abide as the Self and be done with miseries

[Guest guest]

Maharshi explained in the course of conversation: Whoever desires liberation?

Everyone wants only happiness - happiness too as found in the enjoyment of the

senses. This question was asked of a Guru, and the latter answered: " Quite so.

That happiness which is the result of enjoyment by the senses is the same as

that of liberation. That desire of such liberation is one of the four

qualifications for attainment. This is common to all. So all are eligible for

this knowledge - Self-knowledge. "

 

In fact there may not be found any individual in the world who possesses all the

qualities in perfection necessary for an aspirant as mentioned in Yoga Sutras,

etc. Still pursuit of Self-knowledge should not be abandoned.

 

Everyone is the Self by his own experience. Still he is not aware, he identifies

the Self with the body and feels miserable. This is the greatest of all

mysteries. One is the Self. Why not abide as the Self and be done with miseries?

 

In the beginning one has to be told that he is not the body, because he thinks

that he is the body only. Whereas he is the body and all else. The body is only

a part. Let him know it finally. He must first discern consciousness from

insentience and be the consciousness only. Later let him realise that

insentience is not apart from consciousness.

 

This is discrimination (viveka). The initial discrimination must persist to the

end. Its fruit is liberation.

 

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi