As It Is

As it is, we must understand that God, the higher power, has given us enough and more health, wealth, intelligence and all we need to lead a happy and helpful life in this world, and also guides us now and then externally (by the perception of our senses) and inwardly till we attain our goal of realisation of the Self. Such being the case, as it is, it is the Truth. We out of our ignorance and inveterate ego do not make proper use of our opportunities and rare gifts – our intelligence, mind, senses and the physical body – but abuse them and thus get into all sorts of troubles.

In misery we realise our deplorable plight and then do what is in our capacity to mend matters and redeem ourselves before it is too late. Heaven helps those who help themselves and if we are not going to help ourselves in time, God cannot be blamed. We shall only have ourselves to blame. May Bhagavan Sri Ramana help us and guide us in the right path.

Being in communion with Ramana

Though by the grace of Bhagavan Sri Ramana we recognise a higher power, yet we do not think of Him in all earnestness, love and sincerity. To think of Him in all earnestness, love and sincerity is to be in unbroken contact Him really. To be in communion with Him incessantly and in unbroken continuity is to be blessed by His omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent Grace. For what we call Grace is only His love for us.

We cannot but ever be grateful for all the blessings He showers on us. When we really love Him with all our heart and strength, in all earnestness and sincerity the glorious much-yearned for alchemy of being one with Him in identity takes place. This is Self-realisation, the goal.

The Path of Self-Enquiry

The only and most effective way to know the Truth is not to think at all but to abide, to look introspectively and to concentrate the attention of the mind inwardly to find the source of the 'I" or the ego, the thinker. This process, method and technique of self-enquiry, “Who am I?" may appear very difficult to start with, even impossible and baffling.

However, when once begun with patience and perseverance, by the grace and blessings of Sri Bhagavan, one may (will) find to one"s greatest surprise that no path is easier. Bhagavan himself has said as much in his song of Assurance in 'Song of the Self" which begins: “Self-knowledge is an easy thing, the easiest thing there is!"

To be continued

About the author

Ramaswami Pillai was a devotee of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi.