Quotes from Ramana Maharshi

Even as one and the same person is called by different names according to the different functions he performs, so also one and the same mind is called by the different names: mind, intellect, memory, and egoity, on account of the difference in the modes - and not because of any real difference.

I am not the perishable body, but the eternal Self.

Think of God; attachments will gradually drop away. If you wait till all desires disappear before starting your devotion and prayer, you will have to wait for a very long time indeed.

The best way to meditate is through meditation itself.

The degree of freedom from unwanted thoughts and the degree of concentration on a single thought are the measures to gauge spiritual progress.

Meditation applies the brakes to the mind.

The world is not outside you.

There is no Truth. There is only the truth within each moment.

Grace is within you. If it were external, it would be useless.

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 summed up in the words 'Be still'. What does stillness mean? It means destroy yourself. Because any form or shape is the cause for trouble. Give up the notion that 'I am so and so'. All that is required to realize the Self is to be still. What can be easier than that?

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.

Wanting to reform the world without discovering one's true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes.

You can only stop the flow of thoughts by refusing to have any interest in it.

There is neither creation nor destruction, neither destiny nor free will, neither path nor achievement. This is the final truth.

Let what comes come. Let what goes go. Find out what remains.

There is neither Past nor Future. There is only the Present.

If the mind falls asleep, awaken it. Then if it starts wandering, make it quiet. If you reach the state where there is neither sleep nor movement of mind, stay still in that, the natural (real) state.

The greatest error of a man is to think that he is weak by nature, evil by nature. Every man is divine and strong in his real nature. What are weak and evil are his habits, his desires and thoughts, but not himself.

All that is required to realise the Self is to "Be Still.

Realisation is not acquisition of anything new nor is it a new faculty. It is only removal of all camouflage

Eventually, all that one has learnt will have to be forgotten.

Become conscious of being conscious. Say or think "I am", and add nothing to it. Be aware of the stillness that follows the "I am". Sense your presence, the naked unveiled, unclothed beingness. It is untouched by young or old, rich or poor, good or bad, or any other attributes. It is the spacious womb of all creation, all form.

If you go on working with the light available, you will meet your Master, as he himself will be seeking you.

The only useful purpose of the present birth is to turn within and realize the Self.