Letters from Sri Ramanasramam, by Suri Nagamma

(91) MAYA (ILLUSION)

Prev Next 9th February, 1947
The same devotee who questioned Bhagavan yesterday
again asked him this afternoon about illusion, maya: “Swami,
all the innumerable varieties of things that appear to the
human mind to be real, are mere maya (illusion), aren’t they?
Will the illusion disappear if they are all discarded?”
Bhagavan replied, “Illusion will continue to appear as
illusion, so long as the idea that oneself and Ishwara are two
different entities persists. When once that illusion is discarded
and the individual realises that he is Ishwara, he will
understand that maya is not something distinct and separate
from his own self. Ishwara exists without and distinct from
illusion, but there is no illusion without Ishwara.” “Therefore
that illusion changes into pure illusion, doesn’t it?” asked
the questioner. Bhagavan replied, “Yes! It amounts to that;
unless the individual self is existent how can one realise
Ishwara? There is no self, unless the illusion is there. When
once the individual realises who he is, the evil effects, i.e.,
‘doshas’ of illusion do not affect him. Call it pure illusion, or
anything else you like. That is the essential thing.”
Somebody else took up the topic and asked, “They say
that the jiva is subject to the evil effects of illusion such as
limited vision and knowledge, whereas Ishwara has all-
pervading vision and knowledge and such other
characteristics and that jiva and Ishwara become one and
identical if the individual discards his limited vision and
knowledge, and such other characteristics usually attached
to him. But should not Ishwara also discard his particular
characteristics such as all-pervading vision and knowledge?
They too are illusions, aren’t they?”
“Is that your doubt? First discard your limited vision
and such like characteristics and then it will be time enough
to think of Ishwara’s all-pervading vision, knowledge etc.

First get rid of your limited knowledge. Why do you worry
about Ishwara? He will look after Himself. Has He not got
as much capacity as we have? Why should we worry whether
He possesses the all-pervading vision and knowledge or not?
It is indeed a great thing if we can take care of ourselves.”
The questioner asked again, “But first of all we must
find a Guru who can give us sufficient practice and thereby
enable us to get rid of these gunas, mustn’t we?”
“If we have the earnestness to get rid of these qualities
can we not find a Guru? We must first have the desire to get
rid of them. When once we have this the Guru will himself
come, searching for us, or he will somehow manage to draw
us to himself. The Guru will always be on the alert and keep
an eye on us; Ishwara Himself will show us the Guru. Who
else will look after the welfare of the children except the
father himself? He is always with us, surrounding us. He
protects us, as a bird protects its eggs by hatching them under
the shelter of its wings. But we must have whole-hearted
faith in Him,” said Bhagavan.

A devotee, by name Sankaramma, who is generally
afraid of asking Bhagavan questions, said quietly on hearing
those words: “But Swamiji! Guru’s upadesa (instruction) is
necessary for sadhana, isn’t it?” Bhagavan replied, “Oh! Is
that so? But that upadesa is being given every day. Those
who are in need of it, may have it.” Others present there
said: “But Bhagavan must bless us that we may be enabled
to receive the instruction. That is our prayer.” “The blessing
is always there,” replied Bhagavan.

Prev Next TOC 90. The Jnani’s Mind is Brahman Itself 91. Maya (Illusion) 92. Aadarana (Regard) 93. Sadhana in the Presence of the Guru 94. Hridayam – Sahasraram 95. Telugu Venba 96. Ekatma Panchakam 97. Birth 98. Self (Atman) 99. Guru Swarupam (The Guru’s Form) 100. No Waste 101. Delusion and Peace Of Mind