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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
M.: Trance is not something apart to be got anew. Your natural state
is that of trance.
D.: But I do not feel it.
M.: The fact of your contrary belief is the obstruction.
D.: Since I have not realised the Self I say that I do not understand
my permanent state of trance.
M.: This is only a repetition. That is the obstruction. This arises because
you think that the non-self is you. That is the mistake. Do not take
the non-self to be the Self. Then the Self will be evident to you.
D.: I understand it theoretically but not practically.
M.: There are no two selves - for the self to speak of the non-realisation
of the Self.
D.: It is still theoretical to me. How shall I get the trance?
M.: Trance is only temporary in its effects. There is happiness so
long as it lasts. After rising from it the old vasanas return. Unless
the vasanas are destroyed in sahaja samadhi (effortless samadhi),
there is no good of trance.
D.: But trance must precede sahaja samadhi?
M.: Trance is the natural state. Although there are activities and
phenomena, yet they do not affect the trance. If they are realised
to be not apart from the Self, the Self is realised. Where is the use
of trance, unless it brings about enduring peace of mind? Know
that even now you are in trance whatever happens. That is all.
D.: But how shall I do it?
A scholar remarked: Yato vacho nivartante aprapya manasa saha
(where words fail to reach, along with the mind).
The questioner retorted: It is also said manasaiva aptavyam (to be
realised with the mind only).
M.: Yes. The Pure Mind, i.e., the mind free from thoughts is the Self.
The pure mind is beyond the impure mind.
D.: Seen with the subtlest of subtle intellect by subtle seers.
M.: What was said of mind applies to this also.
D.: If trance be my natural state, why is it said that trance is necessary
to be got before Realisation?
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