Thus Spake Ramana

[Guest guest]

Can there be anything but disaster apart from the Self?

Unbroken I-I is the infinite ocean,

the ego, I-thought remains only a bubble on it

and is called jiva, i. e., individual soul.

the bubble, too, is water, when it bursts,

it only mixes in the ocean.

When it remains a bubble,

it is still a part of the ocean.

Ignorant of this simple truth,

innumerable methods under different denominations,

such as yoga, bhakti, karma.....

each again with its many modifications,

are being taught with great skill

and in intricate detail only to entice seekers

and confuse their minds.

So, also, are the religions and sects and dogmas.

What are they all for?

Only for knowing the Self.

They are aids and practices required for knowing the Self.

 

[from] Talks with Ramana Maharshi

[Nov 7th, 1935]