Guest guest Posted February 3, 2005 Report Share Posted February 3, 2005 Question: It is difficult to follow. I understand the theory. But what is the practice? Sri Ramana Maharshi: The other methods are meant for those who cannot take to the investigation of the Self. Even to repeat Aham Brahmasmi or think of it, a doer is necessary. Who is it? It is ‘I’. Be that ‘I’. It is the direct method. The other methods also will ultimately lead everyone to this method of the investigation of the Self. Questioner: I am aware of the ‘I’. Yet my troubles are not ended. Sri Ramana Maharshi: This ‘I’-thought is not pure. It is contaminated with the association of the body and senses. See to whom the trouble is. It is to the ‘I’-thought. Hold it. Then the other thoughts vanish. Question: Yes. How to do it? That is the whole trouble. Sri Ramana Maharshi: Think ‘I, I’, and hold to that one thought to the exclusion of all others. Question: Is not affirmation of God more effective than the quest, ‘Who am I?’ Affirmation is positive, whereas the other is negation. Moreover, it indicates separateness. Sri Ramana Maharshi: So long as you seek to know how to realise, this advice is given to find your Self. Your seeking the method denotes your separateness. Question: Is it not better to say ‘I am the Supreme Being’ than ask ‘Who am I?’ Sri Ramana Maharshi: Who affirms? There must be one to do it. Find that one. Question: Is not meditation better than investigation? Sri Ramana Maharshi: Meditation implies mental imagery, whereas investigation is for the reality. The former is objective, whereas the latter is subjective. Questioner: There must be a scientific approach to this subject. Sri Ramana Maharshi: To eschew unreality and seek the reality is scientific. Questioner: I mean there must a gradual elimination, first of the mind, then of the intellect, then of the ego. Sri Ramana Maharshi: The Self alone is real. All others are unreal. The mind and intellect do not remain apart from you. The Bible says, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ Stillness is the sole requisite for the realisation of the Self as God. BE AS YOU ARE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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