Do you say that they (objects) exist, or do they come and announce their existence to you?

Ramana Maharishi:  Do the objects exist in the absence of the subject?

Devotee:  Their existence is independent of the subject.

Ramana Maharishi:  Do you say that they exist, or do they come and announce their existence to you?

Devotee:  I know that they exist.

Ramana Maharishi:  So it is your knowledge of them only. Their existence is not absolute.

Devotee:  Even if I did not know they will continue to exist.

Ramana Maharishi:  Do you claim their existence in the absence of your knowledge of them? (Laughter).