When thoughts cease, the Self alone remains

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Disciple: ... Is not intellect a help for realisation?

Maharshi: Yes, up to a certain stage. Even so, realise that the Self transcends the intellect — the latter must

itself vanish to reach the Self.

D.: Does my realisation help others?

M.: Yes, certainly. It is the best help possible. But there are no others to be helped. For a realised being sees

the Self, just like a goldsmith estimating the gold in various jewels. When you identify yourself with the body

then only the forms and shapes are there. But when you transcend your body the others disappear along with

your body-consciousness.

D.: Is it so with plants, trees, etc.?

M.: Do they exist at all apart from the Self? Find it out. You think that you see them. The thought is projected

out from your Self. Find out wherefrom it rises. Thoughts will cease to rise and the Self alone will remain.

D.: I understand theoretically. But they are still there.

M.: Yes. It is like a cinema-show. There is the light on the screen and the shadows flitting across impress the

audience as the enactment of some piece. Similarly also will it be, if in the same play an audience also is

shown. The seer, the seen, will then only be the screen. Apply it to yourself. You are the screen, the Self has

created the ego, the ego has its accretions of thoughts which are displayed as the world, the trees, plants, etc.,

of which you are asking. In reality, all these are nothing but the Self. If you see the Self, the same will be found

to be all, everywhere and always. Nothing but the Self exists.

- Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi