Is it your nature to change or to remain unchanging

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The Teachings of BhagavanSri Ramana Maharshiin His Own WordsCHAPTER ONERELIGIONSSometimes his answers were cryptic and epigrammatical. Thesame universal truth is to be found in them; their rather pricklyform may reflect the aggressive manner of the questioner.Questioner: What is the best of all religions? What is Bhagavan'smethod?Bhagavan: All methods and religions are the same.Q.: But different methods are taught for attainingliberation.B.: Why should you be liberated? Why not remain as youare now?Q.: I want to get rid of pain. To be rid of pain is said to beliberation.B.: That is what all Religions teach.Q.: But what is the method?B.: Go back the way you came.*Q.: Where did I come from?B.: That is just what you have to find out. Did thesequestions arise when you were asleep? And yet you existed then.Were you not the same person?Q.: Yes, I existed in sleep. So did the mind. But the senseshad merged so that I could not speak.B.: Are you the individual? Are you the mind? Did themind announce itself to you when you were asleep?Q.: No. But the authorities say that the individuality isdifferent from God.B.: Never mind about God; speak for yourself.Q.: What about myself? Who am I?B.: That is just what you have to find out. Then you willknow everything. If you do not, it will be time enough to ask then.Q.: When I wake, I see the world and I am not changed at all.B.: But you do not know this when asleep. And yet youexist in both states. Who has changed now? Is it your nature tochange or to remain unchanging?Q.: What is the proof?B.: Does one require proof of one's own being? Onlyremain aware of yourself and all else will be known.Q.: Why then do the dualists and non-dualists quarrelamong themselves?B.: If each would attend to his own business (of seekingRealisation) there would be no quarrel. 1* Cf. Christ's injunction to return to the mother's womb and be born again.1 Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi, 479.