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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
was placed in his hands, on seeing which he asked what Sri Bhagavan
thought of castes.
M.: The castes relate to bodies and not to Self. The Self is Bliss. To
realise Bliss one realises the Self. No need to worry oneself about
caste, etc.
D.: The ahamkar is also called the Self.
M.: Ahamkar is limited, whereas the Self is beyond it.
D.: There is much literature in English relating to Eastern philosophy
and religion. There are different exponents. The system of
Ramanuja is well presented. Prof. Radhakrishnan expounds
the advaitic system. He lays more stress on experience than on
evidence. Sankara shows a highly developed mind.
A discussion followed on direct perception. The Professor spoke
of mental perception also as different from sense perception.
M.: To infer one’s existence no other evidence is necessary. The
indriyas (senses) and the mind arising from the ego cannot serve
as evidence relating to the Self. The Self is their basis. They do not
exist independently of the Self. One’s own existence is self-evident.
Bliss is the Self. All become dear only owing to the love of Self.
D.: Love postulates duality. How can the Self be the object of love?
M.: Love is not different from the Self. Love of an object is of an
inferior order and cannot endure. Whereas the Self is Love, in other
words, God is Love.
D.: It is also the Christian idea.
He also asked Sri Bhagavan which of the methods was the best for
the attainment of the goal. Is not Patanjali’s the best?
M.: Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah - (Yoga is to check the mind from
changing) - which is acceptable to all. That is also the goal of all.
The method is chosen according to one’s own fitness. The goal for
all is the same. Yet different names are given to the goal only to suit
the process preliminary to reaching the goal. Bhakti, Yoga, Jnana
are all the same. Svasvarupanusandhanam bhaktirity abhidheeyate
(Self contemplation is called bhakti).
D.: Does Sri Bhagavan advocate advaita?
417