The Obstacle Is In The Mind. Comments on Sri Ramana By Dr. Harsh K. Luthar
Posted by: Harsha • Jan 23rd, 2010
Once Sri Ramana was asked, “How does a grihastha (householder) fare in the scheme of Moksha (liberation)?” The Maharshi said, “The obstacle is the mind. It must be got over whether at home or in the forest. Renunciation is always in the mind, not in going to the forest or solitary places, or giving up one’s duties. The main thing is to see that the mind does not turn outward but inward.”
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Bhagavan Ramana repeated this idea in a number of conversations.
The Essential message is that it is not one’ station in life or one’s geographical location but the maturity of the mind that is most critical in achieving Self-Realization. Sri Ramana used to say that the mind is like our shadow. Wherever we go, we take our mind with us.
One can be in perfect solitude surrounded by beautiful woods and flowers and a nice climate. Yet the mind may be distracted, worried, anxious, and troubled and be assailed by thought after thought.
Sri Ramana emphasizes that the true renunciation does not involve going to some special place like a forest or ashram to meditate. The real giving up is about letting go of our mental disturbances which are the result of our attachments and expectations.
Fundamentally, when we give up the idea of gain and loss and turn the mind within to its source and surrender without reservation, that is the ultimate renunciation. Self is then recognized as the immediate presence shining by its own light as our very own Being. Pure Being.
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