Psychological Work

[Guest guest]

THE MAHARSHI

 

 

SEP/OCT 2005 VOL. 15

NO. 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letters and Comments

 

 

Psychological Work

 

A few weeks ago Ramana gave me a short glimpse of the Self for the

first time in my life. Since that day I’m “back on the way.” He made

me realize that there is nothing more important in life than the

Self, and that all my effort should be directed towards this goal.

I feel deeply attracted to the teachings of the Ribhu Gita, but I have

some questions and doubts regarding this topic:

 

What’s your view on the importance of psychological work on a spiritual path?

 

Many western spiritual teachers seem to stress the importance of such

work as a preparation for the Advaita Path, which requires maturity.

On the otherhand, reading Advaita texts like Ribhu Gita one gets the

impression that one should leave all psychological work behind, to

give no importance to the unreal, in order to abide in the awareness

of the Self.

The latter corresponds to my own insight, which was granted to me by

this deep experience a few weeks ago.

I still see a contradiction between these two — between the direct

path of Advaita Vedanta and the necessity of psychological work as a

“preparation” for that direct path.

*9+Are there any circumstances under which it is suggested or

necessary to do psychological work?

 

—German Devotee

 

 

Those who sincerely follow the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi have

at their disposal a means to bypass “psychological work” and be free

from identifying with the mind, which is the source of all problems.

Bhagavan has said, “Where psychology ends, there philosophy begins.”

He said this when a visitor commented that the West looks upon the mind as the highest principle.

 

The mind is not the highest principle; it is but a tool, an unwieldy

one for many. It is a bad master, but a good servant; a raging fire

fed by thoughts; a thief who steals away our essential peace and

happiness.

 

It is true that a steady mind and a balanced emotional life is an

asset to a spiritual aspirant. In fact, for all people of all ages it

is beneficial.

But the values of modern society have turned the mind of mankind to

interests and activities that dramatically deviate from our essential

nature of purity and oneness.

The mind of man is disturbed, confused and longs for peace. Psychology

attempts to heal the mind and settle the disturbing emotions.

When once the aspirant understands the nature of the mind, understands

that our greatest glory manifests when the mind or ego ceases to

exist, then there

is no need to analyze its qualities and dwell on its modes, or to heal it.

He or she should simply try to see what the mind is, and like a thief

when sought, it will disappear.

Ask, “Whose mind is it?” Seek within for the answer and the mind will

vanish, along with all its problems. Peace and perfection will reign.

 

 

The novelty of Bhagavan’s teachings is that it cuts through the maze

of the mind and takes us straight to the Self.

 

We should not strive for anything less.

 

—Editor

 

 

 

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