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

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
of abhasa (reflected consciousness). The knowledge lies beyond
relative knowledge and ignorance. It is not in the shape of vritti.
There are no subject and object in it.
Vritti belongs to the rajasic (active) mind. The satvic mind (mind is
repose) is free from it. The satvic is the witness of the rajasic. It is
no doubt true consciousness. Still it is called satvic mind because
the knowledge of being witness is the function of abhasa (reflected
consciousness) only. Mind is the abhasa. Such knowledge implies
mind. But the mind is by itself inoperative. Therefore it is called
satvic mind.
Such is the jivanmukta’s state. It is also said that his mind is dead.
Is it not a paradox that a jivanmukta has a mind and that it is dead?
This has to be conceded in argument with ignorant folk.
It is also said that Brahman is only the jivanmukta’s mind. How can
one speak of him as Brahmavid (knower of Brahman). Brahman
can never be an object to be known. This is, however, in accordance
with common parlance.
Satvic mind is surmised of the jivanmukta and of Iswara.
“Otherwise,” they argue, “how does the jivanmukta live and act?”
The satvic mind has to be admitted as a concession to argument.
The satvic mind is in fact the Absolute consciousness. The object to
be witnessed and the witness finally merge together and Absolute
consciousness alone reigns supreme. It is not a state of sunya
(blank) or ignorance. It is the swarupa (Real Self). Some say that
mind arises from consciousness followed by reflection (abhasa);
others say that the abhasa (reflection) arises first followed by the
mind. In fact both are simultaneous.
The Professor asked Sri Bhagavan to extend His Grace to him
although he would soon be a thousand miles off. Sri Bhagavan
said that time and space are only concepts of mind. But swarupa
(the Real Self) lies beyond mind, time and space. Distance does
not count in the Self.
The lady with him was most reluctant to leave the Master and return
home. The Master said, “Think that you are always in my presence.
That will make you feel right.” They left after dusk.
77