conversation between Nisargdatta Maharaj & a visitor

*A conversation between Nisargdatta Maharaj & a visitor*

Visitor:" Maharaj, you are sitting in front of me and I am here at your feet. What is the basic difference between us?

Maharaj:" There is no basic difference.

V: Still, there must be some difference. I come to you, you do not come to me.

M:' Because you imagine differences, you go here and there in search of superior people."

V: You too are a superior person You claim to know the real, while I do not.

M:" Did I ever tell you that you do not know and therefore, you are inferior? Let those who invented such distinctions prove them. I do not claim to know what you do not. In fact, I know much less that you do."

V: Your words are wise, your behaviour noble, your grace all-powerful.

M:"I know nothing about it all and see no difference between you and me. My life is a succession of events, just like yours. Only I am detached and see the passing show as a passing show, while you stick to things and move along with them."

V: What made you so dispassionate?

M:" Nothing in particular, It so happened that I trusted my Guru. He told me I am nothing but my Self and I believed him. Trusting him, I behaved accordingly and ceased caring for what was not me, nor mine."

V: Why were you so lucky to trust your teacher fully, while our trust is nominal and verbal?

M:" Who can say? It happened so. Things happen without cause and reason, and, after all, what does it matter who is who? Your high opinion of me is your opinion only. Any moment you may change it. Why attach importance to opinions, even your own?"