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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
18th January, 1939
Talk 608.
Mrs. Hick Riddingh wrote two questions on a slip of paper and asked
Sri Bhagavan if her interpretations were correct.
M.: The Self is beyond ignorance and knowledge. It is Absolute.
These doubts do not arise to the Self for it is Pure Consciousness
and cannot admit of dark ignorance.
D.: From our point of view they arise.
M.: See to whom they arise. Go to their root. See if they arise after
you reach their source and hold on to it.
D.: But at the present moment -
M.: Such discussions are theoretical and there will be no end to them.
One must be practical and try to solve the problems for oneself by the
method suggested. The method has been pointed out already. Find out
to whom the questions arise. They resolve themselves immediately.
Talk 609.
Lady Bateman and others came to the hall at about 3-30 p.m. In a few
minutes she asked in writing if one is nearer to Pure Consciousness
in deep sleep than in the waking state.
M.: The sleep, dream and waking states are mere phenomena
appearing on the Self which is itself stationary and also a state of
simple awareness. Can anyone remain away from the Self at any
moment? This question can arise only if that were possible.
D.: Is it not often said that one is nearer Pure Consciousness in deep
slumber than in the waking state?
M.: The question may as well be: Am I nearer to myself in my sleep
than in my waking state?
For the Self is Pure Consciousness. No one can ever be away from
the Self. The question is possible only if there is duality. But there
is no duality in the state of Pure Consciousness.
The same person sleeps, dreams and wakes up. The waking state is
considered to be full of beautiful and interesting things. The absence
of such experiences makes one say that the sleep state is dull. Before
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