Bhagavan Sri Ramana Mharshi

[Guest guest]

Questioner: 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 (self-enquiry).

 

Question: How is that to be done?

 

Sri Ramana Maharshi: The questioner must admit the existence of his

Self. 'I am' is the realisation. To pursue the clue till realization

is Vichara (self-enquiry). Vichara and realisation are the same.

 

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

 

Sri Ramana Maharshi: 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.

 

Question: Is not Dhyana (meditation) one of the efficient processes

for realisation?

 

Sri Ramana Maharshi: 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 realisation. But

realisation is nothing new to be acquired. It is already there, but

obstructed by a screen of thoughts. All our attempts are directed to

lifting this screen and then realisation is revealed.

 

If seekers are advised to meditate, many may go away satisfied with

the advice. But someone 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.

 

Question: 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 realisation. If one

leaves aside Vichara, the most efficacious Sadhana (spiritual

practice), there are no other adequate means whatever to make the mind

subside. If made to subside by other means, it will remain as if

subsided but will rise again. Self-enquiry is the one infallible

means, the only direct one, to realise the unconditioned, absolute

being that you really are.