life in the world

[Guest guest]

om namo bhagavate sri ramanaya

 

Dear Ram,

 

Welcome. namaste.

 

> I know that the answer would to ask oneself who is it that undergoes this

> problem and jump back on track into atma vichar. I've done that. I found

> myself losing interest in everything to the extent that one cannot engage

> effectively in this world. I found myself avoiding and rejecting things.

> Nevertheless, with worldly responsibilities one cannot afford that.

 

Indeed.

The one who avoids and rejects things in daily life, that one who loses

interest, is the very one who should be sought. Surely Vichara does not

hamper daily life...it validates it. All is the Self. The actions go on

whether you want them to...or not. Attending to the Self includes attending

to the world. False identification/separation is the problem. Claiming that

this action, and of course the fruit of said action, is mine (because

favourable) ...while disclaiming that action and its resultant fruit

(because unfavourable), is the illusion. S/he (the claimer) is the root of

the problem. And this is the object of search. This search can be carried

out at all times, throughout all the states.

 

'Denial of the existence of the world does not amount to perfection. Denial

is absurd. For, it implies intelligence, and intelligence displays itself as

the universe. The intelligence denying or admitting the world is there

shining over all! Can the world be erased out of existence by mere denial of

it?' (Tripura Rahasya)

 

The Self is experienced at all times. It does not come and go. If there is

confusion of identity...that is the thing which must go...that is the

illusion. Circumstances appear to change. Let them. Realisation is abiding

as 'I-I' in all circumstances. Pleasure, pain...all is the Self. Knowing

this... remaining in peace, abiding as Self... no longer seeking release...

is perfection.

 

'One should not be elated on having his desire fulfilled or disappointed on

being frustrated. To be elated on the fulfilment of desire is so deceitful.

A gain will certainly be lost ultimately. Therefore elation must end in pain

at a future date. One should not give place to feelings of pleasure or pain,

come what may. How do the events affect the person? You do not grow by

acquiring something nor wither away by losing it. You remain what you always

are.' (Talk; 614)

 

If one can remember Arunachala at all times...this will quieten the mind.

This is Grace. Look at any hill and remember Arunachala, alone. If there are

no hills around then this lack of hills can remind you to turn towards

Arunachala in your Heart.

 

Perhaps setting up a continuous stream of japa will help. If the flow

breaks...then simply return to it once awareness of the break occurs.

 

Ever Yours In Sri Bhagavan,

Miles