ಮನಸಂದ ಮಾರಿತಂದೆ

ವೇದವ ಕಲಿತಲ್ಲಿ, ಪಾಠಕನಲ್ಲದೆ ಜ್ಞಾನಿಯಲ್ಲ,
ನಿಲ್ಲು. ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರ ಪುರಾಣವನೋದಿದಲ್ಲಿ, ಪಂಡಿತನಲ್ಲದೆ ಜ್ಞಾನಿಯಲ್ಲ, ನಿಲ್ಲು.
ವ್ರತ ನೇಮ ಕೃತ್ಯ ಪೂಜಕನಾದಡೇನು ? ದಿವ್ಯಜ್ಞಾನದ ಠಾವನರಿಯಬೇಕು.
ಈ ಭೇದಂಗಳ ತಿಳಿದರಿದಲ್ಲಿ, ಮನಸಂದಿತ್ತು ಮಾರೇಶ್ವರಾ.

ಹಡಪದ ಅಪ್ಪಣ್ಣ

ಬಯಲಿಂದಲೆ ಹುಟ್ಟಿ, ಬಯಲಿಂದಲೆ ಬೆಳೆದು,
ಬಯಲಾಮೃತವನೆ ಉಂಡು, ಬಯಲನೆ ಉಟ್ಟು,
ಬಯಲನೆ ತೊಟ್ಟು, ಬಯಲು ಬಯಲೊಳಗೆ ಬೆರೆದ ಭೇದವ,
ಈ ಭುವನದೊಳಗೆ ಇಪ್ಪ ಭವಭಾರಿಗಳು ಎತ್ತಬಲ್ಲರು, ಭವವಿರಹಿತ ಶರಣರ
ನಿಲವ,
ಬಸವಪ್ರಿಯ ಕೂಡಲಚನ್ನಬಸವಣ್ಣಾ ?

ಷಣ್ಮುಖಸ್ವಾಮಿ

ಅಣುವಿಂಗೆ ಅಣು ಮಹತ್ತಿಂಗೆ ಮಹತ್ತಾದ
ಮಹಾಲಿಂಗದೊಳಗೆ ಶರಣನಿರ್ಪನು.
ಆ ಶರಣನೊಳಹೊರಗೆಲ್ಲ ಮಹಾಲಿಂಗವೆ ಭರಿತವಾಗಿರ್ಪುದಾಗಿ,
ನಮ್ಮ ಅಖಂಡೇಶ್ವರನ ಶರಣನ
ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಸಣ್ಣದಾದಡು ಕೀರ್ತಿ ಜಗದಗಲಿರ್ಪುದು ನೋಡಾ.

ಆದಯ್ಯ

ಅಂಗವು ಲಿಂಗವೇಧೆಯಾದ ಬಳಿಕ
ಅಂಗವೆಲ್ಲವೂ ನಷ್ಟವಾಗಿ ಲಿಂಗತನ್ಮಯವಾಗಿಪ್ಪುದಾಗಿ
ದಿಟದಿಂದಿಪ್ಪ ಸಜ್ಜನಕ್ಕೆ ಬೇರೆ ಅಂಗವುಂಟೆ ಲಿಂಗವಲ್ಲದೆ?
ಇದು ಕಾರಣ ಸೌರಾಷ್ಟ್ರ ಸೋಮೇಶ್ವರನ ಶರಣರು ನಿರ್ದೇಹಿಗಳು.

ಅಲ್ಲಮಪ್ರಭುದೇವರು

ಖಂಡಾಖಂಡ ಸಂಯೋಗವಿಲ್ಲದ ಅಖಂಡಿತನ ನಿಲವು,
ತನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಅಲ್ಲದೆ ಮತ್ತೆಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಇಲ್ಲ.
ಬಯಲ ಹಿರಿಯರು ಬಯಲನೆ ಅರಸುವರು.
ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಉಂಟೆ ಹೇಳಾ ಗುಹೇಶ್ವರಾ?

ಅಕ್ಕಮಹಾದೇವಿ

ಲಿಂಗವೆನ್ನೆ, ಲಿಂಗೈಕ್ಯವೆನ್ನೆ, ಸಂಗವೆನ್ನೆ, ಸಮರಸವೆನ್ನೆ,
ಆಯಿತ್ತೆನ್ನೆ, ಆಗದೆನ್ನೆ, ನೀನೆನ್ನೆ, ನಾನೆನ್ನೆ,
ಚೆನ್ನಮಲ್ಲಿಕಾರ್ಜುನಯ್ಯ,
ಲಿಂಗೈಕ್ಯವಾದಬಳಿಕ ಎನೂ ಎನ್ನೆ

ಹಡಪದಪ್ಪಣ್ಣಗಳ ಪುಣ್ಯಸ್ತ್ರೀ ಲಿಂಗಮ್ಮ

ಮಹಾಬೆಳಗ ನೋಡಿ ಮನವ ನಿಮ್ಮ ವಶವ ಮಾಡಿ,
ತನುವ ಮರೆದು ಧನವ ಜಂಗಮಕಿತ್ತು,
ತಾನು ಬಯಲದೇಹಿಯಾದಲ್ಲದೆ ನಿಜಮುಕ್ತಿ ಇಲ್ಲವೆಂದರು ನಮ್ಮ ಅಪ್ಪಣ್ಣಪ್ರಿಯ
ಚೆನ್ನಬಸವಣ್ಣ.

ಅವಸರದ ರೇಕಣ್ಣ

ಅರಿದೆನೆಂಬುದೆ ಅಜ್ಞಾನ, ಮರೆದೆನೆಂಬುದೆ ದಿವ್ಯಜ್ಞಾನ.
ಅರಿದೆ ಮರೆದೆನೆಂಬುದ ಹರಿದಾಗಲೆ ಉಪಮಾಪಾತಕ.
ಆ ಪಾತಕದ ಫಲಂಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಜ್ಞಾಸಜ್ಞರುಗಳ ನೋಡಿ, ನಾ ನಾಶವಾದೆ
ಸದ್ಯೋಜಾತಲಿಂಗ ವಿನಾಶವಾಯಿತ್ತು.

ಬಿಬ್ಬಿ ಬಾಚಯ್ಯ

ಭ್ರಾಂತಿಯಳಿದು ನಿಂದಲ್ಲಿ ಅರ್ಚನೆ,

ವಿಕಾರವಳಿದಲ್ಲಿ ಪೂಜೆ,

ಸಮತೆ ನಿಂದಲ್ಲಿ ನೈವೇಧ್ಯ

ಸಕಲವನರಿದು ಮರೆದಲ್ಲಿ ಪರಿಪೂರ್ಣ,

ಏಣಾಂಕಧರ ಸೋಮೇಶ್ವರಲಿಂಗದಲ್ಲಿ....

