen" "o "hem. / 5ana$ras"ha 7<ores" hermi":. *hen a!! <ami!y ob!i#a"ions have been <u!<i!!ed 73hi-h usua!!y means 3hen "he -hi!dren are married o<<:' "he as$iran" may re"ire "o a so!i"ary $!a-e' usua!!y a <ores"' and en#a#e in <u!!D"ime medi"a"ion. 4 annyasa 73anderin# mon%:. In "he <ina! s"a#e "he see%er dro$s ou" o< "he 3or!d -om$!e"e!y and be-omes a 3anderin# mendi-an" mon%. 2avin# no ma"eria!' so-ia! or <inan-ia! en"an#!emen"s "he sannyasi has "heore"i-a!!y removed a!! "he a""a-hmen"s 3hi-h $revious!y im$eded his $ro#ress "o3ards e!<Drea!iJa"ion. 6his "imeDhonoured s"ru-"ure sus"ained "he -ommon Indian be!ie< "ha" i" 3as ne-essary "o abandon one9s <ami!y and "a%e "o a medi"a"ive !i<e o< -e!iba"e as-e"i-ism i< one 3as serious!y in"eres"ed in rea!isin# "he e!<. ri Ramana 3as as%ed abou" "his be!ie< many "imes bu" he a!3ays re<used "o endorse i". 2e -onsis"en"!y re<used "o #ive his devo"ees $ermission "o #ive u$ "heir 3or!d!y res$onsibi!i"ies in <avour o< a medi"a"ive !i<e and he a!3ays insis"ed "ha" rea!iJa"ion 3as eEua!!y a--essib!e "o everyone' irres$e-"ive o< "heir $hysi-a! -ir-ums"an-es. Ins"ead o< advisin# $hysi-a! renun-ia"ion he "o!d a!! his devo"ees "ha" i" 3ou!d be s$iri"ua!!y more $rodu-"ive <or "hem "o dis-har#e "heir norma! du"ies and ob!i#a"ions 3i"h an a3areness "ha" "here 3as no individua! 8I9 $er<ormin# or a--e$"in# res$onsibi!i"y <or "he a-"s 3hi-h "he body $er<ormed. 2e <irm!y be!ieved "ha" men"a! a""i"ude had a #rea"er bearin# on s$iri"ua! $ro#ress "han $hysi-a! -ir-ums"an-es and he $ersis"en"!y dis-oura#ed a!! Eues"ioners 3ho <e!" "ha" a mani$u!a"ion o< "heir environmen"' ho3ever s!i#h"' 3ou!d be s$iri"ua!!y bene<i-ia!. 6he on!y $hysi-a! -han#es he ever san-"ioned 3ere die"ary. 2e a--e$"ed "he $revai!in# 2indu "heory o< die" 3hi-h -!aimed "ha" "he "y$e o< <ood -onsumed a<<e-"ed "he Euan"i"y and Eua!i"y o< one9s "hou#h"s and he re-ommended a modera"e in"a%e o< ve#e"arian <ood as "he mos" use<u! aid "o s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e. 6he 2indu die"ary "heory 3hi-h ri Ramana endorsed -!assi<ies di<<eren" <oods a--ordin# "o "he men"a! s"a"es "ha" "hey indu-e? 1 a""va 7$uri"y or harmony: Dairy $rodu-e' <rui"' ve#e"ab!es and -erea!s are deemed "o be sa""vi- <oods. A die" 3hi-h -onsis"s !ar#e!y o< "hese $rodu-"s he!$s s$iri"ua! as$iran"s "o main"ain a s"i!!' Euie" mind. , RaCas 7a-"ivi"y: RaCasi- <oods in-!ude mea"' <ish and ho" s$i-y <oods su-h as -hi!!ies' onions and #ar!i-. In#es"ion o< "hese <oods resu!"s in an overa-"ive mind. / 6amas 7s!u##ishness: @oods 3hi-h are de-ayed' s"a!e or "he $rodu-" o< a <ermen"a"ion $ro-ess 7e.#. A!-oho!: are -!assi<ied as "amasi-. +onsum$"ion o< "hese <oods !eads "o a$a"he"i-' "or$id s"a"es o< mind 3hi-h ham$er -!ear de-isive "hin%in#. #$ I have a #ood mind "o resi#n <rom servi-e and remain -ons"an"!y 3i"h ri Bha#avan. A$ Bha#avan is a!3ays 3i"h you' in you' and you are yourse!< Bha#avan. 6o rea!iJe "his i" is nei"her ne-essary "o resi#n your Cob nor run a3ay <rom home. Renun-ia"ion does no" im$!y a$$aren" dives"in# o< -os"umes' <ami!y "ies' home' e"-.' bu" renun-ia"ion o< desires' a<<e-"ion and a""a-hmen". 6here is no need "o resi#n your Cob' on!y resi#n yourse!< "o God' "he bearer o< "he burden o< a!!. One 3ho renoun-es desires a-"ua!!y mer#es in "he 3or!d and eB$ands his !ove "o "he 3ho!e universe. EB$ansion o< !ove and a<<e-"ion 3ou!d be a <ar be""er "erm <or a "rue devo"ee o< God "han renun-ia"ion' <or one 3ho

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

renoun-es "he immedia"e "ies a-"ua!!y eB"ends "he bonds o< a<<e-"ion and !ove "o a 3ider 3or!d beyond "he borders o< -as"e' -reed and ra-e. A sonnyasi 3ho a$$aren"!y -as"s a3ay his -!o"hes and !eaves his home does no" do so ou" o< aversion "o his immedia"e re!a"ions bu" be-ause o< "he eB$ansion o< his !ove "o o"hers around him. *hen "his eB$ansion -omes' one does no" <ee! "ha" one is runnin# a3ay <rom home' ins"ead one dro$s <rom i" !i%e a ri$e <rui" <rom a "ree. 6i!! "hen i" 3ou!d be <o!!y "o !eave one9s home or Cob. #$ 2o3 does a #rihas"ha Lhouseho!derM <are in "he s-heme o< mo%sha L!ibera"ionMK hou!d he no" ne-essari!y be-ome a mendi-an" in order "o a""ain !ibera"ionK A$ *hy do you "hin% you are a #rihas"haK imi!ar "hou#h"s "ha" you are a sannyasi L3anderin# mon%M 3i!! haun" you' even i< you #o ou" as a sannyasi. *he"her you -on"inue in "he househo!d or renoun-e i" and #o "o "he <ores"' your mind haun"s you. 6he e#o is "he sour-e o< "hou#h". I" -rea"es "he body and "he 3or!d and i" ma%es you "hin% o< bein# "he #rihas"ha. I< you renoun-e' i" 3i!! on!y subs"i"u"e "he "hou#h" o< sannyasa <or "ha" o< #rihas"ha and "he environmen" o< "he <ores" <or "ha" o< "he househo!d. Bu" "he men"a! obs"a-!es are a!3ays "here <or you. 6hey even in-rease #rea"!y in "he ne3 surroundin#s. I" is no he!$ "o -han#e "he environmen". 6he one obs"a-!e is "he mind and i" mus" be over-ome 3he"her in "he home or in "he <ores". I< you -an do i" in "he <ores"' 3hy no" in "he homeK 6here<ore' 3hy -han#e "he environmen"K Your e<<or"s -an be made even no3' 3ha"ever "he environmen". #$ Is i" $ossib!e "o enCoy samadhi La3areness o< rea!i"yM 3hi!e busy in 3or!d!y 3or%K A$ 6he <ee!in# 8I 3or%9 is "he hindran-e. As% yourse!< 8*ho 3or%sK9 Remember 3ho you are. 6hen "he 3or% 3i!! no" bind you' i" 3i!! #o on au"oma"i-a!!y. Ma%e no e<<or" ei"her "o 3or% or "o renoun-eI i" is your e<<or" 3hi-h is "he bonda#e. *ha" is des"ined "o ha$$en 3i!! ha$$en. I< you are des"ined no" "o 3or%' 3or% -anno" be had even i< you hun" <or i". I< you are des"ined "o 3or%' you 3i!! no" be ab!e "o avoid i" and you 3i!! be <or-ed "o en#a#e yourse!< in i". o' !eave i" "o "he hi#her $o3erI you -anno" renoun-e or re"ain as you -hoose. #$ Bha#avan said yes"erday "ha" 3hi!e one is en#a#ed in sear-h o< God 83i"hin9' 8ou"er9 3or% 3ou!d #o on au"oma"i-a!!y. In "he !i<e o< ri +hai"anya i" is said "ha" durin# his !e-"ures "o s"uden"s he 3as rea!!y see%in# Krishna 3i"hin and he <or#o" a!! abou" his body and 3en" on "a!%in# o< Krishna on!y. 6his raises a doub" as "o 3he"her 3or% -an sa<e!y be !e<" "o i"se!<. hou!d one %ee$ $ar" o< one9s a""en"ion on "he $hysi-a! 3or%K A$ 6he e!< is a!!. Are you a$ar" <rom "he e!<K Or -an "he 3or% #o on 3i"hou" "he e!<K 6he e!< is universa! so a!! a-"ions 3i!! #o on 3he"her you s"rain yourse!< "o be en#a#ed in "hem or no". 6he 3or% 3i!! #o on o< i"se!<. 6hus Krishna "o!d ArCuna "ha" he need no" "roub!e "o %i!! "he Kauravas be-ause "hey 3ere a!ready s!ain by God. I" 3as no" <or him "o reso!ve "o 3or% and 3orry himse!< abou" i"' bu" "o a!!o3 his o3n na"ure "o -arry ou" "he 3i!! o< "he hi#her $o3er. #$ Bu" "he 3or% may su<<er i< I do no" a""end "o i". A$ A""endin# "o "he e!< means a""endin# "o "he 3or%. Be-ause you iden"i<y yourse!< 3i"h "he body' you "hin% "ha" 3or% is done by you. Bu" "he body and i"s a-"ivi"ies' in-!udin# "ha" 3or%' are no" a$ar" <rom "he e!<. *ha" does i" ma""er 3he"her you a""end "o "he 3or% or no"K *hen you 3a!% <rom one $!a-e "o ano"her you do no" a""end "o "he s"e$s you "a%e and ye" you <ind yourse!< a<"er a "ime a" your #oa!. You see ho3 "he business o< 3a!%in# #oes on 3i"hou" your a""endin# "o i". o a!so 3i"h o"her %inds o< 3or%. #$ I< one ho!ds "he e!< in remembran-e' 3i!! one9s a-"ions a!3ays be ri#h"K A$ 6hey ou#h" "o be. 2o3ever' su-h a $erson is no" -on-erned 3i"h "he ri#h" or 3ron# o< a-"ions. 2is a-"ions are God9s and "here<ore ri#h". #$ 2o3 -an my mind be s"i!! i< I have "o use i" more "han o"her $eo$!eK I 3an" "o #o in"o so!i"ude and renoun-e my headmas"er9s 3or%. A$ No. You may remain 3here you are and #o on 3i"h "he 3or%. *ha" is "he under-urren" 3hi-h vivi<ies "he mind' enab!es i" "o do a!! "his 3or%K I" is "he e!<. o "ha" is "he rea! sour-e o< your a-"ivi"y. im$!y be a3are o< i" durin#

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

your 3or% and do no" <or#e" i". +on"em$!a"e in "he ba-%#round o< your mind even 3hi!s" 3or%in#. 6o do "ha"' do no" hurry' "a%e your o3n "ime. Kee$ "he remembran-e o< your rea! na"ure a!ive' even 3hi!e 3or%in#' and avoid has"e 3hi-h -auses you "o <or#e". Be de!ibera"e. Pra-"ise medi"a"ion "o s"i!! "he mind and -ause i" "o be-ome a3are o< i"s "rue re!a"ionshi$ "o "he e!< 3hi-h su$$or"s i". Do no" ima#ine i" is you 3ho are doin# "he 3or%. 6hin% "ha" i" is "he under!yin# -urren" 3hi-h is doin# i". Iden"i<y yourse!< 3i"h "he -urren". I< you 3or% unhurried!y' re-o!!e-"ed!y' your 3or% or servi-e need no" be a hindran-e. #$ In "he ear!y s"a#es 3ou!d i" no" be a he!$ "o a man "o see% so!i"ude and #ive u$ his ou"er du"ies in !i<eK A$ Renun-ia"ion is a!3ays in "he mind' no" in #oin# "o <ores"s or so!i"ary $!a-es or #ivin# u$ one9s du"ies. 6he main "hin# is "o see "ha" "he mind does no" "urn ou"3ard bu" in3ard. I" does no" rea!!y res" 3i"h a man 3he"her he #oes "o "his $!a-e or "ha" or 3he"her he #ives u$ his du"ies or no". A!! "hese even"s ha$$en a--ordin# "o des"iny. A!! "he a-"ivi"ies "ha" "he body is "o #o "hrou#h are de"ermined 3hen i" <irs" -omes in"o eBis"en-e. I" does no" res" 3i"h you "o a--e$" or reCe-" "hem. 6he on!y <reedom you have is "o "urn your mind in3ard and renoun-e a-"ivi"ies "here. #$ Bu" is i" no" $ossib!e <or some"hin# "o be a he!$' es$e-ia!!y "o a be#inner' !i%e a <en-e round a youn# "reeK @or ins"an-e' don9" our boo%s say "ha" i" is he!$<u! "o #o on $i!#rima#es "o sa-red shrines or "o #e" sa"Dsan#aK A$ *ho said "hey are no" he!$<u!K On!y su-h "hin#s do no" res" 3i"h you' 3hereas "urnin# your mind in3ard does. Many $eo$!e desire "he $i!#rima#e or sa"Dsan#a "ha" you men"ion' bu" do "hey a!! #e" i"K #$ *hy is i" "ha" "urnin# in3ard a!one is !e<" "o us and no" any ou"er "hin#sK A$ I< you 3an" "o #o "o <undamen"a!s' you mus" enEuire 3ho you are and <ind ou" 3ho i" is 3ho has <reedom or des"iny. *ho are you and 3hy did you #e" "his body "ha" has "hese !imi"a"ionsK #$ Is so!i"ude ne-essary <or vi-haraK A$ 6here is so!i"ude every3here. 6he individua! is so!i"ary a!3ays. 2is business is "o <ind i" ou" 3i"hin' no" "o see% i" ou"side himse!<. o!i"ude is in "he mind o< man. One mi#h" be in "he "hi-% o< "he 3or!d and main"ain sereni"y o< mind. u-h a one is in so!i"ude. Ano"her may s"ay in a <ores"' bu" s"i!! be unab!e "o -on"ro! his mind. u-h a man -anno" be said "o be in so!i"ude. o!i"ude is a <un-"ion o< "he mind. A man a""a-hed "o desires -anno" #e" so!i"ude 3herever he may be' 3hereas a de"a-hed man is a!3ays in so!i"ude. #$ o "hen' one mi#h" be en#a#ed in 3or% and be <ree <rom desire and %ee$ u$ so!i"ude. Is i" soK A$ Yes. *or% $er<ormed 3i"h a""a-hmen" is a sha-%!e' 3hereas 3or% $er<ormed 3i"h de"a-hmen" does no" a<<e-" "he doer. One 3ho 3or%s !i%e "his is' even 3hi!e 3or%in#' in so!i"ude. #$ Our everyday !i<e is no" -om$a"ib!e 3i"h su-h e<<or"s. A$ *hy do you "hin% you are a-"iveK 6a%e "he #ross eBam$!e o< your arriva! here. You !e<" home in a -ar"' "oo% a "rain' a!i#h"ed a" "he rai!3ay s"a"ion here' #o" in"o a -ar" "here and <ound yourse!< in "his ashram. *hen as%ed' you say "ha" you "rave!!ed here a!! "he 3ay <rom your "o3n. Is i" "rueK Is i" no" a <a-" "ha" you remained as you 3ere and "here 3ere movemen"s o< -onveyan-es a!! a!on# "he 3ayK Hus" as "hose movemen"s are -on<ounded 3i"h your o3n' so a!so are "he o"her a-"ivi"ies. 6hey are no" your o3n' "hey are God9s a-"ivi"ies. #$ 2o3 -an -essa"ion o< a-"ivi"y Lnivri""iM and $ea-e o< mind be a""ained in "he mids" o< househo!d du"ies 3hi-h are o< "he na"ure o< -ons"an" a-"ivi"yK A$ As "he a-"ivi"ies o< "he 3ise man eBis" on!y in "he eyes o< o"hers and no" in his o3n' a!"hou#h he may be a--om$!ishin# immense "as%s' he rea!!y does no"hin#. 6here<ore his a-"ivi"ies do no" s"and in "he 3ay o< ina-"ion and $ea-e o< mind. @or he %no3s "he "ru"h "ha" a!! a-"ivi"ies "a%e $!a-e in his mere $resen-e and "ha" he does no"hin#. 2en-e he 3i!! remain as "he si!en" 3i"ness o< a!! "he a-"ivi"ies "a%in# $!a-e.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ Is i" harder <or 3es"erners "o 3i"hdra3 in3ardsK A$ Yes' "hey are raCasi- Lmen"a!!y overa-"iveM and "heir ener#y #oes ou"3ards. *e mus" be in3ard!y Euie"' no" <or#e""in# "he e!<' and "hen eB"erna!!y 3e -an #o on 3i"h a-"ivi"y. Does a man 3ho is a-"in# on "he s"a#e in a <ema!e $ar" <or#e" "ha" he is a manK imi!ar!y' 3e "oo mus" $!ay our $ar"s on "he s"a#e o< !i<e' bu" 3e mus" no" iden"i<y ourse!ves 3i"h "hose $ar"s. #$ 2o3 does one remove "he s$iri"ua! s!o"h o< o"hersK A$ 2ave you removed your o3nK 6urn your enEuiries "o3ards "he e!<. 6he <or-e se" u$ 3i"hin you 3i!! o$era"e on o"hers a!so. #$ Bu" ho3 -an I he!$ ano"her 3i"h his $rob!em' his "roub!esK A$ *ha" is "his "a!% o< ano"her "here is on!y "he one. 6ry "o rea!iJe "ha" "here is no I' no you' no he' on!y "he one e!< 3hi-h is a!!. I< you be!ieve in "he $rob!em o< ano"her' you are be!ievin# in some"hin# ou"side "he e!<. You 3i!! bes" he!$ him by rea!isin# "he oneness o< every"hin# ra"her "han by ou"3ard a-"ivi"y. #$ Do you a$$rove o< seBua! -on"inen-eK A$ A "rue brahma-hari L-e!iba"eM is one 3ho d3e!!s in Brahman. 6hen "here is no Eues"ion o< desires any more. #$ A" ri Aurobindo9s ashram "here is a ri#id ru!e "ha" married -ou$!es are $ermi""ed "o !ive "here on -ondi"ion "ha" "hey have no seBua! in"er-ourse. A$ *ha" is "he use o< "ha"K I< i" eBis"s in "he mind' 3ha" use is i" "o <or-e $eo$!e "o abs"ainK #$ Is marria#e a bar "o s$iri"ua! $ro#ressK A$ 6he househo!der9s !i<e is no" a bar' bu" "he househo!der mus" do his u"mos" "o $ra-"i-e se!<D -on"ro!. I< a man has a s"ron# desire <or "he hi#her !i<e "hen "he seB "enden-y 3i!! subside. *hen "he mind is des"royed' "he o"her desires are des"royed a!so. #$ I have -ommi""ed seBua! sin. A$ Even i< you have' i" does no" ma""er so !on# as you do no" "hin% a<"er3ards "ha" you have done so. 6he e!< is no" a3are o< any sin and renun-ia"ion o< seB is in"erna!' no" mere!y o< "he body a!one. #$ I am -arried a3ay by "he si#h" o< "he breas"s o< a youn# 3oman nei#hbour and I am o<"en "em$"ed "o -ommi" adu!"ery 3i"h her. *ha" shou!d I doK A$ You are a!3ays $ure. I" is your senses and body 3hi-h "em$" you and 3hi-h you -on<use 3i"h your rea! e!<. o <irs" %no3 3ho is "em$"ed and 3ho is "here "o "em$". Bu" even i< you do -ommi" adu!"ery' do no" "hin% abou" i" a<"er3ards' be-ause you are yourse!< a!3ays $ure. You are no" "he sinner. #$ 2o3 do 3e roo" ou" our seB ideaK A$ By roo"in# ou" "he <a!se idea o< "he body bein# "he e!<. 6here is no seB in "he e!<. Be "he e!< and "hen you 3i!! have no seB "roub!es. #$ +an <as"in# -ure seBua! desireK A$ Yes' bu" i" is "em$orary. Men"a! <as" is "he rea! aid. @as"in# is no" an end in i"se!<. 6here mus" be s$iri"ua! deve!o$men" side by side. +om$!e"e <as"in# ma%es "he mind "oo 3ea%. 6he s$iri"ua! Eues" mus" be %e$" u$ ri#h" "hrou#h a <as" i< i" is "o bene<i" s$iri"ua!!y. #$ +an one $ro#ress s$iri"ua!!y by <as"in#K A$ @as"in# shou!d be -hie<!y men"a! Labs"en"ion <rom "hou#h"sM. Mere abs"inen-e <rom <ood 3i!! do no #ood' i" 3i!! even u$se" "he mind. $iri"ua! un<o!dmen" 3i!! -ome ra"her by re#u!a"in# ea"in#. Bu" i<' durin# a <as" o< one mon"h' "he s$iri"ua! ou"!oo% has been main"ained' "hen in abou" "en days a<"er "he brea%in#

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

o< "he <as" 7i< i" be ri#h"!y bro%en and <o!!o3ed by Cudi-ious ea"in#: "he mind 3i!! be-ome $ure and s"eady' and remain so. In "he ear!y days a<"er my -omin# here' I had my eyes -!osed and I 3as so dee$!y absorbed in medi"a"ion "ha" I hard!y %ne3 3he"her i" 3as day or ni#h". I had no <ood and no s!ee$. *hen "here is movemen" in "he body' you need <ood. I< you have <ood' you need s!ee$. I< "here is no movemen"' you do no" need s!ee$. 5ery !i""!e <ood is enou#h "o sus"ain !i<e. 6ha" used "o be my eB$erien-e. omebody or o"her used "o o<<er me a "umb!er<u! o< some !iEuid die" 3henever I o$ened my eyes. 6ha" 3as a!! I ever a"e. Bu" remember one "hin#? eB-e$" 3hen one is absorbed in a s"a"e 3here "he mind is mo"ion!ess' i" is no" $ossib!e "o #ive u$ s!ee$ or <ood a!"o#e"her. *hen "he body and mind are en#a#ed in "he ordinary $ursui"s o< !i<e' "he body ree!s i< you #ive u$ <ood and s!ee$. 6here are di<<erin# "heories -on-ernin# no3 mu-h a sadha%a shou!d ea" and ho3 mu-h he shou!d s!ee$. ome say "ha" i" is hea!"hy "o #o "o bed a" 1) $.m. And 3a%e u$ a" , a.m. 6ha" means "ha" <our hours s!ee$ is enou#h. ome say "ha" <our hours s!ee$ is no" enou#h' bu" "ha" i" shou!d be siB hours. I" amoun"s "o "his' "ha" s!ee$ and <ood shou!d no" be "a%en in eB-ess. I< you 3an" "o -u" o<< ei"her o< "hem -om$!e"e!y' your mind 3i!! a!3ays be dire-"ed "o3ards "hem. 6here<ore' "he sadha%a shou!d do every"hin# in modera"ion. 6here is no harm in ea"in# "hree "o <our "imes a day. Bu" on!y do no" say 8I 3an" "his %ind o< <ood and no" "ha" %ind9 and so on. Moreover' you "a%e "hese mea!s in "3e!ve hours o< 3a%in# 3hereas you are no" ea"in# in "3e!ve hours o< s!ee$. Does s!ee$ !ead you "o mu%"iK I" is 3ron# "o su$$ose "ha" sim$!e ina-"ivi"y !eads one "o mu%"i. #$ *ha" abou" die"K A$ @ood a<<e-"s "he mind. @or "he $ra-"i-e o< any %ind o< yo#a' ve#e"arianism is abso!u"e!y ne-essary sin-e i" ma%es "he mind more sa""vi- L$ure and harmoniousM. #$ +ou!d one re-eive s$iri"ua! i!!umina"ion 3hi!e ea"in# <!esh <oodsK A$ Yes' bu" abandon "hem #radua!!y and a--us"om yourse!< "o sa""vi- <oods. 2o3ever' on-e you have a""ained i!!umina"ion i" 3i!! ma%e !ess di<<eren-e 3ha" you ea"' as' on a #rea" <ire' i" is imma"eria! 3ha" <ue! is added. #$ *e Euro$eans are a--us"omed "o a $ar"i-u!ar die" and a -han#e o< die" a<<e-"s "he hea!"h and 3ea%ens "he mind. Is i" no" ne-essary "o %ee$ u$ one9s $hysi-a! hea!"hK A$ Nui"e ne-essary. 6he 3ea%er "he body "he s"ron#er "he mind #ro3s. #$ In "he absen-e o< our usua! die" our hea!"h su<<ers and "he mind !oses s"ren#"h. A$ *ha" do you mean by s"ren#"h o< mindK #$ 6he $o3er "o e!imina"e 3or!d!y a""a-hmen". A$ 6he Eua!i"y o< <ood in<!uen-es "he mind. 6he mind <eeds on "he <ood -onsumed. #$ Rea!!yO 6hen ho3 -an Euro$eans adCus" "hemse!ves "o sa""vi- <ood on!yK A$ 2abi" is on!y adCus"men" "o "he environmen". I" is "he mind "ha" ma""ers. 6he <a-" is "ha" "he mind has been "rained "o "hin% -er"ain <oods "as"y and #ood. 6he <ood ma"eria! is "o be had bo"h in ve#e"arian and nonDve#e"arian die" eEua!!y 3e!!. Bu" "he mind desires su-h <ood as i" is a--us"omed "o and -onsiders "as"y. #$ Are "here res"ri-"ions <or "he rea!iJed man 3i"h re#ard "o <oodK A$ No. 2e is s"eady and no" in<!uen-ed by "he <ood he "a%es. #$ Is i" no" %i!!in# !i<e "o $re$are mea" die"K A$ Ahimsa LnonDvio!en-eM s"ands <oremos" in "he -ode o< dis-i$!ine <or "he yo#is. #$ Even $!an"s have !i<e.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ o "oo "he s!abs you si" onO #$ May 3e #radua!!y #e" ourse!ves a--us"omed "o ve#e"arian <oodK A$ Yes. 6ha" is "he 3ay. #$ Is i" harm!ess "o -on"inue smo%in#K A$ No' <or "oba--o is a $oison. I" is be""er "o do 3i"hou" i". I" is #ood "ha" you have #iven u$ smo%in#. Men are ens!aved by "oba--o and -anno" #ive i" u$. Bu" "oba--o on!y #ives a "em$orary s"imu!a"ion "o 3hi-h "here mus" be a rea-"ion 3i"h -ravin# <or more. I" is a!so no" #ood <or medi"a"ion $ra-"i-e. #$ Do you re-ommend "ha" mea" and a!-oho!i- drin%s be #iven u$K A$ I" is advisab!e "o #ive "hem u$ be-ause "his abs"en"ion is a use<u! aid <or be#inners. 6he di<<i-u!"y in surrenderin# "hem does no" arise be-ause "hey are rea!!y ne-essary' bu" mere!y be-ause 3e have be-ome inured by -us"om and habi" "o "hem. #$ Genera!!y s$ea%in#' 3ha" are "he ru!es o< -ondu-" 3hi-h an as$iran" shou!d <o!!o3K A$ Modera"ion in <ood' modera"ion in s!ee$ and modera"ion in s$ee-h.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 13 - Yoga
Pra-"i"ioners o< yo#a aim <or union 3i"h "he e!< 7yo#a is ans%ri" <or union: by under"a%in# dis"in-"ive men"a! and $hysi-a! eBer-ises. Mos" o< "hese eBer-ises -an be "ra-ed ba-% "o "he Yo#a u"ras o< Pa"anCa!i 3hi-h 3ere 3ri""en abou" ,))) years a#o. Pa"anCa!i9s sys"em' %no3n as raCa yo#a' -on"ains ei#h" dis"in-"ive !eve!s and $ra-"i-es. 1 Ya"na +ondu-" o< !i<e in re!a"ion "o o"hers avoidin# un"ru"h' "he<"' inCury "o o"hers' sensua!i"y and #reed. , Niyama +ondu-" "o3ards onese!< -!ean!iness' "ranEui!!i"y' aus"eri"y' s"udy and devo"ion. / Asana "re"-hin#' bendin#' ba!an-in# and si""in# eBer-ises. 6hese eBer-ises are no3adays -o!!e-"ive!y %no3n as ha"ha yo#a. 4 Pranayama Brea"hin# eBer-ises 3hi-h aim "o -on"ro! "he mind. 1 Pra"yahara *i"hdra3in# "he a""en"ion <rom "he body and "he senses. > Dharana +on-en"ra"ion o< "he mind. 0 Dhyana Medi"a"ion. ( amadhi Unin"erru$"ed -on"em$!a"ion o< rea!i"y. Mos" o< "hese $ra-"i-es -an be <ound in o"her s$iri"ua! sys"ems. 6he on!y eB-e$"ions are ha"ha yo#a and $ranayama and i" is "hese 3hi-h #ive raCa yo#a i"s dis"in-"ive -hara-"er. *hen visi"ors as%ed ri Ramana abou" "hese $ra-"i-es he 3ou!d usua!!y -ri"i-ise ha"ha yo#a be-ause o< i"s obsession 3i"h "he body. I" is a <undamen"a! $remise o< his "ea-hin#s "ha" s$iri"ua! $rob!ems -an on!y be so!ved by -on"ro!!in# "he mind' and be-ause o< "his' he never en-oura#ed "he $ra-"i-e o< s$iri"ua! dis-i$!ines 3hi-h devo"ed "hemse!ves $rimari!y "o "he 3e!!Dbein# o< "he body. 2e had a hi#her o$inion o< $ranayama 7brea"h -on"ro!:' sayin# "ha" i" 3as a use<u! aid <or "hose 3ho -ou!d no" o"her3ise -on"ro! "heir mind' bu" on "he 3ho!e he "ended "o re#ard i" as a be#inner9s $ra-"i-e. 2is vie3s on "he o"her as$e-"s o< raCa yo#a 7su-h as mora!i"y' medi"a"ion and samadhi: have been dea!" 3i"h in se$ara"e -ha$"ers. In addi"ion "o raCa yo#a "here is ano"her $o$u!ar sys"em -a!!ed %unda!ini yo#a. 6he $ra-"i"ioners o< "his sys"em -on-en"ra"e on $sy-hi- -en"res 7-ha%ras: in "he body in order "o #enera"e a s$iri"ua! $o3er "hey -a!! %unda!ini. 6he aim o< "his $ra-"i-e is "o <or-e "he %unda!ini u$ a $sy-hi- -hanne! 7"he sushumna: 3hi-h runs <rom "he base o< "he s$ine "o "he brain. 6he %unda!ini yo#i be!ieves "ha" 3hen "his $o3er rea-hes "he sahasrara 7"he hi#hes" -ha%ra !o-a"ed in "he brain:' e!<Drea!iJa"ion 3i!! resu!". ri Ramana never advised his devo"ees "o $ra-"ise %unda!ini yo#a sin-e he re#arded i" as bein# bo"h $o"en"ia!!y dan#erous and unne-essary. 2e a--e$"ed "he eBis"en-e o< "he %unda!ini $o3er and "he -ha%ras bu" he said "ha" even i< "he %unda!ini rea-hed "he sahasrara i" 3ou!d no" resu!" in rea!iJa"ion. @or <ina! rea!iJa"ion' he said' "he %unda!ini mus" #o beyond "he sahasrara' do3n ano"her nadi 7$sy-hi- nerve: he -a!!ed amri"anadi 7a!so -a!!ed "he $aranadi or Civanadi: and in"o "he 2ear"D -en"re on "he ri#h"Dhand side o< "he -hes". in-e he main"ained "ha" se!<DenEuiry 3ou!d au"oma"i-a!!y send "he %unda!ini "o "he 2ear"D-en"re' he "au#h" "ha" se$ara"e yo#a eBer-ises 3ere unne-essary. 6he e!< is rea-hed by "he sear-h <or "he ori#in o< "he e#o and by divin# in"o "he 2ear". 6his is "he dire-" me"hod o< e!<Drea!iJa"ion. One 3ho ado$"s i" need no" 3orry abou" nadis' "he brain -en"re LsahasraraM' "he sushumna' "he $aranadi' "he %unda!ini' $ranayama or "he siB -en"res L-ha%rasM. In addi"ion "o "he $ra-"i-es ou"!ined above' 2induism -on"ains ano"her yo#a -a!!ed %arma yo#a' "he yo#a o< a-"ion. Pra-"i"ioners o< "his sys"em aim "o evo!ve s$iri"ua!!y by se!<!ess!y servin# and assis"in# o"hers. A!"hou#h i" is s$o%en o< hi#h!y in "he Bha#avad Gi"a' ri Ramana #enera!!y dis-oura#ed his devo"ees <rom <o!!o3in# "his $a"h sin-e i" $resu$$oses "he eBis"en-e o< an 8I9 3ho is #oin# "o $er<orm "he #ood deeds and 8o"her $eo$!e9 3ho are in need o< assis"an-e. 2e on!y en-oura#ed i" i< he <e!" "ha" $ar"i-u!ar devo"ees 3ere in-a$ab!e o< <o!!o3in# "he $a"hs o< Cnana'

