Who am I, Paragraph 37

[Guest guest]

Paragraph 37

 

To enquire "Who am I that is in bondage?" and to know one's real

nature is alone Liberation. To keep the mind constantly turned

within, and to abide thus in the Self is alone Atma-vichara (Self

enquiry), whereas dhyana (meditation) consists in fervent

contemplation of the Self as Sat-Chit-Ananda (Being-Consciousness-

Bliss). Indeed, at some time, one will have to forget everything that

has been learnt.

 

COMMENTS

 

Liberation consists of knowledge. Ramana says, "to know one's real

nature is alone Liberation." This is the entire purpose of spiritual

practice. Keeping the mind turned within, on "the first (person,

the "I")" is what inquiry is about. The heart of the inquiry, "Who am

I?" is the "I." What is this "I?" Where does it come from? The basis

for the inquiry is a question. The question opens the mind to new

answers.

 

Ramana shows meditation as a different process. Meditation, he says

is "contemplation of the Self as Sat-Chit-Ananda." This seems more

akin to a statement, (I am Brahman, or I am That, or such) rather

than a question (Who am I?).

 

This inquiry must be thorough. Ramana says of the seeker, "at some

time, one will have to forget everything that has been learnt." These

are all ideas. Are you any idea? You some things are certain, beyond

any doubt. Do you exist? Do you have a sense of reality? Where does

the reality come from? Is it from the world? Or is it somehow closer

to your knowing of the world?

-------------------------

Your comments are invited.

 

We are Not two,

Richard