Ramana Maharishi - "Who Am I?" (2)

Question 11: Is there another way to make the mind at peace?

Inquiry is one of the prime means to destroy the thought of "I".

Other methods may help to temporarily pacify the mind,

but they do not have the same potency as the question "who am I?"

Breath control is what most think of when they want to suspend the mind

from the processes of thinking. From the perspective of the soul,

whether in deep sleep, trance or waking life,

is that so long as the body is rhythmically breathing,

there is the chance for the mind to feel at rest while concentrating

on the quality of breathing; but once that concentration disappears,

the mind re-starts its habitual pattern of chasing 

after memories and other subtle types of thoughts.

Meditating on the forms of Brahman and repeating Brahman's names

are other means by which the mind is put to rest,

but like breath control, their efficiency is maintained

so long as the mind is one-pointed in its concentration.

The mind is known for its tendency to wander aimlessly,

and when given forms or names to meditate on,

it usually does not realize how the form and name of Brahman

is actually Brahman precisely because of its inability

to focus on what needs to be focused on.

Question 12: There are so many subconscious impressions

in the mind. How can they all be removed once and for all?

When firmly established in the Self

and when progressively rising higher and higher

into Brahman, then and only then shall all of these

impressions be cleansed from the mind.

Question 13: How do you remain firmly established in the Self?

For one, you should not give into your doubts

concerning whether such a thing is possible or not,

nor should you believe yourself to be fallen and in need of being saved.

Secondly, you should realize that the mind is not split dualistically

and that the Self is beyond both auspicious and inauspicious mental impressions.

Thirdly, you should treat everyone equally; even those who are worthy of hatred

because there is only one Self to contend with.

When your Self arises, every persons' Self is there.

Question 14: For how long should I meditate?

For as long as it takes to completely empty the mind

of all impressions that are rooted in this world

and in all of your former and future lives.

Question 15: What is the Self's nature?

Only the Self exists. Everything, including the world,

the soul and Brahman are of the nature of an appearance

or image created by the mind. When either of these three are seen through,

they are all seen as they are at the same moment.

The Self, in essence, is the absence of the thought of "I".

This is also known as Silence.

Question 16: Who is the greatest devotee?

He who abandons his mind for the Self that is Brahman.

This is done by denying the thought of "I" in all of its various forms

and by entertaining no thought other than the Self.

Brahman will take care of everything. Therefore, do not

be afraid of losing yourself in Him.

Question 17: What does it mean to be unattached?

When thoughts arise, you are not afraid of denying them and their validity.

When the Self arises, you are not afraid of embracing it fully.

Question 18: Can Brahman and my Guru liberate me?

They can only demonstrate to you what it is like to be liberated,

but you must be able to work from inspiration

and bring about your own release.

Even though your Guru may be very gracious towards you,

only your Self can see your Self.

Question 19: What is the difference between waking and dreaming?

Not much in reality. One is more long than the other

but that is about it. While awake, you can think that 

you are asleep and vice versa.

Though in another body while dreaming,

the same phenomena of the mind appears.

Question 20: Of what use are books in the path of Self-Realization?

Like Brahman and Guru, they make you aware of the need to be aware.

However, you must remember that books in themselves cannot

lead to liberation because the Self is beyond a book or series of books.

There will come a point in your development when you will have 

to let go of everything that you learned up to date.

Copyright - The Blue Cross And Shining Sunset Academy