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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
some Higher Power to function. It cannot itself reach that Power.
So it ceases to function after a certain stage. When it thus ceases
to function the Supreme Power is still left there all alone. That is
Realisation; that is the finality; that is the goal.
It is thus plain that the purpose of the intellect is to realise its own
dependence upon the Higher Power and its inability to reach the
same. So it must annihilate itself before the goal is gained.
D.: A sloka is quoted which means: “I do not desire kingdoms, etc.
Only let me serve Thee for ever and there lies my highest pleasure.”
Is that right?
M.: Yes. There is room for kama (desire) so long as there is an object
apart from the subject (i.e., duality). There can be no desire if there
is no object. The state of no-desire is moksha. There is no duality
in sleep and also no desire. Whereas there is duality in the waking
state and desire also is there. Because of duality a desire arises for
the acquisition of the object. That is the outgoing mind, which is
the basis of duality and of desire. If one knows that Bliss is none
other than the Self the mind becomes inward turned. If the Self
is gained all the desires are fulfilled. That is the apta kamah atma
kamah akamascha (fulfilment of desire) of the Brihadaranyaka
Upanishad. That is moksha.
Here J. B. tried to make himself clear by saying that what he meant
by sadbuddhi was not the same as buddhi. It means that which holds
fast to the good, the right and the chosen path. He wanted to know
how such steadfastness could be gained.
M.: What is wanted for gaining the highest goal is loss of individuality.
The intellect is co-extensive with individuality. Loss of individuality
can only be after the disappearance of buddhi, good or bad. The
question therefore does not arise.
D.: But yet one must know the right thing, choose the right path,
practise the right dharma and hold fast to it. Otherwise he is lost.
M.: True strength accrues by keeping in the right direction without
swerving from it.
D.: Difficulties are met with. How is one to get the strength necessary
to overcome the obstacles which beset one’s path?
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