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

Talk 371.
Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
23rd February, 1937
There was a group of three middle-aged Andhras on a visit to
Sri Bhagavan. One of them kneeled and asked: I am performing
hathayoga, namely basti, dhauti, neti, etc. I find a blood vessel
hardened in the ankle. Is it a result of Yoga?
M.: The blood-vessel would have hardened under any circumstances. It
does not trouble you as much now as it would otherwise. Hathayoga
is a cleaning process. It also helps peace of mind, after leading you
to pranayama.
D.: May I do pranayama? Is it useful?
M.: Pranayama is an aid for the control of mind. Only you should
not stop with pranayama. You must proceed further to pratyahara,
dharana, dhyana and samadhi. Full results are reaped finally.
Another of the group asked: How are lust, anger, acquisitiveness,
confusion, pride and jealousy overcome?
M.: By dhyana.
D.: What is dhyana?
M.: Dhyana is holding on to a single thought and putting off all other
thoughts.
D.: What is to be meditated upon?
M.: Anything that you prefer.
D.: Siva, Vishnu, and Gayatri are said to be equally efficacious. Which
should I meditate upon?
M.: Any one you like best. They are all equal in their effect. But you
should stick to one.
D.: How to meditate?
M.: Concentrate on that one whom you like best. If a single thought
prevails, all other thoughts are put off and finally eradicated. So
long as diversity prevails there are bad thoughts. When the object
of love prevails only good thoughts hold the field. Therefore hold
on to one thought only. Dhyana is the chief practice.
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