Pure Mind = Mind Free from Thoughts

Sri Ramana Maharshi

6th January 1937

Mr. Parkhi: Many visitors here tell me that they get visions or thoughtcurrents from you. I am here for the last month and a half and still I have not the slightest experience of any kind. Is it because I am unworthy of your grace? If so, I feel it disgraceful that I being Vasishtakulotpanna (of the lineage of Vasishta) should not have your grace, while far-off foreigners should have it. Will you kindly suggest some prayaschitta (method of expiation) for removing this disgrace? 

M.: Visions and thought-currents are had according to the state of mind. It depends on the individuals and not upon the Universal Presence. Moreover, they are immaterial. What matters is Peace of Mind.

D.: Peace of mind is the result of trance. How is trance got?

M.: Trance is only absence of thoughts. That state prevails in sleep.Do you have enduring peace of mind on that account? 

D.: It is said in the journal maintained in the Asramam that trance is necessary. 

M.: Trance is not something apart to be got anew. Your natural state is that of trance.

D.: But I do not feel it.

M.: The fact of your contrary belief is the obstruction.

D.: Since I have not realised the Self I say that I do not understand my permanent state of trance.

M.: This is only a repetition. That is the obstruction. This arises because you think that the non-self is you. That is the mistake. Do not take the non-self to be the Self. Then the Self will be evident to you.

D.: I understand it theoretically but not practically.

M.: There are no two selves - for the self to speak of the non-realisation of the Self.

D.: It is still theoretical to me. How shall I get the trance?

M.: Trance is only temporary in its effects. There is happiness so long as it lasts. After rising from it the old vasanas return. Unless the vasanas are destroyed in sahaja samadhi (effortless samadhi), there

is no good of trance.

D.: But trance must precede sahaja samadhi?

M.: Trance is the natural state. Although there are activities and phenomena, yet they do not affect the trance. If they are realised to be not apart from the Self, the Self is realised. Where is the use of trance, unless it brings about enduring peace of mind? Know that even now you are in trance whatever happens. That is all.

D.: But how shall I do it? 

A scholar remarked: Yato vacho nivartante aprapya manasa saha (where words fail to reach, along with the mind). The questioner retorted: It is also said manasaiva aptavyam (to be realised with the mind only).

M.: Yes. The Pure Mind, i.e., the mind free from thoughts is the Self. The pure mind is beyond the impure mind.

(To be continued..)