ಷಣ್ಮುಖಸ್ವಾಮಿ

ಸತ್ಯದ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿವನಿರ್ಪನಲ್ಲದೆ

ಅಸತ್ಯದ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿವನಿರ್ಪನೇ?

ಇಲ್ಲಿಲ್ಲ ನೋಡಿರೋ!!!

ಇದು ಕಾರಣ ನಮ್ಮ 

ಅಖಂಡೇಶ್ವರಲಿಂಗವ ಒಲಿಸಬೇಕಾದರೆ

ಸತ್ಯವ ಸಾಧಿಸಬೇಕು ಕಾಣಿರೋ

ಅಲ್ಲಮಪ್ರಭು

ನಿಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿ ನೀವು ತಿಳಿದು ನೋಡಿರೆ, ಅನ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ ಕಾನಿರಣ್ಣಾ.

ಅರಿವು ನಿಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ತದ್ಗತವಾಗಿದೆ.

ಅನ್ಯಭಾವವ ನೆನೆಯದೆ ತನ್ನೊಳಗೆ ತಾನೆಚ್ಚರ ಇರಬಲ್ಲಡೆ

ತನ್ನಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ತನ್ಮಯ ಗುಹೇಶ್ವರಲಿಂಗವು

ಸಿದ್ಧರಾಮೇಶ್ವರ

ಸಮತೆಯೇ ಭಕ್ತಿ,

ಸತ್ಯವೆ ಲಿಂಗವು,

ಅಸತ್ಯವೇ ಅನ್ಯದೈವ

ರೋಷವಿಲ್ಲದಿಹುದೇ ಪೂಜೆ,

ಆಸೆಇಲ್ಲದಿಹುದೇ ಪ್ರಸಾದ,

ಇಷ್ಟಲಿಂಗದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರತನಾಗಿದ್ದಾತನೆ

ಕಪಿಲಸಿದ್ಧಮಲ್ಲೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವನು

ಸರ್ವಜ್ಞ

ನಾನು - ನೀನುಗಳಳಿದು

ತಾನು ಲಿಂಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಉಳಿದು

ನಾನಾ ಭ್ರಮೆಗಳ ಅತಿಗಳೆದು

ನಿಂದಾತ ತಾನೈಕ್ಯ ನೋಡು ಸರ್ವಜ್ಞ

ಸುಂಕದ ಬಂಕಣ್ಣ

ಅನ್ನದ ಮೇಲಣ ಲವಲವಿಕೆ, 
ನಿದ್ರೆಯ ಮೇಲಣ ಲವಲವಿಕೆ,
ಅಂಗನೆಯರ ಮೇಲಣ ಲವಲವಿಕೆಯಿದ್ದಂತೆ ಲಿಂಗದಲ್ಲಿರಬೇಕು.
ಶಿವಲಿಂಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೋಹವನಳವಡಿಸಿದರೆ,
ತನ್ನನೀವ ನಮ್ಮ ಚೆನ್ನಬಂಕನಾಥದೇವನು.

THE SELF - Sri Sankara

THE SELF: Insights of 16 Year Old Sri Sankara

IGNORANCE

Identification of the Self with the (physical human) body is avidya (ignorance).

Action cannot destroy ignorance, for it is not in conflict with ignorance. Knowledge (truth) alone destroys ignorance, as light alone destroys darkness.

It is only because of ignorance that the Self appears to be finite (limited). When ignorance (false identification) is destroyed, the Self which has no multiplicity (diversity) whatsoever truly reveals Itself by Itself, just like the sun when the cloud is removed.

The world is filled with attachments and aversions (raga-dvesa) and is like a dream. It appears to be real as long as one is asleep (ignorant) but becomes unreal when one is awake (aware of awareness).

The notion of "I am Brahman (awareness)" created by uninterrupted reflection destroys ignorance and its distractions as medicine destroys disease.

Ignorance is nothing but a super-imposition of the non-self (limited personality). The destruction of ignorance is liberation. Darkness cannot remove darkness.Wisdom (truth) being incompatible with ignorance puts the latter to flight.

There is no ignorance outside the mind. The mind alone is avidya (ignorance) and the cause of bondage and transmigration (repetitive rebirth). When that mind is destroyed, all else is destroyed.

The Self is eternal since it is existence (beingness) itself, the body is transient since it is non-existent (imagined) in essence, and yet people see these two as one! What else can be called ignorance but this?

This through ignorance arises in the Self, the delusion of the body (as the self), which again through self-realization disappears in the Supreme Self.

All beings are by nature pure consciousness (existence) itself. It is only due to ignorance (false identification) that they appear to be different from it.

Reasoning on the meaning of non-duality leads to efficient knowledge, which is immediately followed by the total annhilation of the misery born of relative existence (duality).

That patient alone who takes diet and medicine is seen to recover, and not through the work done by others.

The teacher (knower of truth) instructs through silence (enabling awareness of awareness), which in itself is sufficient to remove all doubts.

WHO AM I?

I (the Self) am He whose glory is realized as "I" (feeling) by all beings down to children and the illiterate.

I (the Self) am free from sorrow, attachment, malice and fear for I am other than the mind.

I (the Self) have no form, the all pervading am I. Everywhere I exist (for I am existence Itself) and yet am beyond (more subtle than) the senses (which are imagined within me). Neither salvation am I, nor anything to be known (for I am not an object of perception). I am eternal, bliss and awareness.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge is not brought about by any means other than vichara (inquiry), just as an object is nowhere perceived without the help of light.

Everything (in the world) is produced by ignorance and dissolves in the wake of knowledge (truth).

When the mind becomes purified like a mirror, knowledge is revealed in it. Care should therefore be taken to purify the mind.

The Self (awareness) cannot be accepted or rejected by Itself or others, nor does It accept or reject anything else. This is right knowledge (truth).

Right knowledge (truth) is the supreme purifier (of the mind which alone creates ignorance), the greatest secret of all scriptures.

Objects of knowledge (the relative world) exist in the intellect (mind) as long as it is there, but they do not exist in the absence of the intellect. Yet the Knower (witness) always remains the Knower, hence duality has no real existence.

The knowledge of one's identity with the pure Self that negates the notion of the identity of the body and the Self, sets a man free even against his will from the belief that he is a human being.

