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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
D.: I do not object to differences. But the claims of superiority are wrong.
M.: There are differences in the limbs of one’s body. When the hand
touches the foot the hand is not defiled. Each limb performs its
function. Why do you object to differences?
D.: The people feel the injustice of caste distinction. It must be rooted
out.
M.: You can individually arrive at the state where such distinctions
are not perceived and be happy. How can you hope to reform the
world? Even if you try you cannot succeed. Kavyakantha Ganapati
Sastri offered to initiate Harijans with mantras and make Brahmins
of them. But the Harijans did not come forward to accept the offer.
That shows they are themselves afflicted by an inferiority complex.
Remove that complex first before you try to reform others.
Moreover, why do you go to places where such distinctions are
observed and cause pain to yourself? Why should you not seek
places where they are not observed and be happy there?
Gandhiji also tries to bring about equality. He is also up against
the barrier of inferiority complex afflicting the lower orders. He
cannot enforce his views on others. He observes non-violence. So
matters stand as they are.
D.: We must work to obliterate caste-distinctions.
M.: Then do it. If you have succeeded in the world, then see if the
distinctions persist in this place.
D.: This must be the first place where I want to effect the reform.
M.: Why do you exert yourself so much to effect reforms? Go to sleep
and see if there are differences. There you obliterate differences
without any effort. (Laughter).
24th August, 1938
Talk 508.
An Indian I. C. S. Officer was in the hall for a few hours. He asked: “Can
ahimsa put an end to wars in the world?” Sri Bhagavan did not answer and
it was time to go out for the evening walk. The next day when someone
else repeated the question, Sri Bhagavan said that the question contained its
answer. It is patent that in a state of perfect ahimsa there can be no war.
508