Arthur Osborne - The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi, #1

[Guest guest]

The Basic Theory

 

Arthur Osborne : Readers of a philosophical turn of mind may find it strange to see the first chapter of this work entitled 'The Basic Theory'. It may appear to them that the whole work should be devoted to theory. In fact, however, the Maharshi, like every spiritual master, was concerned rather with the practical work of training aspirants than with expounding theory. th etheory had importance, but only as a basis for practice.

 

 

Devotee: Buddha is said to have ignored questions about God.

 

Bhagavan: Yes, and because of this he has been called an agnostic. In fact Buddha was concerned with guiding the seeker to realize Bliss here and now rather than with academic discussions about God and so forth.

 

D.Is the study of science, psychology, physiology, etc., helpful for attaining yoga-liberation or for intuitive understanding of th eunity of Reality?

 

B.: Very little. Some theoretical knowledge is needed for yoga and may be found in books, but practical application is what is needed. Personal example and instruction are the most helpful aids. As for intuitive understanding, a person may labouriously convince himself of the truth to be grasped by intuition, of its function and nature, but the actual intuition is more like feeling and requires practice and personal contact. Mere book learning is not of any great use. After Realization all intellectual loads are useless burdens and are to be throan overboard.

 

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The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi

edited by Arthur Osborne

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