As fire is the direct cause of cooking, so knowledge (truth) and not any other form of discipline is the direct cause of liberation, for liberation cannot be realized without knowledge.

Knowledge of the Self leads to instantaneous realization here and now. All Upanishads state clearly that the final release results from knowledge (truth).

Always meditating on the Self (the formless inner feeling of existence), one has nothing to do with time, etc, as the Self in no way has anything to do with time, space and causation.

Just as there is no darkness in the sun since it is of the nature of light, there is no ignorance in the Self since it is of the nature of eternal knowledge.

Similarly, the Self has no change of states as it is of a changeless nature. It would no doubt be destructible if it underwent any change.

The Self is not an object of knowledge. There is no charge of manyness (diversity) in it. It is therefore capable of neither being accepted nor rejected by anyone.

The intense desire for the realization of the Self (awareness) after renouncing all others, is alone the means for realization of the Self.

The Self (awareness) is conscious even in deep sleep as well as in waking and dream states, as its power of consciousness never ceases to existand as it is changeless. It is only in the objects of knowledge (perception) that there is difference, as the Sruti (scripture) says "When there is duality."

I prostate not to the Gods. One who is beyond all Gods does not salute a God. After that stage, one does no prescribed act. I prostrate again and again to my own "Self" which is the root of all endeavors.

Brahman (existence) being eternal, cannot be realized through any means other than the removal of avidya (ignorance).

Brahman (awareness) is other than the universe. There exists nothing that is not Brahman (an appearance within). If any object other than Brahman 'appears' to exist, it is unreal, like a mirage.

The feeling "I am not Brahman (the sole existence)" is a mere illusion. From illusion springs separation wherein all sorrows have root.

For the wise who realize everything as Brahman, what is there to meditate or not to meditate, what to speak or not to speak, what to do or not to do?

As a lump of salt dissolving in water cannot be perceived by the eyes but can only be tasted by the tongue, so indeed the ever existent Brahman (awareness) shining in the depth of the heart cannot be realized by the external senses, but by the light of that gracious awakening which comes from the word of a seer-teacher "Thou indeed art this Brahman, not the phenomenal body and universe that appears around (is imagined within)."

Having by some means obtained a human birth (with the discriminating faculty) and mastery over the scriptures (pointing to truth), the foolish person who does not try for self-liberation verily commits suicide for he kills himself by clinging to things that are unreal (imagined).

Among things conducive to liberation, devotion alone holds the supreme place. The seeking after one's real nature is designated as devotion.

The dream is unreal in waking, whereas the waking is absent in dream. Both however are non-existent in deep (deamless) sleep, which again is not experienced in either.

Thus all the three states are unreal in as much as they are the creation of the three gunas (qualities), but their witness (the reality behind them) is beyond all gunas, is eternally one and is consciousness Itself.

The undeluded one does not with to combine the knowledge of one Self with any action or any other knowledge.

He who declares (realizes) the cause (of the world) to be non-entity (formless awareness), can manage the affairs of the son of a barren woman and quench intense thirst by drinking water from a mirage (can play awake).

The wise man should at all times meditate attentively upon his own Self, which though unseen, is yet the only reality and though manifest as the external universe, yet is the nature of subjective consciousness (the witness). 

A dream is a simple mental imagination (in awareness), and is unreal since it is not seen (upon waking) the next moment after its existence.

One who in a dream sees things good and bad, high and low, favorable and fearful, thinks that they are actually real, and never for a moment thinks that they are unreal while dreaming. Even so is this world till the dawn of Self knowledge.

The Self (awareness) is never unjust or unmerciful to Its (imagined) creation.

He who while fully anxious about his body desires to realize the Self, prepares to cross a river on the back of a crocodile mistaking it for a piece of wood.

I shall explain though half a sloka (couplet) what has been described by innumerable scriptures, and that is: "Brahman alone is true and the world is false, the jiva (individual soul) is Brahman only and not different from it."

ABSOLUTE SUMMATION

Brahman (awareness) alone is real
The universe is not real (as a reality separate from Brahman)
Brahman is the universe

I AM - Sri Nisargadatta

I AM (EXISTENCE, CONSCIOUSNESS)

insights of Sri Nisargadatta, the subject of the worldwide classic 'I AM THAT'

Your true nature (existence) is beyond description.

It (existence) cannot be known with the mind, yet it exists. It is the source of everything.

You become what you believe. How powerful are the effects of beliefs. Be aware of this truth.

Know that you are (exist) before knowing anything else (concepts or experiences). Have the firm conviction that you are pure consciousness (existence). This should be done spontaneously; it is the only way.

Catch hold of the knower of the mind. If you believe your thoughts, you will be disappointed.

Be the witness of thoughts. Remain as the seer (the subject).

The world is your mind (imagined within it).

The mind is a concept and this concept is the mind - it gives birth to whatever it likes. This is its nature.

When one realizes the true nature of concepts, one simultaneously realizes 'That' (consciousness) which is without concepts.

Only mind is born, not you (existence, consciousness).

When you become stabilized in your Self, the continuous commentary of the mind will stop.

Your true state (existence) is ever-existent (since existence always exists).

Only the religion of one's true nature (an awareness of one's inner awareness) will last to the end.

True religion is the religion of the Self (existence, consciousness). It lies in searching for one's true nature and stabilizing oneself there.

Religious traditions are based on concepts. There is silence (existence, consciousness) when these concepts are given up.

The ultimate religion is a state of Self-realization - it is an unbroken and fearless state of Being (existence, consciousness).

This means to live with the conviction that we are pure consciousness (existence).

The world's existence is like the dream world of a dreamer.

We sense the world to be real because we feel our body to be real, and vice versa (even though neither are real)

People think the world is ancient. Actually, it rises with your consciousness (in the same way a world arises in your dreams)

Just as the dream state is unreal, the waking state is also an appearance (unreal). Both arise spontaneously. Our talk is also taking place in a dream.

The individual, the world and the supreme Self are all concepts (imagined in existence, consciousness, bodiless awareness)

When you try to be one with consciousness, the mind stands in the way. Keep trying. Pay attention to the source from which the 'I am' feeling has appeared.

Non-dual devotion is the devotion to our own Self. Pay attention to 'That' (existence, consciousness) which is always with you. You must feel its necessity.

Leave greatness to others. Become so small that no one can see you. This conviction results from growing devotion to the supreme reality (existence, consciousness, the feeling 'I am').

To remain without thought in the waking state is the greatest worship.

To hold on to the word of the guru is the greatest service. For this purpose you have to give your full attention to your true nature (existence, awareness) all the time.