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

bha%"i or raCa yo#a. I< an as$iran" be unsui"ed "em$eramen"a!!y <or "he <irs" "3o me"hods LCnana and bha%"iM' and -ir-ums"an"ia!!y on a--oun" o< a#e <or "he "hird me"hod Lyo#aM' he mus" "ry "he %arma mar#a L"he $a"h o< %arma yo#aM. 2is nob!er ins"in-"s be-ome more eviden" and he derives im$ersona! $!easure. 6he man a!so be-omes du!y eEui$$ed <or one o< "he "hree a<oresaid $a"hs. ri Ramana s"ressed "ha" "o be su--ess<u!' "he %arma yo#i mus" be <ree o< "he no"ion "ha" he himse!< is he!$in# o"hers' and "ha" he mus" a!so be una""a-hed and indi<<eren" "o "he -onseEuen-es o< his a-"ions. A!"hou#h he rare!y #ave %arma yo#a more "han a !u%e3arm endorsemen" he did admi" "ha" bo"h o< "hese -ondi"ions 3ou!d be me" i< a!! a-"ions 3ere $er<ormed 3i"hou" "he 8I am "he doer9 idea. #$ Yo#a means union. I 3onder union o< 3ha" 3i"h 3ha"K A$ EBa-"!y. Yo#a im$!ies $rior division and i" means !a"er union o< one "hin# 3i"h ano"her. Bu" 3ho is "o be uni"ed and 3i"h 3homK You are "he see%er' see%in# union 3i"h some"hin#. I< you assume "his "hen "ha" some"hin# mus" be a$ar" <rom you. Bu" your e!< is in"ima"e "o you and you are a!3ays a3are o< i". ee% i" and be i". 6hen i" 3i!! eB$and as "he in<ini"e and "here 3i!! be no Eues"ion o< yo#a. *hose is "he se$ara"ion Lviyo#aMK #$ I don9" %no3. Is "here rea!!y se$ara"ionK A$ @ind ou" "o 3hom is "he viyo#a. 6ha" is yo#a. Yo#a is -ommon "o a!! $a"hs. Yo#a is rea!!y no"hin# bu" -easin# "o "hin% "ha" you are di<<eren" <rom "he e!< or rea!i"y. A!! "he yo#as D%arma' Cnana' bha%"i and raCa are Cus" di<<eren" $a"hs "o sui" di<<eren" na"ures 3i"h di<<eren" modes o< evo!u"ion. 6hey are a!! aimed a" #e""in# $eo$!e ou" o< "he !on#D -herished no"ion "ha" "hey are di<<eren" <rom "he e!<. 6here is no Eues"ion o< union or yo#a in "he sense o< #oin# and Coinin# some"hin# "ha" is some3here a3ay <rom us or di<<eren" <rom us' be-ause you never 3ere or -ou!d be se$ara"e <rom "he e!<. #$ *ha" is "he di<<eren-e be"3een yo#a and enEuiryK A$ Yo#a enCoins -hi""aDvri""iDnirodha Lre$ression o< "hou#h"sM 3hereas I $res-ribe a"manveshana LEues" o< onese!<M. 6his !a""er me"hod is more $ra-"i-ab!e. 6he mind is re$ressed in s3oon' or as "he e<<e-" o< <as"in#. Bu" as soon as "he -ause is 3i"hdra3n "he mind revives' "ha" is' "he "hou#h"s be#in "o <!o3 as be<ore. 6here are Cus" "3o 3ays o< -on"ro!!in# "he mind. Ei"her see% i"s sour-e' or surrender i" "o be s"ru-% do3n by "he su$reme $o3er. urrender is "he re-o#ni"ion o< "he eBis"en-e o< a hi#her overru!in# $o3er. I< "he mind re<uses "o he!$ in see%in# "he sour-e' !e" i" #o and 3ai" <or i"s re"urnI "hen "urn i" in3ards. No one su--eeds 3i"hou" $a"ien" $erseveran-e. #$ Is i" ne-essary "o -on"ro! one9s brea"hK A$ Brea"h -on"ro! is on!y an aid <or divin# dee$ 3i"hin onese!<. One may as 3e!! dive do3n by -on"ro!!in# "he mind. *hen "he mind is -on"ro!!ed' "he brea"h is -on"ro!!ed au"oma"i-a!!y. One need no" a""em$" brea"h -on"ro!' mind -on"ro! is enou#h. Brea"h -on"ro! is on!y re-ommended <or "hose 3ho -anno" -on"ro! "heir minds s"rai#h"a3ay. #$ *hen shou!d one do $ranayama and 3hy is i" e<<e-"iveK A$ In "he absen-e o< enEuiry and devo"ion' "he na"ura! seda"ive $ranayama Lbrea"h re#u!a"ionM may be "ried. 6his is %no3n as yo#a mar#a L"he $a"h o< yo#aM. I< !i<e is im$eri!ed "he 3ho!e in"eres" -en"res round one $oin"' "he savin# o< !i<e. I< "he brea"h is he!d "he mind -anno" a<<ord "o 7and does no": Cum$ a" i"s $e"s DeB"erna! obCe-"s. 6hus "here is res" <or "he mind so !on# as "he brea"h is he!d. A!! a""en"ion bein# "urned on brea"h or i"s re#u!a"ion' o"her in"eres"s are !os". 6he sour-e o< brea"h is "he same as "ha" o< "he mind. 6here<ore "he subsiden-e o< ei"her !eads e<<or"!ess!y "o "he subsiden-e o< "he o"her. #$ *i!! -on-en"ra"ion on -ha%ras Euie"en "he mindK A$ @iBin# "heir minds on $sy-hi- -en"res su-h as "he sahasrara L"he "housandD$e"a!!ed !o"us -ha%raM' yo#is remain any !en#"h o< "ime 3i"hou" a3areness o< "heir bodies. As !on# as "his s"a"e -on"inues "hey a$$ear "o be immersed in some

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

%ind o< Coy. Bu" 3hen "he mind 3hi-h has be-ome "ranEui! emer#es and be-omes a-"ive a#ain i" resumes i"s 3or!d!y "hou#h"s. I" is "here<ore ne-essary "o "rain i" 3i"h "he he!$ o< $ra-"i-es !i%e dhyana Lmedi"a"ionM 3henever i" be-omes eB"erna!ised. I" 3i!! "hen a""ain a s"a"e in 3hi-h "here is nei"her subsiden-e nor emer#en-e. #$ Is "he mind -on"ro! indu-ed by $ranayama a!so "em$oraryK A$ Nuies-en-e !as"s on!y so !on# as "he brea"h is -on"ro!!ed. o i" is "ransien". 6he #oa! is -!ear!y no" $ranayama. I" eB"ends on "o $ra"yahara L3i"hdra3a!M' dharana L-on-en"ra"ion o< mindM' dhyana Lmedi"a"ionM and samadhi. 6hose s"a#es dea! 3i"h -on"ro! o< "he mind. u-h mind -on"ro! be-omes easier <or a $erson 3ho has ear!ier $ra-"ised $ranayama. Pranayama "here<ore !eads one "o "he hi#her s"a#es. Be-ause "hese hi#her s"a#es invo!ve -on"ro!!in# "he mind' one -an say "ha" mind -on"ro! is "he u!"ima"e aim o< yo#a. A more advan-ed man 3i!! na"ura!!y #o dire-" "o -on"ro! o< mind 3i"hou" 3as"in# his "ime in $ra-"isin# -on"ro! o< brea"h. #$ Pranayama has "hree $hases eBha!a"ion' inha!a"ion and re"en"ion. 2o3 shou!d "hey be re#u!a"edK A$ +om$!e"e!y #ivin# u$ iden"i<i-a"ion 3i"h "he body a!one is eBha!a"ion Lre-ha%aMI mer#in# 3i"hin "hrou#h "he enEuiry 8*ho am IK9 a!on# is inha!a"ion L$ura%aMI abidin# as "he one rea!i"y 8I am "ha"9 a!one is re"en"ion L%umbha%aM. 6his is "he rea! $ranayama. #$ I <ind i" said in Maha Yo#a "ha" in "he be#innin# o< medi"a"ion one may a""end "o "he brea"h' "ha" is' i"s ins$ira"ion and eB$ira"ion' and "ha" a<"er a -er"ain amoun" o< s"i!!ness o< mind is a""ained' one -an dive in"o "he 2ear" see%in# "he sour-e o< "he mind. I have been bad!y in 3an" o< some su-h $ra-"i-a! hin". +an I <o!!o3 "his me"hodK Is i" -orre-"K A$ 6he "hin# is "o %i!! "he mind someho3. 6hose 3ho have no" "he s"ren#"h "o <o!!o3 "he enEuiry me"hod are advised "o ado$" $ranayama as a he!$ "o -on"ro! "he mind. 6his $ranayama is o< "3o %inds' -on"ro!!in# and re#u!a"in# "he brea"h' or sim$!y 3a"-hin# "he brea"h. #$ @or -on"ro!!in# "he brea"h' is no" "he ra"io 1?4?, <or inha!in#' re"ainin# "he brea"h and eBha!in# bes"K A$ A!! "hose $ro$or"ions' some"imes re#u!a"ed no" by -oun"in# bu" by u""erin# man"ras' are aids "o -on"ro!!in# "he mind. 6ha" is a!!. *a"-hin# "he brea"h is a!so one <orm o< $ranayama. Inha!in#' re"ainin# and eBha!in# is more vio!en" and may be harm<u! in some -ases' <or eBam$!e 3hen "here is no $ro$er Guru "o #uide "he see%er a" every s"e$ and s"a#e. Bu" mere!y 3a"-hin# "he brea"h is easy and invo!ves no ris%. #$ Is "he mani<es"a"ion o< %unda!ini sa%"i L%unda!ini $o3erM $ossib!e on!y <or "hose 3ho <o!!o3 "he yo#i- $a"h o< a-Euirin# sa%"i L$o3erM' or is i" $ossib!e a!so <or "hose 3ho <o!!o3 "he $a"h o< devo"ion Lbha%"iM or !ove L$remaMK A$ *ho does no" have %unda!ini sa%"iK *hen "he rea! na"ure o< "ha" sa%"i is %no3n' i" is -a!!ed a%handa%ara vri""i Lunbro%en -ons-iousnessM or aham s$hurana Le<<u!#en-e o< 8I9M. Kunda!ini sa%"i is "here <or a!! $eo$!e 3ha"ever $a"h "hey <o!!o3. I" is on!y a di<<eren-e in name. #$ I" is said "ha" "he sa%"i mani<es"s i"se!< in <ive $hases' "en $hases' a hundred $hases and a "housand $hases. *hi-h is "rue? <ive or "en or a hundred or a "housandK A$ a%"i has on!y one $hase. I< i" is said "o mani<es" i"se!< in severa! $hases' i" is on!y a 3ay o< s$ea%in#. 6he sa%"i is on!y one. #$ +an a Cnani he!$ no" on!y "hose 3ho <o!!o3 his $a"h bu" a!so o"hers 3ho <o!!o3 o"her $a"hs su-h as yo#aK A$ Undoub"ed!y. 2e -an he!$ $eo$!e 3ha"ever $a"h "hey -hoose "o <o!!o3. I" is some"hin# !i%e "his. u$$ose "here is a hi!!. 6here 3i!! be very many $a"hs "o -!imb i". I< he 3ere "o as% $eo$!e "o -!imb by "he 3ay he -ame' some may !i%e i" and some may no". I< $eo$!e 3ho do no" !i%e i" are as%ed "o -!imb by "ha" $a"h' and by "ha" $a"h on!y' "hey 3i!! no" be ab!e "o -ome u$. 2en-e a Cnani he!$s $eo$!e <o!!o3in# any $ar"i-u!ar $a"h' 3ha"ever i" may be. Peo$!e 3ho are mid3ay may no" %no3 abou" "he meri"s and demeri"s o< o"her $a"hs' bu" one 3ho has -!imbed "o "he summi" and si"s "here observin# o"hers -omin# u$ is ab!e "o see a!! "he $a"hs. 2e 3i!! "here<ore be ab!e "o "e!! $eo$!e 3ho are -omin# u$ "o move a !i""!e "o "his side or "ha" or "o avoid a $i"<a!!. 6he #oa! is "he same <or a!!.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ 2o3 -an one dire-" "he $rana or !i<eD<or-e in"o "he sushumna nadi La $sy-hi- nerve in "he s$ineM so "ha" "he -hi"D CadaD#ran"hi L"he iden"i<i-a"ion o< -ons-iousness 3i"h "he bodyM -an be severed in "he manner s"a"ed in ri Ramana Gi"aK A$ By enEuirin# 8*ho am IK9 6he yo#i may be de<ini"e!y aimin# a" rousin# "he %unda!ini and sendin# i" u$ "he sushumna. 6he Cnani may no" be havin# "his as his obCe-". Bu" bo"h a-hieve "he same resu!"s' "ha" o< sendin# "he !i<eD <or-e u$ "he sushumna and severin# "he -hi"DCadaD#ran"hi. Kunda!ini is on!y ano"her name <or a"ma or e!< or sa%"i. *e "a!% o< i" as bein# inside "he body' be-ause 3e -on-eive ourse!ves as !imi"ed by "his body. Bu" i" is in rea!i"y bo"h inside and ou"side' bein# no" di<<eren" <rom e!< or "he sa%"i o< e!<. #$ 2o3 "o -hurn u$ "he nadis L$sy-hi- nervesM so "ha" "he %unda!ini may #o u$ "he sushumnaK A$ 6hou#h "he yo#i may have his me"hods o< brea"h -on"ro! <or "his obCe-"' "he Cnani9s me"hod is on!y "ha" o< enEuiry. *hen by "his me"hod "he mind is mer#ed in "he e!<' "he sa%"i or %unda!ini' 3hi-h is no" a$ar" <rom "he e!<' rises au"oma"i-a!!y. 6he yo#is a""a-h "he hi#hes" im$or"an-e "o sendin# "he %unda!ini u$ "o "he sahasrara' "he brain -en"re or "he "housandD $e"a!!ed !o"us. 6hey $oin" ou" "he s-ri$"ura! s"a"emen" "ha" "he !i<eD-urren" en"ers "he body "hrou#h "he <on"ane!!e and ar#ue "ha"' viyo#a Lse$ara"ionM havin# -ome abou" "ha" 3ay' yo#a LunionM mus" a!so be e<<e-"ed in "he reverse 3ay. 6here<ore' "hey say' 3e mus" by yo#a $ra-"i-e #a"her u$ "he $ranas and en"er "he <on"ane!!e <or "he -onsumma"ion o< yo#a. 6he Cnanis on "he o"her hand $oin" ou" "ha" "he yo#i assumes "he eBis"en-e o< "he body and i"s se$ara"eness <rom "he e!<. On!y i< "his s"and$oin" o< se$ara"eness is ado$"ed -an "he yo#i advise e<<or" <or reunion by "he $ra-"i-e o< yo#a. In <a-" "he body is in "he mind 3hi-h has "he brain <or i"s sea". 6ha" "he brain <un-"ions by !i#h" borro3ed <rom ano"her sour-e is admi""ed by "he yo#is "hemse!ves in "heir <on"ane!!e "heory. 6he Cnani <ur"her ar#ues? i< "he !i#h" is borro3ed i" mus" -ome <rom i"s na"ive sour-e. Go "o "he sour-e dire-" and do no" de$end on borro3ed resour-es. 6ha" sour-e is "he 2ear"' "he e!<. 6he e!< does no" -ome <rom any3here e!se and en"er "he body "hrou#h "he -ro3n o< "he head. I" is as i" is' ever s$ar%!in#' ever s"eady' unmovin# and un-han#in#. 6he individua! -on<ines himse!< "o "he !imi"s o< "he -han#e<u! body or o< "he mind 3hi-h derives i"s eBis"en-e <rom "he un-han#in# e!<. A!! "ha" is ne-essary is "o #ive u$ "his mis"a%en iden"i"y' and "ha" done' "he everDshinin# e!< 3i!! be seen "o be "he sin#!e nonDdua! rea!i"y. I< one -on-en"ra"es on "he sahasrara "here is no doub" "ha" "he e-s"asy o< samadhi ensues. 6he vasanas' "ha" is "he !a"en" men"a! "enden-ies' are no" ho3ever des"royed. 6he yo#i is "here<ore bound "o 3a%e u$ <rom "he samadhi be-ause re!ease <rom bonda#e has no" ye" been a--om$!ished. 2e mus" s"i!! "ry "o eradi-a"e "he vasanas inheren" in him so "ha" "hey -ease "o dis"urb "he $ea-e o< his samadhi. o he $asses do3n <rom "he sahasrara "o "he 2ear" "hrou#h 3ha" is -a!!ed "he Civanadi' 3hi-h is on!y a -on"inua"ion o< "he sushumna. 6he sushumna is "hus a -urve. I" s"ar"s <rom "he !o3es" -ha%ra' rises "hrou#h "he s$ina! -ord "o "he brain and <rom "here bends do3n and ends in "he 2ear". *hen "he yo#i has rea-hed "he 2ear"' "he samadhi be-omes $ermanen". 6hus 3e see "ha" "he 2ear" is "he <ina! -en"re. #$ 2a"ha yo#i- $ra-"i-es are said "o banish diseases e<<e-"ive!y and are "here<ore advo-a"ed as ne-essary $re!iminaries "o Cnana yo#a. A$ &e" "hose 3ho advo-a"e "hem use "hem. I" has no" been "he eB$erien-e here. A!! diseases 3i!! be e<<e-"ive!y annihi!a"ed by -on"inuous se!<DenEuiry. I< you $ro-eed on "he no"ion "ha" hea!"h o< body is ne-essary <or hea!"h o< mind' "here 3i!! never be an end "o "he -are o< "he body. #$ Is no" ha"ha yo#a ne-essary <or "he enEuiry in"o "he e!<K A$ Ea-h one <inds some one me"hod sui"ab!e "o himse!<' be-ause o< !a"en" "enden-ies L$urva sams%araM. #$ +an ha"ha yo#a be a--om$!ished a" my a#eK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ *hy do you "hin% o< a!! "ha"K Be-ause you "hin% "he e!< is eB"erior "o yourse!< you desire i" and "ry <or i". Bu" do you no" eBis" a!! a!on#K *hy do you !eave yourse!< and #o a<"er some"hin# eB"erna!K #$ I" is said in A$aro%sha Anubhu"i "ha" ha"ha yo#a is a ne-essary aid <or enEuiry in"o "he e!<. A$ 6he ha"ha yo#is -!aim "o %ee$ "he body <i" so "ha" "he enEuiry may be e<<e-"ed 3i"hou" obs"a-!es. 6hey a!so say "ha" !i<e mus" be $ro!on#ed so "ha" "he enEuiry may be -arried "o a su--ess<u! end. @ur"hermore "here are "hose 3ho use some medi-ines L%aya%a!$aM 3i"h "ha" end in vie3. 6heir <avouri"e eBam$!e is "ha" "he s-reen mus" be $er<e-" be<ore "he $ain"in# is be#un. Yes' bu" 3hi-h is "he s-reen and 3hi-h "he $ain"in#K A--ordin# "o "hem "he body is "he s-reen and "he enEuiry in"o "he e!< is "he $ain"in#. Bu" is no" "he body i"se!< a $i-"ure on "he s-reen' "he e!<K #$ Bu" ha"ha yo#a is so mu-h s$o%en o< as an aid. A$ Yes. Even #rea" $andi"s 3e!! versed in "he vedan"a -on"inue "he $ra-"i-e o< i". O"her3ise "heir minds 3i!! no" subside. o you may say i" is use<u! <or "hose 3ho -anno" o"her3ise s"i!! "he mind. #$ *ha" are asanas L$os"ures or sea"sMK Are "hey ne-essaryK A$ Many asanas 3i"h "heir e<<e-"s are men"ioned in "he yo#a sas"ras. 6he sea"s are "he "i#erD s%in' #rass' e"-. 6he $os"ures are "he 8!o"us $os"ure9' "he 8easy $os"ure9 and so on. *hy a!! "hese on!y "o %no3 onese!<K 6he "ru"h is "ha" <rom "he e!< "he e#o rises u$' -on<uses i"se!< 3i"h "he body' mis"a%es "he 3or!d "o be rea!' and "hen' -overed 3i"h e#o"is"i- -on-ei"' i" "hin%s 3i!d!y and !oo%s <or asanas Lsea"sM. u-h a $erson does no" unders"and "ha" he himse!< is "he -en"re o< a!! and "hus <orms "he basis <or a!!. 6he asana Lsea"M is mean" "o ma%e him si" <irm. *here and ho3 -an he remain <irm eB-e$" in his o3n rea! s"a"eK 6his is "he rea! asanaI A""ainin# "he s"eadiness o< no" s3ervin# <rom "he %no3!ed#e "ha" "he base LasanaM u$on 3hi-h "he 3ho!e universe res"s is on!y e!<' 3hi-h is "he s$a-e o< "rue %no3!ed#e' "he i!!us"rious #round' a!one is "he <irm and mo"ion!ess $os"ure LasanaM <or eB-e!!en" samadhi. #$ In 3ha" asana is Bha#avan usua!!y sea"edK A$ In 3ha" asanaK In "he asana o< "he 2ear". *herever i" is $!easan"' "here is my asana. 6ha" is -a!!ed su%hasana' "he asana o< ha$$iness. 6ha" asana o< "he 2ear" is $ea-e<u!' and #ives ha$$iness. 6here is no need <or any o"her asana <or "hose 3ho are sea"ed in "ha" one. #$ 6he Gi"a seems "o em$hasise %arma yo#a' <or ArCuna is $ersuaded "o <i#h". ri Krishna himse!< se" "he eBam$!e by an a-"ive !i<e o< #rea" eB$!oi"s. A$ 6he Gi"a s"ar"s by sayin# "ha" you are no" "he body and "ha" you are no" "here<ore "he %ar"a L"he doerM. #$ *ha" is "he si#ni<i-an-eK A$ I" means "ha" one shou!d a-" 3i"hou" "hin%in# "ha" onese!< is "he a-"or. A-"ions 3i!! #o on even in "he e#o!ess s"a"e. Ea-h $erson has -ome in"o mani<es"a"ion <or a -er"ain $ur$ose and "ha" $ur$ose 3i!! be a--om$!ished 3he"her he -onsiders himse!< "o be "he a-"or or no". #$ *ha" is %arma yo#aK Is i" nonDa""a-hmen" "o %arma La-"ionM or i"s <rui"K A$ Karma yo#a is "ha" yo#a in 3hi-h "he $erson does no" arro#a"e "o himse!< "he <un-"ion o< bein# "he a-"or. A!! a-"ions #o on au"oma"i-a!!y. #$ Is i" nonDa""a-hmen" "o "he <rui"s o< a-"ionsK A$ 6he Eues"ion arises on!y i< "here is "he a-"or. I" is said in a!! "he s-ri$"ures "ha" you shou!d no" -onsider yourse!< "o be "he a-"or. #$ o %arma yo#a is 8%ar"ri"va buddhi rahi"a %arma9 F a-"ion 3i"hou" "he sense o< doershi$. A$ Yes. Nui"e so.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ 6he Gi"a "ea-hes "ha" one shou!d have an a-"ive !i<e <rom be#innin# "o end. A$ Yes' "he a-"or!ess a-"ion. #$ I< one remains Euie" ho3 is a-"ion "o #o onK *here is "he $!a-e <or %arma yo#aK A$ &e" us <irs" unders"and 3ha" %arma is' 3hose %arma i" is and 3ho is "he doer. Ana!ysin# "hem and enEuirin# in"o "heir "ru"h' one is ob!i#ed "o remain as "he e!< in $ea-e. Never"he!ess even in "ha" s"a"e "he a-"ions 3i!! #o on. #$ 2o3 3i!! "he a-"ions #o on i< I do no" a-"K A$ *ho as%s "his Eues"ionK Is i" "he e!< or ano"herK Is "he e!< -on-erned 3i"h a-"ionsK #$ No' no" "he e!<. I" is ano"her' di<<eren" <rom "he e!<. A$ o i" is $!ain "ha" "he e!< is no" -on-erned 3i"h a-"ions and so "he Eues"ion does no" arise. #$ I 3an" "o do %arma yo#a. 2o3 -an I he!$ o"hersK A$ *ho is "here <or you "o he!$K *ho is "he 8I9 "ha" is #oin# "o he!$ o"hersK @irs" -!ear u$ "ha" $oin" and "hen every"hin# 3i!! se""!e i"se!<. #$ 6ha" means 8rea!iJe "he e!<. Does my rea!iJa"ion he!$ o"hersK A$ Yes' and i" is "he bes" he!$ "ha" you -an $ossib!y render "o o"hers. Bu" rea!!y "here are no o"hers "o be he!$ed. @or "he rea!iJed bein# sees on!y "he e!<' Cus" as "he #o!dsmi"h sees on!y "he #o!d 3hi!e va!uin# i" in various Ce3e!s made o< #o!d. *hen you iden"i<y yourse!< 3i"h "he body' name and <orm are "here. Bu" 3hen you "rans-end "he bodyD -ons-iousness' "he o"hers a!so disa$$ear. 6he rea!iJed one does no" see "he 3or!d as di<<eren" <rom himse!<. #$ *ou!d i" no" be be""er i< sain"s miBed 3i"h o"her $eo$!e in order "o he!$ "hemK A$ 6here are no o"hers "o miB 3i"h. 6he e!< is "he on!y rea!i"y. 6he sa#e he!$s "he 3or!d mere!y by bein# "he rea! e!<. 6he bes" 3ay <or one "o serve "he 3or!d is "o 3in "he e#o!ess s"a"e. I< you are anBious "o he!$ "he 3or!d' bu" "hin% "ha" you -anno" do so by a""ainin# "he e#o!ess s"a"e' "hen surrender "o God a!! "he 3or!d9s $rob!ems' a!on# 3i"h your o3n. #$ hou!d I no" "ry "o he!$ "he su<<erin# 3or!dK A$ 6he $o3er "ha" -rea"ed you has -rea"ed "he 3or!d as 3e!!. I< i" -an "a%e -are o< you' i" -an simi!ar!y "a%e -are o< "he 3or!d a!so. I< God has -rea"ed "he 3or!d i" is his business "o !oo% a<"er i"' no" yours. #$ Is "he desire <or s3araC L$o!i"i-a! inde$enden-eM ri#h"K A$ u-h desire no doub" be#ins 3i"h se!<Din"eres". Ye" $ra-"i-a! 3or% <or "he #oa! #radua!!y 3idens "he ou"!oo% so "ha" "he individua! be-omes mer#ed in "he -oun"ry. u-h mer#in# o< "he individua!i"y is desirab!e and "he re!a"ed %arma is nish%ama Lunse!<ishM. #$ I< s3araC is #ained a<"er a !on# s"ru##!e and "errib!e sa-ri<i-es' is no" "he $erson Cus"i<ied in bein# $!eased 3i"h "he resu!" and e!a"ed by i". A$ 2e mus" have in "he -ourse o< his 3or% surrendered himse!< "o "he hi#her $o3er 3hose mi#h" mus" be %e$" in mind and never !os" si#h" o<. 2o3 "hen -an he be e!a"edK 2e shou!d no" even -are <or "he resu!" o< his a-"ions. 6hen a!one "he %arma be-omes unse!<ish.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

