Mr. A. Bose, an engineer from Bombay, asked: Does Bhagavan feel for us and show grace?
M.: You are neck-deep in water and yet cry for water. It is as good as saying that one neck-deep in water feels thirsty, or a fish in water feels thirsty, or that water feels thirsty.
D.: How may one destroy the mind?
M.: Is there a mind in the first place? What you call mind is an illusion. It starts from the ‘I’-thought. Without the gross or subtle senses you cannot be aware of the body or the mind. Still it is possible for you to be without these senses. In such a state you are either asleep or aware of the Self only. Awareness of Self is ever there. Remain what you truly are and this question will not arise.
D.: Is the body consciousness an impediment to realization?
M.: We are always beyond the body or the mind. If however you feel the body as the Self, then it is of course an impediment.
D.: Is the body or the mind of any use for the Self?
M.: Yes, inasmuch as it helps Self-realisation.