The guru is your own Self (existence, the inner awareness)

What do you wish to gain by practising spirituality? Realize 'That' (existence, consciousness) which is the root of all that is true and everlasting.

The state prior to words (thoughts) is nameless (being existence).

When you become unattached, compassion will flow through you, and all undesirable qualities will vanish.

Be firm in the conviction that you are separate from the senses and that their experiences are not your experiences.

Pure consciousness has never had an experience (since it is devoid of space, material substances or any separation or division)

You will be free when you realize that the pure consciousness that is listening now is your true nature

Remain as you are in the natural state of Being (existence, consciousness, awareness, the feeling 'I am')

If you live life without expectations, the feeling of 'mineness' will automatically fall off

Forgetting our true nature (as existence), we act like a king who behaves as a beggar in a dream.

The illusion of shape and form has come over you because you have forgotten your true nature (as existence, consciousness, the feeling 'I am').

Your nature is already perfect (being the never-changing existence itself)

Realize now that duality never existed, it is illusory. All this was never created (out of any material or in any space), yet it (the scenery of the world appearance) is moving about. To the awakened sage, no one lives or dies.

Is there really any duality? Because you believe it, there is (although there can be no duality in indivisible consciousness which alone exists)

There is no creator of the world, no sustainer, and no destroyer. Everything happens spontaneously (since it is the nature of existence to imagine eternally).

The root cause of duality is that you sensed your own Beingness (existence). The very experience of your Beingness (existence) is unreal (because you cannot experience what you already are, you can only realize you exist).

The greatest miracle is your own Beingness (existence, consciousness) because of which this immense world is created in an instant. Go to the source (existence) from where it has arisen.

The world will never provide an answer to your questions. Find out for yourself what it is that is changeless.

The world exists (is imagined) within oneself (existence, consciousness).

"I am prior to everything (perceived through this body) and the knower of it." This is the path of wisdom.

That which is seen (the world appearance) is the reflection of one's own consciousness.

Who comes first? The world or the one who sees the world?

Just as what you dream is your own dream, and no one else can see it, so the world you see is your own.

The world is a fun game created (imagined) out of one's own existence.

No one can stop the process of creation, sustenance and dissolution of the world because there is no creator (as with dreams, which appear, exist and disappear spontaneously).

You have to become your own proof of the non-dual Absolute (existence, consciousness). There you will meet no other.

Do not become stuck in what you have learned. Eventually you will have to throw it all away

One who is devoted to his own Self becomes the soul of all. Who then will have ill will, and for whom?

One becomes helpful naturally to others, knowing that one is not different from them.

Attention should be on oneself (existence, consciousness, feeling of 'I am') rather than on the affairs of others.

Do not be enamored with wealth, fame, loved ones, etc. Hold on to your own Self (existence, consciousness).

In this vast consciousness, there is no religion, no karma and no time. It exists prior to everything. Hold on to this understanding.

Ignorance is simply a failure to realize the Self (existence, consciousness).

Surrender without duality to consciousness (existence), then it will also surrender to you.

You will be like the river that becomes the sea when they merge.

This surging stream of the world is flowing out of the feeling 'I am' (I exist).

Anger, greed and attachment are just appearances. They are true only for that moment, like clouds hanging in the sky.

Charity and love are naturally present. They are the nature of consciousness (existence). It is not you who imparts them.

Do not take the trouble to acquire or renounce anything (to create any division).

Desires can only be pacified through the knowledge of the Self. If you leave all desires, passions, fears, you will clearly see yourself (as existence, consciousness, the feeling 'I am').

Hopes and desires are the oils that keep the lamp of life going. One whose hopes and desires are finished has died, but (being consciousness) is not dead.

Always remember this: Do not become confused by attachments. Never deviate from your own nature.

Do not become a slave of your own thoughts.

One who reaches the thought free state will not have to do anything for food or shelter. Everything will happen spontaneously without a sense of doership.

Thinking creates destiny. Concepts of yourself create your circumstances accordingly.

Consciousness witnesses everything, but 'who' witnesses consciousness?

The feeling 'I am' (I exist) is called consciousness. Hold on to that.

Consciousness can only observe what undergoes change. 'That' which is eternal cannot be observed by consciousness or known by it. Unless you meditate on this point, the puzzle will not be solved.

Consciousness is hard to realize and abide within, which is why people become involved in worldly activities.

Spiritual seekers wander the world with intellectual understanding, not recognizing that the waking state (of the world appearance) itself is false (unreal). This should be your conviction (truth).

As long as your are entangled in concepts, you cannot develop further. Continuously hold on to what you are (existence, consciousness) and not to what you know (concepts).

God (existence, consciousness) exists wherever you are (exist). Remain in your own Self (existence) and do not become involved with others (imagined in existence).

God (existence) is only experiencing itself.

Consciousness (existence) is the thief as well as the sage, the philanthropist as well as the beggar.

Only the Absolute (existence, consciousness) truly exists, nothing else.

Everything just happens spontaneously (as in dreams).

One who has realized the truth is not required to do anything special for the benefit of the world.

Greater than the greatest good in life is to know who we are.

It is impossible to establish order in the world (since it is imagined for experiences which rely on contrasts).

Meditation should be on one's own nature. Slowly the mind will become pure, and the formless consciousness (existence) will be uncovered. In this way your true nature will be understood.

You will become convinced that whatever exists is not separate from your Self (existence).

Do not just meditate. Live in meditation. Realize that you are pure consciousness (existence), the Absolute.

If you want to go back to the source (existence), stop wandering (mentally) and go on meditating (being aware of your feeling of existence).

Nothing has to be given up. Just realize that whatever you 'know' (conceptually) is different from who you are (as pure existence, consciousness).

The purpose of spiritual activity is to know who you are. Wake up and be aware this very moment.

Spiritual effort is as easy as it is difficult. One who holds on to the Master's worlds "I am the self-luminous reality (existence)" will find it easy.

To reach the supreme state (realization of your Self as existence, consciousness), methods are of no use.

Such means are nothing but a multiplication of concepts. However, you will continue to revel in concepts until you understand your Self (as existence, consciousness, the feeling 'I am').

The sense of (individual) doership is false. You are a witness, so remain like that. This is the only practise you should perform.

You know that you exist. Meditate on this.

There is nothing more sacred than Self-realization. When you have this conviction, you will be truly able to live alone.

There is no greater fortune than Self-realization. If it is not realized, there is no greater misfortune.

Compared to Self-realization, all else is meaningless. Without faith in this truth, you will wander about going to various teachers and holy places.

When consciousness (existence) recognizes itself, it is called Self-realization.

