D. in the evening pointed out the peacefulness of the place where he lives and said that “this moment would not return again.” He seems to be wishing me to enjoy the moment and make the most of it, and there is something in what he says, since my responses to it are for the most part fairly dull. Also, Dorit, in our phone call, asked me if I found this a place of inspiration. I was unable to give an unequivocal answer. I guess, for the most part, I do not feel anything special, and the annoyances are as great as the advantages. So it is hard to say. I feel for the most part peaceful in the ahsram halls, but not exactly inspired.
In addition, I have begun to develop some criticism for Ramana’s approach. I think it is an incomplete realization, that requires a follow up in real life. It starts with the self and does not seem to end in any broad vision of unity or kinship with others / the other. There is no other. and yet there is.
From an ecological viewpoint, it is true that a person possessed of self-realization will have few wants, will live on the bare minimum, which is what is required on our ravaged planet. But if one wants to live as a responsible world citizen and bring about change to a world confronting ecological disaster, something more is needed.
There was a sudden change in the weather this afternoon; blustery winds that brought the temperature down suddenly be several degrees, and a little rain. Quite refreshing.