Ramana Maharshi about seeking powers

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“The powers are sought by the mind which must be kept alert, whereas the

Self is realised when the mind is destroyed. The powers manifest only when

there is the ego. The Self is beyond the ego and is realised after the ego

is eliminated. Where is the use of occult powers for a Self-realised Being?

 

“Self-Realisation may be accompanied by occult powers or it may not be. If

the person has sought such powers before Realisation, he may get them after

Realisation. There are others who have not sought such powers and have

attempted only Self-Realisation. They do not manifest them.” (Talks, 597).

Among the visitors of the sage was Mr. Evans-Wentz, the wellknown

Tibetologist. He too asked for an explanation on

the value of occult powers.

 

Ramana Maharshi replied:

 

“The occult powers are 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.

 

“They denote extended powers. A man is possessed of limited powers and is

miserable; he wants to expand his powers so that he may be happy. But

consider if it will be so; if with limited perception one is miserable, with

extended perceptions the misery must increase proportionately. Occult powers

will not bring happiness to anyone, but will make him all the more

miserable!

 

“Moreover what are these powers for? The would-be occultist 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. 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).” (Talks,

20).

 

Source: HUNTING THE ‘I’ book.

 

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Om namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya

Prasanth Jalasutram