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Ramana Maharshi on overcoming
Passions
Question - How shall I overcome my passions?
Ramana Maharshi - Find their root and then it will be easy. (Later) What
are the passions? Kama (lust), krodha (anger), etc. Why do they arise?
Because of likes and dislikes towards the objects seen. How do the
objects project themselves in your view? Because of your avidya, i.e.,
ignorance. Ignorance of what? Of the Self. Thus, if you find the Self
and abide therein there will be no trouble owing to the passions.
(Later) Again, what is the cause of the passions? Desire to be happy or
enjoy pleasure. Why does the desire for happiness arise? Because your
nature is happiness itself and it is natural that you come into your
own. This happiness is not found anywhere besides the Self.
Do not look for it elsewhere. But seek the Self and abide therein. Still
again, that happiness which is natural is simply re-discovered, so it
cannot be lost. Whereas the happiness arising from other objects are
external and thus liable to be lost. Therefore it cannot be permanent
and so it is not worth seeking. Moreover craving for pleasures should
not be encouraged.
One cannot put out burning fire by pouring petrol over it. An attempt to
satisfy your craving for the time being, so that the passion may later
be suppressed, is simply foolish.There are, no doubt, other methods for
the suppression of passion. They are (1) regulated food, (2) fasting,
(3) yoga practice, (4) medicines. But their effects are transitory. The
passions reappear with greater force as soon as the check is removed.
The only way to overcome them is to eradicate them. That is done by
finding their source as stated above.
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