All needs come to an end with Self-realization. Otherwise, they will be unsatisfied even if you are the emperor of the whole universe.

Self-realization cannot be foretold. Some get it spontaneously, others do not get it even with much effort. When a particular stage is reached, there comes about an appropriate change, and the ground is suitably prepared. Then the mind which wants to acquire or get rid of something disappears.

This knowledge is actually easy and open; therefore, there are not many takers for it. People are attracted to what is difficult and complicated.

When the truth is realized, the false drops off. No special effort is required to let it go.

The person of detachment sees that all this (creation) is an appearance (imagined within consciousness)

With realization of the Self, it is not necessary to act in a particular manner, that would be an indication of ignorance. To try to look impressive is a fantasy related to the body, not a characteristic of the Self.

The Self-realized person is unconcerned with how the body behaves; his conduct is not governed by any rule of law.

Self-knowledge is beyond all words and concepts.

The experience of realization can be described many ways, the experiencer (subject) cannot be described.

What you have heard from other people becomes the source of fear, bondage and liberation.

Pure knowledge is not imparted by another; it comes unasked. It is the one that is listening; it is your own nature.

Love of the Self eliminates concern with anything else; it is without attachment. You are that love that is formless, nameless and indestructible.

The source of all love is the Self. Your relations and posessions will ultimately disperse. Awaken to the Self before this happens.

If you try to reach the Self, you remain separate from it. You are the Self; so there is no question of attaining it.

Neither mind, intellect, nor consciousness can comprehend the Absolute

The Self is always the silent non-doer

When enlightenment dawns, you will realize you were never born, nor have you carried out any worldly actions

Neither rememberance nor forgetfulness actually exists

There is no awakened one; there is only Self-realization (consciousness, existence, awareness of 'I am').

The enlightened person has no hopes, no desires and no passions. Therefore he has no death

The sage represents our own spotless, ever-present true nature

It is rare to find one who really knows; yet does not claim ownership of this knowledge. "Who" is the knower

The realized one knows that all this is the play of ignorance (forgetfulness of one's true nature as bodiless consciousness)

I am not talking to a person as a 'person' - but to pure consciousness

I speak to you in a language that was yours before words were first introduced to you

However, you have to understand the meaning in the language that you have learned.

Since space and I are not different, wherever I go, that will be the place where I (consciousness) am already present (as consciousness since that alone exists)

I give you the knowledge of my true nature (as consciousness); listen to it as if it is your own (for you are in truth consciousness alone)

THE 'SELF' - Yoga Vashishta

THE 'SELF'

"The Self is subtler even than space, since It has no name and cannot be described; neither the mind nor the senses can reach It nor comprehend (perceive) It.

It is pure consciousness (Beingness, awareness, existence itself).

The entire universe exists in the consciousness that is atomic, even as a tree exists in the seed, but then the universe exists as consciousness and does not exist as the universe (just as a wave exists because of ocean, but ocean does not exist because of a wave).

That consciousness exists however, because such is the experience of all, and since It alone is the Self of all (as the screen within which a life is projected).

Such It is, all else is (because it exists, all else exists).

That Self is empty like space, but it is not nothingness, since It is consciousness.

It is: yet because It cannot be experienced by the mind and the senses, It is not (seems not to exist). It being the Self of all, It is not experienced by anyone (since it is neither separate nor an object to be experienced).

Though One, It is reflected in the infinite atoms of existence and hence appears to be many. This appearance however is unreal even as a bracelet is an imaginary appearance of gold which alone (as the underlying source substance) is real.

But the Self is not unreal, It is not a void or nothingness, for It is the Self of all and It is the Self of one who says It is and of one who says (or thinks) It is not.

Moreover, It's existence can be experienced indirectly just as the existence of camphor can be experienced by it's fragrance.

It alone is the Self of all as consciousness, and It alone is the substance that makes the world appearance possible.

In that infinite ocean of consciousness, whirlpools known as the three worlds arise spontaneously and naturally, even as whirlpools are caused by the very nature of running water. Because this consciousness is beyond the reach of the limited mind and senses, It seems to be a void, but since It can be known by Self-knowledge, It is not a void.

On account of the indivisibility of consciousness, I am you and you are me, but the indivisible consciousness Itself has become neither I nor you ! When the wrong notions of 'you' and 'I' are given up, there arises the awareness that there is neither you, nor I, nor everything: It alone is everything.

The Self, being infinite, moves not though moving, and yet is forever established in every atom of existence. The Self does not go nor does It ever come, for space and time derive their meaning from consciousness alone. Where can the Self go when all that is, is within It? If a pot is taken from one place to another, the space within does not move from one place to another, for everything is forever in space.

The Self which is the nature of pure consciousness, seems to be inert and insentient when it is apparently associated with inertia, In infinite space this infinite consciousness has made infinite objects appear, though all this seems to have been done, such effect is a mere fancy, nothing has been done. Hence, It is both consciousness and inertia, the doer and the non-doer.

The reality in fire is this Self or consciousness. Yet the Self does not burn nor is It burnt; It is the reality in all, and is infinite. It is the eternal light which shines in the sun, the moon and fire, but yet is independent of them (as the sky is independent of clouds). It shines even when these have set: It illumines all from within all. It alone is the intelligence that indwells even in trees, plants and creepers and preserves them.

That Self or Infinite Consciousness is from the ordinary point of view the Creator, the Protector and the Overlord of all, and yet from the absolute point of view, in reality being the Self of ALL It has no such limited roles.

There is no world independent of this Consciousness: hence even the mountains are in the atomic Self.

In It arises the fantasies of a moment and of an epoch, and these appear to be real time-scales, even as objects seen in a dream appear to be completely real at that time. Within the twinkling of an eye (imagination), there exists an epoch, even as a whole city is reflected in a small mirror. Such being the case, how can one assert the reality of either duality or non-duality?

This atomic Self or Infinite Consciousness appears to be a moment or an epoch, both near and far, and there is nothing apart from It, and these are not mutually contradictory in themselves.

As long as one sees a bracelet as a bracelet (a form with a name/label), it is not seen as gold (the underlying source substance), but when it is seen that bracelet is just a word and not the underlying reality, then gold is seen.

Even so, when the world is assumed to be real, the Self is not seen. When this assumption is discarded, consciousness is realized.

It is the all; hence real. When It is not experienced (recognized); It is considered unreal.

What appears to be - is but the jugglery of Maya (the world illusion) which creates a division in consciousness into subject and object. It is as real as the dream city.

