Ramana Maharshi teachings on overcoming Passions

May 10, 2009

Question - How shall I overcome my passions?

Ramana Maharshi - Find their root and then it will be easy. (Later) What are the

passions? Kama (lust), krodha (anger), etc. Why do they arise? Because of likes

and dislikes towards the objects seen. How do the objects project themselves in

your view? Because of your avidya, i.e., ignorance. Ignorance of what? Of the

Self. Thus, if you find the Self and abide therein there will be no trouble

owing to the passions.

(Later) Again, what is the cause of the passions? Desire to be happy or enjoy

pleasure. Why does the desire for happiness arise? Because your nature is

happiness itself and it is natural that you come into your own. This happiness

is not found anywhere besides the Self.

Do not look for it elsewhere. But seek the Self and abide therein. Still again,

that happiness which is natural is simply re-discovered, so it cannot be lost.

Whereas the happiness arising from other objects are external and thus liable to

be lost. Therefore it cannot be permanent and so it is not worth seeking.

Moreover craving for pleasures should not be encouraged.

One cannot put out burning fire by pouring petrol over it. An attempt to satisfy

your craving for the time being, so that the passion may later be suppressed, is

simply foolish.There are, no doubt, other methods for the suppression of

passion. They are (1) regulated food, (2) fasting, (3) yoga practice, (4)

medicines. But their effects are transitory. The passions reappear with greater

force as soon as the check is removed. The only way to overcome them is to

eradicate them. That is done by finding their source as stated above.

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Om namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya

Prashant Jalasutram

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