Ramana Maharshi Says Unless The Realization Is Eternal It Cannot Be Much Helpful

Q: Many visitors here tell me that they get visions or thought-currents from you. I have been here for the last month and a half and still I have not the slightest experience of any kind. Is it because I am unworthy of your grace?

A: Visions and thought-currents are had according to the state of mind. It depends on the individuals and not upon the universal presence. Moreover, they are immaterial. What matters is peace of mind.What is realization? Is it to see God with four hands, bearing a conch, a wheel and a club? Even if God should appear in that form, how is the disciple's ignorance wiped out ? The truth must eternal realization. The direct perception is ever-present experience.

God himself is known when he is directly perceived. It does not mean that he appears before the devotee in some particular form. Unless the realization is eternal it cannot serve any useful purpose. Can the appearance of God with four hands be eternal realization? It is phenomenal and illusory.

There must be a seer. The seer alone is real and eternal.Let God appear as the light of a million suns. Is it pratyaksha [direct experience]? To see a vision of God the eyes and the mind are necessary. It is indirect knowledge, whereas the seer is direct experience. The seer alone is pratyaksha.

Source: Be as you are – The teachings of Sri Ramana Maharishi By David Godman

My Friend Subramanian.R wants to add few more points

Some devotee asked Bhagavan: "Bhagavan! What will you do if Arunachaleswara comes before you? What will you ask Him or say?"

Bhagavan smiled and said: "I would say, O Arunachala! Do not keep this business of coming and going before me. Please stay put in my Heart."