Talk 365

As Sri Bhagavan was continuing in the same strain, a visitor asked how to overcome the identity of the Self with the body.

Maharshi: What about sleep?

Devotee: There is ignorance prevailing.

Maharshi: How do you know your ignorance in sleep? Did you exist in sleep, or not?

Devotee: I do not know.

Maharshi: Do you deny your existence in sleep?

Devotee: I must admit it by my reasoning.

Maharshi: How do you infer your existence?

Devotee: By reasoning and experience.

Maharshi: Is reasoning necessary for experience? (Laughter)

Devotee: Is meditation analytical or synthetic?

Maharshi: Analysis or synthesis are in the region of intellect. The Self transcends the intellect.