Were you aware of limitations in your sleep?

Ramana Maharishi:  Mukti is synonymous with the Self. Jivan mukti (liberation while alive) and videha mukti (liberation after the body falls) are all for the ignorant. The Jnani is not conscious of mukti or bandha (bondage).  Bondage, liberation and orders of mukti are all said for an ajnani in order that ignorance might be shaken off. There is only mukti and nothing else.


Devotee:  It is all right from the standpoint of Bhagavan. But what about us?


Ramana Maharishi:  The difference ‘He’ and ‘I’ are the obstacles to jnana.


Devotee:  But it cannot be denied that Bhagavan is of a high order whereas we are limited. Will Bhagavan make me one with Him?


Ramana Maharishi:  Were you aware of limitations in your sleep?


Devotee:  I cannot bring down the state of my sleep in the present state and speak of it.


Ramana Maharishi:  You need not. These three states alternate before the unchanging Self. You can remember your state of sleep. That is your real state. There were no limitations then. After the rise of the ‘I-thought’ the limitations arose.