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
You have to ask yourself the question 'Who am I?' This investigation will lead in the end to the discovery of something within you which is behind the mind. Solve that great problem and you will solve all other problems.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-inquiry leads to profound understanding of one's true nature.
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-exploration and introspection in understanding one's identity. By confronting the question 'Who am I?', individuals can uncover deeper layers of their existence that transcend superficial thoughts, ultimately finding clarity that can address all other life challenges.
Themes
Self-InquiryIdentityWisdomInner SelfPersonal Growth
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development.
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.
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You need not aspire for or get any new state. Get rid of your present thoughts, that is all.
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Realisation is not acquisition of anything new nor is it a new faculty. It is only removal of all camouflage
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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.
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