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
When there are thoughts, it is distraction: when there are no thoughts, it is meditation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Meditation is a state achieved when the mind is free of distracting thoughts.
This quote by Ramana Maharshi conveys the essence of meditation, highlighting that the presence of distracting thoughts interrupts one's focus and peace. In contrast, reaching a state of no thoughts signifies the deep experience of meditation, allowing the individual to attain clarity and inner tranquility.
Themes
MeditationThoughtsDistractionPeaceClarity
In practice
Example use cases
During a mindfulness workshop, this quote can be used to explain the nature of meditation.
More from Ramana Maharshi
All quotes βThink 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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