Like the practice of breath control, meditation on the forms of God, repetition of mantras, food restrictions, etc., are but aids for rendering the mind quiescent.
Ramana MaharshiRead
There is no greater mystery than this, that we keep _x000D_ seeking reality though in fact we are reality. We _x000D_ think that there is something hiding reality and that _x000D_ this must be destroyed before reality is gained. _x000D_ How ridiculous! A day will dawn when you will laugh _x000D_ ... at all your past efforts. That which will be the day _x000D_ you laugh is also here and now.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that we are often searching for reality outside ourselves, while in truth, we are already a part of that reality.
Ramana Maharshi's quote reflects a profound philosophical insight about the nature of existence and awareness. It suggests that our quest for 'reality' is misguided because we are inherently connected to reality itself. Instead of seeking something external to understand our existence, we must realize that the essence of reality is present within us, and the struggles we face in pursuit of it are ultimately futile. The day we come to this realization is the day we will find peace and laugh at our past misconceptions.
Themes
RealitySelfPhilosophyAwarenessExistenceTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-awareness, you could say, 'Remember, as Ramana Maharshi said, we are not separate from reality; we are part of it.'
More from Ramana Maharshi
All quotes →Think of God; attachments will gradually drop away. If you wait till all desires disappear before starting your devotion and prayer, you will have to wait for a very long time indeed.
Ramana MaharshiRead
The mind of one meditating on a single object becomes one-pointed. And one-pointedness of mind leads to abidance in the self. Real attainment is to be fully conscious, to be aware of surroundings and the people around, to move among them all, but not to merge consciousness in the environment. One should remain in inner independent awareness.
Ramana MaharshiRead
You need not aspire for or get any new state. Get rid of your present thoughts, that is all.
Ramana MaharshiRead
Realisation is not acquisition of anything new nor is it a new faculty. It is only removal of all camouflage
Ramana MaharshiRead
Bliss is a thing which is always there and is not something which comes and goes. That which comes and goes is a creation of the mind.
Ramana MaharshiRead
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