Practice and Determination

Sri Ramana Maharshi

Q (A Punjabi Doctor): How should I meditate? I do not have peace of mind."

M: Peace is our real nature. It need not be attained. Our thoughts must be obliterated.

Q: I have been trying to obliterate them but I am not successful.

The Gita method* is the only one for it. Whenever mind strays away bring it back to bear on meditation.

Q: I cannot bring my mind to meditate.

Another Devotee: An elephant when free puts its trunk here and there and feels restless. If a length of chain is given to it, the trunk holds it and is no longer restless. Similarly, mind without an aim is restless, with an aim it remains at peace.

Q: No, no, it is all theory. I have read many books, but no use. It is practically impossible to make the mind concentrate.

Concentration is impossible so long as there are predispositions. They obstruct bhakti also. 

The interpreter advised the questioner to study Who am I? The doctor was ready with his protestations: "I have read it also. I cannot still make my mind concentrate."

M: By practice and dispassion - abhyasa vairagyabhyam

Q: Variagya is necessary...

M: Abhyasa and vairagya are necessary. Vairagya is the absence of diffused thoughts; abhyasa is concentration on one thought only. The one is the positive and the other the negative aspect of meditation.

Q: I am not able to do so by myself. I am in search of a force to help me.

Yes, what is called Grace. Individually we are incapable because the mind is weak. Grace is necessary. Sadhu seva is meant only for it. There is however nothing new to get. Just as a weak man comes under the control of a stronger one, the weak mind of a man comes under control easily in the presence of the strong-minded sadhus. That which is - is only Grace; there is nothing else.

The questioner said, "I request your blessings for the good of myself."

M: Yes-Yes.

................

yato yato nischarati manaschanchalam asthiram

tatas tato niyam etad Atman eva vasham nayet (Gita 6.26)

For whatsoever reason this wavering and fickle mind wanders away, it should be curbed and brought to abide in the Self alone.