It is neither real nor unreal, but a long standing illusion (appearance within consciousness). It is the assumption of division that creates, right from the creator Brahma down to the little insect.

Just as in a single seed the diverse characteristics of the tree remain at all times, even so the apparent diversity exists in the Self at all times, but as pure consciousness." 

THE SELF - by Sri Ramana

To know the truth of one's Self (awareness, Being-ness, existence) as the sole Reality, and to merge and become One with it, is the only true Realization.

The mind is nothing but the thought 'I'

Thoughts arise because of the thinker (subject). The thinker is the ego, which if sought will automatically vanish.

Without consciousness, time and space do not exist; they appear in consciousness but have no reality of their own.

The absolute consciousness alone is our real nature.

Grace is within you. Grace is your self. Grace is not something to be acquired from others. If it is external, it is useless. All that is necessary is to know its existence is in you.You are never out of its operation.

The mind cannot seek the mind. You ignore what is real (awareness) and hold on to that which is unreal, then try to find what it is. You think you are the mind and, therefore, ask how it is to be controlled? If the mind exists, it can be controlled, but it does not. Understand this truth by inquiry (into the nature of the mind).

The eternal (awareness) is not born nor does it die. We confound the appearance (the world) with Reality (awareness).Appearance carries it's end in itself. What is it that appears anew? If you cannot find it, surrender unreservedly to the substratum of appearances (awareness); then Reality (awareness) will be what remains.

Reality is simply loss of ego (awareness of awareness). Destroy the ego by seeking its identity. Because the ego has no existence (being only thoughts), it will automatically vanish (when you are still), and Reality (awareness) will shine forth by itself in all its glory. This is the direct method. All other methods retain the ego. In those paths so many doubts arise, and the eternal question remains to be tackled. But in this method the final question is the only one and is raised from the very beginning.

No practices (sadhanas) are even necessary for this quest.

Your duty is to Be, and not to be this or that.

"I Am that I Am" sums up the whole truth; the method is summarized in "Be still."

The state we call Realization is simply being one's self, not knowing anything or becoming anything.

If one has realized, one is that (awareness) which alone is and which alone has always been. One cannot describe that state, but only be That (aware of awareness). Of course, we talk loosely of Self-realization for want of a better term.

There is no help in changing your environment. The obstacle is the mind (identifying with it), which must be overcome, whether at home or in the forest. If you can do it in the forest, why not in the home? Therefore, why change the environment?

The cause of misery is not in life without; it is within you as ego (perception of division). You impose limitations on yourself and then make a vain struggle to transcend them. Why attribute to the happiness in life the cause of misery, which really lies within you? What happiness can you get from anything extraneous to yourself? When you get it, how long will it last?

The body itself is a thought. Be as you really are (Being-ness).

There are no stages in Realization, or degrees in liberation. There are no levels of Reality (existence, Being-ness), there are only levels of experience for the individual. If anything can be gained that was not present before, it can also be lost. Absolute (Being-ness) is eternal, here and now.

It is not a matter of becoming, but of Being.

It is not a matter of becoming (body and mind), but of Being (awareness).

Remain aware of yourself (as awareness), and all else will be known.

One comes into existence for a certain purpose. That purpose will be accomplished whether one considers oneself the actor or not.

Everything is predetermined. But one is always free to not identify oneself with the body and not be affected by the pleasure and pain associated with its activities.

Find out who is subject to free will or predestination and abide in that state (awareness of awareness). Then both are transcended. That is the only purpose in discussing these questions. To whom do such questions present themselves? Discover that and be at peace.

Your true nature is that of infinite spirit (awareness). The feeling of limitation is the work of the mind. When the mind unceasingly investigates its own nature, it transpires that there is no such thing as mind. This is the direct path for all.

If one inquires as to where in the body the thought 'I' first rises, one would discover it rises in the heart; that is the place of the mind's origin.

Grace is always present. You imagine it is something somewhere high in the sky, far away, and has to descend. It is really inside you, in your Heart, and the moment you effect subsidence or merger of the mind into its Source, grace rushes forth, sprouting as from a spring within you.

You speak as if you are here, and the Self (awareness) is somewhere else and you had to go and reach it... but in fact the Self (Being-ness) is here and now, and you are always It (aware). It is like being here and asking people the way to the ashram, then complaining that each one shows a different path and asking which to follow.

The realized person weeps with the weeping, laughs with the laughing, plays with the playful, sings with those who sing, keeping time to the song. What does he lose?

His presence is like a pure, transparent mirror. It reflects our image exactly as we are. If is we who play the several parts in life and reap the fruits of our actions. How is the mirror or the stand on which it is mounted affected? Nothing affects them, as they are mere supports.

The Consciousness of 'I' is the subject of all our actions. Inquiring into the nature of that Consciousness and remaining as oneself is the way to understand one's true nature.

All that is required to realize the Self (Being-ness) is to Be Still. What can be easier than that?

If one gains the Peace of the Self, it will spread without any effort on the part of the individual. When one is not peaceful oneself, how can one spread peace in the world?

Unless one is happy, one cannot bestow happiness on others. Happiness is born of Peace (awareness of awareness) and can reign only when there is no disturbance. Disturbance is due to thoughts, which arise in the mind. When the mind is absent there will be perfect peace (awareness of awareness).

Reality (awareness) lies beyond the mind. So long as the mind functions, there is duality (perception of division). Once it is transcended, Reality (Being-ness) alone shines forth. Self-effulgence is the Self.

Satsang means association (sanga) with Being (Sat), which is the Self (consciousness). For whom is association?

The ultimate truth is so simple, it is nothing more than being in one's natural original state (of Being-ness or awareness of awareness). It is a great wonder that to teach such a simple truth, a number of religions should be necessary, and so many disputes should go on between them as to which is the God-ordained teaching. What a pity! Just be the Self (aware of your Being-ness, existence), that is all.

Because people want something elaborate and mysterious, so many religions have come into existence. Only those who are mature can understand the matter in its naked simplicity (existence as bodiless awareness).

There is neither past nor future (in consciousness); there is only the present. Yesterday was the present when you experienced it; tomorrow will also be the present when you experience it.  Therefore, experience takes place only in the present, and beyond and apart from experience (being in the present moment), nothing exists. Even the present is mere imagination, for the sense of time is purely mental (awareness alone exists).

Because people love mystery and not the truth, religions cater to them, eventually bringing them around to the Self (existence, Being-ness, awareness).

Whatever be the means adopted, you must at last return to the Self, so why not abide in the Self (your Being-ness) here and now?

There is no greater mystery than this; Being Reality (existence) ourselves, we seek to gain Reality (existence).

