Devotee: When I read Sri Bhagavan’s works I find that investigation is said to be the one method for Realisation.
Ramana Maharishi: Yes, that is vichara.
Devotee: How is that to be done?
Ramana Maharishi: The questioner must admit the existence of his self. “I AM” is the Realisation. To pursue the clue till Realisation is vichara. Vichara and Realisation are the same.
Devotee: It is elusive. What shall I meditate upon?
Ramana Maharishi: Meditation requires an object to meditate upon, whereas there is only the subject without the object in vichara. Meditation differs from vichara in this way.
Devotee: Is not dhyana one of the efficient processes for Realisation?
Ramana Maharishi: Dhyana is concentration on an object. It fulfils the purpose of keeping away diverse thoughts and fixing the mind on a single thought, which must also disappear before Realisation. But Realisation is nothing new to be acquired. It is already there, but obstructed by a screen of thoughts. All our attempts are directed for lifting this screen and then Realisation is revealed. If a true seeker is advised to meditate, many may go away satisfied with the advice. But someone among them may turn round and ask, “Who am I to meditate on an object?” Such a one must be told to find the Self. That is the finality. That is Vichara.
Devotee: Will vichara alone do in the absence of meditation?
Ramana Maharishi: Vichara is the process and the goal also. ‘I AM’ is the goal and the final Reality. To hold to it with effort is vichara. When spontaneous and natural it is Realisation.
Ramana Maharishi: Yes, that is vichara.
Devotee: How is that to be done?
Ramana Maharishi: The questioner must admit the existence of his self. “I AM” is the Realisation. To pursue the clue till Realisation is vichara. Vichara and Realisation are the same.
Devotee: It is elusive. What shall I meditate upon?
Ramana Maharishi: Meditation requires an object to meditate upon, whereas there is only the subject without the object in vichara. Meditation differs from vichara in this way.
Devotee: Is not dhyana one of the efficient processes for Realisation?
Ramana Maharishi: Dhyana is concentration on an object. It fulfils the purpose of keeping away diverse thoughts and fixing the mind on a single thought, which must also disappear before Realisation. But Realisation is nothing new to be acquired. It is already there, but obstructed by a screen of thoughts. All our attempts are directed for lifting this screen and then Realisation is revealed. If a true seeker is advised to meditate, many may go away satisfied with the advice. But someone among them may turn round and ask, “Who am I to meditate on an object?” Such a one must be told to find the Self. That is the finality. That is Vichara.
Devotee: Will vichara alone do in the absence of meditation?
Ramana Maharishi: Vichara is the process and the goal also. ‘I AM’ is the goal and the final Reality. To hold to it with effort is vichara. When spontaneous and natural it is Realisation.
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