%ART 3"5E ( E67erience

6here are no #rades o< rea!i"y. 6here are #rades o< eB$erien-e <or "he individua! bu" no" o< rea!i"y. *ha"ever may be "he eB$erien-es' "he eB$erien-er is one and "he same. 6he e!< is -er"ain!y 3i"hin "he dire-" eB$erien-e o< everyone' bu" no" as one ima#ines i" "o be. I" is on!y as i" is.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 14 - Samadhi
6he 3ord samadhi is 3ide!y used in eas"ern s$iri"ua! !i"era"ure "o deno"e an advan-ed s"a#e o< medi"a"ion in 3hi-h "here is a -ons-ious eB$erien-e o< "he e!< or an in"ense undis"urbed absor$"ion in "he obCe-" o< medi"a"ion. Many #rada"ions and subdivisions o< samadhi have been des-ribed' 3i"h di<<eren" s-hoo!s and re!i#ions ea-h "endin# "o $rodu-e "heir o3n dis"in-"ive -a"e#ories and "ermino!o#y. 6he -!assi<i-a"ion #enera!!y used by ri Ramana divides "he various samadhis in"o "he <o!!o3in# "hreeD<o!d division? 1 ahaCa nirvi%a!$a samadhi 6his is "he s"a"e o< "he Cnani 3ho has <ina!!y and irrevo-ab!y e!imina"ed his e#o. ahaCa means 8na"ura!9 and nirvi%a!$a means 8no di<<eren-es9. A Cnani in "his s"a"e is ab!e "o <un-"ion na"ura!!y in "he 3or!d' Cus" as any ordinary $erson does. Kno3in# "ha" he is "he e!<' "he sahaCa Cnani sees no di<<eren-e be"3een himse!< and o"hers and no di<<eren-e be"3een himse!< and "he 3or!d. @or su-h a $erson' every"hin# is a mani<es"a"ion o< "he indivisib!e e!<. , Keva!a nirvi%a!$a samadhi 6his is "he s"a#e be!o3 e!<Drea!iJa"ion. In "his s"a"e "here is a "em$orary bu" e<<or"!ess e!<Da3areness' bu" "he e#o has no" been <ina!!y e!imina"ed. I" is -hara-"erised by an absen-e o< bodyD-ons-iousness. A!"hou#h one has a "em$orary a3areness o< "he e!< in "his s"a"e' one is no" ab!e "o $er-eive sensory in<orma"ion or <un-"ion in "he 3or!d. *hen bodyD-ons-iousness re"urns' "he e#o rea$$ears. / avi%a!$a samadhi In "his s"a"e e!<Da3areness is main"ained by -ons"an" e<<or". 6he -on"inui"y o< "he samadhi is 3ho!!y de$enden" on "he e<<or" $u" in "o main"ain i". *hen e!<Da""en"ion 3avers' e!<Da3areness is obs-ured. 6he <o!!o3in# brie< de<ini"ions <ormu!a"ed by ri Ramana shou!d be su<<i-ien" "o #uide "he unini"ia"ed "hrou#h "he "ermino!o#i-a! Cun#!e o< samadhi? 1 2o!din# on "o rea!i"y is samadhi. , 2o!din# on "o rea!i"y 3i"h e<<or" is savi%a!$a samadhi. / Mer#in# in rea!i"y and remainin# una3are o< "he 3or!d is nirvi%a!$a samadhi. 4 Mer#in# in i#noran-e and remainin# una3are o< "he 3or!d is s!ee$. 1 Remainin# in "he $rima!' $ure' na"ura! s"a"e 3i"hou" e<<or" is sahaCa nirvi%a!$a samadhi. #$ *ha" is samadhiK A$ 6he s"a"e in 3hi-h "he unbro%en eB$erien-e o< eBis"en-eD-ons-iousness is a""ained by "he s"i!! mind' a!one is samadhi. 6ha" s"i!! mind 3hi-h is adorned 3i"h "he a""ainmen" o< "he !imi"!ess su$reme e!<' a!one is "he rea!i"y o< God. *hen "he mind is in -ommunion 3i"h "he e!< in dar%ness' i" is -a!!ed nidra Ls!ee$M' "ha" is' "he immersion o< "he mind in i#noran-e. Immersion in a -ons-ious or 3a%e<u! s"a"e is -a!!ed samadhi. amadhi is -on"inuous inheren-e in "he e!< in a 3a%in# s"a"e. Nidra or s!ee$ is a!so inheren-e in "he e!< bu" in an un-ons-ious s"a"e. In sahaCa samadhi "he -ommunion is -on"inuous. #$ *ha" are %eva!a nirvi%a!$a samadhi and sahaCa nirvi%a!$a samadhiK A$ 6he immersion o< "he mind in "he e!<' bu" 3i"hou" i"s des"ru-"ion' is %eva!a nirvi%a!$a samadhi. In "his s"a"e one is no" <ree <rom vasanas and so one does no" "here<ore a""ain mu%"i. On!y a<"er "he vasanas have been des"royed -an one a""ain !ibera"ion. #$ *hen -an one $ra-"ise sahaCa samadhiK A$ Even <rom "he be#innin#. Even "hou#h one $ra-"ises %eva!a nirvi%a!$a samadhi <or years "o#e"her' i< one has no" roo"ed ou" "he vasanas one 3i!! no" a""ain !ibera"ion.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ May I have a -!ear idea o< "he di<<eren-e be"3een savi%a!$a and nirvi%a!$aK A$ 2o!din# on "o "he su$reme s"a"e is samadhi. *hen i" is 3i"h e<<or" due "o men"a! dis"urban-es' i" is savi%a!$a. *hen "hese dis"urban-es are absen"' i" is nirvi%a!$a. Remainin# $ermanen"!y in "he $rima! s"a"e 3i"hou" e<<or" is sahaCa. #$ Is nirvi%a!$a samadhi abso!u"e!y ne-essary be<ore "he a""ainmen" o< sahaCaK A$ Abidin# $ermanen"!y in any o< "hese samadhis' ei"her savi%a!$a or nirvi%a!$a' is sahaCa L"he na"ura! s"a"eM. *ha" is bodyD-ons-iousnessK I" is "he insen"ien" body $!us -ons-iousness. Bo"h o< "hese mus" !ie in ano"her -ons-iousness 3hi-h is abso!u"e and una<<e-"ed and 3hi-h remains as i" a!3ays is' 3i"h or 3i"hou" "he bodyD-ons-iousness. *ha" does i" "hen ma""er 3he"her "he bodyD -ons-iousness is !os" or re"ained' $rovided one is ho!din# on "o "ha" $ure -ons-iousnessK 6o"a! absen-e o< bodyD-ons-iousness has "he advan"a#e o< ma%in# "he samadhi more in"ense' a!"hou#h i" ma%es no di<<eren-e "o "he %no3!ed#e o< "he su$reme. #$ Is samadhi "he same as "uriya' "he <our"h s"a"eK A$ amadhi' "uriya and nirvi%a!$a a!! have "he same im$!i-a"ion' "ha" is' a3areness o< "he e!<. 6uriya !i"era!!y means "he <our"h s"a"e' "he su$reme -ons-iousness' as dis"in-" <rom "he o"her "hree s"a"es? 3a%in#' dreamin# and dream!ess s!ee$. 6he <our"h s"a"e is e"erna! and "he o"her "hree s"a"es -ome and #o in i". In "uriya "here is "he a3areness "ha" "he mind has mer#ed in i"s sour-e' "he 2ear"' and is Euies-en" "here' a!"hou#h some "hou#h"s s"i!! im$in#e on i" and "he senses are s"i!! some3ha" a-"ive. In nirvi%a!$a "he senses are ina-"ive and "hou#h"s are "o"a!!y absen". 2en-e "he eB$erien-e o< $ure -ons-iousness in "his s"a"e is in"ense and b!iss<u!. 6uriya is ob"ainab!e in savi%a!$a samadhi. #$ *ha" is "he di<<eren-e be"3een "he b!iss enCoyed in s!ee$ and "he b!iss enCoyed in "uriyaK A$ 6here are no" di<<eren" b!isses. 6here is on!y one b!iss 3hi-h in-!udes "he b!iss enCoyed in "he 3a%in# s"a"e' "he b!iss o< a!! %inds o< bein#s <rom "he !o3es" anima! "o "he hi#hes" Brahma. 6ha" b!iss is "he b!iss o< "he e!<. 6he b!iss 3hi-h is enCoyed un-ons-ious!y in s!ee$ is enCoyed -ons-ious!y in "uriya' "ha" is "he on!y di<<eren-e. 6he b!iss enCoyed in "he 3a%in# s"a"e is se-ondD hand' i" is an adCun-" o< "he rea! b!iss Lu$adhi anandaM. #$ Is samadhi' "he ei#h"h s"a#e o< raCa yo#a' "he same as "he samadhi you s$ea% o<K A$ In yo#a "he "erm samadhi re<ers "o some %ind o< "ran-e and "here are various %inds o< samadhi. Bu" "he samadhi I s$ea% o< is di<<eren". I" is sahaCa samadhi. @rom here you have samadhana Ls"eadinessM and you remain -a!m and -om$osed even 3hi!e you are a-"ive. You rea!iJe "ha" you are moved by "he dee$er rea! e!< 3i"hin. You have no 3orries' no anBie"ies' no -ares' <or you -ome "o rea!iJe "ha" "here is no"hin# be!on#in# "o you. You %no3 "ha" every"hin# is done by some"hin# 3i"h 3hi-h you are in -ons-ious union. #$ I< "his sahaCa samadhi is "he mos" desirab!e -ondi"ion' is "here no need <or nirvi%a!$a samadhiK A$ 6he nirvi%a!$a samadhi o< raCa yo#a may have i"s use. Bu" in Cnana yo#a "his sahaCa s"hi"i Lna"ura! s"a"eM or sahaCa nish"ha Labidan-e in "he na"ura! s"a"eM i"se!< is "he nirvi%a!$a s"a"e. In "his na"ura! s"a"e "he mind is <ree <rom doub"s. I" has no need "o s3in# be"3een a!"erna"ives o< $ossibi!i"ies and $robabi!i"ies. I" sees no vi%a!$as Ldi<<eren-esM o< any %ind. I" is sure o< "he "ru"h be-ause i" <ee!s "he $resen-e o< "he rea!. Even 3hen i" is a-"ive' i" %no3s i" is a-"ive in "he rea!i"y' "he e!<' "he su$reme bein#. #$ *ha" is "he di<<eren-e be"3een dee$ s!ee$' !aya La "ran-eD!i%e s"a"e in 3hi-h "he mind is "em$orari!y in abeyan-eM and samadhiK A$ In dee$ s!ee$ "he mind is mer#ed and no" des"royed. 6ha" 3hi-h mer#es rea$$ears. I" may ha$$en in medi"a"ion a!so. Bu" "he mind 3hi-h is des"royed -anno" rea$$ear. 6he yo#i9s aim mus" be "o des"roy i" and no" "o sin% in"o !aya. In "he $ea-e o< medi"a"ion' !aya some"imes ensues bu" i" is no" enou#h. I" mus" be su$$!emen"ed by o"her $ra-"i-es <or des"royin# "he mind. ome $eo$!e have #one in"o yo#i- samadhi 3i"h a "ri<!in# "hou#h" and a<"er a !on# "ime a3a%ened in "he "rai! o< "he same "hou#h". In "he mean"ime #enera"ions have $assed in "he 3or!d. u-h a yo#i has no" des"royed his mind. 6he "rue des"ru-"ion o< "he mind is "he nonDre-o#ni"ion o< i" as bein# a$ar" <rom "he e!<. Even no3 "he mind is no". Re-o#nise i". 2o3 -an you do i" i< no" in everyday a-"ivi"ies 3hi-h #o on au"oma"i-a!!yK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Kno3 "ha" "he mind $romo"in# "hem is no" rea! bu" is on!y a $han"om $ro-eedin# <rom "he e!<. 6ha" is ho3 "he mind is des"royed. #$ +an "he medi"a"or be a<<e-"ed by $hysi-a! dis"urban-es durin# nirvi%a!$a samadhiK My <riend and I disa#ree on "his $oin". A$ Bo"h o< you are ri#h". One o< you is re<errin# "o %eva!a and "he o"her "o sahaCa samadhi. In bo"h -ases "he mind is immersed in "he b!iss o< "he e!<. In "he <ormer' $hysi-a! movemen"s may -ause dis"urban-e "o "he medi"a"or' be-ause "he mind has no" -om$!e"e!y died ou". I" is s"i!! a!ive and -an' as a<"er dee$ s!ee$' a" any momen" be a-"ive a#ain. I" is -om$ared "o a bu-%e"' 3hi-h' a!"hou#h -om$!e"e!y submer#ed under 3a"er' -an be $u!!ed ou" by a ro$e 3hi-h is s"i!! a""a-hed "o i". In sahaCa' "he mind has sun% -om$!e"e!y in"o "he e!<' !i%e "he bu-%e" 3hi-h has #o" dro3ned in "he de$"hs o< "he 3e!! a!on# 3i"h i"s ro$e. In sahaCa "here is no"hin# !e<" "o be dis"urbed or $u!!ed ba-% "o "he 3or!d. One9s a-"ivi"ies "hen resemb!e "ha" o< "he -hi!d 3ho su-%s i"s mo"her9s mi!% in s!ee$' and is hard!y a3are o< "he <eedin#. #$ 2o3 -an one <un-"ion in "he 3or!d in su-h a s"a"eK A$ One 3ho a--us"oms himse!< na"ura!!y "o medi"a"ion and enCoys "he b!iss o< medi"a"ion 3i!! no" !ose his samadhi s"a"e 3ha"ever eB"erna! 3or% he does' 3ha"ever "hou#h"s may -ome "o him. 6ha" is sahaCa nirvi%a!$a. ahaCa nirvi%a!$a is nasa L"o"a! des"ru-"ion o< "he mindM 3hereas %eva!a nirvi%a!$a is !aya L"em$orary abeyan-e o< "he mindM. 6hose 3ho are in "he !aya samadhi s"a"e 3i!! have "o brin# "he mind ba-% under -on"ro! <rom "ime "o "ime. I< "he mind is des"royed' as i" is in sahaCa samadhi' i" 3i!! never s$rou" a#ain. *ha"ever is done by su-h $eo$!e is Cus" in-iden"a!' "hey 3i!! never s!ide do3n <rom "heir hi#h s"a"e. 6hose "ha" are in "he %eva!a nirvi%a!$a s"a"e are no" rea!iJed' "hey are s"i!! see%ers. 6hose 3ho are in "he sahaCa nirvi%a!$a s"a"e are !i%e a !i#h" in a 3ind!ess $!a-e' or "he o-ean 3i"hou" 3avesI "ha" is' "here is no movemen" in "hem. 6hey -anno" <ind any"hin# 3hi-h is di<<eren" <rom "hemse!ves. @or "hose 3ho do no" rea-h "ha" s"a"e' every"hin# a$$ears "o be di<<eren" <rom "hemse!ves. #$ Is "he eB$erien-e o< %eva!a nirvi%a!$a "he same as "ha" o< sahaCa' a!"hou#h one -omes do3n <rom i" "o "he re!a"ive 3or!dK A$ 6here is nei"her -omin# do3n nor #oin# u$ he 3ho #oes u$ and do3n is no" rea!. In %eva!a nirvi%a!$a "here is "he men"a! bu-%e" s"i!! in eBis"en-e under "he 3a"er' and i" -an be $u!!ed ou" a" any momen". ahaCa is !i%e "he river "ha" has !in%ed u$ 3i"h "he o-ean <rom 3hi-h "here is no re"urn. *hy do you as% a!! "hese Eues"ionsK Go on $ra-"isin# "i!! you have "he eB$erien-e yourse!<. #$ *ha" is "he use o< samadhi and does "hou#h" subsis" "henK A$ amadhi a!one -an revea! "he "ru"h. 6hou#h"s -as" a vei! over rea!i"y' and so i" is no" rea!iJed as su-h in s"a"es o"her "han samadhi. In samadhi "here is on!y "he <ee!in# 8I am9 and no "hou#h"s. 6he eB$erien-e o< 8I am9 is 8bein# s"i!!9. #$ 2o3 -an I re$ea" "he eB$erien-e o< samadhi or "he s"i!!ness "ha" I ob"ain here in your $resen-eK A$ Your $resen" eB$erien-e is due "o "he in<!uen-e o< "he a"mos$here in 3hi-h you <ind yourse!<. +an you have i" ou"side "his a"mos$hereK 6he eB$erien-e is s$asmodi-. Un"i! i" be-omes $ermanen"' $ra-"i-e is ne-essary. #$ Is samadhi an eB$erien-e o< -a!mness or $ea-eK A$ 6he "ranEui! -!ari"y' 3hi-h is devoid o< men"a! "urmoi!' a!one is "he samadhi 3hi-h is "he <irm base <or !ibera"ion. By earnes"!y "ryin# "o des"roy "he de-e$"ive men"a! "urmoi!' eB$erien-e "ha" samadhi as "he $ea-e<u! -ons-iousness 3hi-h is inner -!ari"y. #$ *ha" is "he di<<eren-e be"3een in"erna! and eB"erna! samadhiK A$ EB"erna! samadhi is ho!din# on "o "he rea!i"y 3hi!e 3i"nessin# "he 3or!d' 3i"hou" rea-"in# "o i" <rom 3i"hin. 6here is "he s"i!!ness o< a 3ave!ess o-ean. 6he in"erna! samadhi invo!ves !oss o< bodyD-ons-iousness.

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#$ 6he mind does no" sin% in"o "ha" s"a"e even <or a se-ond. A$ A s"ron# -onvi-"ion is ne-essary "ha" 8I am "he e!<' "rans-endin# "he mind and "he $henomena.9 #$ Never"he!ess' "he mind $roves "o be an unyie!din# obs"a-!e 3hi-h "h3ar"s any a""em$"s "o sin% in"o "he e!<. A$ *ha" does i" ma""er i< "he mind is a-"iveK I" is so on!y on "he subs"ra"um o< "he e!<. 2o!d "he e!< even durin# men"a! a-"ivi"ies. #$ I have read in a boo% by Romain Ro!!and abou" Rama%rishna "ha" nirvi%a!$a samadhi is a "errib!e and "erri<yin# eB$erien-e. Is nirvi%a!$a so "errib!eK Are 3e "hen under#oin# a!! "hese "edious $ro-esses o< medi"a"ion' $uri<i-a"ion and dis-i$!ine on!y "o end in a s"a"e o< "errorK Are 3e #oin# "o "urn in"o !ivin# -or$sesK A$ Peo$!e have a!! sor"s o< no"ions abou" nirvi%a!$a. *hy s$ea% o< Romain Ro!!andK I< "hose 3ho have a!! "he U$anishads and vedan"i- "radi"ion a" "heir dis$osa! have <an"as"i- no"ions abou" nirvi%a!$a' 3ho -an b!ame a 3es"erner <or simi!ar no"ionsK ome yo#is by brea"hin# eBer-ises a!!o3 "hemse!ves "o <a!! in"o a -a"a!e$"i- s"a"e <ar dee$er "han dream!ess s!ee$' in 3hi-h "hey are a3are o< no"hin#' abso!u"e!y no"hin#' and "hey #!ori<y i" as nirvi%a!$a. ome o"hers "hin% "ha" on-e you di$ in"o nirvi%a!$a you be-ome an a!"o#e"her di<<eren" bein#. "i!! o"hers "a%e nirvi%a!$a "o be a""ainab!e on!y "hrou#h a "ran-e in 3hi-h "he 3or!dD-ons-iousness is "o"a!!y ob!i"era"ed' as in a <ain"in# <i". A!! "his is due "o "heir vie3in# i" in"e!!e-"ua!!y. Nirvi%a!$a is -hi" e<<or"!ess' <orm!ess -ons-iousness. *here does "he "error -ome in' and 3here is "he mys"ery in bein# onese!<K 6o some $eo$!e 3hose minds have be-ome ri$e <rom a !on# $ra-"i-e in "he $as"' nirvi%a!$a -omes sudden!y as a <!ood' bu" "o o"hers i" -omes in "he -ourse o< "heir s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e' a $ra-"i-e 3hi-h s!o3!y 3ears do3n "he obs"ru-"in# "hou#h"s and revea!s "he s-reen o< $ure a3areness 8I9D9I9. @ur"her $ra-"i-e renders "he s-reen $ermanen"!y eB$osed. 6his is e!<Drea!iJa"ion' mu%"i' or sahaCa samadhi' "he na"ura!' e<<or"!ess s"a"e. Mere nonD $er-e$"ion o< "he di<<eren-es Lvi%a!$asM ou"side is no" "he rea! na"ure o< <irm nirvi%a!$a. Kno3 "ha" "he nonDrisin# o< di<<eren-es Lvi%a!$asM in "he dead mind a!one is "he "rue nirvi%a!$a. #$ *hen "he mind be#ins "o subside in"o "he e!< "here is o<"en a sensa"ion o< <ear. A$ 6he <ear and "he Eua%in# o< one9s body 3hi!e one is en"erin# samadhi is due "o "he s!i#h" e#oD-ons-iousness s"i!! remainin#. Bu" 3hen "his dies -om$!e"e!y' 3i"hou" !eavin# even a "ra-e' one abides as "he vas" s$a-e o< mere -ons-iousness 3here b!iss a!one $revai!s' and "he Eua%in# s"o$s. #$ Is samadhi a b!iss<u! or e-s"a"i- s"a"eK A$ In samadhi i"se!< "here is on!y $er<e-" $ea-e. E-s"asy -omes 3hen "he mind revives a" "he end o< samadhi' 3i"h "he remembran-e o< "he $ea-e o< samadhi. In devo"ion "he e-s"asy -omes <irs". I" is mani<es"ed by "ears o< Coy' hair s"andin# on end and vo-a! s"umb!in#. *hen "he e#o <ina!!y dies and "he sahaCa is 3on' "hese sym$"oms and "he e-s"asies -ease. #$ On rea!isin# samadhi' does no" one ob"ain siddhis Lsu$erna"ura! $o3ersM a!soK A$ In order "o dis$!ay siddhis' "here mus" be o"hers "o re-o#nise "hem. 6ha" means' "here is no Cnana in "he one 3ho dis$!ays "hem. 6here<ore' siddhis are no" 3or"h a "hou#h". Hnana a!one is "o be aimed a" and #ained. #$ I" is s"a"ed in "he Mandu%yo$anishad "ha" un!ess samadhi' "he ei#h"h and !as" s"a#e o< yo#a' is a!so eB$erien-ed' "here -an be no !ibera"ion Lmo%shaM ho3ever mu-h medi"a"ion LdhyanaM or $hysi-a! aus"eri"ies L"a$asM are $er<ormed. Is "ha" soK A$ Ri#h"!y unders"ood' "hey are "he same. I" ma%es no di<<eren-e 3he"her you -a!! i" medi"a"ion or aus"eri"ies or absor$"ion' or any"hin# e!se. 6ha" 3hi-h is s"eady' -on"inuous !i%e "he <!o3 o< oi!' is aus"eri"y' medi"a"ion and absor$"ion. 6o be one9s o3n e!< is samadhi. #$ Bu" i" is said in "he Mandu%yo$anishad "ha" samadhi mus" ne-essari!y be eB$erien-ed be<ore a""ainin# !ibera"ion. A$ And 3ho says "ha" i" is no" soK I" is s"a"ed no" on!y in "he Mandu%yo$anishad bu" in a!! "he an-ien" boo%s. Bu" i" is "rue samadhi on!y i< you %no3 your e!<. *ha" is "he use o< si""in# s"i!! <or some "ime !i%e a !i<e!ess obCe-". u$$ose

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

you #e" a boi! on your hand and have i" o$era"ed on under anaes"he"i-. You don9" <ee! any $ain a" "he "ime' bu" does "ha" mean "ha" you 3ere in samadhiK I" is "he same 3i"h "his "oo. One has "o %no3 3ha" samadhi is. And ho3 -an you %no3 i" 3i"hou" %no3in# your e!<K I< "he e!< is %no3n' samadhi 3i!! be %no3n au"oma"i-a!!y. amadhi is one9s na"ura! s"a"e. I" is "he under-urren" in a!! "he "hree s"a"es o< 3a%in#' dreamin# and s!ee$in#. 6he e!< is no" in "hese s"a"es' bu" "hese s"a"es are in "he e!<. I< 3e #e" samadhi in our 3a%in# s"a"e' "ha" 3i!! $ersis" in dee$ s!ee$ a!so. 6he dis"in-"ion be"3een -ons-iousness and un-ons-iousness be!on#s "o "he rea!m o< mind' 3hi-h is "rans-ended by "he s"a"e o< "he rea! e!<. #$ o one shou!d a!3ays be "ryin# "o rea-h samadhiK A$ a#es say "ha" "he s"a"e o< eEui!ibrium 3hi-h is devoid o< "he e#o a!one is mounaDsamadhi L"he samadhi o< si!en-eM' "he $inna-!e o< %no3!ed#e. Un"i! one a""ains mounaDsamadhi' "he s"a"e in 3hi-h one is "he e#o!ess rea!i"y' see% on!y "he annihi!a"ion o< 8I9 as your aim.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 15 -

isions and psychic powers

Medi"a"ion some"imes brin#s abou" s$e-"a-u!ar side e<<e-"sI visions o< #ods may a$$ear and o--asiona!!y su$erna"ura! $o3ers su-h as -!airvoyan-e and "e!e$a"hy are deve!o$ed. Bo"h o< "hese e<<e-"s -an be de!ibera"e!y $rodu-ed. +on-en"ra"ion on a men"a! ima#e 3i!! some"imes resu!" in visions' $ar"i-u!ar!y i< "he -on-en"ra"ion is done 3i"h devo"ion or i< "here is a s"ron# desire <or "he visions "o a$$ear. Psy-hi- $o3ers 7siddhis: may a!so be a""ained by s$e-ia! yo#i- eBer-ises. Pa"anCa!i9s Yo#a u"ras' "he -!assi- "eB" on yo#a' !is"s severa! eBer-ises 3hi-h a--e!era"e "he deve!o$men" o< ei#h" siddhis ran#in# <rom invisibi!i"y "o 3a!%in# on 3a"er. ri Ramana dis-oura#ed his devo"ees <rom de!ibera"e!y $ursuin# ei"her visions or siddhis by $oin"in# ou" "ha" "hey 3ere $rodu-"s o< "he mind 3hi-h mi#h" im$ede ra"her "han <a-i!i"a"e e!<D rea!iJa"ion. I< visions -ame s$on"aneous!y he 3ou!d some"imes admi" "ha" "hey 3ere a si#n o< $ro#ress bu" he 3ou!d usua!!y add "ha" "hey 3ere on!y "em$orary eB$erien-es in "he mind and "ha" "hey 3ere 8be!o3 "he $!ane o< e!<Drea!iJa"ion9. I< siddhis a$$eared s$on"aneous!y he 3ou!d ou"!ine "he dan#ers o< be-omin# a""a-hed "o "hem' eB$!ain "ha" su-h $o3ers 3ere more !i%e!y "o in<!a"e "he e#o "han e!imina"e i"' and em$hasise "ha" "he desire <or siddhis and "he desire <or e!<Drea!iJa"ion 3ere mu"ua!!y eB-!usive. 6he e!< is "he mos" in"ima"e and e"erna! bein# 3hereas "he siddhis are <orei#n. iddhis are a-Euired by e<<or" 3hereas "he e!< is no". 6he $o3ers are sou#h" by "he mind 3hi-h mus" be %e$" a!er" 3hereas "he e!< is rea!iJed 3hen "he mind is des"royed. 6he $o3ers on!y mani<es" 3hen "here is "he e#o. 6he e!< is beyond "he e#o and is rea!iJed on!y a<"er "he e#o is e!imina"ed. #$ I on-e be<ore "o!d ri Bha#avan ho3 I had a vision o< iva abou" "he "ime o< my -onversion "o 2induism. A simi!ar eB$erien-e re-urred "o me a" +our"a!!am. 6hese visions are momen"ary bu" "hey are b!iss<u!. I 3an" "o %no3 ho3 "hey mi#h" be made $ermanen" and -on"inuous. *i"hou" iva "here is no !i<e in 3ha" I see around me. I am so ha$$y "o "hin% o< him. P!ease "e!! me ho3 his vision may be ever!as"in# "o me. A$ You s$ea% o< a vision o< iva. 5ision is a!3ays o< an obCe-". 6ha" im$!ies "he eBis"en-e o< a subCe-". 6he va!ue o< "he vision is "he same as "ha" o< "he seer. 6ha" is "o say' "he na"ure o< "he vision is on "he same $!ane as "ha" o< "he seer. A$$earan-e im$!ies disa$$earan-e a!so. *ha"ever a$$ears mus" a!so disa$$ear. A vision -an never be e"erna!. Bu" iva is e"erna!. 6he vision im$!ies "he seer. 6he seer -anno" deny "he eBis"en-e o< "he e!<. 6here is no momen" 3hen "he e!< as -ons-iousness does no" eBis"' nor -an "he seer remain a$ar" <rom -ons-iousness. 6his -ons-iousness is "he e"erna! bein# and "he on!y bein#. 6he seer -anno" see himse!<. Does he deny his eBis"en-e be-ause he -anno" see himse!< 3i"h "he eyes as in a visionK No. o $ra"ya%sha Ldire-" eB$erien-eM does no" mean seein#' bu" bein#. 6o be is "o rea!iJe. 2en-e 8I am "ha" I am9. 8I am9 is iva. No"hin# e!se -an be 3i"hou" him. Every"hin# has i"s bein# in iva and be-ause o< iva. 6here<ore enEuire 8*ho am IK9 in% dee$ 3i"hin and abide as "he e!<. 6ha" is iva as bein#. Do no" eB$e-" "o have visions o< him re$ea"ed. *ha" is "he di<<eren-e be"3een "he obCe-"s you see and ivaK 2e is bo"h "he subCe-" and "he obCe-". You -anno" be 3i"hou" iva be-ause iva is a!3ays rea!iJed here and no3. I< you "hin% you have no" rea!iJed him i" is 3ron#. 6his is "he obs"a-!e <or rea!isin# iva. Give u$ "ha" "hou#h" a!so and rea!iJa"ion is "here. #$ Yes. Bu" ho3 sha!! I e<<e-" i" as Eui-%!y as $ossib!eK A$ 6his is "he obs"a-!e <or rea!iJa"ion. +an "here be "he individua! 3i"hou" ivaK Even no3 he is you. 6here is no

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Eues"ion o< "ime. I< "here is a momen" o< nonDrea!iJa"ion' "he Eues"ion o< rea!iJa"ion -an arise. Bu" as i" is' you -anno" be 3i"hou" him. 2e is a!ready rea!iJed' ever rea!iJed and never nonDrea!iJed. #$ I 3ish "o #e" sa%sha"%ara Ldire-" rea!iJa"ionM o< ri Krishna. *ha" shou!d I do "o #e" i"K A$ *ha" is your idea o< ri Krishna and 3ha" do you mean by sa%sha"%araK #$ I mean ri Krishna 3ho !ived in Brindavan and I 3an" "o see him as "he #o$is Lhis <ema!e devo"eesM sa3 him. A$ You see' you "hin% he is a human bein# or one 3i"h a human <orm' "he son o< so and so' 3hereas he himse!< has said' 8I am in "he 2ear" o< a!! bein#s' I am "he be#innin#' "he midd!e and "he end o< a!! <orms o< !i<e.9 2e mus" be 3i"hin you' as he is 3i"hin a!!. 2e is your e!< or "he e!< o< your e!<. o i< you see "his en"i"y L"he e!<M or have sa%sha"%ara o< i"' you 3i!! have sa%sha"%ara o< Krishna. Dire-" rea!iJa"ion o< "he e!< and dire-" rea!iJa"ion o< Krishna -anno" be di<<eren". 2o3ever' "o #o your o3n 3ay' surrender -om$!e"e!y "o Krishna and !eave i" "o him "o #ran" "he sa%sha"%ara you 3an". #$ Is i" $ossib!e "o s$ea% "o Is3ara LGodM as ri Rama%rishna didK A$ *hen 3e -an s$ea% "o ea-h o"her 3hy shou!d 3e no" s$ea% "o Is3ara in "he same 3ayK #$ 6hen 3hy does i" no" ha$$en 3i"h usK A$ I" reEuires $uri"y and s"ren#"h o< mind and $ra-"i-e in medi"a"ion. #$ Does God be-ome eviden" i< "he above -ondi"ions eBis"K A$ u-h mani<es"a"ions are as rea! as your o3n rea!i"y. In o"her 3ords' 3hen you iden"i<y yourse!< 3i"h "he body' as in "he 3a%in# s"a"e' you see #ross obCe-"s. *hen in "he sub"!e body or in "he men"a! $!ane as in dreams' you see obCe-"s eEua!!y sub"!e. In "he absen-e o< iden"i<i-a"ion in dee$ s!ee$ you see no"hin#. 6he obCe-"s seen bear a re!a"ion "o "he s"a"e o< "he seer. 6he same a$$!ies "o visions o< God. By !on# $ra-"i-e "he <i#ure o< God' as medi"a"ed u$on' a$$ears in dreams and may !a"er a$$ear in "he 3a%in# s"a"e a!so. #$ Many visi"ors here "e!! me "ha" "hey #e" visions or "hou#h"D-urren"s <rom you. I have been here <or "he !as" mon"h and a ha!< and s"i!! I have no" "he s!i#h"es" eB$erien-e o< any %ind. Is i" be-ause I am un3or"hy o< your #ra-eK A$ 5isions and "hou#h"D-urren"s are had a--ordin# "o "he s"a"e o< mind. I" de$ends on "he individua!s and no" u$on "he universa! $resen-e. Moreover' "hey are imma"eria!. *ha" ma""ers is $ea-e o< mind. *ha" is rea!iJa"ionK Is i" "o see God 3i"h <our hands' bearin# a -on-h' a 3hee! and a -!ubK Even i< God shou!d a$$ear in "ha" <orm' ho3 is "he dis-i$!e9s i#noran-e 3i$ed ou"K 6he "ru"h mus" be e"erna! rea!iJa"ion. 6he dire-" $er-e$"ion is everD$resen" eB$erien-e. God himse!< is %no3n 3hen he is dire-"!y $er-eived. I" does no" mean "ha" he a$$ears be<ore "he devo"ee in some $ar"i-u!ar <orm. Un!ess "he rea!iJa"ion is e"erna! i" -anno" serve any use<u! $ur$ose. +an "he a$$earan-e o< God 3i"h <our hands be e"erna! rea!iJa"ionK I" is $henomena! and i!!usory. 6here mus" be a seer. 6he seer a!one is rea! and e"erna!. &e" God a$$ear as "he !i#h" o< a mi!!ion suns. Is i" $ra"ya%sha Ldire-" eB$erien-eMK 6o see a vision o< God "he eyes and "he mind are ne-essary. I" is indire-" %no3!ed#e' 3hereas "he seer is dire-" eB$erien-e. 6he seer a!one is $ra"ya%sha. #$ Peo$!e "a!% o< 5ai%un"ha' Kai!asa' Indra!o%a' +handra!o%a L"he 2indu heavensM. Do "hey rea!!y eBis"K A$ +er"ain!y. You -an res" assured "ha" "hey a!! eBis". 6here a!so a s3ami !i%e me 3i!! be <ound sea"ed on a -ou-h and dis-i$!es 3i!! a!so be sea"ed around him. 6hey 3i!! as% some"hin# and he 3i!! say some"hin# in re$!y. Every"hin# 3i!! be more or !ess !i%e "his. *ha" o< "ha"K I< one sees +handra!o%a' one 3i!! as% <or Indra!o%a' and a<"er Indra!o%a' 5ai%un"ha and a<"er 5ai%un"ha' Kai!asa' and so on' and "he mind #oes on 3anderin#. *here is shan"i L$ea-eMK I< shan"i is reEuired' "he on!y -orre-" me"hod o< se-urin# i" is by se!<DenEuiry. 6hrou#h se!<DenEuiry e!<Drea!iJa"ion is $ossib!e. I< one rea!ises "he e!<' one -an see a!! "hese 3or!ds 3i"hin one9s e!<. 6he sour-e o< every"hin# is one9s o3n e!<' and i< one rea!ises "he e!<' one 3i!! no" <ind any"hin# di<<eren" <rom "he e!<. 6hen "hese Eues"ions 3i!! no" arise.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

