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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
Talk 243.
A middle-aged, weak-looking man came with a walking stick in his hand,
placed it before Bhagavan, bowed low and sat near Maharshi. He got
up and with great humility offered the stick to Bhagavan, saying that it
was sandal-wood. Sri Bhagavan told him to keep it for himself. Because
nothing of Bhagavan’s can be safeguarded. Being common property but
coveted by some, it will be taken away by any visitor with or without
Bhagavan’s permission. Then the donor may be displeased.
But the man still humbly insisted. Sri Bhagavan could not resist his
supplications, and said, “Keep it yourself as prasad from Bhagavan.”
The man then requested that the stick might first be taken and then
given to him by Sri Bhagavan with blessings. Sri Bhagavan received
it, smelled it, said it was fine, nodded, and handed it back to the man,
saying, “Keep it. It will make you always remember me.”
Talk 244.
A Maharani Saheba spoke in a gentle and low voice, but quite audibly:
D.: “Maharajji, I have the good fortune to see you. My eyes have had the
pleasure of seeing you, my ears the pleasure of hearing your voice.
“I am blessed with everything that a human being would like to
have.” Her Highness’s voice choked. With great strength of mind
she rallied and proceeded slowly, “I have all that I want, a human
being would want …. But ... But ... I ... I ... do not have peace
of mind ... Something prevents it. Probably my destiny....”
There was silence for a few minutes. Then Maharshi in his usual
sweet manner spoke:
M.: “All right. What need be said has been said. Well. What is destiny?
There is no destiny. Surrender, and all will be well. Throw all the
responsibility on God. Do not bear the burden yourself. What can
destiny do to you then?”
D.: Surrender is impossible.
M.: Yes. Complete surrender is impossible in the beginning. Partial
surrender is certainly possible for all. In course of time that will
lead to complete surrender. Well, if surrender is impossible, what
can be done? There is no peace of mind. You are helpless to bring
it about. It can be done only by surrender.
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