Maharshi: Only to remain still.

[Guest guest]

A cultured lady, daughter of a well-known solicitor of Madras, asked:

 

What should one do in order to remain free from thoughts as advised by you? Is it only the enquiry 'Who am I?"

 

Maharshi: Only to remain still. Do it and see.

 

D. It is impossible.

 

M. Exactly. For the same reason the enquiry 'Who Am I?' is recommended.

 

D. Raising the question, no response comes from within.

 

M. What kind of answer would you expect? Are you not there? What more?

 

D. Thoughts rise up increasingly.

 

M. Then and there raise the same question, "Who Am I?"

 

D. Should I do so as each thought arises? Is the world our thought only?

 

M. Leave this question to the world. Let it ask, "How did I come into being?"

 

D. Do you mean it is not related to me?

 

M. Nothing is perceived in deep sleep; all these are seen only after waking. Only after thoughts arise does the world come into being; what can it be but thought?

 

~ Talks with Ramana Maharshi

On Realizing abiding Peace and Happiness

pp. 238-239