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.
In truth, you are spirit. The body has been projected by the mind, which itself originates from Spirit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the idea that our true essence is spiritual, and our physical existence is a manifestation of our mind's connection to that spirit.
Ramana Maharshi's quote emphasizes the profound relationship between spirit, mind, and body. It suggests that our true identity is rooted in spirit, and the physical form we inhabit is merely a projection shaped by the mind. This perspective invites introspection into the nature of existence and encourages individuals to look beyond their physical selves to understand their deeper spiritual essence.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophical lecture on the nature of existence, this quote was used to illustrate the distinction between physical and spiritual identity.
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.
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.
You need not aspire for or get any new state. Get rid of your present thoughts, that is all.
Realisation is not acquisition of anything new nor is it a new faculty. It is only removal of all camouflage
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.
Similar quotes
If cows and horses had hands and could draw, cows would draw gods that look like cows and horses would draw gods that look like horses.
The object of the Bible is not to tell how good men are, but how bad men can become good.
One certain effect of war is to diminish freedom of expression. Patriotism becomes the order of the day, and those who question the war are seen as traitors, to be silenced and imprisoned.
Patriotism, when it wants to make itself felt in the domain of learning, is a dirty fellow who should be thrown out of doors.
Too often a story is examined through biased eyes, without a sensitivity for everyone who forged it. It's seen from the point of view of the great white savior, and rarely is the perspective of the slave a part.
I don't believe there is such a thing as 'moderate Islam.' I think it's better to talk about degrees of belief and degrees of practice.