Leonard Cohen has continued to study with Ramesh. I am beginning to appreciate why Ramesh Balsekar's work appeals to Leonard. Over the years, there have been several writings of Leonard
which one could mistake for Ramesh's "concept". Clearly, they come from
the same school of thought - this has nothing to do with any "specific
religion".
Leonard agrees with my observation - he highlights his poetry on "If it
be your will" to be closest to Ramesh's concept. Of course, the extract
about "The Saint" from Beautiful Losers & poetry such as "Anthem" are
further cases in point.
So what is Ramesh's Concept ?
I know that it is simple(when Ramesh explains it , it certainly seems
that way) yet its very tough for me to word it accurately.
Ramesh shares a concept (he also describes the Bible/Gita/Ramayana etc
also as "concepts") - Basically, "Every living thing is an "individually
programmed object" & therefore has "no control" over anything he/she
does. There is of course a higher Source which has created all these
objects. Therefore: - Things happen (when they are supposed to happen) !
There is nothing you & I can do about it & therefore should not see/feel
any "problems" in life. Life to exist must have a balance of harmony &
disharmony - and this "balance" too is not in any individual's control.
So what does an individual body-mind do ? Well, he does what he is
supposed to ! No meditation by "closing your eyes" nor by "closing of
thoughts". Just keep doing what you "like" to do (dont bother about the
rewards) & "keep self questioning yourself about "what you do", to the
minutest of detail"! Enlightenment will happen when it is supposed to
happen - you'll know about it when it does however, dont expect any
lights to flash in your head nor lightening to fall around you !"
Thats Ramesh's concept in a nutshell - just that simple !
Whats interesting is the 40 odd floating population of foreigners who
take time-off - listen to Ramesh - and then go back to their normal lives.
Infact, Ramesh wants everyone to live a "normal life" (as opposed to
spiritual one). He does'nt preach anything but welcomes/answers any
questions in his residence between 10 & 11, every morning. His fee ? In
his words - "Nothing is expected, Nothing is refused"!
Leonard Cohen's poetry touched similar notes at various points & I can
see why he has been in India for the past 3 months. He had come here for
3 days.
Amazing thing is - it took Mr Cohen to find Ramesh Balsekar for me. I
stayed on Warden road for 4 years, not knowing of Ramesh staying, right
next door!
Well - THINGS HAPPEN !