"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

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Body - An Impediment To Jnana?

Sri Ramana Maharshi


Q. Does Bhagavan feel for us and show grace?
You are neck-deep in water and yet cry for water. It is as good as saying that one neck-deep in water feels thirsty, or a fish in water feels thirsty, or that water feels thirsty.

Q. How may one destroy the mind?
Is there a mind in the first place? What you call mind is an illusion. It starts from the 'I-thought'. Without the gross or subtle senses you cannot be aware of the body or the mind. Still it is possible for you to be without these senses. In such a state you are either asleep or aware of the Self only. Awareness of Self is ever there. Remain what you truly are and this question will not arise.

Q. Is the body consciousness an impediment to realization?
We are always beyond the body or the mind. If, however, you feel the body as the Self, then it is of course an impediment.

Q. Is the body or the mind of any use for the Self?
Yes, inasmuch as it helps Self-realization.

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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