Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 Question: If `I' also is an illusion, who then casts off the illusion? Sri Ramana Maharshi: The `I' casts off the illusion of `I' and yet remains as `I'. Such is the paradox of Self-realization. The realized do not see any contradiction in it. Take the case of Bhakti. I approach Iswara and pray to be absorbed in Him. I then surrender myself with faith and concentrate on Him. What remains afterwards? In place of the original `I'. perfect self-surrender leaves a residuum of God in which `I' is lost. This is the highest form of devotion (parabhakti) and surrender and the height of Vairagya (non- attachment). You give up this and that of `my' possessions. If you give up `I' and `mine' instead, all are given up at a stroke. The very seed of possession is lost. Thus the evil is nipped in the bud or crushed in the germ itself. Dispassion (Vairagya) must be very strong to do this. Eagerness to do it must be equal to that of a man kept under water trying to rise up to the surface for his life. Hari Aum !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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