METHODS GRADED
Although the Maharshi recognised all methods, he graded them as more or less direct and effective, as is shown in the above quotation of verses 4 - 7 of the Essence of Instruction. The following exposition also makes this clear.Examination of the ephemeral nature of external things leads to dispassion (vairagya [?]). Hence enquiry is the first and most important step. When it becomes automatic, it results in indifference to wealth, fame, ease, pleasure and so on. The `I'-thought is traced to the source of the `I' in the Heart, which is the final goal.
However, if the aspirant is temperamentally unsuited for
Self-enquiry, he must develop devotion. It may be to God or Guru or mankind in general or ethical laws or even an ideal of beauty. As any of these takes possession of him, other attachments grow weaker and dispassion develops. Attachment to the object of devotion grows until it dominates him completely, and with it grows concentration (ekagrata) with or without visions and direct aids.
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If neither enquiry nor devotion appeals to him, he can gain tranquillity by breath-control. This is the way of yoga. If a man's life is in danger, all his interest centres round the one point of saving it. If the breath is held, the mind cannot afford to jump out at its beloved outer objects, and it does not do so. Therefore there is peace of mind as long as the breath is held. Since all one's attention is concentrated on the breath, other interests are abandoned. Then also, any passion results in irregular breathing. A paroxysm of joy is in fact as painful as one of grief, and both result in disturbed breathing. Real peace is happiness, and pleasures do not produce happiness.
If the aspirant is unsuited to the first two methods by temperament and to the third on account of age or health, he must try karma marga [?], the path of good deeds and social service. His nobler instincts are thus developed and he derives personal happiness from his actions. His ego becomes less assertive and its good side is enabled to develop. He thus in course of time comes to be suited for one of the three former paths. Or his intuition may be developed by karma marga [?] alone.1
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