The four paths

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The Four Paths

 

Maharshi: An examination of the ephemeral nature of external phenomena leads

to vairagya. Hence enquiry ( vichara ) is the first and foremost step to be

taken. When vichara continues automatically, it results in a contempt for

wealth, fame, ease, pleasure, etc. The 'I' thought becomes clearer for

inspection. The source of 'I' is the Heart - the final goal. If, however,

the aspirant is not temperamentally suited to Vichara Marga (to the

introspective analytical method), he must develop bhakti (devotion) to an

ideal - may be God, Guru, humanity in general, ethical laws, or even the

idea of beauty. When one of these takes possession of the individual, other

attachments grow weaker, i.e., dispassion ( vairagya ) develops. Attachment

for the ideal simultaneously grows and finally holds the field. Thus

ekagrata (concentration) grows simultaneously and imperceptibly - with or

without visions and direct aids.

 

In the absence of enquiry and devotion, the natural sedative pranayama

(breath regulation) may be tried. This is known as Yoga Marga. If life is

imperilled the whole interest centers round the one point - the saving of

life. If the breath is held the mind cannot afford to (and does not) jump at

its pets (external objects). Thus there is rest for the mind so long as the

breath is held. All attention being turned on breath or its regulation,

other interests are lost. Again, passions are attended with irregular

breathing, whereas calm and happiness are attended with slow and regular

breathing. A paroxysm of joy is in fact as painful as one of pain, and both

are accompanied by ruffled breaths. Real peace is happiness. Pleasures do

not form happiness. The mind improves by practice and becomes finer just as

the razor's edge is sharpened by stropping. The mind is then better able to

tackle internal or external problems.

If an aspirant be unsuited temperamentally for the first two methods and

circumstantially (on account of age) for the third method, he must try the

Karma Marga (doing good deeds, for example, social service). His nobler

instincts become more evident and he derives impersonal pleasure. His

smaller self is less assertive and has a chance of expanding its good side.

 

The man becomes duly equipped for one of the three aforesaid paths. His

intuition may also develop directly by this single method.

- Talks With Sri Ramana Maharshi, No. 27