That is the surest way to handicap oneself,” Ramana Maharshi answers, “this burdening of one’s mind with the fear of failure and the thought of one’s failings.” The greatest error of a man is to think that he is weak by nature, evil by nature. What are weak and evil are his habits, his desires and thoughts but not him.
The devotee says – It is easy for You to attain and keep spiritual serenity in this jungle retreat, where there is nothing to disturb or distract You
Ramana Maharshi answers – When the goal is reached, when you know the Knower, there is no difference between living in a house in London and living in the solitude of a jungle.
(Source: Excerpts from the Maharshi and His Message by Paul Brunton)