Fwd: Ramana Maharshi says that which is not natural, but acquired, cannot be permanent

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Q: Is it not good to acquire powers such as telepathy?

 

Ramana Maharshi: Telepathy or radio enables one to see and hear from afar.

They are all the same, hearing and seeing. Whether one hears from near or

far does not make any difference to the one who hears. The fundamental

factor is the hearer, the subject. Without the hearer or the seer, there can

be no hearing or seeing. The latter are the functions of the mind. The

occult powers [siddhis] are therefore only in the mind. They are not natural

to the Self. That which is not natural, but acquired, cannot be permanent,

and is not worth striving for.

 

These siddhis denote extended powers. A man is possessed of limited powers

and is miserable. Because of this he wants to expand his powers so that he

may be happy. But consider if it will be so. If with limited perceptions one

is miserable, with extended perceptions the misery must increase

proportionately. Occult powers will not bring happiness to anyone, but will

make one all the more miserable.

 

Moreover what are these powers for ? The would-be occultist [siddha] desires

to display the siddhis so that others may appreciate him. He seeks

appreciation, and if it is not forthcoming he will not be happy. There must

be others to appreciate him. He may even find another possessor of higher

powers. That will cause jealousy and breed unhappiness.

 

Which is the real power ? Is it to increase prosperity or bring about

peace? That which results in peace is the highest perfection [siddhi].

 

Source: Be as you are – The teachings of sri Ramana Maharishi Book

 

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