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Anthem
1608 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 27 2008 : 10:54:41 PM
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When asked if the path of inquiry could be "followed by all aspirants?"
Ramana Maharshi replied with:
"This is suitable only for the ripe souls. The rest should follow different methods according to the state of their minds."
exert from The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana Maharshi |
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Sparkle
Ireland
1457 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2008 : 05:30:21 AM
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That's interesting Anthem
Does he give a definition of what inquiry is?, it seems a bit vague otherwise.
To elaborate a little - any question about life by anybody and a consequent learning, usually out of suffering, could be regarded, by some, as inquiry. This could apply to anyone!
But maybe he is talking of the "path" as a specific practice, rather than a stumbling through life in accidental inquiry.
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YogaIsLife
641 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2008 : 07:07:23 AM
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| That's very interesting Anthem. And it makes sense with what others say. I for one feel relieved to know this, as it means each person should seek a path that is confortable for them. |
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Anthem
1608 Posts |
Posted - Nov 29 2008 : 11:57:01 AM
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Hi Louis,
A large portion of both of his books I have read are devoted to detailing his recommended practice of self inquiry which involves tracing the "I" thought to its source by inquiring "who am I" or "to who is this happening" etc.
The question and his answer directly before the one I posted above was:
"What is the method of practice?"
RM reply:
As the Self of a person who tries to attain Self-realization is not different from him and as there is nothing other than or superior to him to be attained by him, Self-realization being only the realization of one's own nature, the seeker of Liberation realizes without doubts or misconceptions, his real nature by distinguishing the eternal from the transient and never swerves from his natural state. This is known as the practice of knowledge. This is the inquiry leading to Self-realization. |
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Sparkle
Ireland
1457 Posts |
Posted - Dec 03 2008 : 08:00:50 AM
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Hi Andrew
I am a bit confused about your last quote:
As the Self of a person who tries to attain Self-realization is not different from him and as there is nothing other than or superior to him to be attained by him, Self-realization being only the realization of one's own nature, the seeker of Liberation realizes without doubts or misconceptions, his real nature by distinguishing the eternal from the transient and never swerves from his natural state. This is known as the practice of knowledge. This is the inquiry leading to Self-realization.
If it was re-written as follows, would it mean the same to you??
Sorry for being so dense
As the Self of a person who tries to attain Self-realization is not different from him and as there is nothing other than or superior to him to be attained by him, Self-realization being only the realization of one's own nature, the seeker of Liberation realizes without doubts or misconceptions, his real nature by distinguishing the eternal from the transient, leading to a permanent recognition of never swerving from his natural state.
This is known as the practice of knowledge. This is the inquiry leading to Self-realization.
Louis |
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Anthem
1608 Posts |
Posted - Dec 03 2008 : 09:42:46 AM
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| Yes agreed, a tough quote to understand but as I read your edit, it would mean the same thing to me. |
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Sparkle
Ireland
1457 Posts |
Posted - Dec 03 2008 : 1:28:18 PM
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Thanks Andrew
Since you agree with my edit, I don't think it's that difficult really. Maybe his style of writing does not suit me. If he writes that way all the time then I would have difficulty relating to him.
Cheers |
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Anthem
1608 Posts |
Posted - Dec 03 2008 : 11:18:06 PM
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He is actually pretty clear and simple in presenting his ideas, that's just a wordy quote, maybe some of it is lost in translation. I love reading his work and find his words to be one of the most insightful and inspiring of any I have read, so don't feel deterred. Will post more quotes here soon.
All the best,
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Sparkle
Ireland
1457 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2008 : 07:51:57 AM
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quote:
Will post more quotes here soon.
Thanks Andrew, will look forward to that |
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Ramana Maharshi on inquiry and other RM quotes
