Help on the Quest for Self-realization-Reminders-76

October 2, 2006

One who follows a spiritual discipline must act always according to

the best standard applicable to other men; that is, in conduct he

must respect the distinction between moral and immoral conduct, as

if duality were real.

However evil minded other people may appear to you, it is not proper

to hate or despise them. It is also not proper to let the mind

often rest on objects or affairs of mundane life. As far as

possible one should not interfere in the affairs of others.

Everything offered to others is really an offering to oneself; and

if only this truth were realized, who is there that would refuse

anything to others? The deeper the humility with which we conduct

ourselves, the better it is for us. If only the mind is kept under

control, what matters it (that need not worry one) where one may

happen to be?

Until the ego dies finally, humility alone is good for the sadhaka

(seeker); he should never accept homage done to him by others.

It is true that we are not bound. That is to say, the Real self has

no bondage. And it is true that you will eventually return to your

Source. But meanwhile, if you commit sins, as you call them, you

have to face the consequences. You cannot escape them. If a man

beats you, can you say: "I am free, I am not affected by the beating

and feel no pain. Let him continue beating?" If you can really

feel that, then you can do what you like, but what is the use of

just saying in words that one is free?

Before one tries to reform the world he should first know himself,

and then he can go about reforming the world if he still feels so

inclined.

Source: Various reliable publications of / on Sri Ramana Maharshi's

teachings.

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