This Chapter is taken From The Book ”Guru Ramana – Memories and Notes” by S.S.Cohen
5th May, 193
1. A visitor asked the meaning of Nirvana.
Bh. Nirvana is that state wherein the sense of separateness does not exist and where the ego has sunk in its source, the Heart.
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20th April, 1937
2. Mr. C. had read a book called Nirvana, written by a prominent Theosophist, in which the author claimed to have experienced Nirvana after going to sleep, in which he “saw the Masters” as vivid centres of light in the ocean of Light which is Nirvana, which Mr. C. could not reconcile with Sri Bhagavan’s teaching. So he asked the Master about it.
Bh. Nirvana is the Perfect State. There is neither seeing, hearing, nor experiencing in it. There is nothing but the pure “I am” awareness. The Nirvana you describe from your reading is sheer imagination…. Well, this and other similar movements are good, inasmuch as they make man unselfish and prepare him for the highest Truth. Service also leads to the same goal – Self- realisation – if it is selfless.
C. But after how long and why should one who is ready for the Absolute knowledge go in for the relative?
Bh. Everything happens in its own time. One who is ready for the Absolute will be made somehow to hear of it and then start the practice. He will immediately recognise the value of Atmavidya and will follow it up with determination.