A messenger of Gandhi visits Sri Ramana

[Guest guest]

In 1938 Rajendra Prasad spent three days at the asram as a messenger of Mahatma

Gandi. He was accompanied by Jamnalal Bajaj. During this visti Bajaj put some

interesting questions.

 

Q: If Swaraji is gained by intense struggle is not a person justified in being

overwhelmed with joy?

 

A: In this sacrifice one should have surrendered himself to the higher power,

which alone has brought about the result. He should not forget it. Then where is

the cause fo elation? One would have done his duty without caring for the

result. This is 'Nishkama Karma'.

 

Q: Is there no suitable power on earth which would bestrow grace on the

devotees, so that they may work efficiently and gain Swaraj?

After a pause J.B. continued:

 

Is not the tapasy of the ancient Mahatmas still valid? Will it not benefit the

present generation?

 

A: Yes of course it will, But is should be remembered that no single person is a

claimant of it. It is only that grace which had aroused awakening among the

people.

 

However, Rajendra Prasad remained silent throughout. At the time of their

departure, he asked, "Mahatma Gandi has sent me to the Maharshi. Is there any

message that I can take to him?" to which the Maharshi replied, "What message is

needed when heart speaks to heart"? It is the same sakti which is working there

also."

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

This book that it was taken from, Timeless in Time does not have a

glossary. What is the exact definition of this work? 'Swaraji'

Thanks in advance for your answer. I think it must be bliss or

something like that?

Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya,

The "Self" aka Alton

[Guest guest]

Swaraj means self-rule. India's freedom movement.

regards,

Vatsa

 

Alton Slater wrote:

 

> This book that it was taken from, Timeless in Time does not have a

> glossary. What is the exact definition of this work? 'Swaraji'

> Thanks in advance for your answer. I think it must be bliss or

> something like that?

> Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya,

> The "Self" aka Alton

>

>

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[Guest guest]

RamanaMaharshi, "Alton Slater" <leenalton@h...> wrote:

> This book that it was taken from, Timeless in Time does not have a

> glossary. What is the exact definition of this work? 'Swaraji'

> Thanks in advance for your answer. I think it must be bliss or

> something like that?

> Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya,

> The "Self" aka Alton

 

The conversation must have taken place before India's independence. Swaraj

literally means "Self-Rule" or Independence. Rajendra Prasad, the messenger of

Gandhi to Maharishi, went on the become the first President of Free India.

[Guest guest]

Dear Alton,

 

> What is the exact definition of this work? 'Swaraj'

 

Thank you to the members who helped with the definition.

---------

 

Here is a snippit of the conversation recorded in Talks dated 14 August

1938:

 

D. : Is the desire for swaraj right?

 

M. : Such desire no doubt begins with self-interest. Yet practical work for

the goal gradually widens the outlook so that the individual becomes merged

in the country. Such merging of the individuality is desirable and the

related karma is nishkama (unselfish).

 

D. : If swaraj is gained after a long struggle and terrible sacrifices, is

not the person justified in being pleased with the result and elated by it?

 

M. : He must have in the course of his work surrendered himself to the

Higher Power whose Might must be kept in mind and never lost sight of. How

then can he be elated? He should not even care for the result of his

actions. Then alone the karma becomes unselfish. ...

---------

 

Glossary (from Talks, 1978)

 

swaraj - independence

 

---------

 

Ever Yours in Sri Bhagavan,

Miles