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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
M.: By means of devotion and company of the sages.
D.: Loss of individuality was just before mentioned as a prerequisite
to moksha. Now devotion and association with the wise are advised
as the methods. Is there not individuality implied in them e.g., in
“I am a bhakta”, “I am a satsangi”?
M.: The method is pointed out to the seeker. The seeker has certainly
not lost his individuality so far. Otherwise the question would not
have arisen. The way is shown to effect the loss of individuality
of the seeker. It is thus appropriate.
D.: Is the desire for swaraj right?
M.: Such desire no doubt begins with self-interest. Yet practical work
for the goal gradually widens the outlook so that the individual
becomes merged in the country. Such merging of the individuality
is desirable and the related karma is nishkama (unselfish) .
D.: If swaraj is gained after a long struggle and terrible sacrifices, is
not the person justified in being pleased with the result and elated
by it?
M.: He must have in the course of his work surrendered himself to the
Higher Power whose Might must be kept in mind and never lost
sight of. How then can he be elated? He should not even care for the
result of his actions. Then alone the karma becomes unselfish.
D.: How can unerring rectitude be ensured for the worker?
M.: If he has surrendered himself to God or to Guru the Power to which
he had surrendered will take him on the right course. The worker
need no longer concern himself about the rectitude or otherwise of
the course. The doubt will arise only if he fails to obey the Master
in all details.
D.: Is there not any Power on earth which can bestow Grace on Its
devotees so that they may grow strong to work for the country and
gain swaraj? (Sri Maharshi remained silent. This, He later said,
signified that such was the case).
D.: Is not the tapasya of the ancient mahatmas of the land available
for the benefit of its present-day inheritors?
M.: It is, but the fact must not be overlooked that no one can claim to
be the sole beneficiary. The benefits are shared by all alike.
501