Ramana Maharshi clarifies regarding "attitude of common people" in Europe and America

D. Disciple
M. Ramana Maharshi

30th January, 1935

Talk 20.

D.: In Europe it is not understood by the people that a man in solitude can be helpful. They imagine that men working in the world can alone be useful. When will this confusion cease? Will the European mind continue wading in the morass or will it realise the truth?

M.: Never mind Europe or America.Where are they except in your mind? Realise your Self and then all is realised.If you dream and see several men, and then wake up and recall your dream, do you try to ascertain if the persons of your dream creation are also awake?

D.: Some say that Sri Sankaracharya was only intellectual and not realised. Is it so?

M.: Why worry about Sankaracharya? Realise your own Self. Others can take care of themselves.

D.: But common people in Europe and America would not appreciate such an attitude and would desire a display of powers and instructions by lectures, etc.

M.: Lectures may entertain individuals for a few hours without improving them. Silence on the other hand is permanent and benefits the whole of humanity.

D.: But silence is not understood.

M.: It does not matter. By silence, eloquence is meant. Oral lectures are not so eloquent as silence. Silence is unceasing eloquence.The Primal Master, Dakshinamurti, is the ideal. He taught his rishi disciples by silence.

D.: But then there were disciples for Him.It was all right.Now it is different. They must be sought after and helped.

M.: That is a sign of ignorance.The power which created you has created the world. If it can take care of you, it can similarly take care of the world also.

D.: Is yoga advised for a spiritual aspirant?
M.: Yoga helps control of mind.

Source: Talks With Ramana Maharshi