This part is taken from “Sri Ramana Maharshi” by N.N.Rajan
When he spoke occasionally, his words, measured and few, would convey a depth of extreme significance with a rare insight into the seeker’s mind. He never used to say anything that had not a spiritual import of a profound nature. The thoughtful aspirant would grasp the deeper meaning.
An ardent devotee who used to visit the Ashram daily intimated to Sri Bhagavan his intended pilgrimage to North India and described his proposed route through famous pilgrim centres. Sri Bhagavan in his usual style nodded his approval. “Let him go,” remarked the Sage, “and acquire punya (merit) and all of us shall share with him” (turning to those present in the hall). After a little pause he added, “For how are we to go to those sacred places and when?” True. How, indeed, can the Universal Spirit that is everywhere and at all times, go on a pilgrimage? And how can the true pilgrim miss it wherever he may go.
The devotee was extremely happy for he felt he was no longer a lonely pilgrim. Throughout the extensive tours, he felt the sacred Presence of Sri Bhagavan and was guided by him at every step, by his benign Grace. From all quarters he had unexpectedly warm welcomes from the known and the unknown in a mysterious manner.
At the conclusion of his tour, once again he was in the Ashram and again Sri Bhagavan remarked, “Seeing him return from the pilgrimage, now we also share the merit earned by him,” and heartily laughed. True it is; did not Sri Bhagavan remain with the devotee and see him safe to his home? And when were they apart from the eternal Self, which is but One and Universal.
How pregnant with meaning are the chosen words of Sri Bhagavan, so lightly spoken like an innocent child?
“The moon can allay heat alone for men; likewise the celestial wish-fulfilling tree can relieve want alone, so too the sacred river Ganga can remove only sin; but, by the sight of Sages all the three — heat and the rest — are extinguished, (so) there is nothing in all the Three worlds, comparable to the sight of Sages.” (Forty Verses, Supplement.)