Religion is looked upon essentially as a path of
truth but it is not so. Religion is based on the false self (waking entity or
ego) and false experience (universe or waking experience) as reality. All the egocentric paths propagate that to
be non-observant and to withdraw: keen powers of observation are desirable and
will help, not hinder one’s pursuit of truth. Seeker should not do not run away
from the world in ascetic fear or shyness of them. To simply accept the world
to be Maya or illusion without first
verifying and realizing in what way the world is Maya or illusion,
and inquiring into them thoroughly is to delude one own self.
Ramana
Maharishi:-
RM -No. Do you need all that to
see yourself? All that is intellectual wealth, useful in explain doubts and
difficulties if others rise them or if you yourself encounter them in the
course of thinking. But to attain realization, all that is not necessary. You
want fresh water to drink, but you do not require all the water of the river
Ganges to quench your thirst. [Page 111/112 of Practical
guide to know yourself c/e by A.R.N].
Q: D: Is it not necessary to study the Vedas or at
least Prastnatraya[Bagvad gita.Dasoponishad and Brahma Sutra all with
commentaries] to ensure firm reazation?
This surely indicates Sri, Ramana Maharishi’s path is
independent path nothing to with the religion and scriptures.
Even
Upanishad say:
This Atman cannot be attained by
the study of the Vedas, or by intelligence, or by much hearing of sacred books. It is attained by him alone whom It chooses. To such a
one Atman reveals Its own form. [Katha Upanishad Ch-II -23-P-20]
Mundaka Upanishad :-
This Atman cannot be attained
through study of the Vedas, nor through intelligence, nor through much
learning. He who chooses Atman—by him alone is Atman attained. It is Ataman
that reveals to the seeker Its true nature.
[3
–page-70 
Mundaka Upanishad Upanishads by Nikilanada]
Mundaka Upanishad Upanishads by Nikilanada]
The
scriptures indicate that Atman is Brahman, and Brahman is ultimate truth.
Therefore the soul, which is in the form of consciousness, is ultimate truth.
Thus to realize the ultimate truth is the prime goal. A
well-directed inquiry, analysis and reasoning will lead one to his non-dual
destination.
Self-Realization
is direct realization of the ultimate truth or real god, in contrast with
traditional paths, which are indirect. And the other paths cannot lead to the
ultimate destination because they are based on the false self, which they hold
as real self and false experience as reality.
Until and
unless one overcomes physical shackle it is impossible to understand and
assimilate the non-dual truth, which is beyond the physical existence or the
universe. Consciousness itself is lord
of itself though not of the universe. And having nothing it has all.
Gaudapada quotes from the Upanishads: "There's no
plurality here"; "The Lord [Atman] through his powers appears to be
many"; "those who are attached to creation or production or
origination go to utter darkness"; "the unborn is never reborn, for
who can produce him [Atman]?”
It is only who base on ‘I’ or ‘I AM’ as self, argue and quarrel
amongst themselves. The people who are fully aware of the fact that, the form,
time and space are mere mirage created out of consciousness have no reason to
quarrel, because for them everything is consciousness and no second thing exist
other than consciousness.
