Sri Ramana Maharshi
Q: Just as the Sage's past karma is the cause of his present activities, will not the impressions (vasanas) caused by his present activities adhere to him in future?
M: Only one who is free from all the latent tendencies is a Sage. That being so, how can the tendencies of karma affect him who is entirely unattached to activity?
Q: What is the meaning of brahmacharya?
M: Only enquiry into brahman should be called brahmacharya.
Q: Will the practice of brahmacharya which is followed in conformity with the four orders of life be a means of knowledge?
M: As the various means of knowledge such as control of senses etc. are included in brahmacharya, the virtuous practices duly followed by those who belong to the order of students (brahmacharins) are very helpful for their improvement.
Q: Can one enter the order of ascetics directly from the order of students?
M: Those who are competent need not formally enter the orders of brahmacharya etc. in the order laid down. One who has realized his Self does not distinguish between the various orders of life (ashrama). Therefore no order of life either helps or hinders him.
Q: Does an aspirant lose anything by not observing the rules of caste and orders of life?
M: As the attainment of knowledge is the supreme end of all other practices, there is no rule that one who remains in any one order of life and constantly acquires knowledge is bound to follow the rules laid down for that order of life. If he follows the rules of caste and orders of life he does so for the good of the world. He does not derive any benefit by observing the rules. Nor does he lose anything by not observing them.
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