ripening fruit

August 21, 2002

Dear Harsha and friends,

First let me say it is good you came out from under the bed. You are wise

indeed to wait for a bit of quiet. I hate camping so will stay here in the

house and contemplate my navel and... tents. I love Sri Ramana, and love the

Truth. Since Sri Ramana is Everything and the below quotes are from Sri

Nisargadatta, what is the difference? Change the names if you like...pretend

Snoopy said it. Snoopy is part of everything.

love to all, Shawn

ps. I think Shawn means half-wit, meaning I am always half-joking.

======

All your going and coming, seeking pleasure, loving and hating - all this

shows that you struggle against limitations, self-imposed or accepted. In

your ingnorance, you make mistakes and cause pain to yourself and others,

but the urge is there and shall not be denied. The same urge that seeks

birth, happiness and death, shall seek understanding and liberation. It is

like a spark of fire in a cargo of cotton. You may no know about it, but

sooner or later the ship will burst in flames. Liberation is a natural

process and, in the long run, inevitable. But it is within your power to

bring it into the now. (474)

There can be progress in the preparation (sadhana). Realization is sudden.

The fruit ripens slowly, but falls suddenly and without return. (332)

With some, realization comes imperceptibly, but somehow they need

convincing. They have changed, but they do not notice it. Such

non-spectacular cases are often the most reliable. (291)

The experience [of self-realization] is unique and unmistakable. It will

dawn on you suddenly, when the obstacles are removed to some extent. It is

like a frayed rope snapping. Yours is the work at the strands. The break is

bound to happen. It can be delayed, but not prevented. (502)

All will come through, not a single soul (jiva) shall be lost. (377)

from: Excerpts from Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj's I AM THAT

The goal: Liberation through Self-Realization.

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