All the scriptures are
meant only to make a man retrace his steps to his original source. He
need not acquire anything new. He only has to give up false ideas and
useless accretions. Instead of doing this, however, he tries to grasp
something strange and mysterious because he believes his happiness lies
elsewhere. That is the mistake.
All scriptures without
exception proclaim that for attaining salvation, the mind should be
subdued. And once one knows that control of the mind is their final
aim, it is futile to make an interminable study of them. What is required
for such control is actual inquiry into oneself by self-interrogation
– “Who am I?” How can this inquiry in quest of the
Self be made by means of a study of the scriptures?
(Page 57,
Eighth Edition 2002)
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Sri Bhagavan: The Guru
is the Self. At some time a man grows dissatisfied with his life; and,
not content with what he has, seeks the satisfaction of his desires
through prayer to God. His mind is gradually purified until he longs
to know God, more to obtain His Grace than to satisfy worldly desires.
Then God’s grace begins to manifest. God takes the form of a Guru
and appears (as such) to the devotee, teaches him the Truth and, moreover,
purifies his mind by association with him. The devotee’s mind
thus gains strength and is then able to turn inward. By meditation it
is further purified until it remains calm without the least ripple.
That calm Expanse is the Self.
(Page 96,
Eighth Edition 2002)
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