Ramana, an exemplar of high thinking

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Ramana, an exemplar of high thinking (An Article from the Religious

Section of The Hindu taken with permission: "Copyrights 2000 The

Hindu & Tribeca Internet Initiatives Inc.")

 

A human being who gets himself drowned in worldly activities and

chases illusory pleasures should become aware of the spiritual

solace

made available for him to withstand his problems and realise the

purpose of his birth. His goal is to secure liberation and for this

broadly two paths have been laid before him.

 

The aspiring person can obtain spiritual knowledge through intense

study and by resorting to procedures therein. In the second, he can

seek the guidance of evolved souls whose very saintly habits will

exercise tremendous influence on the seekers of peace. Such guides

may be unobtrusive, silent, detached, austere and be ever meditating

on God. To be associated with them and uphold their teachings will

bring about total transformation in the aspirants. Unfortunately,

many approach such luminaries shedding their lustre, with personal

and

family problems, not understanding that they stand on an entirely

different pedestal and that it is for laymen to take all efforts to

rise to their level.

 

Some are even callous as to request them to reveal to them the

pathway

to heaven in a day as if it is a commodity that can be purchased

across the counter. The same attitude of submitting our pleas can

also be noticed in us when we visit temples. We should go to these

sanctified spots to secure mental peace and be in communion with the

Lord in idol forms. Like the camphor which is burnt there, we should

also forget our identity in the presence of God. Sri Sukhi Sivam,

in a lecture on the 50th Maharadhana of Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi

explained how this sage of Thiruvannamalai used to tell humanity

that

each one of them should know ``who he is'' and ``what relationship

has he with God.'' It is an enquiry that will enable him to develop

knowledge and dispassion.

 

Ramana Maharshi was an exemplar of high thinking and simple living.

He

would say that every path is valid till the ``ego'' is effaced.

Realization is nothing to be gained afresh as it is already there.

But

caught in the snares of illusion, one is unable to find the nature

of

the Self. The Bhagavatham mentions how even an enlightened man was

aware that his children would be killed one by one, but illusion did

not make him think. Religion enables us to carry what is essential

and discard what is not necessary. But pious souls like Ramana

Maharshi knew what is needed and gave up worldly thoughts and were

constantly meditating. His silence spoke wisdom and he spread an

aroma of enlightenment and peace.