Guest guest Posted April 9, 2005 Report Share Posted April 9, 2005 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. [Arthur Osborne: pre-occupation with theory, doctrine and philosophy can actually be harmful insofar as it detracts a man from the really important work of spiritual effort by offering an easier alternative which is merely mental and which, therefore, cannot change his nature.] Ramana Maharshi: "What use is the learning of those who do not seek to wipe out the letters of destiny (from their brow) by enquiring:"Whence is the birth of us who know the letters?" They have sunk to the level of a gramophone. What else are they, O Arunachala? "It is those who are not learned that are saved rather than those whose ego has not yet subsided in spite of their learning. The unlearned are saved from the relentless grip of the devil of self-infatuation; they are saved from the malady of a myriad whirling thoughts and words; they are saved from running after wealth. It is from more than one evil that they are saved." [A.O.: Similarly he had no use for theoretical discussions.] "It is due to illusion born of ignorance that men fail to recognize that which is always and for everybody the inherent Reality dwelling in its natural heart-centre and to abide in it, and that instead they argue that it exists or does not exist, that it has form or has not form, or is non-dual or is dual. "Can anything appear apart from that which is eternal and perfect? This kind of dispute is endless. Do not engage in it. Instead turn your mind inward and put an end to all this. There is no finality in disputation. ....................... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi edited by Arthur Osborne ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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