If Divine, why do we have regrets?



A middle-aged Andhra visitor:

D.: A man is said to be divine. Why then does he have regrets?
M.: Divinity refers to the essential nature. The regrets are of Prakriti1.

D.: How is one to overcome regrets?
M.: By realising the Divinity in him.

D.: How?
M.: By practice.

D.: What kind of practice?
M.: Meditation.

D.: Mind is not steady while meditating.
M.: It will be all right by practice.

D.: How is the mind to be steadied?
M.: By strengthening it.

D.: How to strengthen it?
M.: It grows strong by satsanga (the company of the wise).

D.: Shall we add prayers, etc.?
M.: Yes.

D.: What of the one who has no regrets?
M.: He is an accomplished Yogi2. There is no question about him.

D.: People cite disasters, e.g., earthquakes, famines, etc., to disprove God. How shall we meet their contention?
M.: Where from have they come – those who argue?

D.: They say, “Nature”.
M.: Some call it “Nature” – others “God”.

D.: Are we to keep anything against a rainy day; or to live a precarious life for spiritual attainments?
M.: God looks after everything.

1   Nature
2  One who has achieved a high level of spiritual insight.

Talks With Ramana Maharshi
Talk 377.