Ramana Maharshi teachings on overcoming Passions

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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

Prasanth Jalasutram