12th March, 1939

Talk 645.

A man of about 30, of good appearance came to the hall with a few companions. The man abruptly began: "To say `I-I' cannot help anyone to reach the goal. How can `I' be pointed out?"
M.: It must be found within. It is not an object so that it may be shown by one to another.

D.: When the instruction to find the `I' is given, the instruction must be made complete by showing what it is.

M.: The instruction here amounts to direction only. It depends on the seeker to use the direction.

D.: The seeker is ignorant and seeks instruction.
M.: He is therefore guided to find the Truth.
D.: But it is not enough. The `I' must be pointed out specifically. The man assumed an aggressive attitude and did not listen. Sri Bhagavan tried to explain, but he would not allow Sri Bhagavan to do so. Finally Sri Bhagavan said: This is not the attitude of the seeker.

When someone teaches humility to the seeker, he will reach the way and not till then.

The chanting of the Vedas began.

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The conversation was casually referred to by a devotee present. Sri Bhagavan again said: The seeker must listen and try to understand.

If on the other hand he wants to prove me, let him do so by all means. I do not argue.

The man again began: "My attitude was not properly understood. I

want to know the `I'. It must be pointed out to me."

But he displayed considerable malice. The others did not like it and so tried to bring him round. He became worse. Sri Bhagavan finally said: "Go back the way you came. Do it externally or internally, as it suits you." The man grew excited and others also were equally excited. He was finally led out of the hall and sent away. Later it was learnt that the man was an adherent of yoga and that he used to abuse all other methods. He used to vilify jnana and the jnanis. At night, after supper, Sri Bhagavan spoke of one Govinda Yogi, a Malayali Brahmin pandit of some repute, who used to extol yoga and vilify the other methods. He always cited the Gita, the Upanishads, etc., to support his statements. Others, e.g., Sri Narayana Guru, used to refute him on the same grounds. Later Sri Bhagavan spoke appreciating the amiability of Amritanatha. He is a great tapasvi, who had made considerable japa ^[?]. He had fed the poor on many occasions in many places. He could easily gain the goodwill of others including great men like Sir P. Ramanathan and Pandit Malaviya.