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Help on the Quest for Self-realization-Reminders-1

 

From Ramana Gita

 

*Translation and commentary by A. R. NATARAJAN

 

Ramana emphasizes that the purpose of all spiritual practice is to

discover the natural state. What is the natural state? It is a state

when the mind is silent, when bliss inundates, and the consciousness

shines in all its fullness. Why natural? It is termed natural

because it is one's own, not given and therefore it cannot be taken

away. What hides it? The externalization of the mind prevents

awareness of the natural state. By appropriate spiritual practice

the mind must be made to turn within. This is one's paramount duty.

The best method for turning the mind within is self-enquiry. What

constitutes self-enquiry? It is an enquiry about the subject, about

the " I " . When attention is so focused on the " I " it would be seen to

be the centre of the mind. Other thoughts can exist only in relation

to it. The " I " -thought and the mind are understood to be identical.

Self-enquiry also reveals that what we call the mind is only a

phenomenon of the waking state. It is non-existent in deep sleep. It

rises on waking and sinks when sleep overtakes. Hence, the necessity

for search for its source. This search would lead one to the

spiritual Heart from which all thoughts spring…The Heart is the

source of consciousness and the mind only reflects it. If the mind

consciously merges in the Heart by vigilant self-enquiry a new way

of life is thrown open. It is a Heart based life instead of a mind-

centered life with all the limitations arising from attachment. Then

it does not make a difference if one is in a jungle hermitage or in

a London flat. For, a steady river of bliss will flow through all

actions.