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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
D.: Yes. It amounts to the removal of alien limitations for discovering
the ever-present Self. That is what Sankara says. There is no
attainment or loss.
M.: Quite so. (Aside) He understands.
D.: How is work to be done ordinarily for an aspirant?
M.: Without self-identification with the actor. For instance, did you
intend visiting this place while in Paris?
D.: No!
M.: You see how you are acting without your intention to do so? The
Gita says that a man cannot remain without acting. The purpose
of one’s birth will be fulfilled whether you will it or not. Let the
purpose fulfil itself.
D.: Why are there so many methods mentioned? For instance Sri
Ramakrishna says that bhakti is the best means for salvation.
M.: It is according to the standpoint of the aspirant. You have studied
the Gita. Sri Krishna said: “There was never a time when I, and you,
and these kings were not; nor will they not be in future. That which
is unreal never exists. But that which is real never disappears. All
that ever was even now is and will ever be.” Again, “I taught this
Truth to Aditya; he taught it to Manu; etc.” Arjuna asked: “How
can it be? You were born some years back and only recently. How
could you have taught Aditya?” Sri Krishna answered; “Yes. We
have had several births in the past. I know mine; whereas you do
not know yours. I tell you what happened in those past births.”
Look! That Krishna who began saying there was not I, nor were you,
nor these kings, says now that he had several births before. Krishna
does not contradict Himself, though it looks like it. He conforms to
the outlook of Arjuna and speaks to him from his level.
There is a parallel passage in the Bible where Jesus says, “Before
Abraham was, I am”. The teachings of the Sages are suited to the
time, place, people and other surroundings.
The visitor said he was leaving with regret. ...
Maharshi smilingly interrupted, “There is no leaving or returning.”
The Frenchman at once said, “He has transcended time and space.”
He returned to Pondicherry.
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