Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi

[Guest guest]

Question: When I read Sri Bhagavan's works, I find that

investigation

is said to be the one method for Realization.

 

 

Sri Ramana Maharshi: Yes, that is vichara.

 

Q: How is that done?

 

 

M: The questioner must admit the existence of his or her self.

"I AM" is the Realization. To pursue the clue till

Realization

is vichara. Vichara and Realization are the same.

 

Q: It is elusive. What shall I meditate upon?

 

M: Meditation requires an object to meditate upon, whereas there

is only

the subject without the object in vichara. Meditation differs

from vichara

in this way.

 

 

Q: Is not dhyana one of the efficient processes for Realization?

 

M: Dhyana is concentration on an object. It fulfils the purpose

of keeping away

diverse thoughts and fixing the mind on a single thought,

which must also

disappear before Realization. But Realization is nothing

new to be acquired.

It is already there, but obstructed by a screen of

thoughts. All our attempts

are directed for lifting this screen, and then Realization

is revealed.

If a true seeker is advised to meditate, many may go away

satisfied with the advice.

But some one among them may turn round, and ask, "Who am I

to meditate on an object?"

Such a one must be told to find the Self. That is the

finality. That is vichara.

 

Q: Will vichara alone do in the absence of meditation?

 

Sri Ramana Maharshi:

Vichara is the process and the goal also.

"I AM" is the goal and the final Reality.

To hold to it with effort is vichara.

When spontaneous and natural it is Realization.

 

from Talks

 

 

Love baba

om sri ramanaya namah