We think that there is something hiding Reality (bodiless awareness) and that it must be destroyed before the truth is gained. This is clearly ridiculous. A day will dawn when you will laugh at your past efforts. What you realize on the day you laugh is also here and now.

If we look upon the Self as the ego, we become the ego, if as the mind, we become the mind, if as the body we become the body. It is the thought that builds up layers in so many ways. Take no notice of the ego and its activities, but see only the light (Being-ness or awareness) behind it.

The ego is the 'I' thought. The true 'I' is the Self (inner awareness).

The world does not exist in sleep and forms a projection of your mind in the waking state. It is therefore an idea and nothing else.

It is false to speak of Realization, what is there to realize? The real (awareness, Being-ness, existence) is ever as it is. All that is required is to cease regarding as real that which is unreal (the objective world). That is all we need to attain wisdom (jnana).

The universe is only an object created (imagined) by the mind and has it's being in the mind. It cannot be measured as an external entity. This world phenomenon, within or without, are only fleeting and are not independent of our Self. Only the habit of looking at them as real and located outside ourselves is responsible for hiding our pure Being (bodiless awareness).

When the ever-present sole Reality, the Self is found, all other unreal things will disappear, leaving behind the knowledge that they are not other than the Self.

Either surrender because you realize your inability and need a higher power to help you, or investigate the cause of misery. The Divine (awareness) never forsakes one who has surrendered.

To identify oneself with the body and yet seek happiness is like attempting to cross a river on the back of an alligator.

In truth, you are Spirit (bodiless awareness, Being-ness). The body has been projected by the mind, which itself originates from Spirit (appears within it). If the wrong identification ceases, there will be peace (awareness of awareness) and permanent indescribable bliss.

Those who have realized the Self (awareness), which is the ground of fate and free will, are free from them.  

Ramana's reply to his mother when she requested that he return home with her: "The Ordainer (awareness) controls the fate of souls in accordance with their destiny (prarabdha karma). Whatever is destined not to happen will not happen, try as you may. Whatever is destined to happen will happen, do what you may to prevent it. This is certain. The best course therefore, is to remain silent (aware of awareness)."

The real state (Being-ness) must be effortless. It is permanent (since one's existence as awareness never ends).

Efforts are spasmodic and so are their results.

When your real, effortless, joyful nature is realized, it will not be inconsistent with the ordinary activities of life.

In the interior of the heart-cave, the one Reality shines alone as "I - I" - the Self (Being-ness).

The Heart (Being-ness) is the only Reality. The mind is only a transient phase. To remain as one's Self (Being-ness) is to enter the heart.

Apart from thought, there is no independent entity called "world."

In deep sleep, there are no thoughts and there is no world. In waking and dreaming, there are thoughts, and there is a world also.

Just as a spider emits the thread (of the web) out of itself and then withdraws into it, likewise, the mind projects the world out of itself and then withdraws it back into itself.

The Self (awareness) is all pervading. Therefore, no particular place can be allocated for leading a life of solitude. To abide in the tranquil state that is devoid of thought is to lead a life of solitude and seclusion.

When your standpoint becomes that of wisdom, you will find the world to be God (awareness). The question is one of outlook.

The universe exists within the Self (awareness). Therefore, it is real, but only because it obtains its reality from the Self (awareness). We call the universe unreal, however, to indicate changing appearance and transient form, whereas we call the Self (awareness) real because it is changeless.

We see only the script and not the paper on which it is written. The paper is there whether the script is on it or not. To those who look upon the script as real, you have to say that it is unreal - an illusion - since it rests on the paper. The wise person looks upon both paper and script as one.

Our real nature is Liberation (awareness or existence), but we imagine we are bound... we make strenous efforts to become free although the whole time we are free (aware or exist).

A person goes to sleep in this hall and dreams he has gone on a world tour, travelling over various continents. After many years of strenous travel, he returns to this country, enters the ashram and walks into the hall. Just at that moment, he wakes up and finds that he has not moved at all but has been sleeping. He has ot returned after great efforts to this hall, but was here the whole time. If it is asked "Why, being free, we imagine ourselves bound?" I answer "Why, being in the hall, did you imagine you were on world tour, crossing desert and sea?" It is all mind.

With a smile, Ramana placed his little finger over his eye and said "Look, this little finger covers the eye and prevents the whole world from being seen. In the same way this small mind covers the whole universe and prevents Reality from being seen. See how powerful it is!"

What is, is the Self. It is all pervading. We fill the mind with all sorts of impressions and then say there is no room for the Self in it. If all the false ideas and impressions are swept away and thrown out, what remains is a feeling of fullness, which is the Self. Then there will be no such things as a separate 'I'

Meditation on the Self, which is oneself is the greatest of all meditations. All other meditations are included in this. True silence is really endless speech (awareness). There is no attaining it because it (awareness or existence) is always present. All you have to do is remove the coverings that conceal it.

Surrender is giving oneself up to the origin of one's Being (awareness). In due course we will know that our glory lies where we cease to exist.

The pet squirrel is waiting for an opportunity to run out of its cage. Ramana remarks "All want to rush out. There is no limit to going out. Happiness lies within and not without."

All spiritual teachings are meant to make us retrace our steps to our Original Source (awareness). We need not acquire anything new, only give up false ideas and useless accretions. Instead of doing this, we try to grasp something strange and mysterious because we believe happiness lies elsewhere. This is the mistake.

Forgetfulness of your real nature (awareness) is true death, remembrance of it is rebirth. What appears will also disappear and is therefore impermanent. The Self (awareness) never appears and disappears and is therefore permanent. It is the only Reality (existence).

Environment, time and objects all exist in oneself. How can they be independent of me? They may change, but 'I' remain unchanging.

Make no effort either to work or to give up work (remain relaxed in awareness); your very effort (straining) is the bondage.What is destined to happen will happen. Leave it to the Higher Power; you cannot renounce or retain as you choose. The feeling "I work" is the hindrance. Ask yourself "Who works?"  Remember who you are (remain aware of your awareness). Then the work will not bind you; it will proceed automatically.

Realization is nothing to be gained anew. You are the Self (awareness, Being-ness, existence). You are already and eternally That. There is never a moment when the Self is not; it is ever-present, here and now. If Realization was something to be gained hereafter, there would be an equal chance of its being lost; this cannot be Liberation, which is eternal.

Realization consists of getting rid of the false idea that one is not realized (aware).

What is called "mind" is a wondrous power residing in the Self. It causes all thoughts to arise. Apart from thoughts there is no such thing as the mind. Therefore, thought is the nature of the mind.

