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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
Thus, ‘inherence in the Self’ is the sum and substance of Gita
teaching. Finally, the Master Himself added, “If a man be
established in the Self these doubts would not arise. They arise
only until he is established there.”
D.: Then of what use is such reply to the enquirer?
M.: The words still have force and will surely operate in due course.
Talk 59.
A moulvi asked: How does sleep overtake one?
M.: If the enquirer knows who is awake in the wakeful condition he
will also know how sleep comes on. The enquiry arises only to the
waking man and not to the sleeper. It must be easier to know the
waking Self than the sleeping Self.
D.: I know how I awoke. But I do not know how sleep comes on. I
am aware of my wakeful state. For instance if anyone takes away
my stick I prevent his doing so, whereas I cannot do so in sleep
or in dream. The proof of wakefulness is evident. But what is the
proof of sleep?
M.: Your ignorance is the evidence of sleep: your awareness is that
of wakefulness.
D.: My wakefulness is known by the opening of my eye. But how
does sleep overtake me?
M.: In the same way as sleep overtakes you, wakefulness also
overtakes you.
D.: But I do not perceive how sleep comes on in the same way as I
know my wakefulness.
M.: Never mind.
D.: Please describe what is sleep, without illustrations. Sleep by itself
should be known. I want a real picture of sleep.
M.: Such picture is sleep itself.
D.: Is it better to reach salvation, being married, or being a hermit?
M.: Whatever you think better.
D.: Visvamitra had no fall when in the married state, whereas he had
a fall in his hermit life. Does it not apply to others also?
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