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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
Samadhi is one’s natural state. It is the under-current in all the
three states. This - that is, ‘I’ - is not in those states, but these states
are in It. If we get samadhi in our waking state that will persist
in deep sleep also. The distinction between consciousness and
unconsciousness belongs to the realm of mind, which is transcended
by the state of the Real Self.
D.: Is the Buddhist view, that there is no continuous entity answering to
the ideas of the individual soul, correct or not? Is this consistent with
the Hindu notion of a reincarnating ego? Is the soul a continuous
entity which reincarnates again and again, according to the Hindu
doctrine, or is it a mere mass of mental tendencies - samskaras?
M.: The Real Self is continuous and unaffected. The reincarnating
ego belongs to the lower plane, namely, thought. It is transcended
by Self-Realisation.
Reincarnations are due to a spurious offshoot. Therefore it is denied
by the Buddhists. The present state is due to a mixing up of the
chit (sentient) with jada (insentient).
Talk 137.
Lakshman Brahmachari of Sri Ramakrishna Mission asked: “Can one
imagine oneself as witness of the thoughts?”
M.: It is not the natural state. It is only an idea (bhavana) - an aid to
stilling the mind. The Self is ever the witness, whether so imagined
or not. There is no need to so imagine except for that purpose. But
it is best to remain as one’s Self.
Talk 138.
The Financial Secretary of Mysore asked: “Is Paul Brunton’s Secret
Path useful for Indians as well?”
M.: Yes - for all.
D.: The body, the senses, etc. are not ‘I’. This is common amongst
us. But how to practise it?
M.: By the threefold method mentioned therein.
D.: Is breath-control necessary for enquiry?
M.: Not quite.
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