Ramana Maharshi says Creation is neither good nor bad

[Guest guest]

A book is being read in which a question occurs whether the world was

created for happiness or misery. All eyes turn to Sri Bhagavan for the

answer.

 

Bhagavan. Creation is neither good nor bad; it is as it is. It is the human

mind which puts all sorts of constructions on it, as it sees things from its

own angle and as it suits its own interests. A woman is just a woman, but

one mind calls her “mother,” another “sister,” and still another “aunt” and

so on. Men love women, hate snakes, and are indifferent to the grass and

stones by the roadside. These connections are the causes of all the misery

in the world. Creation is like a peepul tree: birds come to eat its fruit,

or take shelter under its branches, men cool themselves in its shade, but

some may hang themselves on it. Yet the tree continues to lead its quiet

life, unconcerned with, and unaware of, all the uses it is put to. It is the

human mind that creates its own difficulties and then cries for help. Is God

so partial as to give peace to one person and sorrow to another? In creation

there is room for everything, but man refuses to see the good, the healthy

and the beautiful, and goes on whining, like the hungry man who sits beside

a tasty dish and, instead of stretching out his hand to satisfy his hunger,

he goes on lamenting.

 

Whose fault is it, God’s or man’s? But fortunately for man, God, in His

infinite mercy, never forsakes him. He always gives him new chances by

providing Gurus and Scriptures to guide him to find the errors of his ways

and ultimately gain eternal happiness.

 

Visitor. We know that the pleasures of this world are useless and even

painful, yet we long for them. What is the way of ending that longing?

 

Bhagavan. Think of God and attachments will gradually drop from you. If you

wait till all desires disappear to start your devotion and prayer, you will

have to wait a very,very long time indeed.

 

Source: GURU RAMANA MEMORIES AND NOTES By S. S. COHEN

 

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Om namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya

Prasanth Jalasutram