Ramana Maharshi on Guru Grace Guru n Self Realization

Ramana Maharshi on Guru Grace, Guru and self Realization

Question : What is Guru's grace? How does it lead to Self-realization?
Ramana Maharshi : Guru is the Self. Sometimes in his life a man becomes dissatisfied and, not content with what he has, he 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 his worldly desires. Then, God's grace begins to manifest. God takes the form of a Guru and appears to the devotee, teaches him the truth and, moreover, purifies his mind by association.

The devotee's mind gains strength and is then able to turn inward. By meditation it is further purified and it remains still without the least ripple. That calm expanse is the Self. The Guru is both external and internal. From the exterior he gives a push to the mind to turn it inwards. From the interior he pulls the mind towards the Self and helps in the quietening of the mind. That is Guru's grace. There is no difference between God, Guru and the Self.

Question : In the Theosophical Society they meditate in order to seek masters to guide them.
Ramana Maharshi : The master is within; meditation is meant to remove the ignorant idea that he is only outside. If he is a stranger whom you await, he is bound to disappear also. What is the use of a transient being like that ? But so long as you think you are separate or that you are the body, an external master is also necessary and he will appear to have a body. When the wrong identification of oneself with the body ceases, the master will be found to be none other than the Self.

Question : Will the Guru help us to know the Self through initiation?
Ramana Maharshi : Does the Guru hold you by the hand and whisper in the ear? You may imagine him to be what you are yourself. Because you think you are a body, you think he also has a body and that he will do something tangible to you. His work lies within, in the spiritual realm.