Sri Ramana Maharshi
If it be true that the Guru is one’s own Self (atman), what is the principle underlying the doctrine which says that, however learned a disciple may be or whatever occult powers he may possess, he cannot attain self-realization (atma-siddhi) without the grace of the Guru?
Although in absolute truth the state of the Guru is that of oneself it is very hard for the Self which has become the individual soul (jiva) through ignorance to realize its true state or nature without the grace of the Guru. All mental concepts are controlled by the mere presence of the real Guru. If he were to say to one who arrogantly claims that he has seen the further shore of the ocean of learning or one who claims arrogantly that he can perform deeds which are well-nigh impossible, "Yes, you learnt all that is to be learnt, but have you learnt to know yourself? And you who are capable of performing deeds which are almost impossible, have you seen yourself?", they will bow their heads in shame and remain silent. Thus it is evident that only by the grace of the Guru and by no other accomplishment is it possible to know oneself.
What are the marks of Guru's Grace?
It is beyond words or thoughts.
If that is so, how is it that it is said that the disciple realizes his true state by the Guru's grace?
It is like the elephant which wakes up on seeing a lion in its dream. Even as the elephant wakes up at the mere sight of the lion, so too is it certain that the disciple wakes up from the sleep of ignorance into the wakefulness of true knowledge through the Guru's benevolent look of Grace.
No comments:
Post a Comment