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

Talk 642.
Mr. K. L. Sarma asked:
Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
Svasvarupanusandhanam bhaktirityabhidhiyate.
Again - Svatmatattvanusadhanam bhaktirityapare joguh.
What is the difference between the two?
M.: The former is vichara - Who am I? (Koham?) It represents jnana.
The latter is dhyana - Whence am I? (Kutoham?) This admits a
jivatma which seeks the Paramatma.
Talk 643.
An elderly, learned Andhra asked: “Are the two methods Karma marga
and jnana marga separate and independent of each other? Or is the
Karma marga only a preliminary which after successful practice
should be followed by jnana marga for the consummation of the aim?
The Karma advocates non-attachment to action and yet an active life,
whereas the jnana means renunciation. What is the true meaning of
renunciation? Subjugation of lust, passion, greed, etc., is common
to all and forms the essential preliminary step for any course. Does
not freedom from passions indicate renunciation? Or is renunciation
different, meaning cessation of the active life? These questions are
troubling me and I beg lights to be thrown on those doubts.”
Bhagavan smiled and said: “You have said all. Your question contains
the answer also. Freedom from passions is the essential requisite.
When that is accomplished all else is accomplished.”
D.: Sri Sankara emphasises the jnana marga and renunciation as
preliminary to it. But there are clearly two methods dwividha
mentioned in the Gita. They are Karma and Jnana (Lokesmin
dwividha nishtha...).
M.: Sri Acharya has commented on the Gita and on that passage also.
D.: The Gita seems to emphasise Karma. For Arjuna is persuaded
to fight; Sri Krishna Himself set the example by an active life of
great exploits.
M.: The Gita starts saying that you are not the body, that you are not
therefore the karta.
D.: What is the significance?
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