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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
you to be without these senses. In such a state you are either asleep
or aware of the Self only. Awareness of Self is ever there. Remain
what you truly are and this question will not arise.
D.: Is the body consciousness an impediment to realization?
M.: We are always beyond the body or the mind. If however you feel
the body as the Self, then it is of course an impediment.
D.: Is the body or the mind of any use for the Self?
M.: Yes, inasmuch as it helps Self-realisation.
30th June, 1936
Talk 218.
Maharshi has been looking into the Siva Purana this day. He says:
Siva has the transcendental and immanent aspects as represented by
His invisible, transcendental being and the linga aspect respectively.
The linga originally manifested as Arunachala stands even to this
day. This manifestation was when the moon was in the constellation
of Orion (Ardra) in December. However it was first worshipped on
Sivaratri day which is held sacred even now.
In the sphere of speech Pranava (the mystic sound AUM) represents
the transcendental (nirguna) and the Panchakshari (the five-syllabled
mantra) represents the immanent aspect (saguna).
Again Sri Bhagavan recounts the anecdote of Parvati testing Rama.
The story is as follows:
Rama and Lakshmana were wandering in the forest in search of Sita.
Rama was grief-stricken. Just then Siva and Parvati happened to pass close
by. Siva saluted Rama and passed on. Parvati was surprised and asked
Siva to explain why He, the Lord of the Universe, being worshipped by
all, should stop to salute Rama, an ordinary human who having missed his
consort was grief-stricken and moving in anguish in the wilderness and
looking helpless. Siva then said: “Rama is simply acting as a human being
would under the circumstances. He is nevertheless the incarnation of
Vishnu, and deserves to be saluted. You may test him if you choose.”
Parvati considered the matter, took the shape of Sita and appeared in
front of Rama, as he was crying out the name of Sita in great anguish.
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