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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
M.: Just as we live and move in practical matters.
Q.: Do you give upadesh? Have you ever done it?
M.: Visitors ask questions. I answer them as well as I know. It is for
them to treat my words as they please.
Q.: Is it upadesh?
M.: How shall I say how others take it?
Q.: Have you disciples?
M.: I do not give upadesh in the ceremonial manner. For instance,
keeping a kumbha, making puja to it and whispering to the person.
The person may call himself my disciple or devotee. I do not consider
anyone to be my disciple. I have never sought upadesh from anyone
nor do I give ceremonial upadesh. If the people call themselves my
disciples I do not approve or disapprove. In my view all are alike.
They consider themselves fit for being called disciples. What can
I say to them? I do not call myself a disciple or a Guru.
Q.: How did you approve the building of Skandasramam on the Hill
which was temple-land, without previously obtaining permission
from the authorities?
M.: Guided by the same Power which made me come here and reside
on the Hill.
Q.: When you threw away your cash, etc., within an hour after
your arrival in this place, you did so because you did not desire
possessions. You never touch money. There were no possessions
for several years after your arrival here. How is it that donations
are now accepted by the Asramam?
M.: This practice grew up at a later stage because a few associates
began to use my name to collect funds. I did not approve of their
action nor check them. So it is going on. One man leaves, another
steps in, but the process goes on. I do not desire that contributions
should be accepted. But people do not heed that advice. I do not
desire to give ineffective advice. I do not therefore check them.
Since money comes in property grows spontaneously.
Q.: Why do you not sign your name?
M.: The author of Self-Realisation has furnished his answer for this
question. Moreover, by what name am I to be known? I myself do
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