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ANSWERS BY SRI RAMAN MAHARSHI
Q.
What is the effect of Japas or Mantras?
SRI RAMAN MAHARSHI:
Diversion. The mind is a channel, a swift current of thoughts. A mantra is a bund or dam put up in the way of this current to divert the water where it is needed.
Q.
Some years ago I had been initiated into two mantras and was enjoined to repeat them a minimum number of times each day. I have been doing it punctiliously. But now after entering the Ashram, I have no mind to do it. I fear the consequences of the non-observance of the instructions of my initiation. I am making a clean breast of my default to Bhagavan.
SRI RAMAN MAHARSHI:
(Smiled and said) Just because you have done so much japa its merit brought you here. Why should you now fear when you are enjoying the fruits of your japa?
Q.
What is the relationship between vichara, self-enquiry and repetition of sacred syllables, mantra japa?
SRI RAMAN MAHARSHI:
Vichara itself is mantra, japa, tapas, sacrifice and yoga.
Q.
Does it mean that for those practicing vichara it is unnecessary to repeat mantras?
SRI RAMAN MAHARSHI:
Vichara is the source, the essence of all mantras. All that it means is that one should not be attached to the mantra as such. It does not preclude it.
Q.
Vedantic texts, particularly the ‘Vichara sangraham’ recommends fasting strongly, please clarify.
SRI RAMAN MAHARSHI:
They do not mean that you should abstain from eating food, or drinking water. All that is meant is that without causing hardships to the body one should eat limited quantities of food conducive to meditation.
Q.
How am I to rise above my present animals existence? My own efforts in that direction have proved futile. I am convinced that it is only a superior might that can transform me. And that is what has brought me here.
SRI RAMAN MAHARSHI:
You are right. It is only on the awakening of a power mightier than the senses and the mind that these can be subdued. If you awaken and nurture the growth of that power within you, everything else will be conquered. One should maintain the current of meditation uninterrupted. Moderation in food and similar restraints will be helpful in maintaining the inner poise.
Q.
What is the use of mind yearning for meditation? Here it is only kitchen work.
SRI RAMAN MAHARSHI:
Let the hands and legs do the job. You are not the hands or legs. You are the unmoving one. Problems will be endless so long as one is not aware of it. If you identify yourself with the body you are bound to dualities. Work would appear difficult. Even if we free ourselves from work will the mind cease to wander? It does not let you even sleep in peace. It keeps wandering as in dreams.Q.
‘What must I do to avoid sleep during my meditation?’
SRI RAMAN MAHARSHI: ‘Meditators must not work too much, nor should they fill their stomachs with excessive food. The more one fills the stomach, the lower one’s mental state becomes. If the stomach is mostly empty, one will go higher spiritually; One should not tighten the strings of the vina either too much or too little. The body must be kept like that. ‘Likewise with sleep. One third of the night has been allotted for sleep. That is, one must go to bed at 10 p.m. and wake up at 2 a.m. One should not sleep during day time. There is another system also. One should get up whenever one wakes up and one should sleep whenever sleep comes. But one should not think, “I slept” or “I woke up”. Then he quoted verse 33 of Devikalottara: The mind often strays into reveries or falls asleep. Be vigilant and turn it into its pristine state again and again. Q.
While practicing meditation I find some pain in the back and in front of the chest. This is stated to be the test by God. Will Bhagavan explain this and say if it is true?
SRI RAMAN MAHARSHI:
What you believe to be a test is really the strain in that is now brought to play on the nerves and the five senses. The mind which was hitherto operating through the nadis to sense the external objects is now required to withdraw. This withdrawal naturally causes strain. It would go, if you would continue with your meditation bestowing your attention solely on understanding your self. There is no greater remedy than this continuous yoga.
(By Sanjeev Nayyar- Courtesy & Copyright Ramana Maharishi Center for Learning)
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