is study helpful for intuitive understanding ?

[Guest guest]

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from THE TEACHINGS OS RAMANA MAHARSHI , edited by ARTHUR OSBORNE

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D:

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

yoga liberation

or for intuitive understanding of the unity of Reality ?

 

Bhagavan:

 

Very little. Some theoretical knowledge 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 laboriously 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 intelectual

loads are useless burdens

and are to be thrown overboard.

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Arthur Osborne explains :

 

Pre-occupation with theory , doctrine and filosophy can actually be harmful

insofar

as it detracts a man from the really important work of spiritual work of

spiritual effort

by offering an easier alternative which is merely mental and , which, therefore

,

cannot change his nature.

 

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Bhagavan :

 

"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 knows 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 thn those whose ego has

not subsided

in spite of their learning. The unlearned are saved from the rentless 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.

 

 

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