"The very first step in understanding what this is all about is giving up the concept of an active, volitional 'I' as a separate entity and accepting the passive role of perceiving and functioning as a process." - Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Obtaining Grace

Sri Ramana Maharshi

V: How is the common factor to be perceived in the diversity?
M: The seer is only one. They do not appear without the seer. There is no change in the seer, however much the others may change.
V: Is Grace necessary for it?
M: Yes.
V: How to gain Divine Grace?
M: By surrender.
V: Still I do not feel Grace.
M: Sincerity is wanting. Surrender should not be verbal nor conditional.
V: Impurities of limitation, ignorance and desire place obstacles in the way of meditation. How to conquer them?
M: Not to be swayed by them.
V: Grace is necessary.
M: Yes. Grace is both the beginning and the end. Introversion is due to Grace: Perseverance is Grace; and Realization is Grace. That is the reason for the statement: mAmekam sharaNam vraja (only surrender to Me). If one has entirely surrendered oneself is there any part left to ask for Grace? He is swallowed up by Grace.
V: The obstacles are powerful and obstruct meditation.
M: If a Higher Power is recognized and surrendered to, how will they obstruct you? If you say, "They are powerful," the source of their Power must be held so that they do not obstruct you.

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सर्वभूताधिवासं यद्भूतेषु च वसत्यपि।
सर्वानुग्राहकत्वेन तद्स्म्यहं वासुदेवः॥

That in whom reside all beings and who resides in all beings,
who is the giver of grace to all, the Supreme Soul of the universe, the limitless being:
I AM THAT. -- Amritabindu Upanishad