6here may or may no" be a 5ai%un"ha or a Kai!asa bu" i" is a <a-" "ha" you are here' isn9" i"K 2o3 are you hereK *here are youK A<"er you %no3 abou" "hese "hin#s' you -an "hin% o< a!! "hose 3or!ds. #$ Are "he siddhis men"ioned in Pa"anCa!i9s su"ras "rue or on!y his dreamK A$ 2e 3ho is Brahman or "he e!< 3i!! no" va!ue "hose siddhis. Pa"anCa!i himse!< says "ha" "hey are a!! eBer-ised 3i"h "he mind and "ha" "hey im$ede e!<Drea!iJa"ion. #$ *ha" abou" "he $o3ers o< soD-a!!ed su$ermenK A$ *he"her $o3ers are hi#h or !o3' 3he"her o< "he mind or o< a su$ermind' "hey eBis" on!y 3i"h re<eren-e "o "he one 3ho has "he $o3er. @ind ou" 3ho "ha" is. #$ Are siddhis "o be a-hieved on "he s$iri"ua! $a"h or are "hey o$$osed "o mu%"i L!ibera"ionMK A$ 6he hi#hes" siddhi is rea!iJa"ion o< "he e!<' <or on-e you rea!iJe "he "ru"h you -ease "o be dra3n "o "he $a"h o< i#noran-e. #$ 6hen 3ha" use are "he siddhisK A$ 6here are "3o %inds o< siddhis and one %ind may 3e!! be a s"umb!in# b!o-% "o rea!iJa"ion. I" is said "ha" by man"ra' by some dru# $ossessin# o--u!" vir"ues' by severe aus"eri"ies or by samadhi o< a -er"ain %ind' $o3ers -an be a-Euired. Bu" "hese $o3ers are no" a means "o e!<D%no3!ed#e' <or even 3hen you a-Euire "hem' you may Eui"e 3e!! be in i#noran-e. #$ *ha" is "he o"her %indK A$ 6hey are mani<es"a"ions o< $o3er and %no3!ed#e 3hi-h are Eui"e na"ura! "o you 3hen you rea!iJe "he e!<. 6hey are siddhis 3hi-h are "he $rodu-"s o< "he norma! and na"ura! "a$as Ls$iri"ua! $ra-"i-eM o< "he man 3ho has rea-hed "he e!<. 6hey -ome o< "heir o3n a--ord' "hey are God #iven. 6hey -ome a--ordin# "o one9s des"iny bu" 3he"her "hey -ome or no"' "he Cnani' 3ho is se""!ed in "he su$reme $ea-e' is no" dis"urbed by "hem. @or he %no3s "he e!< and "ha" is "he unsha%eab!e siddhi. Bu" "hese siddhis do no" -ome by "ryin# <or "hem. *hen you are in "he s"a"e o< rea!iJa"ion' you 3i!! %no3 3ha" "hese $o3ers are. #$ Does "he sa#e use o--u!" $o3ers <or ma%in# o"hers rea!iJe "he e!<' or is "he mere <a-" o< his e!<Drea!iJa"ion enou#h <or i"K A$ 6he <or-e o< his e!<Drea!iJa"ion is <ar more $o3er<u! "han "he use o< a!! o"her $o3ers. 6hou#h siddhis are said "o be many and di<<eren"' Cnana a!one is "he hi#hes" o< "hose many di<<eren" siddhis' be-ause "hose 3ho have a""ained o"her siddhis 3i!! desire Cnana. 6hose 3ho have a""ained Cnana 3i!! no" desire o"her siddhis. 6here<ore as$ire on!y <or Cnana. A!"hou#h "he $o3ers a$$ear "o be 3onder<u! "o "hose 3ho do no" $ossess "hem' ye" "hey are on!y "ransien". I" is use!ess "o as$ire <or "ha" 3hi-h is "ransien". A!! "hese 3onders are -on"ained in "he one -han#e!ess e!<. Greedi!y be##in# <or 3or"h!ess o--u!" $o3ers LsiddhisM <rom God' 3ho 3i!! readi!y #ive himse!<' 3ho is every"hin#' is !i%e be##in# <or 3or"h!ess s"a!e #rue! <rom a #enerousDna"ured $hi!an"hro$is" 3ho 3i!! readi!y #ive every"hin#. In "he 2ear" 3hi-h -a"-hes <ire 3i"h "he b!aJin# <!ame o< su$reme devo"ion' a!! "he o--u!" $o3ers 3i!! #a"her "o#e"her. 2o3ever' 3i"h a hear" "ha" has be-ome a -om$!e"e $rey "o "he <ee" o< "he &ord' "he devo"ee 3i!! no" have any desire <or "hose siddhis. Kno3 "ha" i< as$iran"s 3ho are ma%in# e<<or"s on "he $a"h "o !ibera"ion se" "heir hear" u$on o--u!" $o3ers' "heir dense bonda#e 3i!! be s"ren#"hened more and more' and hen-e "he !us"re o< "heir e#o 3i!! 3aB more and more. 6he a""ainmen" LsiddhiM o< e!<' 3hi-h is "he $er<e-" 3ho!e' "he radian-e o< !ibera"ion' a!one is "he a""ainmen" o< "rue %no3!ed#e' 3hereas "he o"her %inds o< siddhi' be#innin# 3i"h anima L"he abi!i"y "o be-ome as sma!! as an a"omM be!on# "o "he de!usion o< "he $o3er o< ima#ina"ion o< "he <oo!ish mind.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Peo$!e see many "hin#s 3hi-h are <ar more mira-u!ous "han "he soD-a!!ed siddhis' ye" do no" 3onder a" "hem sim$!y be-ause "hey o--ur every day. *hen a man is born he is no bi##er "han "his e!e-"ri- bu!b' bu" "hen he #ro3s u$ and be-omes a #ian" 3res"!er' or a 3or!dD<amed ar"is"' ora"or' $o!i"i-ian or sa#e. Peo$!e do no" vie3 "his as a mira-!e bu" "hey are 3onders"ru-% i< a -or$se is made "o s$ea%. #$ I have been in"eres"in# myse!< in me"a$hysi-s <or over "3en"y years. Bu" I have no" #ained any nove! eB$erien-e as so many o"hers -!aim "o do. I have no $o3ers o< -!airvoyan-e' -!airaudien-e' e"-. I <ee! myse!< !o-%ed u$ in "his body and no"hin# more. A$ I" is ri#h". Rea!i"y is on!y one and "ha" is "he e!<. A!! "he res" are mere $henomena in i"' o< i"' and by i". 6he seer' "he obCe-"s and "he si#h" a!! are "he e!< on!y. +an anyone see or hear' !eavin# "he e!< asideK *ha" di<<eren-e does i" ma%e "o see or hear anyone in -!ose $roBimi"y or over enormous dis"an-eK 6he or#ans o< si#h" and hearin# are needed in bo"h -ases and so "he mind is a!so reEuired. None o< "hem -an be dis$ensed 3i"h in ei"her -ase. 6here is de$enden-e one 3ay or ano"her. *hy "hen shou!d "here be a #!amour abou" -!airvoyan-e or -!airaudien-eK Moreover' 3ha" is a-Euired 3i!! a!so be !os" in due -ourse. 6hey -an never be $ermanen". #$ Is i" no" #ood "o a-Euire $o3ers su-h as "e!e$a"hyK A$ 6e!e$a"hy or radio enab!es one "o see and hear <rom a<ar. 6hey are a!! "he same' hearin# and seein#. *he"her one hears <rom near or <ar does no" ma%e any di<<eren-e "o "he one 3ho hears. 6he <undamen"a! <a-"or is "he hearer' "he subCe-". *i"hou" "he hearer or "he seer' "here -an be no hearin# or seein#. 6he !a""er are "he <un-"ions o< "he mind. 6he o--u!" $o3ers LsiddhisM are "here<ore on!y in "he mind. 6hey are no" na"ura! "o "he e!<. 6ha" 3hi-h is no" na"ura!' bu" a-Euired' -anno" be $ermanen"' and is no" 3or"h s"rivin# <or. 6hese siddhis deno"e eB"ended $o3ers. A man is $ossessed o< !imi"ed $o3ers and is miserab!e. Be-ause o< "his he 3an"s "o eB$and his $o3ers so "ha" he may be ha$$y. Bu" -onsider i< i" 3i!! be so. I< 3i"h !imi"ed $er-e$"ions one is miserab!e' 3i"h eB"ended $er-e$"ions "he misery mus" in-rease $ro$or"iona"e!y. O--u!" $o3ers 3i!! no" brin# ha$$iness "o anyone' bu" 3i!! ma%e one a!! "he more miserab!e. Moreover 3ha" are "hese $o3ers <orK 6he 3ou!dDbe o--u!"is" LsiddhaM desires "o dis$!ay "he siddhis so "ha" o"hers may a$$re-ia"e him. 2e see%s a$$re-ia"ion' and i< i" is no" <or"h-omin# he 3i!! no" be ha$$y. 6here mus" be o"hers "o a$$re-ia"e him. 2e may even <ind ano"her $ossessor o< hi#her $o3ers. 6ha" 3i!! -ause Cea!ousy and breed unha$$iness. *hi-h is "he rea! $o3erK Is i" "o in-rease $ros$eri"y or brin# abou" $ea-eK 6ha" 3hi-h resu!"s in $ea-e is "he hi#hes" $er<e-"ion LsiddhiM.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 16 - !ro"lems and e#periences

Physi-a! $ain and dis-om<or"' men"a! anar-hy' emo"iona! <!u-"ua"ions and o--asiona! in"er!udes o< b!iss<u! $ea-e are <reEuen"!y eB$erien-ed as byD$rodu-"s o< s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-e. u-h mani<es"a"ions may no" be as drama"i- as "he ones ou"!ined in "he $revious "3o -ha$"ers bu" "hey "end "o be o< #rea" in"eres" "o "he $eo$!e 3ho eB$erien-e "hem. 6hey are usua!!y in"er$re"ed as ei"her mi!es"ones or obs"a-!es on "he road "o "he e!< and' de$endin# on 3hi-h in"er$re"a"ion is <avoured' #rea" e<<or"s are eB$ended in "ryin# "o $ro!on# or e!imina"e "hem. ri Ramana "ended "o $!ay do3n "he im$or"an-e o< mos" s$iri"ua! eB$erien-es and i< "hey 3ere re$or"ed "o him he 3ou!d usua!!y s"ress "ha" i" 3as more im$or"an" "o be a3are o< "he eB$erien-er "han "o indu!#e in or ana!yse "he eB$erien-e. 2e 3ou!d some"imes di#ress in"o eB$!ana"ions abou" "he -auses o< "he eB$erien-es and he o--asiona!!y eva!ua"ed "hem as bein# ei"her bene<i-ia! or de"rimen"a! "o e!<Da3areness' bu" on "he 3ho!e he "ended "o dis-oura#e in"eres" in "hem. 2e 3as more <or"h-omin# 3hen devo"ees as%ed his advi-e abou" $rob!ems "hey had en-oun"ered durin# medi"a"ion. 2e 3ou!d !is"en $a"ien"!y "o "heir -om$!ain"s' o<<er -ons"ru-"ive so!u"ions "o "heir $rob!ems and' i< he <e!" "ha" i" 3as a$$ro$ria"e' "ry "o sho3 "hem "ha" <rom "he s"and$oin" o< "he e!< a!! $rob!ems 3ere nonDeBis"en". #$ One has a" "imes vivid <!ashes o< a -ons-iousness 3hose -en"re is ou"side "he norma! se!<' and 3hi-h seems "o be a!!Din-!usive. *i"hou" -on-ernin# ourse!ves 3i"h $hi!oso$hi-a! -on-e$"s' ho3 3ou!d Bha#avan advise me "o 3or% "o3ards #e""in#' re"ainin# and eB"endin# "hose rare <!ashesK Does "he abhyasa Ls$iri"ua! $ra-"i-eM ne-essary <or su-h eB$erien-es invo!ve re"iremen"K A$ You say 8ou"side9? <or 3hom is "he inside or ou"sideK 6hese -an eBis" on!y so !on# as "here are "he subCe-" and obCe-". @or 3hom are "hese "3o a#ainK On inves"i#a"ion you 3i!! <ind "ha" "hey reso!ve in"o "he subCe-" on!y. ee 3ho is "he subCe-" and "his enEuiry 3i!! !ead you "o $ure -ons-iousness beyond "he subCe-". You say 8norma! se!<? "he norma! se!< is "he mind. 6he mind is 3i"h !imi"a"ions. Bu" $ure -ons-iousness is beyond !imi"a"ions' and is rea-hed by inves"i#a"ion in"o "he 8I9. You say 8#e""in#9? "he e!< is a!3ays "here. You have on!y "o remove "he vei! obs"ru-"in# "he reve!a"ion o< "he e!<. You say 8re"ainin#9? on-e you rea!iJe "he e!<' i" be-omes your dire-" and immedia"e eB$erien-e. I" is never !os". You say 8eB"endin#9? "here is no eB"endin# o< "he e!<' <or i" is as i" a!3ays is' 3i"hou" -on"ra-"ion or eB$ansion. You say 8re"iremen"9? abidin# in "he e!< is so!i"ude' be-ause "here is no"hin# a!ien "o "he e!<. Re"iremen" mus" be <rom one $!a-e or s"a"e "o ano"her. 6here is nei"her "he one nor "he o"her a$ar" <rom "he e!<. A!! bein# "he e!<' re"iremen" is im$ossib!e and in-on-eivab!e. You say 8abhyasa99? abhyasa is on!y "he $reven"ion o< dis"urban-e "o "he inheren" $ea-e. You are a!3ays in your na"ura! s"a"e 3he"her you ma%e abhyasa or no". 6o remain as you are' 3i"hou" Eues"ion or doub"' is your na"ura! s"a"e. #$ 6here are "imes 3hen $ersons and "hin#s "a%e on a va#ue' a!mos" "rans$aren" <orm as in a dream. One -eases "o observe "hem <rom ou"side' bu" one is $assive!y -ons-ious o< "heir eBis"en-e' 3hi!e no" a-"ive!y -ons-ious o< any %ind o< se!<hood. 6here is a dee$ Euie"ness in "he mind. Is "he mind a" su-h "imes ready "o dive in"o "he e!<K Or is "his -ondi"ion unhea!"hy' "he resu!" o< se!<D hy$no"ismK hou!d i" be en-oura#ed as a means o< #e""in# "em$orary $ea-eK A$ 6here is -ons-iousness a!on# 3i"h Euie"ness in "he mind. 6his is eBa-"!y "he s"a"e "o be aimed a". 6he <a-" "ha" "he Eues"ion has been <ramed on "his $oin"' 3i"hou" rea!isin# "ha" i" is "he e!<' sho3s "ha" "he s"a"e is no" s"eady bu" -asua!. 6he 3ord 8divin#9 is on!y a$$ro$ria"e i< one has "o "urn "he mind 3i"hin in order "o avoid bein# dis"ra-"ed by "he ou"#oin# "enden-ies o< "he mind. A" su-h "imes one has "o dive be!o3 "he sur<a-e o< "hese eB"erna! $henomena. Bu" 3hen dee$ Euie"ness $revai!s 3i"hou" obs"ru-"in# "he -ons-iousness' 3here is "he need "o diveK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ *hen I medi"a"e I <ee! a -er"ain b!iss a" "imes. On su-h o--asions' shou!d I as% myse!< 8*ho is i" "ha" eB$erien-es "his b!issK9 A$ I< i" is "he rea! b!iss o< "he e!< "ha" is eB$erien-ed' "ha" is' i< "he mind has rea!!y mer#ed in "he e!<' su-h a doub" 3i!! no" arise a" a!!. 6he Eues"ion i"se!< sho3s rea! b!iss 3as no" rea-hed. A!! doub"s 3i!! -ease on!y 3hen "he doub"er and his sour-e have been <ound. 6here is no use removin# doub"s one by one. I< 3e -!ear one doub"' ano"her doub" 3i!! arise and "here 3i!! be no end o< doub"s. Bu" i<' by see%in# "he sour-e o< "he doub"er' "he doub"er is <ound "o be rea!!y nonD eBis"en"' "hen a!! doub"s 3i!! -ease. #$ ome"imes I hear in"erna! sounds. *ha" shou!d I do 3hen su-h "hin#s ha$$enK A$ *ha"ever may ha$$en' %ee$ u$ "he enEuiry in"o "he se!<' as%in# 8*ho hears "hese soundsK9 "i!! "he rea!i"y is rea-hed. #$ ome"imes' 3hi!e in medi"a"ion' I <ee! b!iss<u! and "ears -ome "o my eyes. A" o"her "imes I do no" have "hem. *hy is "ha"K A$ B!iss is a "hin# 3hi-h is a!3ays "here and is no" some"hin# 3hi-h -omes and #oes. 6ha" 3hi-h -omes and #oes is a -rea"ion o< "he mind and you shou!d no" 3orry abou" i". #$ 6he b!iss -auses a $hysi-a! "hri!! in "he body' bu" 3hen i" disa$$ears I <ee! deCe-"ed and desire "o have "he eB$erien-e over a#ain. *hyK A$ You admi" "ha" you 3ere "here bo"h 3hen "he b!iss<u! <ee!in# 3as eB$erien-ed and 3hen i" 3as no". I< you rea!iJe "ha" 8you9 $ro$er!y' "hose eB$erien-es 3i!! be o< no a--oun". #$ @or rea!isin# "ha" b!iss' "here mus" be some"hin# "o -a"-h ho!d o<' mus"n9" "hereK A$ 6here mus" be a dua!i"y i< you are "o -a"-h ho!d o< some"hin# e!se' bu" 3ha" is is on!y "he one e!<' no" a dua!i"y. 2en-e' 3ho is "o -a"-h ho!d o< 3homK And 3ha" is "he "hin# "o be -au#h"K #$ *hen I rea-h "he "hou#h"!ess s"a#e in my sadhana I enCoy a -er"ain $!easure' bu" some"imes I a!so eB$erien-e a va#ue <ear 3hi-h I -anno" $ro$er!y des-ribe. A$ You may eB$erien-e any"hin#' bu" you shou!d never res" -on"en" 3i"h "ha". *he"her you <ee! $!easure or <ear' as% yourse!< 3ho <ee!s "he $!easure or "he <ear and so -arry on "he sadhana un"i! $!easure and <ear are bo"h "rans-ended' "i!! a!! dua!i"y -eases and "i!! "he rea!i"y a!one remains. 6here is no"hin# 3ron# in su-h "hin#s ha$$enin# or bein# eB$erien-ed' bu" you mus" never s"o$ a" "ha". @or ins"an-e' you mus" never res" -on"en" 3i"h "he $!easure o< !aya L"em$orary abeyan-e o< "he mindM eB$erien-ed 3hen "hou#h" is Eue!!ed' you mus" $ress on un"i! a!! dua!i"y -eases. #$ 2o3 does one #e" rid o< <earK A$ *ha" is <earK I" is on!y a "hou#h". I< "here is any"hin# besides "he e!< "here is reason "o <ear. *ho sees "hin#s se$ara"e <rom "he e!<K @irs" "he e#o arises and sees obCe-"s as eB"erna!. I< "he e#o does no" rise' "he e!< a!one eBis"s and "here is no"hin# eB"erna!. @or any"hin# eB"erna! "o onese!< im$!ies "he eBis"en-e o< "he seer 3i"hin. ee%in# i" "here 3i!! e!imina"e doub" and <ear. No" on!y <ear' a!! o"her "hou#h"s -en"red round "he e#o 3i!! disa$$ear a!on# 3i"h i". #$ 2o3 -an "he "errib!e <ear o< dea"h be over-omeK A$ *hen does "ha" <ear seiJe youK Does i" -ome 3hen you do no" see your body' say' in dream!ess s!ee$K I" haun"s you on!y 3hen you are <u!!y 8a3a%e9 and $er-eive "he 3or!d' in-!udin# your body. I< you do no" see "hese and remain your $ure e!<' as in dream!ess s!ee$' no <ear -an "ou-h you. I< you "ra-e "his <ear "o "he obCe-"' "he !oss o< 3hi-h #ives rise "o i"' you 3i!! <ind "ha" "ha" obCe-" is no" "he body' bu" "he mind 3hi-h <un-"ions in i". Many a man 3ou!d be on!y "oo #!ad "o be rid o< his diseased body and a!! "he $rob!ems and in-onvenien-e i" -rea"es <or him i< -on"inued a3areness 3ere vou-hsa<ed "o him. I" is "he a3areness' "he

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

-ons-iousness' and no" "he body' he <ears "o !ose. Men !ove eBis"en-e be-ause i" is e"erna! a3areness' 3hi-h is "heir o3n e!<. *hy no" "hen ho!d on "o "he $ure a3areness ri#h" no3' 3hi!e in "he body' and be <ree <rom a!! <earK #$ *hen I "ry "o be 3i"hou" a!! "hou#h"s' I $ass in"o s!ee$. *ha" shou!d I do abou" i"K A$ On-e you #o "o s!ee$ you -an do no"hin# in "ha" s"a"e. Bu" 3hi!e you are a3a%e' "ry "o %ee$ a3ay a!! "hou#h"s. *hy "hin% abou" s!ee$K Even "ha" is a "hou#h"' is i" no"K I< you are ab!e "o be 3i"hou" any "hou#h" 3hi!e you are a3a%e' "ha" is enou#h. *hen you $ass in"o s!ee$ "he s"a"e 3hi-h you 3ere in be<ore <a!!in# as!ee$ 3i!! -on"inue 3hen you 3a%e u$. You 3i!! -on"inue <rom 3here you !e<" o<< 3hen you <e!! in"o s!umber. o !on# as "here are "hou#h"s o< a-"ivi"y "here 3i!! a!so be s!ee$. 6hou#h" and s!ee$ are -oun"er$ar"s o< one and "he same "hin#. *e shou!d no" s!ee$ "oo mu-h or #o 3i"hou" i" a!"o#e"her' bu" s!ee$ on!y modera"e!y. 6o $reven" "oo mu-h s!ee$' 3e mus" "ry and have no "hou#h"s or -ha!ana Lmovemen" o< "he mindM' 3e mus" ea" on!y sa""vi- <ood and "ha" on!y in modera"e measure' and no" indu!#e in "oo mu-h $hysi-a! a-"ivi"y. 6he more 3e -on"ro! "hou#h"' a-"ivi"y and <ood "he more 3e sha!! be ab!e "o -on"ro! s!ee$. Bu" modera"ion ou#h" "o be "he ru!e' as eB$!ained in "he Gi"a' <or "he see%er on "he $a"h. !ee$ is "he <irs" obs"a-!e' as eB$!ained in "he boo%s' <or a!! sadha%s. 6he se-ond obs"a-!e is said "o be vi%she$a or "he sense obCe-"s o< "he 3or!d 3hi-h diver" one9s a""en"ion. 6he "hird is said "o be %ashaya or "hou#h"s in "he mind abou" $revious eB$erien-es 3i"h sense obCe-"s. 6he <our"h' ananda Lb!issM' is a!so -a!!ed an obs"a-!e' be-ause in "ha" s"a"e a <ee!in# o< se$ara"ion <rom "he sour-e o< ananda' enab!in# "he enCoyer "o say 8I am enCoyin# ananda9' is $resen". Even "his has "o be surmoun"ed. 6he <ina! s"a#e o< samadhi has "o be rea-hed in 3hi-h one be-omes ananda or one 3i"h rea!i"y. In "his s"a"e "he dua!i"y o< enCoyer and enCoymen" -eases in "he o-ean o< sa"D-hi"Dananda or "he e!<. #$ o one shou!d no" "ry "o $er$e"ua"e b!iss<u! or e-s"a"i- s"a"esK A$ 6he <ina! obs"a-!e in medi"a"ion is e-s"asyI you <ee! #rea" b!iss and ha$$iness and 3an" "o s"ay in "ha" e-s"asy. Do no" yie!d "o i" bu" $ass on "o "he neB" s"a#e 3hi-h is #rea" -a!m. 6he -a!m is hi#her "han e-s"asy and i" mer#es in"o samadhi. u--ess<u! samadhi -auses a 3a%in# s!ee$ s"a"e "o su$ervene. In "ha" s"a"e you %no3 "ha" you are a!3ays -ons-iousness' <or -ons-iousness is your na"ure. A-"ua!!y' one is a!3ays in samadhi bu" one does no" %no3 i". 6o %no3 i" a!! one has "o do is "o remove "he obs"a-!es. #$ 6hrou#h $oe"ry' musi-' Ca$a' bhaCans Ldevo"iona! son#sM' "he si#h" o< beau"i<u! !ands-a$es' readin# "he !ines o< s$iri"ua! verses' e"-.' one eB$erien-es some"imes a "rue sense o< "he a!!D $ervadin# uni"y. Is "ha" <ee!in# o< dee$ b!iss<u! Euie" in 3hi-h "he $ersona! se!< has no $!a-e "he same as "he en"erin# in"o "he 2ear" o< 3hi-h Bha#avan s$ea%sK *i!! under"a%in# "hese a-"ivi"ies !ead "o a dee$er samadhi and so u!"ima"e!y "o a <u!! vision o< "he rea!K A$ 6here is ha$$iness 3hen a#reeab!e "hin#s are $resen"ed "o "he mind. I" is "he ha$$iness inheren" in "he e!<' and "here is no o"her ha$$iness. And i" is no" a!ien and a<ar. You are divin# in"o "he e!< on "hose o--asions 3hi-h you -onsider $!easurab!e and "ha" divin# resu!"s in se!<DeBis"en" b!iss. Bu" "he asso-ia"ion o< ideas is res$onsib!e <or <ois"in# "ha" b!iss on o"her "hin#s or o--urren-es 3hi!e' in <a-"' "ha" b!iss is 3i"hin you. On "hese o--asions you are $!un#in# in"o "he e!<' "hou#h un-ons-ious!y. I< you do so -ons-ious!y' 3i"h "he -onvi-"ion "ha" -omes o< "he eB$erien-e "ha" you are iden"i-a! 3i"h "he ha$$iness 3hi-h is "ru!y "he e!<' "he one rea!i"y' you -a!! i" rea!iJa"ion. I 3an" you "o dive -ons-ious!y in"o "he e!<' "ha" is "he 2ear". #$ I have been ma%in# sadhana <or near!y "3en"y years and I -an see no $ro#ress. *ha" shou!d I doK @rom abou" <ive o9-!o-% every mornin# I -on-en"ra"e on "he "hou#h" "ha" "he e!< a!one is rea! and a!! e!se unrea!. A!"hou#h I have been doin# "his <or abou" "3en"y years I -anno" -on-en"ra"e <or more "han "3o or "hree minu"es 3i"hou" my "hou#h"s 3anderin#. A$ 6here is no o"her 3ay "o su--eed "han "o dra3 "he mind ba-% every "ime i" "urns ou"3ards and <iB i" in "he e!<. 6here is no need <or medi"a"ion or man"ra or Ca$a or any"hin# o< "he sor"' be-ause "hese are our rea! na"ure. A!! "ha" is needed is "o #ive u$ "hin%in# o< obCe-"s o"her "han "he e!<. Medi"a"ion is no" so mu-h "hin%in# o< "he e!< as #ivin# u$ "hin%in# o< "he no"D e!<. *hen you #ive u$ "hin%in# o< ou"3ard obCe-"s and $reven" your mind <rom #oin# ou"3ards by "urnin# i" in3ards and <iBin# i" in "he e!<' "he e!< a!one remains.

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#$ *ha" shou!d I do "o over-ome "he $u!! o< "hese "hou#h"s and desiresK 2o3 shou!d I re#u!a"e my !i<e so as "o a""ain -on"ro! over my "hou#h"sK A$ 6he more you #e" <iBed in "he e!< "he more o"her "hou#h"s 3i!! dro$ o<< o< "hemse!ves. 6he mind is no"hin# bu" a bund!e o< "hou#h"s' and "he 8I9D"hou#h" is "he roo" o< a!! o< "hem. *hen you see 3ho "his 8I9 is and <ind ou" 3here i" -omes <rom a!! "hou#h"s #e" mer#ed in "he e!<. Re#u!a"ion o< !i<e' su-h as #e""in# u$ a" a <iBed hour' ba"hin#' doin# man"ra' Ca$a' observin# ri"ua!' a!! "his is <or $eo$!e 3ho do no" <ee! dra3n "o se!<DenEuiry or are no" -a$ab!e o< i". Bu" <or "hose 3ho -an $ra-"ise "his me"hod a!! ru!es and dis-i$!ine are unne-essary. #$ *hy -anno" "he mind be "urned in3ard in s$i"e o< re$ea"ed a""em$"sK A$ I" is done by $ra-"i-e and dis$assion and i" su--eeds on!y #radua!!y. 6he mind' havin# been so !on# a -o3 a--us"omed "o #raJe s"ea!"hi!y on o"hers9 es"a"es' is no" easi!y -on<ined "o her s"a!!. 2o3ever mu-h her %ee$er "em$"s her 3i"h !us-ious #rass and <ine <odder' she re<uses "he <irs" "ime. 6hen she "a%es a bi"' bu" her inna"e "enden-y "o s"ray a3ay asser"s i"se!< and she s!i$s a3ay. On bein# re$ea"ed!y "em$"ed by "he o3ner' she a--us"oms herse!< "o "he s"a!! un"i! <ina!!y' even i< !e" !oose' she does no" s"ray a3ay. imi!ar!y 3i"h "he mind. I< on-e i" <inds i"s inner ha$$iness i" 3i!! no" 3ander ou"3ard. #$ Are "here no" modu!a"ions in -on"em$!a"ion a--ordin# "o -ir-ums"an-esK A$ Yes. 6here are. A" "imes "here is i!!umina"ion and "hen -on"em$!a"ion is easy. A" o"her "imes -on"em$!a"ion is im$ossib!e even 3i"h re$ea"ed a""em$"s. 6his is due "o "he 3or%in# o< "he "hree #unas Lsa""va' raCas and "amasM. #$ Is i" in<!uen-ed by one9s a-"ivi"ies and -ir-ums"an-esK A$ 6hose -anno" in<!uen-e i". I" is "he sense o< doershi$ %ar"ri"va buddhi "ha" <orms "he im$edimen". #$ My mind remains -!ear <or "3o or "hree days and "urns du!! <or "he neB" "3o or "hree daysI and so i" a!"erna"es. *ha" is i" due "oK A$ I" is Eui"e na"ura!. I" is "he $!ay o< $uri"y Lsa""vaM' a-"ivi"y LraCasM and iner"ia L"amasM a!"erna"in#. Do no" re#re" "he "amas' bu" 3hen sa""va -omes in"o $!ay' ho!d on "o i" and ma%e "he bes" o< i". #$ A man some"imes <inds "ha" "he $hysi-a! body does no" $ermi" s"eady medi"a"ion. hou!d he $ra-"ise yo#a <or "rainin# "he body <or "he $ur$oseK A$ I" is a--ordin# "o one9s sams%aras L$redis$osi"ionsM. One man 3i!! $ra-"ise ha"ha yo#a <or -urin# his bodi!y i!!s' ano"her man 3i!! "rus" "o God "o -ure "hem' a "hird man 3i!! use his 3i!!$o3er <or i" and a <our"h man may be "o"a!!y indi<<eren" "o "hem. Bu" a!! o< "hem 3i!! $ersis" in medi"a"ion. 6he Eues" <or "he e!< is "he essen"ia! <a-"or and a!! "he res" are mere a--essories. #$ My a""em$"s a" -on-en"ra"ion are <rus"ra"ed by sudden $a!$i"a"ions o< "he hear" and a--om$anyin# hard' shor" and Eui-% brea"hs. 6hen my "hou#h"s a!so rush ou" and "he mind be-omes un-on"ro!!ab!e. Under hea!"hy -ondi"ions I am more su--ess<u! and my brea"h -omes "o a s"ands"i!! 3i"h dee$ -on-en"ra"ion. I had !on# been anBious "o #e" "he bene<i" o< ri Bha#avan9s $roBimi"y <or "he su--ess<u! -u!mina"ion o< my medi"a"ion and so -ame here a<"er -onsiderab!e e<<or". I <e!! i!! here. I -ou!d no" medi"a"e and so I <e!" de$ressed. I made a de"ermined e<<or" "o -on-en"ra"e my mind even "hou#h I 3as "roub!ed by shor" and Eui-% brea"hs. 6hou#h $ar"!y su--ess<u! i" does no" sa"is<y me. 6he "ime <or my !eavin# "he $!a-e is dra3in# near. I <ee! more and more de$ressed as I -on"em$!a"e !eavin# "he $!a-e. 2ere I <ind $eo$!e ob"ainin# $ea-e by medi"a"ion in "he ha!! 3hereas I am no" b!essed 3i"h su-h $ea-e. 6his i"se!< has a de$ressin# e<<e-" on me. A$ 6his "hou#h"' 8I am no" ab!e "o -on-en"ra"e9' is i"se!< an obs"a-!e. *hy shou!d "he "hou#h" ariseK #$ +an one remain 3i"hou" "hou#h"s risin# a!! "he "3en"yD<our hours o< "he dayK hou!d I remain 3i"hou" medi"a"ionK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ *ha" is 8hours9 a#ainK I" is a -on-e$". Ea-h Eues"ion o< yours is $rom$"ed by a "hou#h". *henever a "hou#h" arises' do no" be -arried a3ay by i". You be-ome a3are o< "he body 3hen you <or#e" "he e!<. Bu" -an you <or#e" "he e!<K Bein# "he e!< ho3 -an you <or#e" i"K 6here mus" be "3o se!ves <or one "o <or#e" "he o"her. I" is absurd. o "he e!< is no" de$ressed' nor is i" im$er<e-". I" is ever ha$$y. 6he -on"rary <ee!in# is a mere "hou#h" 3hi-h has a-"ua!!y no s"amina in i". Be rid o< "hou#h"s. *hy shou!d one a""em$" medi"a"ionK Bein# "he e!< one remains a!3ays rea!iJed. On!y be <ree <rom "hou#h"s. You "hin% "ha" your hea!"h does no" $ermi" your medi"a"ion. 6his de$ression mus" be "ra-ed "o i"s ori#in. 6he ori#in is "he 3ron# iden"i<i-a"ion o< "he body 3i"h "he e!<. 6he disease is no" o< "he e!<' i" is o< "he body. Bu" "he body does no" -ome and "e!! you "ha" i" is $ossessed by "he disease. I" is you 3ho say so. *hyK Be-ause you have 3ron#!y iden"i<ied yourse!< 3i"h "he body. 6he body i"se!< is a "hou#h". Be as you rea!!y are. 6here is no reason "o be de$ressed. #$ u$$ose "here is some dis"urban-e durin# medi"a"ion' su-h as mosEui"o bi"es. hou!d one $ersis" in medi"a"ion and "ry "o bear "he bi"es and i#nore "he in"erru$"ion' or drive "he mosEui"oes a3ay and "hen -on"inue "he medi"a"ionK A$ You mus" do as you <ind mos" -onvenien". You 3i!! no" a""ain mu%"i sim$!y be-ause you drive "hem a3ay. 6he "hin# is "o a""ain oneD$oin"edness and "hen "o a""ain manoDnasa Ldes"ru-"ion o< "he mindM. *he"her you do "his by $u""in# u$ 3i"h "he mosEui"o bi"es or drivin# "he mosEui"oes a3ay is !e<" "o you. I< you are -om$!e"e!y absorbed in your medi"a"ion you 3i!! no" %no3 "ha" "he mosEui"oes are bi"in# you. 6i!! you a""ain "ha" s"a#e 3hy shou!d you no" drive "hem a3ayK #$ Peo$!e $ra-"isin# medi"a"ion are said "o #e" ne3 diseasesI a" any ra"e' I <ee! some $ain in "he ba-% and <ron" o< "he -hes". 6his is s"a"ed "o be a "es" by God. *i!! Bha#avan eB$!ain "his and say i< i" is "rueK A$ 6here is no Bha#avan ou"side you and no "es" is "here<ore ins"i"u"ed. *ha" you be!ieve "o be a "es" or a ne3 disease resu!"in# <rom s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-es is rea!!y "he s"rain "ha" is no3 brou#h" "o $!ay u$on your nerves and "he <ive senses. 6he mind 3hi-h 3as hi"her"o o$era"in# "hrou#h "he nadis LnervesM "o sense eB"erna! obCe-"s' main"ainin# a !in% be"3een i"se!< and "he or#ans o< $er-e$"ion' is no3 reEuired "o 3i"hdra3 <rom "he !in%9 and "his a-"ion o< 3i"hdra3a! na"ura!!y -auses a s"rain' a s$rain or a sna$ a""endan" 3i"h $ain. ome $eo$!e -a!! "his a disease and some -a!! i" a "es" o< God. A!! "hese $ains 3i!! #o i< you -on"inue your medi"a"ion' bes"o3in# your "hou#h" so!e!y on unders"andin# your e!< or on e!<Drea!iJa"ion. 6here is no #rea"er remedy "han "his -on"inuous yo#a or union 3i"h God or a"man. Pain is inevi"ab!e as a resu!" o< dis-ardin# "he vasanas Lmen"a! "enden-iesM 3hi-h you have had <or so !on#. #$ *ha" is "he bes" 3ay o< dea!in# 3i"h desires and vasanas 3i"h a vie3 "o #e""in# rid o< "hem sa"is<yin# "hem or su$$ressin# "hemK A$ I< a desire -an be #o" rid o< by sa"is<yin# i"' "here 3i!! be no harm in sa"is<yin# su-h a desire. Bu" desires #enera!!y are no" eradi-a"ed by sa"is<a-"ion. 6ryin# "o roo" "hem ou" "ha" 3ay is !i%e "ryin# "o Euen-h a <ire by $ourin# in<!ammab!e s$iri"s on i". A" "he same "ime' "he $ro$er remedy is no" <or-ib!e su$$ression' sin-e su-h re$ression is bound "o rea-" sooner or !a"er in"o a <or-e<u! sur#in# u$ o< desires 3i"h undesirab!e -onseEuen-es. 6he $ro$er 3ay "o #e" rid o< a desire is "o <ind ou" 8*ho #e"s "he desireK *ha" is i"s sour-eK9 *hen "his is <ound' "he desire is roo"ed ou" and i" 3i!! never a#ain emer#e or #ro3. ma!! desires su-h as "he desire "o ea"' drin%' s!ee$ and a""end "o -a!!s o< na"ure' "hou#h "hese may a!so be -!assed amon# desires' you -an sa<e!y sa"is<y. 6hey 3i!! no" im$!an" vasanas in your mind' ne-essi"a"in# <ur"her bir"h. 6hose a-"ivi"ies are Cus" ne-essary "o -arry on !i<e and are no" !i%e!y "o deve!o$ or !eave behind vasanas or "enden-ies. As a #enera! ru!e' "here<ore' "here is no harm in sa"is<yin# a desire 3here "he sa"is<a-"ion 3i!! no" !ead "o <ur"her desires by -rea"in# vasanas in "he mind. #$ In "he $ra-"i-e o< medi"a"ion are "here any si#ns in "he rea!m o< subCe-"ive eB$erien-e 3hi-h 3i!! indi-a"e "he as$iran"9s $ro#ress "o3ards e!<Drea!iJa"ionK A$ 6he de#ree o< <reedom <rom un3an"ed "hou#h"s and "he de#ree o< -on-en"ra"ion on a sin#!e "hou#h" are "he measures "o #au#e "he $ro#ress.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

