Ramana Maharshi

This guy had some really profound things to say. I especially liked his description of the Master. "Affection toward the good, compassion toward the helpless, happiness in doing good deeds, forgiveness toward the wicked..." I feel like this high regard for the Master is something that carries over to most religions. So then why all the arguing people?????

The statement that "all religions have come into existence because people want something elaborate and attractive and puzzling" really hit me hard. From what i know, this rings pretty true. People are constantly looking for greater meanings of life and religions seem to answer those questions. I know i often find myself thinking about the complex greater picture which then turns me to my faith for the answers.

I also loved the comment he made that "every being in the world longs to be joyful." This is so true. Think about how many times you have heard someone say "I just wanna be happy" or "she doesnt look happy." You also hear about people who turn to temporary and empty things to fulfill their happiness but in reality it doesnt work. Whens the last time you met a coke addict or alcoholic who was completely happy. Chances are you have not. We even talked about this in class on Monday...how sex, drugs, and alcohol wont bring you happiness or fill voids in your life. If naything they will make the voids larger. This statement reminded me of a verse from the Bible, 1 Thesselonians 5:16 which says "Be joyful always." This cread seems to show up in many religous texts.

My favorite excerpt from this passage is "God's grace is the beginning, the middle, and the end. When you pray for God's grace you are like someone standing neck-deep in water and yet crying for water." My interpretation of this is that God is everywhere ready and willing to give salvation. Everyone is surrounded by his mercy and grace. People are searching for a greater meaning to life and searhing for that salvation that staring them in the face. The mental picture of swimming in a giant pool of God's grace just leaves me at a loss for words.