Self inquiry directly leads to Self-realization by removing the obstacles which make you think that the Self is not already realized. It reveals the truth that neither the ego nor the mind really exists, and enables one to realize the pure, undifferentiated Being (awareness), which is the Self or Absolute.

Freewill and destiny last as long as the body lasts. Wisdom transcends both, for the Self (witnessing awareness) is beyond knowledge and ignorance.

Pain or pleasure is the result of past actions and not of the present... they alternate with each other. One must always try to abide in the Self and not be swayed by the pain or pleasure met with occasionally. One who is indifferent to pain or pleasure can alone be happy.

Thoughts can change, but not you (awareness). Thoughts form your bondage and are not external to you, so no external remedy need be sought for freedom.

What does it matter if the mind is active? It is only so on the substratum of the Self (awareness). Hold on to the Self (awareness), even during mental activity.

The 'I' (awareness) casts off the illusions of 'I' (ego) and yet remains as the 'I' (awareness) - such is the paradox of Self-realization.

You give up various posessions. If instead you give up 'I' and 'mine' - you give them all up in one stroke and lose the very seed of posession. Dis-interest in the non-self must be very strong to do this. One's eagerness must be equal to that of a person kept under water while trying to rise to the surface to breathe.

Be what you are (Being-ness). That which Is (existence), is ever present. Even now you are It (aware), and not apart from It (awareness).

The expectation to see and the desire to get something are all the working of the ego. Be yourself (awareness, Being-ness, existence) and nothing more.

Pleasure or pain are only aspects of the mind. Our essential nature is happiness. We forget the Self (bodiless awareness, existence, Being-ness) and imagine the body or the mind to be the Self. It is this wrong identity that gives rise to misery.

Happiness (the peace of awareness) is inherent in everyone and is not due to external causes.

Because you have lost hold of the Self (awareness of Being-ness); thoughts afflict you, you see the world and doubts arise, along with anxiety about the future. There is no use removing doubts. If we clear one doubt, another arises, and there will be no end of doubts. All doubts will cease only when the doubter and the source have been found. Seek for the source of the doubter, and you find he is really non-existent. Doubter ceasing, doubts will cease.

Investigate the nature of the mind (thoughts) and it will disappear. Because of the emergence of thought, you surmise that it has an origin and call that the mind. When you inquire to see what it is, you find there is really no such thing as mind. When the mind has thus vanished, you realize eternal Peace (awareness of awareness).

When the mind turning inwards inquires " Who am I?" and reaches the heart, that which is 'I' (the ego) sinks crestfallen, and the One (Self) appears of its own accord as 'I - I'  Though it appears thus, it is not the ego; it is the Whole. It is the real Self (awareness).

The Self (awareness) is free from all qualities. Good or bad qualities pertain only to the mind. The numeral one gives rise to other numbers. The truth is neither one nor two. It is as it is. Dvaita (duality) and advaita (non-duality) are relative terms. They are based on a sense of duality. There is actually neither dvaita nor advaita. I Am that I Am... simple Being is the Self.

The limited and multifarious thoughts having disappeared, there shines in the Heart a kind of wordless illumination of 'I - I' which is pure consciousness (Being-ness).

If one remains quiet (still) without abandoning that understanding, then egoity - the individual sense of the form 'I am the body' will be totally destroyed. And ultimately, the final thought, the 'I' thought will also be extinguished like camphor that is burned by fire. The great sages and scriptures declare that this alone is Realization.

Meditation (witnessing awareness) is your true nature now (in this very moment).

You call it meditation because other thoughts distract you. When these thoughts are dispelled, you remain in the state of meditation (aware of awareness), free from thoughts. When the practise becomes firm, your real nature (awareness of awareness) shows itself as true meditation.

When meditation (awareness of your awareness) is well established, it cannot be given up. it will go on automatically, even when you are engaged in work or play. It will persist in sleep too. Meditation (awareness of awareness) must become so deep rooted that it is natural to one.

Birth and death pertain only to the body... they are superimposed on the Self (bodiless awareness, existence, Being-ness), giving rise to the delusion that birth and death relate to the Self. If one dies while still alive, one need not grieve over another's death. Discover the undying Self (awareness) and be immortal and happy.

Why do you worry about life and death? Deathlessness is our real nature. The real 'I' (awareness) exists here and now. There is neither creation nor destruction, neither destiny nor free will, neither path nor achievement. This is the final truth.

Because of the emergence of thought, you surmise that it has an origin and call that the mind. When you inquire to see what it is, you find there is really no such thing as mind. When the mind has thus vanished, you realize eternal Peace (awareness of awareness).

When the mind turning inwards inquires " Who am I?" and reaches the heart, that which is 'I' (the ego) sinks crestfallen, and the One (Self) appears of its own accord as 'I - I'  Though it appears thus, it is not the ego; it is the Whole. It is the real Self (awareness).

The Self (awareness) is free from all qualities. Good or bad qualities pertain only to the mind. The numeral one gives rise to other numbers. The truth is neither one nor two. It is as it is. Dvaita (duality) and advaita (non-duality) are relative terms. They are based on a sense of duality. There is actually neither dvaita nor advaita. I Am that I Am... simple Being is the Self.

The limited and multifarious thoughts having disappeared, there shines in the Heart a kind of wordless illumination of 'I - I' which is pure consciousness (Being-ness).

If one remains quiet (still) without abandoning that understanding, then egoity - the individual sense of the form 'I am the body' will be totally destroyed. And ultimately, the final thought, the 'I' thought will also be extinguished like camphor that is burned by fire. The great sages and scriptures declare that this alone is Realization.

Meditation (witnessing awareness) is your true nature now (in this very moment).

You call it meditation because other thoughts distract you. When these thoughts are dispelled, you remain in the state of meditation (aware of awareness), free from thoughts. When the practise becomes firm, your real nature (awareness of awareness) shows itself as true meditation.

When meditation (awareness of your awareness) is well established, it cannot be given up. it will go on automatically, even when you are engaged in work or play. It will persist in sleep too. Meditation (awareness of awareness) must become so deep rooted that it is natural to one.

Birth and death pertain only to the body... they are superimposed on the Self (bodiless awareness, existence, Being-ness), giving rise to the delusion that birth and death relate to the Self. If one dies while still alive, one need not grieve over another's death. Discover the undying Self (awareness) and be immortal and happy.

Why do you worry about life and death? Deathlessness is our real nature. The real 'I' (awareness) exists here and now. There is neither creation nor destruction, neither destiny nor free will, neither path nor achievement. This is the final truth.