Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi Complete ... - BrahminVoice.org

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
Unbroken ‘I-I’ is the ocean infinite, the ego, ‘I’ thought, remains only
a bubble on it and is called jiva, i.e., individual soul. The bubble
too is water; when it bursts it only mixes in the ocean. When it
remains a bubble it is still a part of the ocean. Ignorant of this simple
truth, innumerable methods under different denominations, such as
yoga, bhakti, karma....... each again with many modifications, are
being taught with great skill and in intricate detail only to entice
the seekers and confuse their minds. So also are the religions and
sects and dogmas. What are they all for? Only for knowing the Self.
They are aids and practices required for knowing the Self.
Objects perceived by the senses are spoken of as immediate knowledge
(pratyaksha). Can anything be as direct as the Self - always experienced
without the aid of the senses? Sense-perceptions can only be indirect
knowledge, and not direct knowledge. Only one’s own awareness is
direct knowledge, as is the common experience of one and all. No aids
are needed to know one’s own Self, i.e., to be aware.
The one Infinite Unbroken Whole (plenum) becomes aware of
itself as ‘I’. This is its original name. All other names, e.g., OM,
are later growths. Liberation is only to remain aware of the Self.
The mahavakya “I am Brahman” is its authority. Though the ‘I’ is
always experienced, yet one’s attention has to be drawn to it. Only
then does knowledge dawn. Thus the need for the instruction of
the Upanishads and of wise sages.
9th November, 1935
Talk 93.
All are aware of their own Self only. Wonder of wonders! They take
what is not as what is, or they see the phenomena apart from the Self.
Only so long as there is the knower is there knowledge of all kinds
(direct, inferential, intellectual etc.); should the knower vanish they all
vanish together with him; their validity is of the same degree as his.
Talk 94.
A man prayed to the Master to pardon his sins. He was told that it would
be enough if he took care to see that his mind did not trouble him.
90