What is the difference between meditation and enquiry into the Self?

Devotee: What is the difference between meditation and enquiry into the Self?

Ramana Maharishi: Meditation is possible only if the ego be kept up. There is the ego and the object meditated upon. The method is indirect. Whereas the Self is only one. Seeking the ego, i.e., its source, ego disappears. What is left over is the Self. This method is the direct one.