PART SIX - Theory

A!! me"a$hysi-a! dis-ussion is $ro<i"!ess un!ess i" -auses us "o see% 3i"hin "he e!< <or "he "rue rea!i"y. A!! -on"roversies abou" -rea"ion' "he na"ure o< "he universe' evo!u"ion' "he $ur$ose o< God' e"-.' are use!ess. 6hey are no" -ondu-ive "o our "rue ha$$iness. Peo$!e "ry "o <ind ou" abou" "hin#s 3hi-h are ou"side o< "hem be<ore "hey "ry "o <ind ou" 8*ho am IK9 On!y by "he !a""er means -an ha$$iness be #ained.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 17 - $reation theories and the reality of the world

ri Ramana had !i""!e or no in"eres" in "he "heore"i-a! side o< s$iri"ua!i"y. 2is $rin-i$a! -on-ern 3as "o brin# $eo$!e "o an a3areness o< "he e!< and' "o a-hieve "his end' he a!3ays insis"ed "ha" $ra-"i-e 3as more im$or"an" "han s$e-u!a"ion. 2e dis-oura#ed Eues"ions o< a "heore"i-a! na"ure ei"her by remainin# si!en" 3hen "hey 3ere as%ed or by as%in# "he Eues"ioner "o <ind "he sour-e o< "he 8I9 "ha" 3as as%in# "he Eues"ion. O--asiona!!y he 3ou!d re!en" and #ive de"ai!ed eB$osi"ions on various as$e-"s o< $hi!oso$hy' bu" i< his Eues"ioners $ersis"ed "oo !on# 3i"h "heir Eueries' or i< "he -onversa"ion veered "o3ards s"eri!e in"e!!e-"ua!ism' he 3ou!d -han#e "he subCe-" and dire-" "he a""en"ion o< his Eues"ioners "o3ards more $ra-"i-a! ma""ers. Many o< "hese $hi!oso$hi-a! -onversa"ions -en"red around "he na"ure and ori#in o< "he $hysi-a! 3or!d sin-e ri Ramana 3as %no3n "o have vie3s 3hi-h 3ere "o"a!!y a" varian-e 3i"h "he -ommonD sense vie3 o< "he 3or!d. As 3i"h mos" o"her "o$i-s he "ai!ored his s"a"emen"s "o -on<orm "o "he di<<eren" !eve!s o< unders"andin# he en-oun"ered in his Eues"ioners' bu" even so' a!mos" a!! his ideas 3ere radi-a! re<u"a"ions o< "he -on-e$"s o< $hysi-a! rea!i"y "ha" mos" $eo$!e -herish. ri Ramana ado$"ed "hree di<<eren" s"and$oin"s 3hen he s$o%e abou" "he na"ure o< "he $hysi-a! 3or!d. 2e advo-a"ed a!! o< "hem a" di<<eren" "imes bu" i" is -!ear <rom his #enera! -ommen"s on "he subCe-" "ha" he on!y -onsidered "he <irs" "3o "heories #iven be!o3 "o be ei"her "rue or use<u!. 1 ACa"a vada 7"he "heory o< nonD-ausa!i"y:. 6his is an an-ien" 2indu do-"rine 3hi-h s"a"es "ha" "he -rea"ion o< "he 3or!d never ha$$ened a" a!!. I" is a -om$!e"e denia! o< a!! -ausa!i"y in "he $hysi-a! 3or!d. ri Ramana endorsed "his vie3 by sayin# "ha" i" is "he Cnani9s eB$erien-e "ha" no"hin# ever -omes in"o eBis"en-e or -eases "o be be-ause "he e!< a!one eBis"s as "he so!e un-han#in# rea!i"y. I" is a -oro!!ary o< "his "heory "ha" "ime' s$a-e' -ause and e<<e-"' essen"ia! -om$onen"s o< a!! -rea"ion "heories' eBis" on!y in "he minds o< aCnanis and "ha" "he eB$erien-e o< "he e!< revea!s "heir nonDeBis"en-e. 6his "heory is no" a denia! o< "he rea!i"y o< "he 3or!d' on!y o< "he -rea"ive $ro-ess 3hi-h brou#h" i" in"o eBis"en-e. $ea%in# <rom his o3n eB$erien-e ri Ramana said "ha" "he Cnani is a3are "ha" "he 3or!d is rea!' no" as an assemb!a#e o< in"era-"in# ma""er and ener#y' bu" as an un-aused a$$earan-e in "he e!<. 2e en!ar#ed on "his by sayin# "ha" be-ause "he rea! na"ure or subs"ra"um o< "his a$$earan-e is iden"i-a! 3i"h "he bein#ness o< "he e!<' i" ne-essari!y $ar"a%es o< i"s rea!i"y. 6ha" is "o say' "he 3or!d is no" rea! "o "he Cnani sim$!y be-ause i" a$$ears' bu" on!y be-ause "he rea! na"ure o< "he a$$earan-e is inse$arab!e <rom "he e!<. 6he aCnani' on "he o"her hand' is "o"a!!y una3are o< "he uni"ary na"ure and sour-e o< "he 3or!d and' as a -onseEuen-e' his mind -ons"ru-"s an i!!usory 3or!d o< se$ara"e in"era-"in# obCe-"s by $ersis"en"!y misin"er$re"in# "he senseD im$ressions i" re-eives. ri Ramana $oin"ed ou" "ha" "his vie3 o< "he 3or!d has no more rea!i"y "han a dream sin-e i" su$erim$oses a -rea"ion o< "he mind on "he rea!i"y o< "he e!<. 2e summarised "he di<<eren-e be"3een "he Cnani9s and "he aCnani9s s"and$oin" by sayin# "ha" "he 3or!d is unrea! i< i" is $er-eived by "he mind as a -o!!e-"ion o< dis-re"e obCe-"s and rea! 3hen i" is dire-"!y eB$erien-ed as an a$$earan-e in "he e!<. , Drish"iDsrish"i vada I< his Eues"ioners <ound "he idea o< aCa"a or nonD-ausa!i"y im$ossib!e "o assimi!a"e' he 3ou!d "ea-h "hem "ha" "he 3or!d -omes in"o eBis"en-e simu!"aneous!y 3i"h "he a$$earan-e o< "he 8I9D"hou#h" and "ha" i" -eases "o eBis" 3hen "he 8I9D"hou#h" is absen". 6his "heory is %no3n as drish"iDsrish"i' or simu!"aneous -rea"ion' and i" says' in e<<e-"' "ha" "he 3or!d 3hi-h a$$ears "o an aCnani is a $rodu-" o< "he mind "ha" $er-eives i"' and "ha" in "he absen-e o< "ha" mind i" -eases "o eBis". 6he "heory is "rue in so <ar as "he mind does -rea"e an ima#inary 3or!d <or i"se!<' bu" <rom "he s"and$oin" o< "he e!<' an ima#inary 8I9 -rea"in# an ima#inary 3or!d is no -rea"ion a" a!!' and so "he do-"rine o< aCa"a is no" subver"ed. A!"hou#h ri Ramana some"imes said "ha" drish"iDsrish"i 3as no" "he u!"ima"e "ru"h abou" -rea"ion he en-oura#ed his <o!!o3ers "o a--e$" i" as a 3or%in# hy$o"hesis. 2e Cus"i<ied "his a$$roa-h by sayin# "ha" i< one -an -onsis"en"!y re#ard "he 3or!d as an unrea! -rea"ion o< "he mind "hen i" !oses i"s a""ra-"ion and i" be-omes easier "o main"ain an undis"ra-"ed a3areness o< "he 8I9D "hou#h". / rish"iDdrish"i vada 7#radua! -rea"ion:. 6his is "he -ommonDsense vie3 3hi-h ho!ds "ha" "he 3or!d is an obCe-"ive

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

rea!i"y #overned by !a3s o< -ause and e<<e-" 3hi-h -an be "ra-ed ba-% "o a sin#!e a-" o< -rea"ion. I" in-!udes vir"ua!!y a!! 3es"ern ideas on "he subCe-" <rom "he 8bi# ban#9 "heory "o "he bib!i-a! a--oun" in Genesis. ri Ramana on!y invo%ed "heories o< "his na"ure 3hen he 3as "a!%in# "o Eues"ioners 3ho 3ere un3i!!in# "o a--e$" "he im$!i-a"ions o< "he aCa"a and drish"iDsrish"i "heories. Even "hen' he 3ou!d usua!!y $oin" ou" "ha" su-h "heories shou!d no" be "a%en "oo serious!y as "hey 3ere on!y $romu!#a"ed "o sa"is<y in"e!!e-"ua! -uriosi"y. &i"era!!y' drish"iDsrish"i means "ha" "he 3or!d on!y eBis"s 3hen i" is $er-eived 3hereas srish"iDdrish"i means "ha" "he 3or!d eBis"ed $rior "o anyone9s $er-e$"ion o< i". A!"hou#h "he <ormer "heory sounds $erverse' ri Ramana insis"ed "ha" serious see%ers shou!d be sa"is<ied 3i"h i"' $ar"!y be-ause i" is a -!ose a$$roBima"ion "o "he "ru"h and $ar"!y be-ause i" is "he mos" bene<i-ia! a""i"ude "o ado$" i< one is serious!y in"eres"ed in rea!isin# "he e!<. #$ 2o3 has srish"i L-rea"ionM -ome abou"K ome say i" is $redes"ined. O"hers say i" is "he &ord9s !ee!a or s$or". *ha" is "he "ru"hK A$ 5arious a--oun"s are #iven in boo%s. Bu" is "here -rea"ionK On!y i< "here is -rea"ion do 3e have "o eB$!ain ho3 i" -ame abou". *e may no" %no3 abou" a!! "hese "heories bu" 3e -er"ain!y %no3 "ha" 3e eBis". *hy no" %no3 "he 8I9 and "hen see i< "here is a -rea"ionK #$ In "he vedan"a o< ri an%ara-harya "he $rin-i$!e o< "he -rea"ion o< "he 3or!d has been a--e$"ed <or "he sa%e o< be#inners' bu" <or "he advan-ed "he $rin-i$!e o< nonD-rea"ion is $u" <or3ard. *ha" is your vie3 on "his ma""erK A$ 86here is no disso!u"ion or -rea"ion' no one in bonda#e' nor anyone $ursuin# s$iri"ua! $ra-"i-es. 6here is no one desirin# !ibera"ion nor anyone !ibera"ed. 6his is "he abso!u"e "ru"h.9 6his s!o%a a$$ears in "he se-ond -ha$"er o< Gauda$ada9s %ari%a. One 3ho is es"ab!ished in "he e!< sees "his by his %no3!ed#e o< rea!i"y. #$ Is no" "he e!< "he -ause o< "his 3or!d 3e see around usK A$ e!< i"se!< a$$ears as "he 3or!d o< diverse names and <orms. 2o3ever' e!< does no" a-" as "he e<<i-ien" -ause Lnimi""a %aranaM' -rea"in#' sus"ainin# and des"royin# i". Do no" as% 8*hy does "he -on<usion o< e!<' no" %no3in# "he "ru"h "ha" i" i"se!< a$$ears as "he 3or!d' ariseK9 I< ins"ead you enEuire 86o 3hom does "his -on<usion o--urK9' i" 3i!! be dis-overed "ha" no su-h -on<usion ever eBis"ed <or e!<. #$ You seem "o be an eB$onen" o< aCa"a do-"rine o< advai"a vedan"a. A$ I do no" "ea-h on!y "he aCa"a do-"rine. I a$$rove o< a!! s-hoo!s. 6he same "ru"h has "o be eB$ressed in di<<eren" 3ays "o sui" "he -a$a-i"y o< "he hearer. 6he aCa"a do-"rine says' 8No"hin# eBis"s eB-e$" "he one rea!i"y. 6here is no bir"h or dea"h' no $roCe-"ion or dra3in# in' no see%er' no bonda#e' no !ibera"ion. 6he one uni"y a!one eBis"s.9 6o su-h as <ind i" di<<i-u!" "o #ras$ "his "ru"h and 3ho as%' 82o3 -an 3e i#nore "his so!id 3or!d 3e see a!! around usK9' "he dream eB$erien-e is $oin"ed ou" and "hey are "o!d' 8A!! "ha" you see de$ends on "he seer. A$ar" <rom "he seer' "here is no seen.9 6his is -a!!ed "he drish"iDsrish"i vada or "he ar#umen" "ha" one <irs" -rea"es ou" o< one9s mind and "hen sees 3ha" one9s mind i"se!< has -rea"ed. ome $eo$!e -anno" #ras$ even "his and "hey -on"inue "o ar#ue in "he <o!!o3in# "erms? 86he dream eB$erien-e is so shor"' 3hi!e "he 3or!d a!3ays eBis"s. 6he dream eB$erien-e 3as !imi"ed "o me. Bu" "he 3or!d is <e!" and seen no" on!y by me' bu" by so many o"hers. *e -anno" -a!! su-h a 3or!d nonDeBis"en".9 *hen $eo$!e ar#ue in "his 3ay "hey -an be #iven a srish"iDdrish"i "heory' <or eBam$!e' 8God <irs" -rea"ed su-h and su-h a "hin#' ou" o< su-h and su-h an e!emen"' and "hen some"hin# e!se 3as -rea"ed' and so on.9 6ha" a!one 3i!! sa"is<y "his -!ass. 6heir minds are o"her3ise no" sa"is<ied and "hey as% "hemse!ves' 82o3 -an a!! #eo#ra$hy' a!! ma$s' a!! s-ien-es' s"ars' $!ane"s and "he ru!es #overnin# or re!a"in# "o "hem and a!! %no3!ed#e be "o"a!!y un"rueK9 6o su-h i" is bes" "o say' 8Yes' God -rea"ed a!! "his and so you see i".9 #$ Bu" a!! "hese -anno" be "rue. On!y one do-"rine -an be "rue. A$ A!! "hese "heories are on!y "o sui" "he -a$a-i"y o< "he !earner. 6he abso!u"e -an on!y be one. 6he vedan"a says "ha" "he -osmos s$rin#s in"o vie3 simu!"aneous!y 3i"h "he seer and "ha" "here is no de"ai!ed $ro-ess o< -rea"ion. 6his is said "o be yu#a$a"Dsrish"i Lins"an"aneous -rea"ionM. I" is Eui"e simi!ar "o "he -rea"ions in dream 3here "he eB$erien-er s$rin#s u$ simu!"aneous!y 3i"h "he obCe-"s o< eB$erien-e. *hen "his is "o!d' some $eo$!e are no" sa"is<ied <or "hey are dee$!y roo"ed in obCe-"ive %no3!ed#e. 6hey see% "o <ind ou" ho3 "here -an be sudden

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

-rea"ion. 6hey ar#ue "ha" an e<<e-" mus" be $re-eded by a -ause. In shor"' "hey desire an eB$!ana"ion <or "he eBis"en-e o< "he 3or!d 3hi-h "hey see around "hem. 6hen "he sru"is Ls-ri$"uresM "ry "o sa"is<y "heir -uriosi"y by "heories o< -rea"ion. 6his me"hod o< dea!in# 3i"h "he subCe-" o< -rea"ion is -a!!ed %ramaDsrish"i L#radua! -rea"ionM. Bu" "he "rue see%er -an be -on"en" 3i"h yu#a$a"Dsrish"i' ins"an"aneous -rea"ion. #$ *ha" is "he $ur$ose o< -rea"ionK A$ I" is "o #ive rise "o "his Eues"ion. Inves"i#a"e "he ans3er "o "his Eues"ion' and <ina!!y abide in "he su$reme or ra"her "he $rima! sour-e o< a!!' "he e!<. 6he inves"i#a"ion 3i!! reso!ve i"se!< in"o a Eues" <or "he e!< and i" 3i!! -ease on!y a<"er "he nonD e!< is si<"ed a3ay and "he e!< rea!iJed in i"s $uri"y and #!ory. 6here may be any number o< "heories o< -rea"ion. A!! o< "hem eB"end ou"3ard!y. 6here 3i!! be no !imi" "o "hem be-ause "ime and s$a-e are un!imi"ed. 6hey are ho3ever on!y in "he mind. I< you see "he mind' "ime and s$a-e are "rans-ended and "he e!< is rea!iJed. +rea"ion is eB$!ained s-ien"i<i-a!!y or !o#i-a!!y "o one9s o3n sa"is<a-"ion. Bu" is "here any <ina!i"y abou" i"K u-h eB$!ana"ions are -a!!ed %ramaDsrish"i L#radua! -rea"ionM. On "he o"her hand' drish"iDsrish"i Lsimu!"aneous -rea"ionM is yu#a$a"Dsrish"i. *i"hou" "he seer "here are no obCe-"s seen. @ind "he seer and "he -rea"ion is -om$rised in him. *hy !oo% ou"3ard and #o on eB$!ainin# "he $henomena 3hi-h are end!essK #$ 6he 5edas -on"ain -on<!i-"in# a--oun"s o< -osmo#ony. E"her is said "o be "he <irs" -rea"ion in one $!a-eI vi"a! ener#y L$ranaM in ano"her $!a-eI some"hin# e!se in ye" ano"herI 3a"er in s"i!! ano"her' and so on. 2o3 are "hese "o be re-on-i!edK Do no" "hese im$air "he -redibi!i"y o< "he 5edasK A$ Di<<eren" seers sa3 di<<eren" as$e-"s o< "ru"h a" di<<eren" "imes' ea-h em$hasisin# one vie3. *hy do you 3orry abou" "heir -on<!i-"in# s"a"emen"sK 6he essen"ia! aim o< "he 5edas is "o "ea-h us "he na"ure o< "he im$erishab!e a"man and sho3 us "ha" 3e are "ha". #$ I am sa"is<ied 3i"h "ha" $or"ion. A$ 6hen "rea" a!! "he res" as ar"ha vada LauBi!iary ar#umen"sM or eB$osi"ions <or "he sa%e o< "he i#noran" 3ho see% "o "ra-e "he #enesis o< "hin#s. #$ I <orm $ar" o< "he -rea"ion and so remain de$enden". I -anno" so!ve "he ridd!e o< -rea"ion un"i! I be-ome inde$enden". Ye" I as% ri Bha#avan' shou!d he no" ans3er "he Eues"ion <or meK A$ Yes. I" is Bha#avan "ha" says' 8Be-ome inde$enden" and so!ve "he ridd!e yourse!<. I" is <or you "o do i".9 A#ain' 3here are you no3 "ha" you as% "his Eues"ionK Are you in "he 3or!d' or is "he 3or!d 3i"hin youK You mus" admi" "ha" "he 3or!d is no" $er-eived in your s!ee$ a!"hou#h you -anno" deny your eBis"en-e "hen. 6he 3or!d a$$ears 3hen you 3a%e u$. o 3here is i"K +!ear!y "he 3or!d is your "hou#h". 6hou#h"s are your $roCe-"ions. 6he 8I9 is <irs" -rea"ed and "hen "he 3or!d. 6he 3or!d is -rea"ed by "he 8I9 3hi-h in i"s "urn rises u$ <rom "he e!<. 6he ridd!e o< "he -rea"ion o< "he 3or!d is "hus so!ved i< you so!ve "he -rea"ion o< "he 8I9. o I say' <ind your e!<. A#ain' does "he 3or!d -ome and as% you 8*hy do 8I9 eBis"K 2o3 3as 8I9 -rea"edK9 I" is you 3ho as% "he Eues"ion. 6he Eues"ioner mus" es"ab!ish "he re!a"ionshi$ be"3een "he 3or!d and himse!<. 2e mus" admi" "ha" "he 3or!d is his o3n ima#ina"ion. *ho ima#ines i"K &e" him a#ain <ind "he 8I9 and "hen "he e!<. Moreover' a!! "he s-ien"i<i- and "heo!o#i-a! eB$!ana"ions do no" harmonise. 6he diversi"ies in su-h "heories -!ear!y sho3 "he use!essness o< see%in# su-h eB$!ana"ions. u-h eB$!ana"ions are $ure!y men"a! or in"e!!e-"ua! and no"hin# more. "i!!' a!! o< "hem are "rue a--ordin# "o "he s"and$oin" o< "he individua!. 6here is no -rea"ion in "he s"a"e o< rea!iJa"ion. *hen one sees "he 3or!d' one does no" see onese!<. *hen one sees "he e!<' "he 3or!d is no" seen. o see "he e!< and rea!iJe "ha" "here has been no -rea"ion. #$ Brahman is rea!. 6he 3or!d LCa#a"M is 8i!!usion9 is "he s"o-% $hrase o< ri an%ara-harya. Ye" o"hers say' 86he 3or!d is rea!i"y.9 *hi-h is "rueK

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A$ Bo"h s"a"emen"s are "rue. 6hey re<er "o di<<eren" s"a#es o< deve!o$men" and are s$o%en <rom di<<eren" $oin"s o< vie3. 6he as$iran" LabhyasiM s"ar"s 3i"h "he de<ini"ion' "ha" 3hi-h is rea! eBis"s a!3ays. 6hen he e!imina"es "he 3or!d as unrea! be-ause i" is -han#in#. 6he see%er u!"ima"e!y rea-hes "he e!< and "here <inds uni"y as "he $revai!in# no"e. 6hen' "ha" 3hi-h 3as ori#ina!!y reCe-"ed as bein# unrea! is <ound "o be a $ar" o< "he uni"y. Bein# absorbed in "he rea!i"y' "he 3or!d a!so is rea!. 6here is on!y bein# in e!<Drea!iJa"ion' and no"hin# bu" bein#. #$ ri Bha#avan o<"en says "ha" maya Li!!usionM and rea!i"y are "he same. 2o3 -an "ha" beK A$ an%ara 3as -ri"i-ised <or his vie3s on maya 3i"hou" bein# unders"ood. 2e said "ha" 71: Brahman is rea!' 7,: "he universe is unrea!' and 7/: 6he universe is Brahman. 2e did no" s"o$ a" "he se-ond' be-ause "he "hird eB$!ains "he o"her "3o. I" si#ni<ies "ha" "he universe is rea! i< $er-eived as "he e!<' and unrea! i< $er-eived a$ar" <rom "he e!<. 2en-e maya and rea!i"y are one and "he same. #$ o "he 3or!d is no" rea!!y i!!usoryK A$ A" "he !eve! o< "he s$iri"ua! see%er you have #o" "o say "ha" "he 3or!d is an i!!usion. 6here is no o"her 3ay. *hen a man <or#e"s "ha" he is Brahman' 3ho is rea!' $ermanen" and omni$resen"' and de!udes himse!< in"o "hin%in# "ha" he is a body in "he universe 3hi-h is <i!!ed 3i"h bodies "ha" are "ransi"ory' and !abours under "ha" de!usion' you have #o" "o remind him "ha" "he 3or!d is unrea! and a de!usion. *hyK Be-ause his vision 3hi-h has <or#o""en i"s o3n e!< is d3e!!in# in "he eB"erna!' ma"eria! universe. I" 3i!! no" "urn in3ards in"o in"ros$e-"ion un!ess you im$ress on him "ha" a!! "his eB"erna!' ma"eria! universe is unrea!. *hen on-e he rea!ises his o3n e!< he 3i!! %no3 "ha" "here is no"hin# o"her "han his o3n e!< and he 3i!! -ome "o !oo% u$on "he 3ho!e universe as Brahman. 6here is no universe 3i"hou" "he e!<. o !on# as a man does no" see "he e!< 3hi-h is "he ori#in o< a!!' bu" !oo%s on!y a" "he eB"erna! 3or!d as rea! and $ermanen"' you have "o "e!! him "ha" a!! "his eB"erna! universe is an i!!usion. You -anno" he!$ i". 6a%e a $a$er. *e see on!y "he s-ri$"' and nobody no"i-es "he $a$er on 3hi-h "he s-ri$" is 3ri""en. 6he $a$er is "here 3he"her "he s-ri$" on i" is "here or no". 6o "hose 3ho !oo% u$on "he s-ri$" as rea!' you have "o say "ha" i" is unrea!' an i!!usion' sin-e i" res"s u$on "he $a$er. 6he 3ise man !oo%s u$on bo"h "he $a$er and s-ri$" as one. o a!so 3i"h Brahman and "he universe. #$ o "he 3or!d is rea! 3hen i" is eB$erien-ed as "he e!< and unrea! 3hen i" is seen as se$ara"e names and <ormsK A$ Hus" as <ire is obs-ured by smo%e' "he shinin# !i#h" o< -ons-iousness is obs-ured by "he assemb!a#e o< names and <orms' "he 3or!d. *hen by -om$assiona"e divine #ra-e "he mind be-omes -!ear' "he na"ure o< "he 3or!d 3i!! be %no3n "o be no" "he i!!usory <orms bu" on!y "he rea!i"y. On!y "hose $eo$!e 3hose minds are devoid o< "he evi! $o3er o< maya' havin# #iven u$ "he %no3!ed#e o< "he 3or!d and bein# una""a-hed "o i"' and havin# "hereby a""ained "he %no3!ed#e o< "he se!<Dshinin# su$reme rea!i"y' -an -orre-"!y %no3 "he meanin# o< "he s"a"emen" 86he 3or!d is rea!.9 I< one9s ou"!oo% has been "rans<ormed "o "he na"ure o< rea! %no3!ed#e' "he 3or!d o< "he <ive e!emen"s be#innin# 3i"h e"her La%asaM 3i!! be rea!' bein# "he su$reme rea!i"y' 3hi-h is "he na"ure o< %no3!ed#e. 6he ori#ina! s"a"e o< "his em$"y 3or!d' 3hi-h is be3i!derin# and -ro3ded 3i"h many names and <orms' is b!iss' 3hi-h is one' Cus" as "he e##Dyo!% o< a mu!"iD-o!oured $ea-o-% is on!y one. Kno3 "his "ru"h by abidin# in "he s"a"e o< e!<. #$ I -anno" say i" is a!! -!ear "o me. Is "he 3or!d "ha" is seen' <e!" and sensed by us in so many 3ays some"hin# !i%e a dream' an i!!usionK A$ 6here is no a!"erna"ive <or you bu" "o a--e$" "he 3or!d as unrea! i< you are see%in# "he "ru"h and "he "ru"h a!one. #$ *hy soK A$ @or "he sim$!e reason "ha" un!ess you #ive u$ "he idea "ha" "he 3or!d is rea! your mind 3i!! a!3ays be a<"er i". I< you "a%e "he a$$earan-e "o be rea! you 3i!! never %no3 "he rea! i"se!<' a!"hou#h i" is "he rea! a!one "ha" eBis"s. 6his

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$oin" is i!!us"ra"ed by "he ana!o#y o< "he sna%e in "he ro$e. You may be de-eived in"o be!ievin# "ha" a $ie-e o< ro$e is a sna%e. *hi!e you ima#ine "ha" "he ro$e is a sna%e you -anno" see "he ro$e as a ro$e. 6he noneBis"en" sna%e be-omes rea! "o you' 3hi!e "he rea! ro$e seems 3ho!!y nonDeBis"en" as su-h. #$ I" is easy "o a--e$" "en"a"ive!y "ha" "he 3or!d is no" u!"ima"e!y rea!' bu" i" is hard "o have "he -onvi-"ion "ha" i" is rea!!y unrea!. A$ Even so is your dream 3or!d rea! 3hi!e you are dreamin#. o !on# as "he dream !as"s every"hin# you see and <ee! in i" is rea!. #$ Is "hen "he 3or!d no be""er "han a dreamK A$ *ha" is 3ron# 3i"h "he sense o< rea!i"y you have 3hi!e you are dreamin#K You may be dreamin# o< some"hin# Eui"e im$ossib!e' <or ins"an-e' o< havin# a ha$$y -ha" 3i"h a dead $erson. Hus" <or a momen"' you may doub" in "he dream' sayin# "o yourse!<' 8*as he no" deadK9' bu" someho3 your mind re-on-i!es i"se!< "o "he dreamDvision' and "he $erson is as #ood as a!ive <or "he $ur$oses o< "he dream. In o"her 3ords' "he dream as a dream does no" $ermi" you "o doub" i"s rea!i"y. I" is "he same in "he 3a%in# s"a"e' <or you are unab!e "o doub" "he rea!i"y o< "he 3or!d 3hi-h you see 3hi!e you are a3a%e. 2o3 -an "he mind 3hi-h has i"se!< -rea"ed "he 3or!d a--e$" i" as unrea!K 6ha" is "he si#ni<i-an-e o< "he -om$arison made be"3een "he 3or!d o< "he 3a%in# s"a"e and "he dream 3or!d. Bo"h are -rea"ions o< "he mind and' so !on# as "he mind is en#rossed in ei"her' i" <inds i"se!< unab!e "o deny "heir rea!i"y. I" -anno" deny "he rea!i"y o< "he dream 3or!d 3hi!e i" is dreamin# and i" -anno" deny "he rea!i"y o< "he 3a%in# 3or!d 3hi!e i" is a3a%e. I<' on "he -on"rary' you 3i"hdra3 your mind -om$!e"e!y <rom "he 3or!d and "urn i" 3i"hin and abide "here' "ha" is' i< you %ee$ a3a%e a!3ays "o "he e!< 3hi-h is "he subs"ra"um o< a!! eB$erien-es' you 3i!! <ind "he 3or!d o< 3hi-h you are no3 a3are is Cus" as unrea! as "he 3or!d in 3hi-h you !ived in your dream. #$ *e see' <ee! and sense "he 3or!d in so many 3ays. 6hese sensa"ions are "he rea-"ions "o "he obCe-"s seen and <e!". 6hey are no" men"a! -rea"ions as in dreams' 3hi-h di<<er no" on!y <rom $erson "o $erson bu" a!so 3i"h re#ard "o "he same $erson. Is "ha" no" enou#h "o $rove "he obCe-"ive rea!i"y o< "he 3or!dK A$ A!! "his "a!% abou" in-onsis"en-ies in "he dreamD3or!d arises on!y no3' 3hen you are a3a%e. *hi!e you are dreamin#' "he dream 3as a $er<e-"!y in"e#ra"ed 3ho!e. 6ha" is "o say' i< you <e!" "hirs"y in a dream' "he i!!usory drin%in# o< i!!usory 3a"er Euen-hed your i!!usory "hirs". Bu" a!! "his 3as rea! and no" i!!usory "o you so !on# as you did no" %no3 "ha" "he dream i"se!< 3as i!!usory. imi!ar!y 3i"h "he 3a%in# 3or!d. 6he sensa"ions you no3 have #e" -oDordina"ed "o #ive you "he im$ression "ha" "he 3or!d is rea!. I<' on "he -on"rary' "he 3or!d is a se!<DeBis"en" rea!i"y 7"ha" is 3ha" you eviden"!y mean by i"s obCe-"ivi"y:' 3ha" $reven"s "he 3or!d <rom revea!in# i"se!< "o you in s!ee$K You do no" say you did no" eBis" in your s!ee$. #$ Nei"her do I deny "he 3or!d9s eBis"en-e 3hi!e I am as!ee$. I" has been eBis"in# a!! "he 3hi!e. I< durin# my s!ee$ I did no" see i"' o"hers 3ho 3ere no" s!ee$in# sa3 i". A$ 6o say you eBis"ed 3hi!e as!ee$' 3as i" ne-essary "o -a!! in "he eviden-e o< o"hers so as "o $rove i" "o youK *hy do you see% "heir eviden-e no3K 6hose o"hers -an "e!! you o< havin# seen "he 3or!d durin# your s!ee$ on!y 3hen you yourse!< are a3a%e. *i"h re#ard "o your o3n eBis"en-e i" is di<<eren". On 3a%in# u$ you say you had a sound s!ee$' and so "o "ha" eB"en" you are a3are o< yourse!< in "he dee$es" s!ee$' 3hereas you have no" "he s!i#h"es" no"ion o< "he 3or!d9s eBis"en-e "hen. Even no3' 3hi!e you are a3a%e' is i" "he 3or!d "ha" says 8I am rea!9' or is i" youK #$ O< -ourse I say i"' bu" I say i" o< "he 3or!d. A$ *e!! "hen' "ha" 3or!d' 3hi-h you say is rea!' is rea!!y mo-%in# a" you <or see%in# "o $rove i"s rea!i"y 3hi!e o< your o3n rea!i"y you are i#noran". You 3an" someho3 or o"her "o main"ain "ha" "he 3or!d is rea!. *ha" is "he s"andard o< rea!i"yK 6ha" a!one is rea! 3hi-h eBis"s by i"se!<' 3hi-h revea!s i"se!< by i"se!< and 3hi-h is e"erna! and un-han#in#.

