The Self is ever there...

Maharshi: If you know what this waking consciousness is,

you will know the consciousness which witnesses all the three states.

Such consciousness could be found
by seeking the consciousness as it was in (deep dreamless) sleep.

Questioner: In that case, I fall asleep.

Maharshi: No harm!

Questioner: It is a blank.


Maharshi: For whom is the blank? Find out.

You cannot deny yourself at any time.

The Self is ever there and continues in all states.


Questioner: Should I remain as if in sleep and be watchful at the same time?


Maharshi: Yes. Watchfulness is the waking state.

Therefore the state will not be one of sleep, but sleepless sleep.

If you go the way of your thoughts you will be carried away by them
and you will find yourself in an endless maze.


Questioner: So, then I must go back tracing the source of thoughts.


Maharshi: Quite so; in that way thoughts will disappear
and the Self alone will remain.

In fact there is no inside or outside for the Self.

They are also projections of the ego.

The Self is pure and absolute.


Questioner: It is understood intellectually only.

Is not intellect a help for realization?


Maharshi: Yes, up to a certain stage.

Even so, realize that the Self transcends the intellect -

the latter must itself vanish to reach the Self.


Questioner: Does my realization help others?


Maharshi: Yes, certainly. It is the best help possible.

But there are no others to be helped.

For a realized being sees the Self,

just like a goldsmith estimating the gold in various jewels.

When you identify yourself with the body
then only the forms and shapes are there.

But when you transcend your body the others disappear
along with your body-consciousness.


Questioner: Is it so with plants, trees, etc.?

Maharshi: Do they exist at all apart from the Self? Find it out.

You think you see them.

The thought is projected out from your Self.

Find out wherefrom it rises.

Thoughts will cease to rise and the Self alone will remain.




The above Ramana Maharshi quotes are from the book
'How to Practice Self Inquiry'