Arthur Osborne - The Basic Theory, [1]

[Guest guest]

The Basic Theory

 

[Arthur Osborne : Readers of a philosophical turn of mind may find it

strange to see the first chapter of this work entitled 'The Basic

Theory'. It may appear to them that the whole work should be devoted

to theory. In fact, however, the Maharshi, like every spiritual

master, was concerned rather with the practical work of training

aspirants than with expounding theory. The theory had importance, but

only as a basis for practice.]

 

 

Devotee: Buddha is said to have ignored questions about God.

 

Bhagavan: Yes, and because of this he has been called an agnostic. In

fact Buddha was concerned with guiding the seeker to realize Bliss

here and now rather than with academic discussions about God and so

forth.

 

D.Is the study of science, psychology, physiology, etc., helpful for

attaining yoga-liberation or for intuitive understanding of the unity

of Reality?

 

B.: Very little. Some theoretical knowledge is needed for yoga and may

be found in books, but practical application is what is needed.

Personal example and instruction are the most helpful aids. As for

intuitive understanding, a person may labouriously convince himself

of the truth to be grasped by intuition, of its function and nature,

but the actual intuition is more like feeling and requires practice

and personal contact. Mere book learning is not of any great use.

After Realization all intellectual loads are useless burdens and are

to be thrown overboard.

 

[Arthur Osborne: pre-occupation with theory, doctrine and philosophy

can actually be harmful insofar as it detracts a man from the really

important work of spiritual effort by offering an easier alternative

which is merely mental and which, therefore, cannot change his

nature.]

 

Ramana Maharshi: "What use is the learning of those who do not seek

to wipe out the letters of destiny (from their brow) by

enquiring:"Whence is the birth of us who know the letters?" They have

sunk to the level of a gramophone. What else are they, O Arunachala?

"It is those who are not learned that are saved rather than those

whose ego has not yet subsided in spite of their learning. The

unlearned are saved from the relentless grip of the devil of

self-infatuation; they are saved from the malady of a myriad whirling

thoughts and words; they are saved from running after wealth. It is

from more than one evil that they are saved."

 

[A.O.: Similarly he had no use for theoretical discussions.]

 

"It is due to illusion born of ignorance that men fail to recognize

that which is always and for everybody the inherent Reality dwelling

in its natural heart-centre and to abide in it, and that instead they

argue that it exists or does not exist, that it has form or has not

form, or is non-dual or is dual.

"Can anything appear apart from that which is eternal and perfect?

This kind of dispute is endless. Do not engage in it. Instead turn

your mind inward and put an end to all this. There is no finality in

disputation.

.......................

 

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The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi

edited by Arthur Osborne

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