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Does "he 3or!d eBis" by i"se!<K *as i" ever seen 3i"hou" "he aid o< "he mindK In s!ee$ "here is nei"her mind nor 3or!d. *hen a3a%e "here is "he mind and "here is "he 3or!d. *ha" does "his invariab!e -on-omi"an-e meanK You are <ami!iar 3i"h "he $rin-i$!es o< indu-"ive !o#i- 3hi-h are -onsidered "he very basis o< s-ien"i<i- inves"i#a"ion. *hy do you no" de-ide "his Eues"ion o< "he rea!i"y o< "he 3or!d in "he !i#h" o< "hose a--e$"ed $rin-i$!es o< !o#i-K O< yourse!< you -an say 8I eBis"9. 6ha" is' your eBis"en-e is no" mere eBis"en-e' i" is eBis"en-e o< 3hi-h you are -ons-ious. Rea!!y' i" is eBis"en-e iden"i-a! 3i"h -ons-iousness. #$ 6he 3or!d may no" be -ons-ious o< i"se!<' ye" i" eBis"s. A$ +ons-iousness is a!3ays e!<D-ons-iousness. I< you are -ons-ious o< any"hin# you are essen"ia!!y -ons-ious o< yourse!<. Unse!<D-ons-ious eBis"en-e is a -on"radi-"ion in "erms. I" is no eBis"en-e a" a!!. I" is mere!y a""ribu"ed eBis"en-e' 3hereas "rue eBis"en-e' "he sa"' is no" an a""ribu"e' i" is "he subs"an-e i"se!<. I" is "he vas"u Lrea!i"yM. Rea!i"y is "here<ore %no3n as sa"D-hi"' bein#D -ons-iousness' and never mere!y "he one "o "he eB-!usion o< "he o"her. 6he 3or!d nei"her eBis"s by i"se!<' nor is i" -ons-ious o< i"s eBis"en-e. 2o3 -an you say "ha" su-h a 3or!d is rea!K And 3ha" is "he na"ure o< "he 3or!dK I" is $er$e"ua! -han#e' a -on"inuous' in"erminab!e <!uB. A de$enden"' unse!<D-ons-ious' everD -han#in# 3or!d -anno" be rea!. #$ Are "he names and <orms o< "he 3or!d rea!K A$ You 3on9" <ind "hem se$ara"e <rom "he subs"ra"um Ladhish"anaM. *hen you "ry "o #e" a" name and <orm' you 3i!! <ind rea!i"y on!y. 6here<ore a""ain "he %no3!ed#e o< "ha" 3hi-h is rea! <or a!! "ime. #$ *hy does "he 3a%in# s"a"e !oo% so rea!K A$ *e see so mu-h on "he -inema s-reen' bu" i" is no" rea!. No"hin# is rea! "here eB-e$" "he s-reen. In "he same 3ay in "he 3a%in# s"a"e' "here is no"hin# bu" adhish"ana. Kno3!ed#e o< "he 3or!d is %no3!ed#e o< "he %no3er o< "he 3or!d LCa#ra"D$rama is "he $rama o< Ca#ra"D$rama"aM. Bo"h #o a3ay in s!ee$. #$ *hy do 3e see su-h $ermanen-y and -ons"an-y in "he 3or!dK A$ I" is seen on a--oun" o< 3ron# ideas. *hen someone says "ha" he "oo% a ba"h in "he same river "3i-e he is 3ron#' be-ause 3hen he ba"hed <or "he se-ond "ime "he river is no" "he same as i" 3as 3hen he ba"hed <or "he <irs" "ime. On !oo%in# "3i-e a" "he bri#h"ness o< a <!ame a man says "ha" he sees "he same <!ame' bu" "his <!ame is -han#in# every momen". 6he 3a%in# s"a"e is !i%e "his. 6he s"a"ionary a$$earan-e is an error o< $er-e$"ion. #$ *here is "he errorK A$ Prama"a L"he %no3erM. #$ 2o3 did "he %no3er -omeK A$ On a--oun" o< "he error o< $er-e$"ion. In <a-" "he %no3er and his mis$er-e$"ions a$$ear simu!"aneous!y' and 3hen "he %no3!ed#e o< "he e!< is ob"ained' "hey disa$$ear simu!"aneous!y. #$ @rom 3here did "he %no3er and his mis$er-e$"ions -omeK A$ *ho is as%in# "he Eues"ionK #$ ! am. A$ @ind ou" "ha" 8I9 and a!! your doub"s 3i!! be so!ved. Hus" as in a dream a <a!se %no3!ed#e' %no3er and %no3n rise u$' in "he 3a%in# s"a"e "he same $ro-ess o$era"es. In bo"h s"a"es on %no3in# "his 8I9 you %no3 every"hin# and no"hin# remains "o be %no3n. In dee$ s!ee$' %no3er' %no3!ed#e and %no3n are absen". In "he same 3ay' a" "he "ime o< eB$erien-in# "he rea! 8I9 "hey 3i!! no" eBis". *ha"ever you see ha$$enin# in "he 3a%in# s"a"e ha$$ens on!y "o "he %no3er' and sin-e "he %no3er is unrea!' no"hin# in <a-" ever ha$$ens. #$ Is "he !i#h" 3hi-h #ives "he 8I9Dsense iden"i"y and %no3!ed#e o< "he 3or!d i#noran-e or -hi"' -ons-iousnessK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ I" is on!y "he re<!e-"ed !i#h" o< -hi" "ha" ma%es "he 8I9 be!ieve i"se!< di<<eren" <rom o"hers. 6his re<!e-"ed !i#h" o< -hi" a!so ma%es "he 8I9 -rea"e obCe-"s' bu" <or "his re<!e-"ion "here mus" be a sur<a-e on 3hi-h "he re<!e-"ion "a%es $!a-e. #$ *ha" is "ha" sur<a-eK A$ On rea!iJa"ion o< "he e!< you 3i!! <ind "ha" "he re<!e-"ion and "he sur<a-e on 3hi-h i" "a%es $!a-e do no" a-"ua!!y eBis"' bu" "ha" bo"h o< "hem are one and "he same -hi". 6here is "he 3or!d' 3hi-h reEuires !o-a"ion <or i"s eBis"en-e and !i#h" "o ma%e i" $er-e$"ib!e. Bo"h rise simu!"aneous!y. 6here<ore $hysi-a! eBis"en-e and $er-e$"ion de$end u$on "he !i#h" o< "he mind 3hi-h is re<!e-"ed <rom "he e!<. Hus" as -inema $i-"ures -an be made visib!e by a re<!e-"ed !i#h"' and on!y in dar%ness' so a!so "he 3or!d $i-"ures are $er-e$"ib!e on!y by "he !i#h" o< "he e!< re<!e-"ed in "he dar%ness o< avidya Li#noran-eM. 6he 3or!d -an be seen nei"her in "he u""er dar%ness o< i#noran-e' as in dee$ s!ee$' nor in "he u""er !i#h" o< "he e!<' as in e!<Drea!iJa"ion or samadhi.

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Chapter 18 - Reincarnation
Mos" re!i#ions have -ons"ru-"ed e!abora"e "heories 3hi-h $ur$or" "o eB$!ain 3ha" ha$$ens "o "he individua! sou! a<"er "he dea"h o< "he body. ome -!aim "ha" "he sou! #oes "o heaven or he!! 3hi!e o"hers -!aim "ha" i" is rein-arna"ed in a ne3 body. ri Ramana "au#h" "ha" a!! su-h "heories are based on "he <a!se assum$"ion "ha" "he individua! se!< or sou! is rea!I on-e "his i!!usion is seen "hrou#h' "he 3ho!e su$ers"ru-"ure o< a<"erD!i<e "heories -o!!a$ses. @rom "he s"and$oin" o< "he e!<' "here is no bir"h or dea"h' no heaven or he!!' and no rein-arna"ion. As a -on-ession "o "hose 3ho 3ere unab!e "o assimi!a"e "he im$!i-a"ions o< "his "ru"h' ri Ramana 3ou!d some"imes admi" "ha" rein-arna"ion eBis"ed. In re$!yin# "o su-h $eo$!e he 3ou!d say "ha" i< one ima#ined "ha" "he individua! se!< 3as rea!' "hen "ha" ima#inary se!< 3ou!d $ersis" a<"er dea"h and "ha" even"ua!!y i" 3ou!d iden"i<y 3i"h a ne3 body and a ne3 !i<e. 6he 3ho!e $ro-ess' he said' is sus"ained by "he "enden-y o< "he mind "o iden"i<y i"se!< 3i"h a body. On-e "he !imi"in# i!!usion o< mind is "rans-ended' iden"i<i-a"ion 3i"h "he body -eases' and a!! "heories abou" dea"h and rein-arna"ion are <ound "o be ina$$!i-ab!e. #$ Is rein-arna"ion "rueK A$ Rein-arna"ion eBis"s on!y so !on# as "here is i#noran-e. 6here is rea!!y no rein-arna"ion a" a!!' ei"her no3 or be<ore. Nor 3i!! "here be any herea<"er. 6his is "he "ru"h. #$ +an a yo#i %no3 his $as" !ivesK A$ Do you %no3 "he $resen" !i<e "ha" you 3ish "o %no3 "he $as"K @ind "he $resen"' "hen "he res" 3i!! <o!!o3. Even 3i"h our $resen" !imi"ed %no3!ed#e' you su<<er so mu-h. *hy shou!d you burden yourse!< 3i"h more %no3!ed#eK Is i" "o su<<er moreK *hen seen "hrou#h "he si#h" o< "he su$reme s$a-e o< e!<' "he i!!usion o< "a%in# bir"h in "his mira#eD!i%e <a!se 3or!d is <ound "o be no"hin# bu" "he e#o"is"i-a! i#noran-e o< iden"i<yin# a body as 8I9. Amon# "hose 3hose minds are $ossessed 3i"h <or#e"<u!ness o< e!<' "hose 3ho are born 3i!! die and "hose 3ho die 3i!! be born a#ain. Bu" %no3 "ha" "hose 3hose minds are dead' havin# %no3n "he #!orious su$reme rea!i"y' 3i!! remain on!y "here in "ha" e!eva"ed s"a"e o< rea!i"y' devoid o< bo"h bir"h and dea"h. @or#e""in# e!<' mis"a%in# "he body <or e!<' "a%in# innumerab!e bir"hs' and a" !as" %no3in# e!< and bein# e!< is Cus" !i%e 3a%in# <rom a dream o< 3anderin# a!! over "he 3or!d. #$ 2o3 !on# does i" "a%e a man "o be reborn a<"er dea"hK Is i" immedia"e!y a<"er dea"h or some "ime a<"erK A$ You do no" %no3 3ha" you 3ere be<ore bir"h' ye" you 3an" "o %no3 3ha" you 3i!! be a<"er dea"h. Do you %no3 3ha" you are no3K Bir"h and rebir"h $er"ain "o "he body. You are iden"i<yin# "he e!< 3i"h "he body. I" is a 3ron# iden"i<i-a"ion. You be!ieve "ha" "he body has been born and 3i!! die' and -on<ound "he $henomena re!a"in# "o "he body 3i"h "he e!<. Kno3 your rea! bein# and "hese Eues"ions 3i!! no" arise. Bir"h and rebir"h are men"ioned on!y "o ma%e you inves"i#a"e "he Eues"ion and <ind ou" "ha" "here are nei"her bir"hs nor rebir"hs. 6hey re!a"e "o "he body and no" "o "he e!<. Kno3 "he e!< and don9" be $er"urbed by doub"s. #$ Do no" one9s a-"ions a<<e-" "he $erson in !a"er bir"hsK A$ Are you born no3K *hy do you "hin% o< o"her bir"hsK 6he <a-" is "ha" "here is nei"her bir"h nor dea"h. &e" him 3ho is born "hin% o< dea"h and $a!!ia"ives <or i". #$ *ha" ha$$ens "o a $erson a<"er dea"hK A$ En#a#e yourse!< in "he !ivin# $resen". 6he <u"ure 3i!! "a%e -are o< i"se!<. Do no" 3orry abou" "he <u"ure. 6he s"a"e be<ore -rea"ion and "he $ro-ess o< -rea"ion are dea!" 3i"h in "he s-ri$"ures in order "ha" you may %no3 "he $resen". Be-ause you say you are born' "here<ore "hey say' yes' and add "ha" God -rea"ed you. Bu" do you see God or any"hin# e!se in your s!ee$K I< God is rea!' 3hy does he no" shine <or"h in your s!ee$ a!soK You

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a!3ays are' you are "he same no3 as you 3ere in s!ee$. You are no" di<<eren" <rom "ha" one in s!ee$. Bu" 3hy shou!d "here be di<<eren-es in "he <ee!in#s or eB$erien-es o< "he "3o s"a"esK Did you as%' 3hi!e as!ee$' Eues"ions re#ardin# your bir"hK Did you "hen as% 8*here do I #o a<"er dea"hK9 *hy "hin% o< a!! "hese Eues"ions no3 in "he 3a%in# s"a"eK &e" 3ha" is born "hin% o< i"s bir"h and "he remedy' i"s -ause and u!"ima"e resu!"s. #$ *ha" be-omes o< "he Civa Lindividua!M a<"er dea"hK A$ 6he Eues"ion is no" a$$ro$ria"e <or a Civa no3 !ivin#. A dead Civa may as% me' i< he 3ishes "o. In "he mean"ime !e" "he embodied Civa so!ve i"s $resen" $rob!em and <ind 3ho he is. 6hen "here 3i!! be an end o< su-h doub"s. #$ Is "he Buddhis" vie3' "ha" "here is no -on"inuous en"i"y ans3erin# "o "he ideas o< "he individua! sou!' -orre-" or no"K Is "his -onsis"en" 3i"h "he 2indu no"ion o< a rein-arna"in# e#oK Is "he sou! a -on"inuous en"i"y 3hi-h rein-arna"es a#ain and a#ain' a--ordin# "o "he 2indu do-"rine' or is i" a mere mass o< men"a! "enden-ies sams%arasK A$ 6he rea! e!< is -on"inuous and una<<e-"ed. 6he rein-arna"in# e#o be!on#s "o "he !o3er $!ane' name!y' "hou#h". I" is "rans-ended by e!<Drea!iJa"ion. Rein-arna"ions are due "o a s$urious o<<shoo". 6here<ore "hey are denied by "he Buddhis"s. 6he $resen" s"a"e o< i#noran-e is due "o "he iden"i<i-a"ion o< -ons-iousness L-hi"M 3i"h "he insen"ien" LCadaM body. #$ Do no" 3e #o "o heaven Lsvar#aM as "he resu!" o< our a-"ionsK A$ 6ha" is as "rue as "he $resen" eBis"en-e. Bu" i< 3e enEuire 3ho 3e are and dis-over "he e!<' 3ha" need is "here "o "hin% o< heavenK #$ hou!d I no" "ry "o es-a$e rebir"hK A$ Yes. @ind ou" 3ho is born and 3ho no3 has "he "roub!e o< eBis"en-e. *hen you are as!ee$ do you "hin% o< rebir"hs or even "he $resen" eBis"en-eK o <ind ou" <rom 3here "he $resen" $rob!em arises and in "ha" $!a-e you 3i!! <ind "he so!u"ion. You 3i!! dis-over "ha" "here is no bir"h' no $resen" "roub!e or unha$$iness. 6he e!< is a!! and a!! is b!iss. Even no3 3e are <ree <rom rebir"h so 3hy <re" over "he misery o< i"K #$ Is "here rebir"hK A$ Do you %no3 3ha" bir"h isK #$ Oh yes' I %no3 "ha" I eBis" no3' bu" I 3an" "o %no3 i< I9!! eBis" in "he <u"ure. A$ Pas"O.. . Presen"O... @u"ureO... #$ Yes' "oday is "he resu!" o< yes"erday' "he $as"' and "omorro3' "he <u"ure' 3i!! be "he resu!" o< "oday' "he $resen". Am I ri#h"K A$ 6here is nei"her $as" nor <u"ure. 6here is on!y "he $resen". Yes"erday 3as "he $resen" "o you 3hen you eB$erien-ed i"' and "omorro3 3i!! be a!so "he $resen" 3hen you eB$erien-e i". 6here<ore' eB$erien-e "a%es $!a-e on!y in "he $resen"' and beyond eB$erien-e no"hin# eBis"s. #$ Are "hen $as" and <u"ure mere ima#ina"ionK A$ Yes' even "he $resen" is mere ima#ina"ion' <or "he sense o< "ime is $ure!y men"a!. $a-e is simi!ar!y men"a!. 6here<ore bir"h and rebir"h' 3hi-h "a%e $!a-e in "ime and s$a-e' -anno" be o"her "han ima#ina"ion. #$ *ha" is "he -ause o< "anha' "he "hirs" <or !i<e and "he "hirs" <or rebir"hK A$ Rea! rebir"h is dyin# <rom "he e#o in"o "he s$iri". 6his is "he si#ni<i-an-e o< "he -ru-i<iBion o< Hesus. *henever iden"i<i-a"ion 3i"h "he body eBis"s' a body is a!3ays avai!ab!e' 3he"her "his or any o"her one' "i!! "he bodyDsense disa$$ears by mer#in# in"o "he sour-e "he s$iri"' or e!<. 6he s"one 3hi-h is $roCe-"ed u$3ards remains in -ons"an" mo"ion "i!! i" re"urns "o i"s sour-e' "he ear"h' and res"s. 2eada-he -on"inues "o #ive "roub!e' "i!! "he $reDheada-he s"a"e is re#ained.

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6hirs" <or !i<e is inheren" in "he very na"ure o< !i<e' 3hi-h is abso!u"e eBis"en-e sa". A!"hou#h indes"ru-"ib!e by na"ure' by <a!se iden"i<i-a"ion 3i"h i"s des"ru-"ib!e ins"rumen"' "he body' -ons-iousness imbibes a <a!se a$$rehension o< i"s des"ru-"ibi!i"y. Be-ause o< "ha" <a!se iden"i<i-a"ion i" "ries "o $er$e"ua"e "he body' and "ha" resu!"s in a su--ession o< bir"hs. Bu" ho3ever !on# "hese bodies may !as"' "hey even"ua!!y -ome "o an end and yie!d "o "he e!<' 3hi-h a!one e"erna!!y eBis"s. #$ Yes' 8Give u$ "hy !i<e i< "hou 3ou!ds" !ive9' says "he 5oi-e o< "he i!en-e o< 2.9I9. B!ava"s%y. A$ Give u$ "he <a!se iden"i<i-a"ion and remember' "he body -anno" eBis" 3i"hou" "he e!<' 3hereas "he e!< -an eBis" 3i"hou" "he body. In <a-" i" is a!3ays 3i"hou" i". #$ A doub" has Cus" no3 arisen in a <riend o< mine9s mind. he has Cus" heard "ha" a human bein# may "a%e an anima! bir"h in some o"her !i<e' 3hi-h is -on"rary "o 3ha" 6heoso$hy has "au#h" her. A$ &e" him 3ho "a%es bir"h as% "his Eues"ion. @ind ou" <irs" 3ho i" is "ha" is born' and 3he"her "here is a-"ua! bir"h and dea"h. You 3i!! <ind "ha" bir"h $er"ains "o "he e#o' 3hi-h is an i!!usion o< "he mind. #$ Is i" $ossib!e <or a man "o be reborn as a !o3er anima!K A$ Yes. I" is $ossib!e' as i!!us"ra"ed by Hada Bhara"a "he s-ri$"ura! ane-do"e o< a roya! sa#e havin# been reborn as a deer. #$ Is "he individua! -a$ab!e o< s$iri"ua! $ro#ress in an anima! bodyK A$ No" im$ossib!e' "hou#h i" is eB-eedin#!y rare. I" is no" "rue "ha" bir"h as a man is ne-essari!y "he hi#hes"' and "ha" one mus" a""ain rea!iJa"ion on!y <rom bein# a man. Even an anima! -an a""ain e!<Drea!iJa"ion. #$ 6heoso$hy s$ea%s o< <i<"y "o 1)'))) year in"erva!s be"3een dea"h and rebir"h. *hy is "his soK A$ 6here is no re!a"ion be"3een "he s"andard o< measuremen"s o< one s"a"e o< -ons-iousness and ano"her. A!! su-h measuremen"s are hy$o"he"i-a!. I" is "rue "ha" some individua!s "a%e more "ime and some !ess. Bu" i" mus" be dis"in-"!y unders"ood "ha" i" is no sou! 3hi-h -omes and #oes' bu" on!y "he "hin%in# mind o< "he individua!' 3hi-h ma%es i" a$$ear "o do so. On 3ha"ever $!ane "he mind ha$$ens "o a-"' i" -rea"es a body <or i"se!<I in "he $hysi-a! 3or!d a $hysi-a! body and in "he dream 3or!d a dream body 3hi-h be-omes 3e" 3i"h dream rain and si-% 3i"h dream disease. A<"er "he dea"h o< "he $hysi-a! body' "he mind remains ina-"ive <or some "ime' as in dream!ess s!ee$ 3hen i" remains 3or!d!ess and "here<ore bodi!ess. Bu" soon i" be-omes a-"ive a#ain in a ne3 3or!d and a ne3 body "he as"ra! "i!! i" assumes ano"her body in 3ha" is -a!!ed a 8rebir"h9. Bu" "he Cnani' "he e!<Drea!iJed man' 3hose mind has a!ready -eased "o a-"' remains una<<e-"ed by dea"h. 6he mind o< "he Cnani has -eased "o eBis"I i" has dro$$ed never "o rise a#ain "o -ause bir"hs and dea"hs. 6he -hain o< i!!usions has sna$$ed <or ever <or him. I" shou!d no3 be -!ear "ha" "here is nei"her rea! bir"h' nor rea! dea"h. I" is "he mind 3hi-h -rea"es and main"ains "he i!!usion o< rea!i"y in "his $ro-ess' "i!! i" is des"royed by e!<Drea!iJa"ion. #$ Does no" dea"h disso!ve "he individua!i"y o< a $erson' so "ha" "here -an be no rebir"h' Cus" as "he rivers dis-har#ed in"o "he o-ean !ose "heir individua!i"iesK A$ Bu" 3hen "he 3a"ers eva$ora"e and re"urn as rain on "he hi!!s' "hey on-e more <!o3 in "he <orm o< rivers and <a!! in"o "he o-ean. o a!so "he individua!i"ies durin# s!ee$ !ose "heir se$ara"eD ness and ye" re"urn as individua!s a--ordin# "o "heir sams%aras or $as" "enden-ies. I" is "he same a<"er dea"h "he individua!i"y o< "he $erson 3i"h sams%aras is no" !os". #$ 2o3 -an "ha" beK A$ ee ho3 a "ree 3hose bran-hes have been -u" #ro3s a#ain. o !on# as "he roo"s o< "he "ree remain unim$aired' "he "ree 3i!! -on"inue "o #ro3. imi!ar!y' "he sams%aras 3hi-h have mere!y sun% in "he 2ear" on dea"h' bu" have no" $erished <or "ha" reason' o--asion rebir"h a" "he ri#h" "ime. 6ha" is ho3 Civas Lindividua!sM are reborn. #$ 2o3 -ou!d "he innumerab!e Civas and "he 3ide universe 3hi-h "hey $rodu-e s$rou" u$ <rom su-h sub"!e sams%aras

11>

Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

sun% in "he 2ear"K A$ Hus" as "he bi# banyan "ree s$rou"s <rom a "iny seed' so do "he Civas and "he 3ho!e universe 3i"h name and <orm s$rou" u$ <rom "he sub"!e sams%aras. #$ 2o3 does "he Civa "rans<er <rom one body "o ano"herK A$ *hen one be#ins "o die' hard brea"hin# se"s inI "ha" means "ha" one has be-ome un-ons-ious o< "he dyin# body. 6he mind a" on-e "a%es ho!d o< ano"her body' and i" s3in#s "o and <ro be"3een "he "3o' un"i! a""a-hmen" is <u!!y "rans<erred "o "he ne3 body. Mean3hi!e "here are o--asiona! vio!en" brea"hs' and "ha" means "ha" "he mind s3in#s ba-% "o "he dyin# body. 6he "ransi"iona! s"a"e o< "he mind is some3ha" !i%e a dream. #$ 2o3 !on# is "he in"erva! be"3een one9s dea"h and rein-arna"ionK A$ I" may be !on# or shor". Bu" a Cnani does no" under#o any su-h -han#esI he mer#es in"o "he universa! bein#. ome say "ha" "hose 3ho a<"er dea"h $ass in"o "he $a"h o< !i#h" are no" reborn' 3hereas "hose 3ho a<"er dea"h "a%e "he $a"h o< dar%ness are reborn a<"er "hey have enCoyed "he <rui"s o< %arma in "heir sub"!e bodies. ome say "ha" i< one9s meri"s and demeri"s are eEua!' "hey are dire-"!y reborn here. Meri"s ou"3ei#hin# demeri"s' "he sub"!e bodies #o "o heaven and are "hen reborn hereI demeri"s ou"D 3ei#hin# meri"s' "hey #o "o he!!s and are a<"er3ards reborn here. A$ Yo#abrash"a Lone 3ho has s!i$$ed <rom "he $a"h o< yo#aM is said "o <are in "he same manner. A!! "hese are des-ribed in "he sas"ras. Bu" in <a-"' "here is nei"her bir"h nor dea"h. One remains on!y as 3ha" one rea!!y is. 6his is "he on!y "ru"h. #$ I <ind "his very -on<usin#. Are bo"h bir"hs and rebir"hs u!"ima"e!y unrea!K A$ I< "here is bir"h "here mus" be no" on!y one rebir"h bu" a 3ho!e su--ession o< bir"hs. *hy and ho3 did you #e" "his bir"hK @or "he same reason and in "he same manner you mus" have su--eedin# bir"hs. Bu" i< you as% 3ho has "he bir"h and 3he"her bir"h and dea"h are <or you or <or somebody dis"in-" <rom you' "hen you rea!iJe "he "ru"h and "he "ru"h burns u$ a!! %armas and <rees you <rom a!! bir"hs. 6he boo%s #ra$hi-a!!y des-ribe ho3 a!! san-hi"a %arma L%arma a--umu!a"ed <rom $revious bir"hsM' 3hi-h 3ou!d "a%e -oun"!ess !ives "o eBhaus"' is burn" u$ by one !i""!e s$ar% o< Cnana' Cus" as a moun"ain o< #un$o3der 3i!! be b!o3n u$ by a sin#!e s$ar% o< <ire. I" is "he e#o "ha" is "he -ause o< a!! "he 3or!d and o< "he -oun"!ess s-ien-es 3hose resear-hes are so #rea" as "o ba<<!e des-ri$"ion' and i< "he e#o is disso!ved by enEuiry a!! "his immedia"e!y -rumb!es and "he rea!i"y or e!< a!one remains. #$ Do you mean "o say "ha" I 3as never even bomK A$ Yes' you are no3 "hin%in# "ha" you are "he body and "here<ore -on<use yourse!< 3i"h i"s bir"h and dea"h. Bu" you are no" "he body and you have no bir"h and dea"h. #$ o you do no" u$ho!d "he "heory o< rebir"hK A$ No. On "he o"her hand I 3an" "o remove your -on<usion "ha" you 3i!! be reborn. I" is you 3ho "hin% "ha" you 3i!! be reborn. ee <or 3hom "he Eues"ion arises. Un!ess "he Eues"ioner is <ound' su-h Eues"ions -an never <ina!!y be ans3ered.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 19 - The nature of God

A" <irs" si#h"' ri Ramana9s s"a"emen"s on God a$$ear "o be ridd!ed 3i"h -on"radi-"ions? on one o--asion he mi#h" say "ha" God never does any"hin#' on ano"her "ha" no"hin# ha$$ens eB-e$" by his 3i!!. ome"imes he 3ou!d say "ha" God is Cus" an idea in "he mind' 3hi!e a" o"her "imes he 3ou!d say "ha" God is "he on!y eBis"in# rea!i"y. 6hese -on"radi-"ory s"a"emen"s are !ar#e!y a re<!e-"ion o< "he di<<erin# !eve!s o< unders"andin# he en-oun"ered in his Eues"ioners. 6hose 3ho 3orshi$$ed $ersona! Gods 3ou!d o<"en be #iven an"hro$omor$hi- eB$!ana"ions. 6hey 3ou!d be "o!d "ha" God -rea"ed "he 3or!d' "ha" he sus"ains i" by his divine $o3er' "ha" he !oo%s a<"er "he needs o< a!! i"s inhabi"an"s and "ha" no"hin# ha$$ens "ha" is -on"rary "o his 3i!!. On "he o"her hand' "hose 3ho 3ere no" a""ra-"ed "o su-h a "heory 3ou!d be "o!d "ha" a!! su-h ideas abou" God and his $o3er 3ere men"a! -rea"ions 3hi-h on!y obs-ured "he rea! eB$erien-e o< God 3hi-h is inheren" in everyone. A" "he hi#hes" !eve! o< his "ea-hin#s "he "erms 8God9 and 8 e!< are synonyms <or "he immanen" rea!i"y 3hi-h is dis-overed by e!<Drea!iJa"ion. 6hus rea!iJa"ion o< "he e!< is rea!iJa"ion o< GodI i" is no" an eB$erien-e o< God' ra"her i" is an unders"andin# "ha" one is God. $ea%in# <rom "his u!"ima"e !eve!' ri Ramana9s s"a"emen"s on God -an be summarised in "he <o!!o3in# 3ay? 1 2e is immanen" and <orm!essI he is $ure bein# and $ure -ons-iousness. , Mani<es"a"ion a$$ears in him and "hrou#h his $o3er' bu" he is no" i"s -rea"or. God never a-"s' he Cus" is. 2e has nei"her 3i!! nor desire. / Individua!i"y is "he i!!usion "ha" 3e are no" iden"i-a! 3i"h GodI 3hen "he i!!usion is dis$e!!ed' 3ha" remains is God. On a !o3er !eve! he s$o%e abou" Is3ara' "he 2indu name <or "he su$reme $ersona! God. 2e said "ha" Is3ara eBis"s as a rea! en"i"y on!y so !on# as one ima#ines "ha" one is an individua! $erson. *hen individua!i"y $ersis"s "here is a God 3ho su$ervises "he a-"ivi"ies o< "he universeI in "he absen-e o< individua!i"y Is3ara is nonDeBis"en". Besides Is3ara' 2induism has many dei"ies 3hi-h resemb!e "he #ods and demons o< Norse and Gree% my"ho!o#y. u-h dei"ies are a -en"ra! <ea"ure o< $o$u!ar 2induism and "heir rea!i"y is s"i!! 3ide!y a--e$"ed. ri Ramana sur$rised many $eo$!e by sayin# "ha" su-h bein#s 3ere as rea! as "he $eo$!e 3ho be!ieved in "hem. 2e admi""ed "ha" a<"er rea!iJa"ion "hey shared "he same <a"e as Is3ara' bu" $rior "o "ha"' he seemed "o re#ard "hem as senior o<<i-ia!s in a -osmo!o#i-a! hierar-hy 3hi-h !oo%ed a<"er "he a<<airs o< "he 3or!d. #$ God is des-ribed as mani<es" and unmani<es". As "he <ormer he is said "o in-!ude "he 3or!d as a $ar" o< his bein#. I< "ha" is so' 3e as $ar" o< "ha" 3or!d shou!d have easi!y %no3n him in "he mani<es"ed <orm. A$ Kno3 yourse!< be<ore you see% "o de-ide abou" "he na"ure o< God and "he 3or!d. #$ Does %no3in# myse!< im$!y %no3in# GodK A$ Yes' God is 3i"hin you. #$ 6hen' 3ha" s"ands in "he 3ay o< my %no3in# myse!< or GodK A$ Your 3anderin# mind and $erver"ed 3ays. #$ Is God $ersona!K A$ Yes' he is a!3ays "he <irs" $erson' "he I' ever s"andin# be<ore you. Be-ause you #ive $re-eden-e "o 3or!d!y "hin#s' God a$$ears "o have re-eded "o "he ba-%#round. I< you #ive u$ a!! e!se and see% him a!one' he a!one 3i!! remain as "he 8I9' "he e!<. #$ Is God a$ar" <rom "he e!<K A$ 6he e!< is God. 8I am9 is God. 6his Eues"ion arises be-ause you are ho!din# on "o "he e#o se!<. I" 3i!! no" arise i<

