Ramana Maharshi demonstrates that God-realization comes by conquering all materialistic & egoistic desires via the cultivation of self-restraint, and not by indulging in the fulfillment of these desires.
Once a middle-aged, weak-looking man came with a walking stick in his hand, placed it before Sri Ramana Maharshi, bowed low and sat near him. He got up and with great humility offered the stick to Ramana Maharshi, saying that it was made of sandal-wood.
Maharshi told the man to keep the walking stick for himself. Because nothing of the Maharshi’s could be safeguarded. Being common property but coveted by some, it will be taken away by any visitor with or without the Maharshi’s permission. Then the donor may be displeased.
But the man still humbly insisted. Ramana Maharshi could not resist his supplications, and said, “Keep it yourself as prasad from me.”
The man then requested that the stick might first be taken and then given to him by Sri Ramana Maharshi with blessings. Maharshi received it, smelled it, said it was fine, nodded, and handed it back to the man, saying, “Keep it. It will make you always remember me.”
Source: Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi, Talk # 243
Visitor: One must become satiate with the fulfillment of desires before they are renounced.
Ramana Maharshi: Fire might as well be put out by pouring spirit (alcohol) over the flames. (All laugh). The more the desires are fulfilled, the deeper grows the Samskara (impression on the mind). They must become weaker before they cease to assert themselves. That weakness is brought about by restraining oneself and not by losing oneself in desires.
Visitor: How can they be rendered weaker?
Ramana Maharshi: By knowledge. You know that you are not the mind. The desires are in the mind. Such knowledge helps one to control them.
