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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
bhakti for God and he does so straightaway, it is all right. But there is
another kind of man who turns round and says: “There are two, I and
God. Before knowing the far-off God, let me know the more immediate
and intimate ‘I’.” For him the vichara-marga has to be taught. There
is in fact no difference between bhakti and vichara.
Talk 155.
The same man again asked about the nature of samadhi and the means
to get samadhi.
M.: When the one who asks the nature of samadhi and the method of
getting into it vanishes, samadhi will result.
Maj. Chadwick: It is said that one look of a Mahatma is enough; that
idols, pilgrimages, etc. are not so effective. I have been here for
three months, but I do not know how I have been benefited by the
look of Maharshi.
M.: The look has a purifying effect. Purification cannot be visualised.
Just as a piece of coal takes long to be ignited, a piece of charcoal takes
a short time, and a mass of gunpowder is instantaneously ignited, so
it is with grades of men coming in contact with Mahatmas.
Mr. Cohen: I get into meditation and reach a point which may be called
peace and a contemplative mood. What should be the next step?
M.: Peace is Self-Realisation. Peace need not be disturbed. One should
aim at Peace only.
D.: But I do not have the satisfaction.
M.: Because your peace is temporary. If made permanent it is called
Realisation.
9th February, 1936
Talk 156.
D.: Is solitude helpful for practice?
M.: What do you mean by solitude?
D.: To keep away from others.
M.: Why should it be done? It is actuated only by fear. Even in solitude
there is the fear of intrusion by others and of solitude being spoilt.
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