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

you ho!d on"o "he "rue e!<. @or "he rea! e!< 3i!! no" and -anno" as% any"hin#. I< God be a$ar" <rom "he e!< he mus" be a e!<D!ess God' 3hi-h is absurd. God' 3ho seems "o be nonDeBis"en"' a!one "ru!y eBis"s' 3hereas "he individua!' 3ho seems "o be eBis"in#' is ever nonDeBis"en". a#es say "ha" "he s"a"e in 3hi-h one "hus %no3s one9s o3n nonD eBis"en-e LsunyaM a!one is "he #!orious su$reme %no3!ed#e. You no3 "hin% "ha" you are an individua!' "ha" "here is "he universe and "ha" God is beyond "he -osmos. o "here is "he idea o< se$ara"eness. 6his idea mus" #o. @or God is no" se$ara"e <rom you or "he -osmos. 6he Gi"a a!so says? 6he e!< am I' O &ord o< !ee$' In every -rea"ure9s hear" enshrined. 6he rise and noon o< every <orm' I am i"s <ina! doom as 3e!! 7Bha#avad Gi"a' G.,):. 6hus God is no" on!y in "he hear" o< a!!' he is "he $ro$ o< a!!' he is "he sour-e o< a!!' "heir abidin# $!a-e and "heir end. A!! $ro-eed <rom him' have "heir s"ay in him' and <ina!!y reso!ve in"o him. 6here<ore he is no" se$ara"e. #$ 2o3 are 3e "o unders"and "his $assa#e in "he Gi"a 86his 3ho!e -osmos <orms a $ar"i-!e o< me9K A$ I" does no" mean "ha" a sma!! $ar"i-!e o< God se$ara"es <rom him and <orms "he universe. 2is sa%"i L$o3erM is a-"in#. As a resu!" o< one $hase o< su-h a-"ivi"y "he -osmos has be-ome mani<es". imi!ar!y' "he s"a"emen" in Purusha u%"a' 8A!! "he bein#s <orm his one <oo"9' does no" mean "ha" Brahman is in severa! $ar"s. #$ I unders"and "ha". Brahman is -er"ain!y no" divisib!e. A$ o "he <a-" is "ha" Brahman is a!! and remains indivisib!e. I" is ever rea!iJed bu" man is no" a3are o< "his. 2e mus" -ome "o %no3 "his. Kno3!ed#e means "he over-omin# o< obs"a-!es 3hi-h obs"ru-" "he reve!a"ion o< "he e"erna! "ru"h "ha" "he e!< is "he same as Brahman. 6he obs"a-!es "a%en "o#e"her <orm your idea o< se$ara"eness as an individua!. #$ Is God "he same as e!<K A$ 6he e!< is %no3n "o everyone' bu" no" -!ear!y. You a!3ays eBis". 6he beDin# is "he e!<. 8I am9 is "he name o< God. O< a!! "he de<ini"ions o< God' none is indeed so 3e!! $u" as "he Bib!i-a! s"a"emen" 8I am "ha" I am9 in EBodus /. 6here are o"her s"a"emen"s' su-h as Brahmaivaham LBrahman am IM' aham Brahmasmi LI am BrahmanM and soham LI am heM. Bu" none is so dire-" as "he name Hehovah 3hi-h means 8I am9. 6he abso!u"e bein# is 3ha" is. I" is "he e!<. I" is God. Kno3in# "he e!<' God is %no3n. In <a-" God is none o"her "han "he e!<. #$ God seems "o be %no3n by many di<<eren" names. Are any o< "hem Cus"i<iedK A$ Amon# "he many "housands o< names o< God' no name sui"s God' 3ho abides in "he 2ear"' devoid o< "hou#h"' so "ru!y' a$"!y' and beau"i<u!!y as "he name 8I9 or 8I am9. O< a!! "he %no3n names o< God' "he name o< God 8I9 D 8I9 a!one 3i!! resound "rium$han"!y 3hen "he e#o is des"royed' risin# as "he si!en" su$reme 3ord LmounaD$araDva%M in "he 2ear"D s$a-e o< "hose 3hose a""en"ion is e!<3ardD<a-in#. Even i< one un-easin#!y medi"a"es u$on "ha" name 8ID9I9 3i"h one9s a""en"ion on "he <ee!in# 8I9' i" 3i!! "a%e one and $!un#e one in"o "he sour-e <rom 3hi-h "hou#h" rises' des"royin# "he e#o' "he embryo' 3hi-h is Coined "o "he body. #$ *ha" is "he re!a"ionshi$ be"3een God and "he 3or!dK Is he "he -rea"or or sus"ainer o< i"K A$ en"ien" and insen"ien" bein#s o< a!! %inds are $er<ormin# a-"ions on!y by "he mere $resen-e o< "he sun' 3hi-h rises in "he s%y 3i"hou" any vo!i"ion. imi!ar!y a!! a-"ions are done by "he &ord 3i"hou" any vo!i"ion or desire on his $ar". In "he mere $resen-e o< "he sun' "he ma#ni<yin# !ens emi"s <ire' "he !o"usDbud b!ossoms' "he 3a"erD!i!y -!oses and a!! "he -oun"!ess -rea"ures $er<orm a-"ions and res". 6he order o< "he #rea" mu!"i"ude o< 3or!ds is main"ained by "he mere $resen-e o< God in "he same manner as "he

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

need!e moves in <ron" o< a ma#ne"' and as "he moons"one emi"s 3a"er' "he 3a"erD!i!y b!ossoms and "he !o"us -!oses in <ron" o< "he moon. In "he mere $resen-e o< God' 3ho does no" have even "he !eas" vo!i"ion' "he !ivin# bein#s' 3ho are en#a#ed in innumerab!e a-"ivi"ies' a<"er embar%in# u$on many $a"hs "o 3hi-h "hey are dra3n a--ordin# "o "he -ourse de"ermined by "heir o3n %armas' <ina!!y rea!iJe "he <u"i!i"y o< a-"ion' "urn ba-% "o e!< and a""ain !ibera"ion. 6he a-"ions o< !ivin# bein#s -er"ain!y do no" #o and a<<e-" God' 3ho "rans-ends "he mind' in "he same manner as "he a-"ivi"ies o< "he 3or!d do no" a<<e-" "ha" sun and as "he Eua!i"ies o< "he -ons$i-uous <our e!emen"s Lear"h' 3a"er' <ire and airM do no" a<<e-" "he !imi"!ess s$a-e. #$ *hy is samsara F -rea"ion and mani<es"a"ion as <ini"ised F so <u!! o< sorro3 and evi!K A$ God9s 3i!!O #$ *hy does God 3i!! i" soK A$ I" is ins-ru"ab!e. No mo"ive -an be a""ribu"ed "o "ha" $o3er no desire' no end "o a-hieve -an be asser"ed o< "ha" one in<ini"e' a!!D3ise and a!!D$o3er<u! bein#. God is un"ou-hed by a-"ivi"ies' 3hi-h "a%e $!a-e in his $resen-e. +om$are "he sun and "he 3or!d a-"ivi"ies. 6here is no meanin# in a""ribu"in# res$onsibi!i"y and mo"ive "o "he one be<ore i" be-omes many. #$ Does every"hin# ha$$en by "he 3i!! o< GodK A$ I" is no" $ossib!e <or anyone "o do any"hin# o$$osed "o "he ordinan-e o< God' 3ho has "he abi!i"y "o do every"hin#. 6here<ore "o remain si!en" a" "he <ee" o< God' havin# #iven u$ a!! "he anBie"ies o< "he 3i-%ed' de<e-"ive and de!usive mind' is bes". #$ Is "here a se$ara"e bein# Is3ara L$ersona! GodM 3ho is "he re3arder o< vir"ue and $unisher o< sinsK Is "here a GodK A$ Yes. #$ *ha" is he !i%eK A$ Is3ara has individua!i"y in mind and body' 3hi-h are $erishab!e' bu" a" "he same "ime he has a!so "he "rans-enden"a! -ons-iousness and !ibera"ion in3ard!y. Is3ara' "he $ersona! God' "he su$reme -rea"or o< "he universe rea!!y does eBis". Bu" "his is "rue on!y <rom "he re!a"ive s"and$oin" o< "hose 3ho have no" rea!iJed "he "ru"h' "hose $eo$!e 3ho be!ieve in "he rea!i"y o< individua! sou!s. @rom "he abso!u"e s"and$oin" "he sa#e -anno" a--e$" any o"her eBis"en-e "han "he im$ersona! e!<' one and <orm!ess. Is3ara has a $hysi-a! body' a <orm and a name' bu" i" is no" so #ross as "his ma"eria! body. I" -an be seen in visions in "he <orm -rea"ed by "he devo"ee. 6he <orms and names o< God are many and various and di<<er 3i"h ea-h re!i#ion. 2is essen-e is "he same as ours' "he rea! e!< bein# on!y one and 3i"hou" <orm. 2en-e <orms he assumes are on!y -rea"ions or a$$earan-es. Is3ara is immanen" in every $erson and every obCe-" "hrou#hou" "he universe. 6he "o"a!i"y o< a!! "hin#s and bein#s -ons"i"u"es God. 6here is a $o3er ou" o< 3hi-h a sma!! <ra-"ion has be-ome a!! "his universe' and "he remainder is in reserve. Bo"h "his reserve $o3er $!us "he mani<es"ed $o3er as ma"eria! 3or!d "o#e"her -ons"i"u"e Is3ara. #$ o u!"ima"e!y Is3ara is no" rea!K A$ EBis"en-e o< Is3ara <o!!o3s <rom our -on-e$"ion o< Is3ara. &e" us <irs" %no3 3hose -on-e$" he is. 6he -on-e$" 3i!! be on!y a--ordin# "o "he one 3ho -on-eives. @ind ou" 3ho you are and "he o"her $rob!ems 3i!! so!ve "hemse!ves. Is3ara' God' "he -rea"or' "he $ersona! God' is "he !as" o< "he unrea! <orms "o #o. On!y "he abso!u"e bein# is rea!. 2en-e' no" on!y "he 3or!d' no" on!y "he e#o' bu" a!so "he $ersona! God are o< unrea!i"y. *e mus" <ind "he abso!u"e no"hin# !ess. #$ You say "ha" even "he hi#hes" God is s"i!! on!y an idea. Does "ha" mean "ha" "here is no GodK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ No' "here is an Is3ara. #$ Does he eBis" in any $ar"i-u!ar $!a-e or <ormK A$ I< "he individua! is a <orm' even e!<' "he sour-e' 3ho is "he &ord' 3i!! a!so a$$ear "o be a <orm. I< one is no" a <orm' sin-e "here "hen -anno" be %no3!ed#e o< o"her "hin#s' 3i!! "ha" s"a"emen" "ha" God has a <orm be -orre-"K God assumes any <orm ima#ined by "he devo"ee "hrou#h re$ea"ed "hin%in# in $ro!on#ed medi"a"ion. 6hou#h he "hus assumes end!ess names' "he rea! <orm!ess -ons-iousness a!one is God. *i"h re#ard "o his !o-a"ion' God does no" reside in any $!a-e o"her "han "he 2ear". I" is due "o i!!usion' -aused by "he e#o' "he I am "he body9 idea' "ha" "he %in#dom o< God is -on-eived "o be e!se3here. Be sure "ha" "he 2ear" is "he %in#dom o< God. Kno3 "ha" you are "he $er<e-"' shinin# !i#h" 3hi-h no" on!y ma%es "he eBis"en-e o< God9s %in#dom $ossib!e' bu" a!so a!!o3s i" "o be seen as some 3onder<u! heaven. 6o %no3 "his is a!one Cnana. 6here<ore' "he %in#dom o< God is 3i"hin you. 6he un!imi"ed s$a-e o< "uriya"i"a Lbeyond "he <our s"a"es' i.e. 6he e!<M' 3hi-h shines sudden!y' in a!! i"s <u!!ness' 3i"hin "he 2ear" o< a hi#h!y ma"ure as$iran" durin# "he s"a"e o< -om$!e"e absor$"ion o< mind' as i< a <resh and $revious!y un%no3n eB$erien-e' is "he rare!yDa""ained and "rue ivaD!o%a L"he %in#dom o< GodM' 3hi-h shines by "he !i#h" o< e!<. #$ 6hey say "ha" "he Civa Lindividua!M is subCe-" "o "he evi! e<<e-"s o< i!!usion su-h as !imi"ed vision and %no3!ed#e' 3hereas Is3ara has a!!D$ervadin# vision and %no3!ed#e. I" is a!so said "ha" Civa and Is3ara be-ome iden"i-a! i< "he individua! dis-ards his !imi"ed vision and %no3!ed#e. hou!d no" Is3ara a!so dis-ard his $ar"i-u!ar -hara-"eris"i-s su-h as a!!D$ervadin# vision and %no3!ed#eK 6hey "oo are i!!usions' aren9" "heyK A$ Is "ha" your doub"K @irs" dis-ard your o3n !imi"ed vision and "hen "here 3i!! be "ime enou#h "o "hin% o< Is3ara9s a!!D$ervadin# vision and %no3!ed#e. @irs" #e" rid o< your o3n !imi"ed %no3!ed#e. *hy do you 3orry abou" Is3araK 2e 3i!! !oo% a<"er himse!<. 2as he no" #o" as mu-h -a$a-i"y as 3e haveK *hy shou!d 3e 3orry abou" 3he"her he $ossesses a!!D$ervadin# vision and %no3!ed#e or no"K I" is indeed a #rea" "hin# i< 3e -an "a%e -are o< ourse!ves. #$ Bu" does God %no3 every"hin#K A$ 6he 5edas de-!are God "o be omnis-ien" on!y "o "hose 3ho i#noran"!y "hin% "hemse!ves "o be $eo$!e o< !i""!e %no3!ed#e. Bu" i< one a""ains and %no3s him as he rea!!y is' i" 3i!! be <ound "ha" God does no" %no3 any"hin#' be-ause his na"ure is "he everDrea! 3ho!e' o"her "han 3hi-h no"hin# eBis"s "o be %no3n. #$ *hy do re!i#ions s$ea% o< Gods' heaven' he!!' e"-.K A$ On!y "o ma%e "he $eo$!e rea!iJe "ha" "hey are on a $ar 3i"h "his 3or!d and "ha" "he e!< a!one is rea!. 6he re!i#ions are a--ordin# "o "he vie3D$oin" o< "he see%er. #$ Do 5ishnu' iva' e"-.' eBis"K A$ Individua! human sou!s are no" "he on!y bein#s %no3n. #$ And "heir sa-red re#ions Kai!asa or 5ai%un"ha' are "hey rea!K A$ As rea! as you are in "his body. #$ Do "hey $ossess a $henomena! eBis"en-e' !i%e my bodyK Or are "hey <i-"ions !i%e "he horn o< a hareK A$ 6hey do eBis". #$ I< so' "hey mus" be some3here. *here are "heyK A$ Persons 3ho have seen "hem say "ha" "hey eBis" some3here. o 3e mus" a--e$" "heir s"a"emen". #$ *here do "hey eBis"K A$ In you. #$ 6hen i" is on!y an idea 3hi-h I -an -rea"e and -on"ro!K

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ Every"hin# is !i%e "ha". #$ Bu" I -an -rea"e $ure <i-"ions' <or eBam$!e' a hare9s horn' or on!y $ar" "ru"hs' <or eBam$!e a mira#e' 3hi!e "here are a!so <a-"s irres$e-"ive o< my ima#ina"ion. Do "he Gods Is3ara or 5ishnu eBis" !i%e "ha"K A$ Yes. #$ Is God subCe-" "o $ra!aya L-osmi- disso!u"ionMK A$ *hyK Man be-omin# a3are o< "he e!< "rans-ends -osmi- disso!u"ion and be-omes !ibera"ed. *hy no" Is3ara 3ho is in<ini"e!y 3iser and ab!erK #$ Do devas Lan#e!sM and $isa-has Ldevi!sM eBis" simi!ar!yK A$ Yes. #$ 6hese dei"ies' 3ha" is "heir s"a"us re!a"ive "o "he e!<K A$ iva' Gana$a"i and o"her dei"ies !i%e Brahma' eBis" <rom a human s"and$oin"I "ha" is "o say' i< you -onsider your $ersona! se!< as rea!' "hen "hey a!so eBis". Hus" as a #overnmen" has i"s hi#h eBe-u"ive o<<i-ers "o -arry on "he #overnmen"' so has "he -rea"or. Bu" <rom "he s"and$oin" o< "he e!< a!! "hese #ods are i!!usory and mus" "hemse!ves mer#e in"o "he one rea!i"y. #$ *henever I 3orshi$ God 3i"h name and <orm' I <ee! "em$"ed "o "hin% 3he"her I am no" 3ron# in doin# so' as "ha" 3ou!d be !imi"in# "he !imi"!ess' #ivin# <orm "o "he <orm!ess. A" "he same "ime I <ee! I am no" -ons"an" in my adheren-e "o 3orshi$ God 3i"hou" <orm. A$ As !on# as you res$ond "o a name' 3ha" obCe-"ion -ou!d "here be "o your 3orshi$$in# a God 3i"h name or <ormK *orshi$ God 3i"h or 3i"hou" <orm "i!! you %no3 3ho you are. #$ I <ind i" di<<i-u!" "o be!ieve in a $ersona! God. In <a-" I <ind i" im$ossib!e. Bu" I -an be!ieve in an im$ersona! God' a divine <or-e 3hi-h ru!es and #uides "he 3or!d' and i" 3ou!d be a #rea" he!$ "o me' even in my 3or% o< hea!in#' i< "his <ai"h 3ere in-reased. May I %no3 ho3 "o in-rease "his <ai"hK A$ @ai"h is in "hin#s un%no3n' bu" "he e!< is se!<Deviden". Even "he #rea"es" e#o"is" -anno" deny his o3n eBis"en-e' "ha" is "o say' -anno" deny "he e!<. You -an -a!! "he u!"ima"e rea!i"y by 3ha"ever name you !i%e and say "ha" you have <ai"h in i" or !ove <or i"' bu" 3ho is "here 3ho 3i!! no" have <ai"h in his o3n eBis"en-e or !ove <or himse!<K 6ha" is be-ause <ai"h and !ove are our rea! na"ure. #$ hou!d I no" have any idea abou" GodK A$ On!y so !on# as "here are o"her "hou#h"s in "he 2ear" -an "here be a "hou#h" o< God -on-eived by one9s mind. 6he des"ru-"ion o< even "ha" "hou#h" o< God due "o "he des"ru-"ion o< a!! o"her "hou#h"s a!one is "he un"hou#h" "hou#h"' 3hi-h is "he "rue "hou#h" o< God.

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 20 - Suffering and morality

6he $aradoBes inheren" in "heis"i- "heories have en#a#ed "he minds o< 3es"ern "heo!o#ians and $hi!oso$hers <or -en"uries. @or eBam$!e' i< God is $er<e-"' 3hy is "here evi! in "he 3or!dK *hy does an omni$o"en" God a!!o3 su<<erin# 3hen he has "he $o3er "o abo!ish i" a" a s"ro%eK ri Ramana sideDs"e$s su-h -onundrums by s"a"in# "ha" "he 3or!d' God and "he individua! 3ho su<<ers are a!! inven"ions o< "he mind. A!! re!i#ions <irs" $os"u!a"e "hree $rin-i$!es' "he 3or!d' "he sou! and God. 6o say "ha" one $rin-i$!e a!one a$$ears as "he "hree $rin-i$!es or "ha" "he "hree $rin-i$!es are a!3ays "hree $rin-i$!es is $ossib!e on!y as !on# as "he e#o eBis"s. Ins"ead o< a""ribu"in# su<<erin# "o "he -onseEuen-e o< 3ron# a-"ions or "o "he 3i!! o< God' ri Ramana "au#h" "ha" i" on!y arises be-ause 3e ima#ine "ha" 3e are se$ara"e individua!s in"era-"in# 3i"h ea-h o"her and 3i"h "he 3or!d. 2e said "ha" 3ron# a-"ions -om$ound "he su<<erin#' and are "here<ore "o be avoided' bu" "hey are no" i"s ori#ina! -ause. I" is "he mind "ha" -rea"es "he i!!usion o< se$ara"eness and i" is "he mind "ha" su<<ers "he -onseEuen-es o< i"s i!!usory inven"ions. u<<erin# is "hus a $rodu-" and -onseEuen-e o< "he dis-rimina"ive mindI 3hen "he mind is e!imina"ed' su<<erin# is <ound "o be nonDeBis"en". Many Eues"ioners -ou!d re!a"e "o "his idea on an individua! !eve! bu" "hey <ound i" hard "o a--e$" "ha" a!! "he su<<erin# in "he 3or!d eBis"ed on!y in "he mind o< "he $erson 3ho $er-eived i". ri Ramana 3as Eui"e adaman" abou" "his and he re$ea"ed!y said "ha" i< one rea!ises "he e!< one 3i!! %no3 "ha" a!! su<<erin#' no" Cus" one9s o3n' is nonDeBis"en". 6a%in# "his idea "o i"s !o#i-a! -on-!usion' ri Ramana o<"en said "he mos" e<<e-"ive 3ay o< e!imina"in# o"her $eo$!e9s su<<erin# 3as "o rea!iJe "he e!<. 6his s"and$oin" shou!d no" be in"er$re"ed "o mean "ha" ri Ramana en-oura#ed his <o!!o3ers "o i#nore "he su<<erin# o< o"her $eo$!e. On a more $ra#ma"i- !eve! he said "ha" $rior "o e!<Drea!iJa"ion one shou!d a--e$" "he rea!i"y o< o"her $eo$!e9s su<<erin# and "a%e s"e$s "o re!ieve i" 3henever one -omes a-ross i". 2o3ever' he a!so $oin"ed ou" "ha" su-h remedia! a-"ions 3ou!d on!y be s$iri"ua!!y bene<i-ia! i< "hey 3ere done 3i"hou" "he <ee!in# "ha" 8o"her $eo$!e !ess <or"una"e "han me are bein# he!$ed9 and 3i"hou" "he <ee!in# "ha" 8I am $er<ormin# "hese a-"ions9. On "he 3ho!e' "he Eues"ion o< 3ha" one shou!d or shou!d no" do in "he 3or!d 3as o< !i""!e in"eres" "o ri Ramana. 2e main"ained "he vie3 "ha" a!! -onven"iona! ideas abou" ri#h" and 3ron# 3ere va!ueDCud#men"s made by "he mind' and "ha" 3hen "he mind -eases "o eBis"' ideas abou" ri#h" and 3ron# a!so -ease. Be-ause o< "his he rare!y s$o%e abou" "he -onven"iona! -anons o< mora!i"y' and 3henever he 3as $ressed "o o<<er an o$inion on "hem' he 3ou!d usua!!y sideD s"e$ "he issue by sayin# "ha" "he on!y 8ri#h" a-"ion9 3as dis-overin# "he e!<. #$ *ha" do you -onsider "o be "he -ause o< 3or!d su<<erin#K And ho3 -an 3e he!$ "o -han#e i"' 7a: as individua!s' or 7b: -o!!e-"ive!yK A$ Rea!iJe "he rea! e!<. I" is a!! "ha" is ne-essary. #$ In "his !i<e bese" 3i"h !imi"a"ions -an I ever rea!iJe "he b!iss o< "he e!<K A$ 6ha" b!iss o< "he e!< is a!3ays 3i"h you' and you 3i!! <ind i" <or yourse!<' i< you 3ou!d see% i" earnes"!y. 6he -ause o< your misery is no" in "he !i<e ou"side you' i" is in you as "he e#o. You im$ose !imi"a"ions on yourse!< and "hen ma%e a vain s"ru##!e "o "rans-end "hem. A!! unha$$iness is due "o "he e#oI 3i"h i" -omes a!! your "roub!e. *ha" does i" avai! you "o a""ribu"e "o "he ha$$enin#s in !i<e "he -ause o< misery 3hi-h is rea!!y 3i"hin youK *ha" ha$$iness -an you #e" <rom "hin#s eB"raneous "o yourse!<K *hen you #e" i"' ho3 !on# 3i!! i" !as"K I< you 3ou!d deny "he e#o and s-or-h i" by i#norin# i"' you 3ou!d be <ree. I< you a--e$" i"' i" 3i!! im$ose !imi"a"ions on you and "hro3 you in"o a vain s"ru##!e "o "rans-end "hem. 6o be "he e!< "ha" you rea!!y are is "he on!y means "o rea!iJe "he b!iss "ha" is ever yours. #$ I< "ru!y "here is nei"her bonda#e nor !ibera"ion' 3ha" is "he reason <or "he a-"ua! eB$erien-e o< Coys and sorro3sK A$ 6hey a$$ear "o be rea! on!y 3hen one "urns aside <rom one9s rea! na"ure. 6hey do no" rea!!y eBis". #$ Is "he 3or!d -rea"ed <or ha$$iness or miseryK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ +rea"ion is nei"her #ood nor badI i" is as i" is. I" is "he human mind 3hi-h $u"s a!! sor"s o< -ons"ru-"ions on i"' seein# "hin#s <rom i"s o3n an#!e and in"er$re"in# "hem "o sui" i"s o3n in"eres"s. A 3oman is Cus" a 3oman' bu" one mind -a!!s her 8mo"her9' ano"her 8sis"er9' and s"i!! ano"her 8aun"9 and so on. Men !ove 3omen' ha"e sna%es' and are indi<<eren" "o "he #rass and s"ones by "he roadside. 6hese va!ueDCud#men"s are "he -ause o< a!! "he misery in "he 3or!d. +rea"ion is !i%e a $ee$u! "ree? birds -ome "o ea" i"s <rui"' or "a%e she!"er under i"s bran-hes' men -oo! "hemse!ves in i"s shade' bu" some may han# "hemse!ves on i". Ye" "he "ree -on"inues "o !ead i"s Euie" !i<e' un-on-erned 3i"h and una3are o< a!! "he uses i" is $u" "o. I" is "he human mind "ha" -rea"es i"s o3n di<<i-u!"ies and "hen -ries <or he!$. Is God so $ar"ia! as "o #ive $ea-e "o one $erson and sorro3 "o ano"herK In -rea"ion "here is room <or every"hin#' bu" man re<uses "o see "he #ood' "he hea!"hy and "he beau"i<u!. Ins"ead' he #oes on 3hinin#' !i%e "he hun#ry man 3ho si"s beside "he "as"y dish and 3ho' ins"ead o< s"re"-hin# ou" his hand "o sa"is<y his hun#er' #oes on !amen"in#' 8*hose <au!" is i"' God9s or man9sK9 #$ I< God is a!! 3hy does "he individua! su<<er <or his a-"ionsK Are no" "he a-"ions <or 3hi-h "he individua! is made "o su<<er $rom$"ed by himK A$ 2e 3ho "hin%s he is "he doer is a!so "he su<<erer. #$ Bu" "he a-"ions are $rom$"ed by God and "he individua! is on!y his "oo!. A$ 6his !o#i- is a$$!ied on!y 3hen one su<<ers' bu" no" 3hen one reCoi-es. I< "he -onvi-"ion $revai!s a!3ays' "here 3i!! be no su<<erin# ei"her. #$ *hen 3i!! "he su<<erin# -easeK A$ No" un"i! individua!i"y is !os". I< bo"h "he #ood and bad a-"ions are his' 3hy shou!d you "hin% "ha" "he enCoymen" and su<<erin# are yours a!oneK 2e 3ho does #ood or bad' a!so enCoys $!easure or su<<ers $ain. &eave i" "here and do no" su$erim$ose su<<erin# on yourse!<. #$ 2o3 -an you say "ha" su<<erin# is nonDeBis"en"K I see i" every3here. A$ One9s o3n rea!i"y' 3hi-h shines 3i"hin everyone as "he 2ear"' is i"se!< "he o-ean o< una!!oyed b!iss. 6here<ore !i%e "he unrea! b!ueness o< "he s%y' misery does no" eBis" in rea!i"y bu" on!y in mere ima#ina"ion. in-e one9s o3n rea!i"y' 3hi-h is "he sun o< Cnana "ha" -anno" be a$$roa-hed by "he dar% de!usion o< i#noran-e' i"se!< shines as ha$$iness' misery is no"hin# bu" an i!!usion -aused by "he unrea! sense o< individua!i"y. In "ru"h no one has ever eB$erien-ed any su-h "hin# o"her "han "ha" unrea! i!!usion. I< one s-ru"inises one9s o3n e!<' 3hi-h is b!iss' "here 3i!! be no misery a" a!! in one9s !i<e. One su<<ers be-ause o< "he idea "ha" "he body' 3hi-h is never onese!<' is 8I9I su<<erin# is a!! due "o "his de!usion. #$ I su<<er in bo"h mind and body. @rom "he day o< my bir"h I have never had ha$$iness. My mo"her "oo su<<ered <rom "he "ime she -on-eived me' I hear. *hy do I su<<er "husK I have no" sinned in "his !i<e. Is a!! "his due "o "he sins o< $as" !ivesK A$ You say "he mind and body su<<er. Bu" do "hey as% "he Eues"ionsK *ho is "he Eues"ionerK Is i" no" "he one "ha" is beyond bo"h mind and bodyK You say "he body su<<ers in "his !i<e and as% i< "he -ause o< "his is "he $revious !i<e. I< "ha" is so "hen "he -ause o< "ha" !i<e is "he one be<ore i"' and so on. o' !i%e "he -ase o< "he seed and "he s$rou"' "here is no end "o "he -ausa! series. I" has "o be said "ha" a!! "he !ives have "heir <irs" -ause in i#noran-e. 6ha" same i#noran-e is $resen" even no3' <ramin# "his Eues"ion. 6ha" i#noran-e mus" be removed by Cnana. 8*hy and "o 3hom did "his su<<erin# -omeK9 I< you Eues"ion "hus you 3i!! <ind "ha" "he 8I9 is se$ara"e <rom "he mind and body' "ha" "he e!< is "he on!y e"erna! bein#' and "ha" i" is e"erna! b!iss. 6ha" is Cnana. #$ I su<<er <rom 3orries 3i"hou" endI "here is no $ea-e <or me' "hou#h "here is no"hin# 3an"in# <or me "o be ha$$y. A$ Do "hese 3orries a<<e-" you in s!ee$K #$ No' "hey do no".

