Merely Saying 'I am free' Won't Set You Free

Sri Ramana Maharshi

21-8-1946 Afternoon

A visitor from Bengal asked Bhagavan, “Shankara says we are all free, not bound, and that we shall all go back to God from whom we have come as sparks from fire. Then, why should we not commit all sorts of sins?” 

Bhagavan: It is true we are not bound, i.e., the real Self has no bondage. It is true you will eventually go back to your source. But meanwhile, if you commit sins, as you call them, you have to face the consequences of such sins. You cannot escape their consequences. If a man beats you, then, can you say, ‘I am free, I am not bound by these beatings and I don’t feel any pain. Let him beat on?’ If you can feel like that, you can go on doing what you like. What is the use of merely saying with your lips ‘I am free?’ 

The visitor also asked, “The books mention several methods for Self-realisation. Which is the easiest and best?” 

Bhagavan: Several methods are mentioned to suit several minds. They are all good. You can choose whatever method appeals to you best.