5th December, 1936
SPARKS FROM THE ANVIL - II
Talk 291.
Question: You spoke of atyasrama (beyond the asramas — beyond the orders of life) the other day. Is there any authority for it? Is it mentioned anywhere?Maharshi: Yes, in the Upanishads, the Suta Samhita (Skanda Purana) , Bhagavata, Bharata and other works.1
Q.: Are there any restrictions or discipline for that state?
M.: There are characteristics of it mentioned. Q.: There are Gurus for each asrama [?]. Is there a Guru for atyasrama?
M.: Yes. Q.: But you do not admit a Guru.
M.: There is a Guru for everyone. I admit a Guru for me also. Q.: Who is your Guru.
M.: The Self. Q.: For whom?
M.: For myself. The Guru may be internal or external. He may reveal Himself internally or communicate externally.
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Q.: Can the atyasramis own property?
M.: There is no restriction for them. They may do what they please.
Suka is said to have married and begotten children also.
Q.: The atyasrami is like a householder in that case.
M.: I have already said that he is above the four recognised asramas.
Q.: If they can marry, own property, etc., they are only grihasthas.
M.: That may be your view.
Q.: Can they own property and convey the same to others?
M.: They may or may not. All depends on their prarabdha [?].
Q.: Is there any Karma [?]for them?
M.: Their conduct is not regulated according to any rules or codes.
Q.: When visitors want to stay here, say two or three days, do they take your permission?
M.: The permission from the management is permission from me. The visitors come here for me, the management is for me. Wherever there is mutual agreement, I do not interfere. When visitors come here and I admit them, will others dare go against my wishes? My consent is implied in the actions which take place with mutual goodwill.
Sri Bhagavan was shown a stanza in His own handwriting in praise of Himself as Subrahmanya. Sri Bhagavan said that the handwriting was His own whereas the ideas were Perumalswami's.
Q.: But do you not agree with the statement made in it?
M.: In the same way as an idol is praised as Subrahmanya.