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ Are you "he very same man no3' or are you di<<eren" <rom him "ha" s!e$" 3i"hou" any 3orryK #$ Yes' I am "he same $erson. A$ 6hen sure!y "hose 3orries do no" be!on# "o you. I" is your o3n <au!" i< you assume "ha" "hey are yours. #$ *hen 3e su<<er #rie< and -om$!ain and a$$ea! "o you by !e""er or men"a!!y by $rayer' are you no" moved "o <ee! 3ha" a $i"y i" is "ha" your -hi!d su<<ers !i%e "hisK A$ I< one <e!" !i%e "ha" one 3ou!d no" be a Cnani. #$ *e see $ain in "he 3or!d. A man is hun#ry. I" is a $hysi-a! rea!i"y' and as su-h' i" is very rea! "o him. Are 3e "o -a!! i" a dream and remain unmoved by his $ainK A$ @rom "he $oin" o< vie3 o< Cnana or "he rea!i"y' "he $ain you s$ea% o< is -er"ain!y a dream' as is "he 3or!d o< 3hi-h "he $ain is an in<ini"esima! $ar". In "he dream a!so you yourse!< <ee! hun#er. You see o"hers su<<erin# hun#er. You <eed yourse!< and' moved by $i"y' <eed "he o"hers "ha" you <ind su<<erin# <rom hun#er. o !on# as "he dream !as"s' a!! "hose hun#er $ains are Eui"e as rea! as you no3 "hin% "he $ain you see in "he 3or!d "o be. I" is on!y 3hen you 3a%e u$ "ha" you dis-over "ha" "he $ain in "he dream 3as unrea!. You mi#h" have ea"en "o "he <u!! and #one "o s!ee$. You dream "ha" you 3or% hard and !on# in "he ho" sun a!! day' are "ired and hun#ry and 3an" "o ea" a !o". 6hen you #e" u$ and <ind your s"oma-h is <u!! and you have no" s"irred ou" o< your bed. Bu" a!! "his is no" "o say "ha" 3hi!e you are in "he dream you -an a-" as i< "he $ain you <ee! "here is no" rea!. 6he hun#er in "he dream has "o be assua#ed by "he <ood in "he dream. 6he <e!!o3 bein#s you <ound so hun#ry in "he dream had "o be $rovided 3i"h <ood in "ha" dream. You -an never miB u$ "he "3o s"a"es' "he dream and "he 3a%in# s"a"e. 6i!! you rea-h "he s"a"e o< Cnana and "hus 3a%e ou" o< "his maya' you mus" do so-ia! servi-e by re!ievin# su<<erin# 3henever you see i". Bu" even "hen you mus" do i"' as 3e are "o!d' 3i"hou" aham%ara' "ha" is 3i"hou" "he sense 8I am "he doer9' bu" <ee!in#' 8I am "he &ord9s "oo!.9 imi!ar!y one mus" no" be -on-ei"ed and "hin%' 8I am he!$in# a man be!o3 me. 2e needs he!$. I am in a $osi"ion "o he!$. I am su$erior and he in<erior.9 You mus" he!$ "he man as a means o< 3orshi$$in# God in "ha" man. A!! su-h servi-e "oo is <or you "he e!<' no" <or anybody e!se. You are no" he!$in# anybody e!se' bu" on!y yourse!<. #$ In "he -ase o< $ersons 3ho are no" -a$ab!e o< !on# medi"a"ion' 3i!! i" no" be enou#h i< "hey en#a#e "hemse!ves in doin# #ood "o o"hersK A$ Yes' i" 3i!! do. 6he idea o< #ood 3i!! be in "heir hear". 6ha" is enou#h. Good' God' !ove' are a!! "he same "hin#. I< "he $erson %ee$s -on"inuous!y "hin%in# o< any one o< "hese' i" 3i!! be enou#h. A!! medi"a"ion is <or "he $ur$ose o< %ee$in# ou" a!! o"her "hou#h"s. #$ o one shou!d "ry "o ame!iora"e su<<erin#' even i< one %no3s "ha" u!"ima"e!y i" is nonD eBis"en"K A$ 6here never 3as and never 3i!! be a "ime 3hen a!! are eEua!!y ha$$y or ri-h or 3ise or hea!"hy. In <a-" none o< "hese "erms has any meanin# eB-e$" in so <ar as "he o$$osi"e "o i" eBis"s. Bu" "ha" does no" mean "ha" 3hen you -ome a-ross anyone 3ho is !ess ha$$y or more miserab!e "han yourse!<' you are no" "o be moved "o -om$assion or "o see% "o re!ieve him as bes" you -an. On "he -on"rary' you mus" !ove a!! and he!$ a!!' sin-e on!y in "ha" 3ay -an you he!$ yourse!<. *hen you see% "o redu-e "he su<<erin# o< any <e!!o3 man or <e!!o3 -rea"ure' 3he"her your e<<or"s su--eed or no"' you are yourse!< evo!vin# s$iri"ua!!y es$e-ia!!y i< su-h servi-e is rendered disin"eres"ed!y' no" 3i"h "he e#o"is"i<ee!in# 8I am doin# "his9' bu" in "he s$iri" 8God is ma%in# me "he -hanne! o< "his servi-eI he is "he doer and I am "he ins"rumen".9 I< one %no3s "he "ru"h "ha" a!! "ha" one #ives "o o"hers is #ivin# on!y "o onese!<' 3ho indeed 3i!! no" be a vir"uous $erson and $er<orm "he %ind a-" o< #ivin# "o o"hersK in-e everyone is one9s o3n e!<' 3hoever does 3ha"ever "o 3homever is doin# i" on!y "o himse!<. #$ 6here are 3ides$read disas"ers s$readin# havo- in "he 3or!d' <or eBam$!e <amine and $es"i!en-e. *ha" is "he -ause o< "his s"a"e o< a<<airsK A$ 6o 3hom does a!! "his a$$earK

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

#$ 6ha" 3on9" do. I see misery every3here. A$ You 3ere no" a3are o< "he 3or!d and i"s su<<erin#s in your s!ee$ bu" you are -ons-ious o< "hem no3 in your 3a%in# s"a"e. +on"inue in "ha" s"a"e in 3hi-h you 3ere no" a<<!i-"ed by "hem. 6ha" is "o say' 3hen you are no" a3are o< "he 3or!d' i"s su<<erin#s do no" a<<e-" you. *hen you remain as "he e!<' as in s!ee$' "he 3or!d and i"s su<<erin#s 3i!! no" a<<e-" you. 6here<ore !oo% 3i"hin. ee "he e!<O 6hen "here 3i!! be an end o< "he 3or!d and i"s miseries. #$ Bu" "ha" is se!<ishness. A$ 6he 3or!d is no" eB"erna!. Be-ause you iden"i<y yourse!< 3ron#!y 3i"h "he body you see "he 3or!d ou"side' and i"s $ain be-omes a$$aren" "o you. Bu" "hey are no" rea!. ee% "he rea!i"y and #e" rid o< "his unrea! <ee!in#. #$ 6here are #rea" men' $ub!i- 3or%ers' 3ho -anno" so!ve "he $rob!em o< "he misery o< "he 3or!d. A$ 6hey are e#oD-en"red and "ha" a--oun"s <or "heir inabi!i"y. I< "hey remained in "he e!< "hey 3ou!d be di<<eren". #$ *hy do no" maha"mas he!$K A$ 2o3 do you %no3 "ha" "hey do no" he!$K Pub!i- s$ee-hes' $hysi-a! a-"ivi"y and ma"eria! he!$ are a!! ou"3ei#hed by "he si!en-e o< maha"mas. 6hey a--om$!ish more "han o"hers. #$ *ha" is "o be done by us <or ame!iora"in# "he -ondi"ion o< "he 3or!dK A$ I< you remain <ree <rom $ain' "here 3i!! be no $ain any3here. 6he "roub!e no3 is due "o your seein# "he 3or!d eB"erna!!y and a!so "hin%in# "ha" "here is $ain "here. Bu" bo"h "he 3or!d and "he $ain are 3i"hin you. I< you !oo% 3i"hin "here 3i!! be no $ain. #$ God is $er<e-". *hy did he -rea"e "he 3or!d im$er<e-"K 6he 3or% shares "he na"ure o< "he au"hor. Bu" here i" is no" so. A$ *ho is i" "ha" raises "he Eues"ionK #$ I F "he individua!. A$ Are you a$ar" <rom God "ha" you as% "his Eues"ionK o !on# as you -onsider yourse!< "o be "he body' you see "he 3or!d as eB"erna! and "he im$er<e-"ions a$$ear "o you. God is $er<e-"ion. 2is 3or% a!so is $er<e-"ion. Bu" you see i" as im$er<e-"ion be-ause o< your 3ron# iden"i<i-a"ion. #$ *hy did "he e!< mani<es" as "his miserab!e 3or!dK A$ In order "ha" you mi#h" see% i". Your eyes -anno" see "hemse!ves. P!a-e a mirror be<ore "hem and "hey see "hemse!ves. imi!ar!y 3i"h -rea"ion. 8 ee yourse!< <irs" and "hen see "he 3ho!e 3or!d as "he e!<.9 #$ o i" amoun"s "o "his "ha" I shou!d a!3ays !oo% 3i"hin. A$ Yes. #$ hou!d I no" see "he 3or!d a" a!!K A$ You are no" ins"ru-"ed "o shu" your eyes "o "he 3or!d. You are on!y "o 8see yourse!< <irs" and "hen see "he 3ho!e 3or!d as "he e!<. I< you -onsider yourse!< as "he body "he 3or!d a$$ears "o be eB"erna!. I< you are "he e!< "he 3or!d a$$ears as Brahman. #$ *ha" is "he bes" 3ay "o 3or% <or 3or!d $ea-eK A$ *ha" is "he 3or!dK *ha" is $ea-e' and 3ho is "he 3or%erK 6he 3or!d is no" in your s!ee$ and <orms a $roCe-"ion o< your mind in your Ca#ra" L3a%in# s"a"eM. I" is "here<ore an idea and no"hin# e!se. Pea-e is absen-e o< dis"urban-e. 6he dis"urban-e is due "o "he arisin# o< "hou#h"s in "he individua!' 3hi-h is on!y "he e#o risin# u$ <rom $ure -ons-iousness. 6o brin# abou" $ea-e means "o be <ree <rom "hou#h"s and "o abide as $ure -ons-iousness. I< one remains a" $ea-e

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

onese!<' "here is on!y $ea-e every3here. #$ I< i" is a Eues"ion o< doin# some"hin# one -onsiders 3ron#' and "hereby savin# someone e!se <rom a #rea" 3ron#' shou!d one do i" or re<rainK A$ *ha" is ri#h" and 3ron#K 6here is no s"andard by 3hi-h "o Cud#e some"hin# "o be ri#h" and ano"her "o be 3ron#. O$inions di<<er a--ordin# "o "he na"ure o< "he individua! and a--ordin# "o "he surroundin#s. 6hey are a#ain ideas and no"hin# more. Do no" 3orry abou" "hem bu" #e" rid o< "hou#h"s ins"ead. I< you a!3ays remain in "he ri#h"' "hen ri#h" 3i!! $revai! in "he 3or!d. #$ *i!! no" ri#h" -ondu-" be enou#h "o se-ure sa!va"ionK A$ a!va"ion <or 3homK *ho 3an"s sa!va"ionK And 3ha" is ri#h" -ondu-"K *ha" is -ondu-"K And 3ha" is ri#h"K *ho is "o Cud#e 3ha" is ri#h" and 3ha" is 3ron#K A--ordin# "o $revious sams%aras' ea-h one re#ards some"hin# or o"her as ri#h". On!y 3hen "he rea!i"y is %no3n -an "he "ru"h abou" ri#h" and 3ron# be %no3n. 6he bes" -ourse is "o <ind ou" 3ho 3an"s "his sa!va"ion. 6ra-in# "his 83ho9 or e#o "o i"s ori#ina! sour-e is "he ri#h" -ondu-" <or everyone. #$ *i!! no" "he $ra-"i-e o< #ood -ondu-" Lni"ya %armasM !ead "o sa!va"ionK evera! boo%s s"a"e "ha" i" 3i!!. A$ I" is said so in boo%s. *ho denies "ha" #ood -ondu-" is #ood or "ha" i" 3i!! even"ua!!y !ead you "o "he #oa!K Good -ondu-" or sa" %arma $uri<ies "he -hi""a or mind and #ives you -hi""a suddhi L$ure mindM. 6he $ure mind a""ains Cnana' 3hi-h is 3ha" is mean" by sa!va"ion. o' even"ua!!y' Cnana mus" be rea-hed' "ha" is' "he e#o mus" be "ra-ed "o i"s sour-e. Bu" "o "hose "o 3hom "his does no" a$$ea!' 3e have "o say "ha" sa" %armas !ead "o -hi""a suddhi' and -hi""a suddhi 3i!! !ead "o ri#h" %no3!ed#e or Cnana' and "ha" in i"s "urn #ives sa!va"ion. #$ *ha" abou" mo"ivesK Are "he mo"ives <or $er<ormin# a-"ions no" im$or"an"K A$ *ha"ever is done !ovin#!y' 3i"h ri#h"eous $uri"y and 3i"h $ea-e o< mind' is a #ood a-"ion. Every"hin# 3hi-h is done 3i"h "he s"ain o< desire and 3i"h a#i"a"ion <i!!in# "he mind is -!assi<ied as a bad a-"ion. Do no" $er<orm any #ood a-"ion L%armaM "hrou#h a bad means' "hin%in# 8I" is su<<i-ien" i< i" bears #ood <rui".9 Be-ause' i< "he means is bad' even a #ood a-"ion 3i!! "urn ou" "o be a bad one. 6here<ore' even "he means o< doin# a-"ions shou!d be $ure. #$ an%ara says 3e are a!! <ree' no" bound' and "ha" 3e sha!! a!! #o ba-% "o God <rom 3hom 3e have -ome as s$ar%s <rom a <ire. 6hen 3hy shou!d 3e no" -ommi" a!! sor"s o< sinsK A$ I" is "rue 3e are no" bound and "ha" "he rea! e!< has no bonda#e. I" is "rue "ha" you 3i!! even"ua!!y #o ba-% "o your sour-e. Bu" mean3hi!e' i< you -ommi" sins' as you -a!! "hem' you 3i!! have "o <a-e "he -onseEuen-es o< su-h sins. You -anno" es-a$e "hem. I< a man bea"s you' "hen' -an you say' 8I am <ree' I am no" bound by "hese bea"in#s and I don9" <ee! any $ain. &e" him bea" on9K I< you -an <ee! !i%e "ha"' you -an #o on doin# 3ha" you !i%e. *ha" is "he use o< mere!y sayin# 3i"h your !i$s 8I am <ree9K #$ I" is said "ha" "he 3ho!e universe is God9s $!ay o< -ons-iousness and "ha" every"hin# is <u!! o< Brahman. 6hen 3hy shou!d 3e say "ha" bad habi"s and bad $ra-"i-es shou!d be dis-ardedK A$ u$$ose "here is some 3ound inside "he human body. I< you ne#!e-" i"' on "he assum$"ion "ha" i" is on!y a sma!! $ar" o< "he body' i" -auses $ain "o "he 3ho!e body. I< i" is no" -ured by ordinary "rea"men"' "he do-"or mus" -ome' -u" o<< "he a<<e-"ed $or"ion 3i"h a %ni<e and remove "he im$uri"ies. I< "he diseased $ar" is no" -u" o<< i" 3i!! <es"er. I< you do no" banda#e i" a<"er o$era"in#' $us 3i!! <orm. I" is "he same "hin# 3i"h re#ard "o -ondu-". Bad habi"s and bad -ondu-" are !i%e a 3ound in "he body. Every disease mus" be #iven a$$ro$ria"e "rea"men". #$ o one shou!d adhere "o "he -onven"iona! -odes o< behaviourK A$ in-e "he $res-ribed observan-es <or se!<Ddis-i$!ine LniyamasM he!$ one "o a -onsiderab!e eB"en"' "hey are 3or"hy "o be a--e$"ed and <o!!o3ed. Bu" i< "hey are <ound "o obs"ru-" "he su$erior $ra-"i-e o< enEuiry <or "rue %no3!ed#e' #ive

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

"hem u$ immedia"e!y as de<i-ien".

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

Chapter 21 - %arma& destiny and free will

6he "heory o< %arma is -ommon "o many orien"a! re!i#ions. In i"s mos" $o$u!ar <orm i" s"a"es "ha" "here is a universa! a--oun"in# sys"em in 3hi-h ea-h individua! mus" eB$erien-e "he -onseEuen-es o< a!! his a-"ions L%armasMI #ood a-"ions brin# #ood resu!"s and bad a-"ions inevi"ab!y resu!" in su<<erin# "o "he one 3ho does "hem. 6he "heory a!so s"a"es "ha" "he -onseEuen-es o< a-"ions La!so %no3n as %armasM need no" ne-essari!y be eB$erien-ed in "he $resen" !i<e' "hey -an be -arried over in"o <u"ure !ives. Be-ause o< "his' severa! subDdivisions o< %arma have been $os"u!a"ed. 6he <o!!o3in# -!assi<i-a"ion 3hi-h 3as used by ri Ramana is -ommon "o many 2indu s-hoo!s o< "hou#h"? 1 an-hi"a %arma 6he s"ore o< %armi- deb"s a--umu!a"ed <rom $revious bir"hs. , Prarabdha %arma 6ha" $ar" o< one9s san-hi"a %arma 3hi-h mus" be 3or%ed ou" in "he $resen" !i<e. Be-ause "he !a3 o< %arma im$!ies de"erminism in human a-"ivi"ies' $rarabdha is o<"en "rans!a"ed as des"iny. / A#ami %arma Ne3 %arma a--umu!a"ed in "he $resen" !i<e"ime 3hi-h is -arried <or3ard in"o <u"ure !ives. ri Ramana a--e$"ed "he va!idi"y o< "he !a3s o< %arma bu" said "ha" "hey 3ere on!y a$$!i-ab!e as !on# as a $erson ima#ined "ha" he 3as se$ara"e <rom "he e!<. A" "his !eve! 7"he !eve! o< "he aCnani:' he said "ha" individua!s 3i!! $ass "hrou#h a series o< $reDordained a-"ivi"ies and eB$erien-es' a!! o< 3hi-h are "he -onseEuen-es o< $revious a-"s and "hou#h"s. 2e o--asiona!!y even said "ha" every a-" and eB$erien-e in a $erson9s !i<e is de"ermined a" bir"h and "ha" "he on!y <reedom one has is "o rea!iJe "ha" "here is no one a-"in# and no one eB$erien-in#. 2o3ever' on-e one rea!ises "he e!< "here is no one !e<" "o eB$erien-e "he -onseEuen-es o< a-"ions and so "he 3ho!e s"ru-"ure o< %armi- !a3s "hen be-omes redundan". ri Ramana re#arded "he !a3 o< %arma as a mani<es"a"ion o< God9s 3i!!. 2e said "ha" $rior "o e!<Drea!iJa"ion "here is a $ersona! God' Is3ara' 3ho -on"ro!s ea-h $erson9s des"iny. I" is Is3ara 3ho has ordained "ha" everyone mus" su<<er "he -onseEuen-es o< his a-"ions and i" is Is3ara 3ho se!e-"s "he seEuen-e o< a-"ivi"ies "ha" ea-h $erson mus" under#o in ea-h !i<e"ime. One -anno" es-a$e <rom Is3ara9s Curisdi-"ion 3hi!e one s"i!! iden"i<ies 3i"h "he a-"ivi"ies o< "he body. 6he on!y 3ay "o be-ome <ree o< his au"hori"y is "o "rans-end %arma -om$!e"e!y by rea!isin# "he e!<. #$ Is i" $ossib!e "o over-ome' even 3hi!e "he body eBis"s' "he $rarabdha %arma 3hi-h is said "o !as" "i!! "he end o< "he bodyK A$ Yes. I< "he a#en" u$on 3hom "he %arma de$ends' name!y "he e#o' 3hi-h has -ome in"o eBis"en-e be"3een "he body and "he e!<' mer#es in i"s sour-e and !oses i"s <orm' ho3 -an "he %arma 3hi-h de$ends u$on i" surviveK *hen "here is no 8I9 "here is no %arma. #$ I" is said "ha" $rarabdha %arma is on!y a sma!! <ra-"ion o< "he %arma a--umu!a"ed <rom $revious !ives. Is "his "rueK A$ A man mi#h" have $er<ormed many %armas in his $revious bir"hs. A <e3 o< "hese a!one 3i!! be -hosen <or "his bir"h and he 3i!! have "o enCoy "heir <rui"s in "his bir"h. I" is some"hin# !i%e a s!ide sho3 3here "he $roCe-"ionis" $i-%s a <e3 s!ides "o be eBhibi"ed a" a $er<orman-e' "he remainin# s!ides bein# reserved <or ano"her $er<orman-e. A!! "his %arma -an be des"royed by a-Euirin# %no3!ed#e o< "he e!<. 6he di<<eren" %armas are "he s!ides' %armas bein# "he resu!" o< $as" eB$erien-es' and "he mind is "he $roCe-"or. 6he $roCe-"or mus" be des"royed so "ha" "here 3i!! be no <ur"her re<!e-"ion and no <ur"her bir"hs and no dea"hs. #$ *ho is "he $roCe-"ionis"K *ha" is "he me-hanism 3hi-h se!e-"s a sma!! $or"ion o< "he san-hi"a %arma and "hen de-ides "ha" i" sha!! be eB$erien-ed as $rarabdha %armaK A$ Individua!s have "o su<<er "heir %armas bu" Is3ara mana#es "o ma%e "he bes" o< "heir %armas <or his $ur$ose. God mani$u!a"es "he <rui"s o< %arma bu" he does no" add or "a%e a3ay <rom i". 6he sub-ons-ious o< man is a 3arehouse o< #ood and bad %arma. Is3ara -hooses <rom "his 3arehouse 3ha" he sees 3i!! bes" sui" "he s$iri"ua! evo!u"ion a" "he "ime o< ea-h man' 3he"her $!easan" or $ain<u!. 6hus "here is no"hin# arbi"rary. #$ In U$adesa aram you say "ha" %arma bears <rui" by "he ordinan-e o< God L%ar"aM. Does "his mean "ha" 3e rea$ "he

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-onseEuen-es o< %arma so!e!y be-ause God 3i!!s i"K A$ In "his verse %ar"a LGodM means Is3ara. 2e is "he one 3ho dis"ribu"es "he <rui"s o< a-"ions "o ea-h $erson a--ordin# "o his %arma. 6ha" means "ha" he is "he mani<es" Brahman. 6he rea! Brahman is unmani<es" and 3i"hou" mo"ion. I" is on!y "he mani<es" Brahman "ha" is named as Is3ara. 2e #ives "he <rui" "o ea-h $erson a--ordin# "o his a-"ions L%armaM. 6ha" means "ha" Is3ara is on!y an a#en" and "ha" he #ives 3a#es a--ordin# "o "he !abour done. 6ha" is a!!. *i"hou" "his sa%"i L$o3erM o< Is3ara' "his %arma 3ou!d no" "a%e $!a-e. 6ha" is 3hy %arma is said "o be on i"s o3n' iner". #$ 6he $resen" eB$erien-es are "he resu!" o< $as" %arma. I< 3e %no3 "he mis"a%es -ommi""ed be<ore' 3e -an re-"i<y "hem. A$ I< one mis"a%e is re-"i<ied "here ye" remains "he 3ho!e san-hi"a %arma <rom <ormer bir"hs 3hi-h is #oin# "o #ive you innumerab!e bir"hs. o "ha" is no" "he $ro-edure. 6he more you $rune a $!an"' "he more vi#orous!y i" #ro3s. 6he more you re-"i<y your %arma' "he more i" a--umu!a"es. @ind "he roo" o< %arma and -u" i" o<<. #$ Does "he %arma "heory mean "ha" "he 3or!d is "he resu!" o< a-"ion and rea-"ionK I< so' a-"ion and rea-"ion o< 3ha"K A$ Un"i! rea!iJa"ion "here 3i!! be %arma' "ha" is a-"ion and rea-"ion. A<"er rea!iJa"ion "here 3i!! be no %arma and no 3or!d. #$ I< I am no" "he body 3hy am I res$onsib!e <or "he -onseEuen-es o< my #ood and bad a-"ionsK A$ I< you are no" "he body and do no" have "he idea 8I am "he doer9' "he -onseEuen-es o< your #ood or bad a-"ions 3i!! no" a<<e-" you. *hy do you say abou" "he a-"ions "he body $er<orms 8I do "his9 or 8I did "ha"9K As !on# as you iden"i<y yourse!< 3i"h "he body !i%e "ha" you are a<<e-"ed by "he -onseEuen-es o< "he a-"ions' "ha" is "o say' 3hi!e you iden"i<y 3i"h "he body you a--umu!a"e #ood and bad %arma. ' #$ Bu" sin-e I am no" "he body I am no" rea!!y res$onsib!e <or "he -onseEuen-es o< #ood or bad a-"ions. A$ I< you are no"' 3hy do you bo"her abou" "he Eues"ionK #$ In some $!a-es i" is s"a"ed "ha" human e<<or" is "he sour-e o< a!! s"ren#"h and "ha" i" -an even "rans-end %arma. In o"hers i" is said "ha" i" is a!! divine #ra-e. I" is no" -!ear 3hi-h o< "hem is -orre-". A$ Yes' some s-hoo!s o< $hi!oso$hy say "ha" "here is no God o"her "han "he %armas o< "he $revious bir"h' "ha" "he %arma done in "he $resen" bir"h in a--ordan-e 3i"h "he s-ri$"ures is %no3n as $urusha%ara Lhuman e<<or"M' "ha" "he $revious and $resen" %armas mee" <or a headDon <i#h" !i%e rams and "ha" "he one "ha" is 3ea%er #e"s e!imina"ed. 6ha" is 3hy "hese $eo$!e say "ha" one shou!d s"ren#"hen $urusha%ara. I< you as% su-h $eo$!e 3ha" "he ori#in o< %arma is' "hey say "ha" su-h a Eues"ion is no" be raised as i" is !i%e "he e"erna! Eues"ion' 8*hi-h is ear!ier' "he seed or "he "reeK9 Deba"es su-h as "his are mere ar#umen"s 3hi-h -an never arrive a" "he <ina! "ru"h. 6ha" is 3hy I say <irs" <ind ou" 3ho you are. I< one as%s 8*ho am IK 2o3 did I #e" "his dosha L<au!"M o< !i<eK9' "he 8I9 3i!! subside and one 3i!! rea!iJe "he e!<. I< one does "his $ro$er!y "he idea o< dosha 3i!! be e!imina"ed and $ea-e 3i!! be ob"ained. *hy even ob"ainedK 6he e!< remains as i" is. 6he essen-e o< %arma is "o %no3 "he "ru"h o< onese!< by enEuirin# 8*ho am I' "he doer' 3ho be#ins "o do %armasK9 Un!ess "he doer o< %armas' "he e#o' is annihi!a"ed "hrou#h enEuiry' "he $er<e-" $ea-e o< su$reme b!iss' 3hi-h is "he resu!" o< %arma yo#a' -anno" be a-hieved. #$ +an $eo$!e 3i$e ou" "he -onseEuen-es o< "heir bad a-"ions by doin# man"ras or Ca$a or 3i!! "hey ne-essari!y have "o eB$erien-e "hemK A$ I< "he <ee!in# 8I am doin# Ca$a9 is no" "here' "he bad a-"ions -ommi""ed by a man 3i!! no" s"i-% "o him. I< "he <ee!in# 8I am doin# "he Ca$a9 is "here' "he -onseEuen-es o< bad a-"ions 3i!! $ersis". #$ Does no" $unya Lmeri" a--umu!a"ed <rom vir"uous a-"sM eB"in#uish $a$a Ldemeri" a--umu!a"ed <rom sin<u! a-"sMK A$ o !on# as "he <ee!in# 8I am doin#9 is "here' one mus" eB$erien-e "he resu!" o< one9s a-"s' 3he"her "hey are #ood or bad. 2o3 is i" $ossib!e "o 3i$e ou" one a-" 3i"h ano"herK *hen "he <ee!in# "ha" 81 am doin#9 is !os"' no"hin# a<<e-"s a

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

man. Un!ess one rea!ises "he e!<' "he <ee!in# 8I am doin#9 3i!! never vanish. @or one 3ho rea!ises "he e!< 3here is "he need <or Ca$aK *here is "he need <or "a$asK O3in# "o "he <or-e o< $rarabdha !i<e #oes on' bu" he 3ho has rea!iJed "he e!< does no" 3ish <or any"hin#. Prarabdha %arma is o< "hree -a"e#ories' i-hha' ani-hha and $are-hha L$ersona!!y desired' 3i"hou" desire and due "o o"hers9 desireM. @or "he one 3ho has rea!iJed "he e!<' "here is no i-hhaD $rarabdha bu" "he "3o o"hers' ani-hha and $are-hha' remain. *ha"ever a Cnani does is <or o"hers on!y. I< "here are "hin#s "o be done by him <or o"hers' he does "hem bu" "he resu!"s do no" a<<e-" him. *ha"ever be "he a-"ions "ha" su-h $eo$!e do' "here is no $unya and no $a$a a""a-hed "o "hem. Bu" "hey do on!y 3ha" is $ro$er a--ordin# "o "he a--e$"ed s"andard o< "he 3or!d no"hin# e!se. 6hose 3ho %no3 "ha" 3ha" is "o be eB$erien-ed by "hem in "his !i<e is on!y 3ha" is a!ready des"ined in "heir $rarabdha 3i!! never <ee! $er"urbed abou" 3ha" is "o be eB$erien-ed. Kno3 "ha" a!! one9s eB$erien-es 3i!! be "hrus" u$on one 3he"her one 3i!!s "hem or no". #$ 6he rea!iJed man has no <ur"her %arma. 2e is no" bound by his %arma. *hy shou!d he s"i!! remain 3i"hin his bodyK A$ *ho as%s "his Eues"ionK Is i" "he rea!iJed man or "he aCnaniK *hy shou!d you bo"her 3ha" "he Cnani does or 3hy he does any"hin#K &oo% a<"er yourse!<. You are no3 under "he im$ression you are "he body and so you "hin% "ha" "he Cnani a!so has a body. Does "he Cnani say he has a bodyK 2e may !oo% "o you as i< he has a body and he may a$$ear "o be doin# "hin#s 3i"h "he body' as o"hers do' bu" he himse!< %no3s "ha" he is bodi!ess. 6he burn" ro$e s"i!! !oo%s !i%e a ro$e' bu" i" -an9" serve as a ro$e i< you "ry "o bind any"hin# 3i"h i". A Cnani is !i%e "ha" he may !oo% !i%e o"her $eo$!e' bu" "his is on!y an ou"er a$$earan-e. o !on# as one iden"i<ies onese!< 3i"h "he body' a!! "his is di<<i-u!" "o unders"and. 6ha" is 3hy i" is some"imes said in re$!y "o su-h Eues"ions' 86he body o< "he Cnani 3i!! -on"inue "i!! "he <or-e o< $rarabdha 3or%s i"se!< ou"' and a<"er "he $rarabdha is eBhaus"ed i" 3i!! dro$ o<<.9 An i!!us"ra"ion made use o< in "his -onne-"ion is "ha" o< an arro3 a!ready dis-har#ed 3hi-h 3i!! -on"inue "o advan-e and s"ri%e i"s "ar#e". Bu" "he "ru"h is "he Cnani has "rans-ended a!! %armas' in-!udin# "he $rarabdha %arma' and he is no" bound by "he body or i"s %armas. No" even an io"a o< $rarabdha eBis"s <or "hose 3ho unin"erru$"ed!y a""end "o "he s$a-e o< -ons-iousness' 3hi-h a!3ays shines as 8I am9' 3hi-h is no" -on<ined in "he vas" $hysi-a! s$a-e' and 3hi-h $ervades every3here 3i"hou" !imi"a"ions. u-h a!one is "he meanin# o< "he an-ien" sayin#' 86here is no <a"e <or "hose 3ho rea-h or eB$erien-e "he heavens.9 #$ I< a "hin# -omes "o me 3i"hou" any $!annin# or 3or%in# <or i" and I enCoy i"' 3i!! "here be no bad -onseEuen-es <rom i"K A$ I" is no" so. Every a-" mus" have i"s -onseEuen-es. I< any"hin# -omes your 3ay by reason o< $rarabdha' you -an9" he!$ i". I< you "a%e 3ha" -omes' 3i"hou" any s$e-ia! a""a-hmen"' and 3i"hou" any desire <or more o< i" or <or a re$e"i"ion o< i"' i" 3i!! no" harm you by !eadin# "o <ur"her bir"hs. On "he o"her hand' i< you enCoy i" 3i"h #rea" a""a-hmen" and na"ura!!y desire <or more o< i"' i" is bound "o !ead "o more and more bir"hs. #$ A--ordin# "o "he as"ro!o#i-a! s-ien-e' $redi-"ions are made abou" -omin# even"s "a%in# in"o a--oun" "he in<!uen-e o< "he s"ars. Is "ha" "rueK A$ o !on# as you have "he <ee!in# o< e#o"ism a!! "ha" is "rue. *hen "ha" e#o"ism #e"s des"royed a!! "ha" is un"rue. #$ Does i" mean "ha" as"ro!o#y 3on9" be "rue in "he -ase o< "hose 3hose e#o"ism is des"royedK A$ *ho is "here !e<" "o say i" 3on9" be "rueK 6here 3i!! be seein# on!y i< "here is one 3ho sees. In "he -ase o< "hose 3hose e#o"ism is des"royed' even i< "hey a$$ear "o see "hey do no" rea!!y see. Des"iny is "he resu!" o< $as" a-"ion. I" -on-erns "he body. &e" "he body a-" as may sui" i". *hy are you -on-erned 3i"h i"K *hy do you $ay a""en"ion "o i"K hou!d any"hin# ha$$en' i" ha$$ens as "he resu!" o< one9s $as" a-"ions' o< divine 3i!! and o< o"her <a-"ors. #$ 6he $resen" is said "o be due "o $as" %arma. +an 3e "rans-end "he $as" %arma by our <ree 3i!! no3K

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Ramana Maharshi Be As You Are by David Godman

A$ ee 3ha" "he $resen" is. I< you do "his you 3i!! unders"and 3ha" is a<<e-"ed by or has a $as" or a <u"ure' 3ha" is everD$resen" and a!3ays <ree and 3ha" remains una<<e-"ed by "he $as" or <u"ure or by any $as" %arma. #$ Is "here su-h a "hin# as <ree 3i!!K A$ *hose 3i!! is i"K o !on# as "here is "he sense o< doershi$' "here is "he sense o< enCoymen" and o< individua! 3i!!. Bu" i< "his sense is !os" "hrou#h "he $ra-"i-e o< vi-hara' "he divine 3i!! 3i!! a-" and #uide "he -ourse o< even"s. @a"e is over-ome by Cnana' e!<D%no3!ed#e' 3hi-h is beyond 3i!! and <a"e. #$ I -an unders"and "ha" "he ou"s"andin# even"s in a man9s !i<e' su-h as his -oun"ry' na"iona!i"y' <ami!y' -areer or $ro<ession' marria#e' dea"h' e"-.' are a!! $redes"ined by his %arma' bu" -an i" be "ha" a!! "he de"ai!s o< his !i<e' do3n "o "he minu"es"' have a!ready been de"erminedK No3' <or ins"an-e' I $u" "his <an "ha" is in my hand do3n on "he <!oor here. +an i" be "ha" i" 3as a!ready de-ided "ha" on su-h and su-h a day' a" su-h and su-h an hour' I shou!d move "he <an !i%e "his and $u" i" do3n hereK A$ +er"ain!y. *ha"ever "his body is "o do and 3ha"ever eB$erien-es i" is "o $ass "hrou#h 3as a!ready de-ided 3hen i" -ame in"o eBis"en-e. #$ *ha" be-omes "hen o< man9s <reedom and res$onsibi!i"y <or his a-"ionsK A$ 6he on!y <reedom man has is "o s"rive <or and a-Euire "he Cnana 3hi-h 3i!! enab!e him no" "o iden"i<y himse!< 3i"h "he body. 6he body 3i!! #o "hrou#h "he a-"ions rendered inevi"ab!e by $rarabdha and a man is <ree ei"her "o iden"i<y himse!< 3i"h "he body and be a""a-hed "o "he <rui"s o< i"s a-"ions' or "o be de"a-hed <rom i" and be a mere 3i"ness o< i"s a-"ivi"ies. #$ o <ree 3i!! is a my"hK A$ @ree 3i!! ho!ds "he <ie!d in asso-ia"ion 3i"h individua!i"y. As !on# as individua!i"y !as"s "here is <ree 3i!!. A!! "he s-ri$"ures are based on "his <a-" and "hey advise dire-"in# "he <ree 3i!! in "he ri#h" -hanne!. @ind ou" "o 3hom <ree 3i!! or des"iny ma""ers. @ind ou" 3here "hey -ome <rom' and abide in "heir sour-e. I< you do "his' bo"h o< "hem are "rans-ended. 6ha" is "he on!y $ur$ose o< dis-ussin# "hese Eues"ions. 6o 3hom do "hese Eues"ions ariseK @ind ou" and be a" $ea-e. #$ I< 3ha" is des"ined "o ha$$en 3i!! ha$$en' is "here any use in $rayer or e<<or" or shou!d 3e Cus" remain id!eK A$ 6here are on!y "3o 3ays "o -onEuer des"iny or be inde$enden" o< i". One is "o enEuire <or 3hom is "his des"iny and dis-over "ha" on!y "he e#o is bound by des"iny and no" "he e!<' and "ha" "he e#o is nonDeBis"en". 6he o"her 3ay is "o %i!! "he e#o by -om$!e"e!y surrenderin# "o "he &ord' by rea!isin# one9s he!$!essness and sayin# a!! "he "ime' 8No" I bu" "hou' O &ord9' #ivin# u$ a!! sense o< 8I9 and 8mine9 and !eavin# i" "o "he &ord "o do 3ha" he !i%es 3i"h you. urrender -an never be re#arded as -om$!e"e so !on# as "he devo"ee 3an"s "his or "ha" <rom "he &ord. 6rue surrender is !ove o< God <or "he sa%e o< !ove and no"hin# e!se' no" even <or "he sa%e o< !ibera"ion. In o"her 3ords' -om$!e"e e<<a-emen" o< "he e#o is ne-essary "o -onEuer des"iny' 3he"her you a-hieve "his e<<a-emen" "hrou#h se!<DenEuiry or "hrou#h bha%"i mar#a.

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