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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
The body itself is a thought. Be as you really are. There is no reason
to be depressed.
The lady was called away and she retired. The question was
however pursued as follows:
D.: Sri Bhagavan’s answers do not permit us to put further questions,
not because our minds are peaceful but we are unable to argue the
point. Our discontent is not at an end. For the physical ailments
to go the mental ailments should go. Both go when thoughts go.
Thoughts do not go without effort. Effort is not possible with the
present weakness of mind. The mind requires grace to gain strength.
Grace must manifest only after surrender. So all questions, wittingly
or unwittingly, amount to asking for Sri Bhagavan’s Grace.
M.: Smiled and said, “Yes.”
D.: Surrender is said to be bhakti. But Sri Bhagavan is known to favour
enquiry for the Self. There is thus confusion in the hearer.
M.: Surrender can take effect only when done with full knowledge.
Such knowledge comes after enquiry. It ends in surrender.
D.: The knowledge of the Supreme Being is after transcending the
individual self. This is jnana. Where is the need for surrender?
M.: Quite so. There is no difference between jnana and surrender. (Smile).
D.: How is the questioner satisfied then? The only alternative left is association
with the wise or devotion to God (satsanga or Isvara bhakti).
M.: Smiled and said, “Yes.”
21st February, 1938
Talk 463.
In the course of the conversation Sri Bhagavan spoke appreciatingly
of the services of Palanisami and Ayyasami - his former attendants.
He said that they raised in the garden two crude platforms which were
occupied by Himself and Palanisami; they were most comfortable. They
were made of straw and bamboo mats and were even more comfortable
than the sofa here. Palanisami used to pass through the footpath between
rows of prickly pear to bring begged food every night from Kizhnathoor.
Though Sri Bhagavan protested Palanisami persisted in doing so. He was
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