Does Realization help others?

[Guest guest]

Bhagavan: Yes, certainly. It is the best possible help. But really there are

no others to help, for a Realized Being sees only the Self just as a goldsmith,

estimating the gold in various jewels, sees only the gold. Separate forms and

beings exist only as long as you identify yourself with the body. When you

transcend the body, others disappear along with your body-consciousness.

Devotee: Is it so with plants, trees and so on also?

B: Do they exist at all apart from the Self? Find out. You think that you see

them. The thoughts will cease to rise and the Self alone will remain.

D: I understand theoretically, but they are still there.

B: Yes, it is like a cinema show. There is the light on the screen and the

shadows flitting across impress the audience as the acting of some story. Now

suppose that in this film story and audience is also shown on the screen. The

seer and the seen will then be both on the screen. Apply this to yourself. You

are the screen, the Self has created the ego, the ego has its accretion of

thoughts, which are displayed as the world, trees, plants, etc., about which you

are asking. In reality all these are nothing but the Self. If you see the Self

it will be found to be all, everywhere and always. Nothing but the Self exists.

 

>From the Teachings of Ramana Maharshi edited by Osborne