Quotes from Ramana Maharshi

If the idea 'I am the body' is accepted, the selves are multiple. The state in which this idea vanishes is the Self since in that state there are no other objects.

You are That, here and now. (p. 77)

Man's real nature is happiness. Happiness is inborn in the true self. His search for happiness is an unconscious search for his true self. The true self is imperishable; therefore, when a man finds it, he finds a happiness which does not come to an end.

Questioner: Can one read others minds? Ramana Maharshi: Where are others apart from one's own Self?

Consciousness is indeed always with us. Everyone knows 'I am!' No one can deny his own being.

The realization is the result of the Master's grave more than teachings, lectures, meditation, etc. They are only secondary aids, whereas the former is the primary and the essential cause. 1935jan07

The difficulty was in controling the mind. "It is to be done by controling the breath. If you practise it by yourself without help, then the mind is controlled. Otherwise the mind comes under control spontaneously in the presence of a superior power. Such is the greatness of association with the wise (satsanga). 1935may15

Cuando el mundo desaparece, es decir, cuando no hay pensamiento, la mente experimenta la felicidad, y cuando el mundo aparece, se hunde en la desdicha.

After negating all of the above mentioned as 'not this', 'not this', that Awareness which alone remains – that I am.

Tú puedes separarte de lo que es externo a ti, pero no de lo que uno es contigo.

Inquiring into the nature of one's self that is in bondage, and realising one's true nature is liberation.

When the world disappears, i.e., when there is no thought, the mind experience happiness; and when the world appears, it goes through misery.

We imagine through our ignorance that we derive happiness from objects.

Not leaving the Self is wisdom.

There is a state beyond our efforts or effortlessness. Until it is realised effort is necessary. After tasting such Bliss, even once, one will repeatedly try to regain it. Having once experienced the Bliss of Peace no one would like to be out of it or engaged himself otherwise.

Questioner: Is intellectual knowledge enough? Maharshi: Unless intellectually known, how to practice it? Learn it intellectually first, then do not stop with that. Practise it.

Questioner: Is an intellectual understanding of the Truth necessary? Maharshi: Yes. Otherwise why does not the person realise God or the Self at once, ie. as soon as he is told that God is all or the Self is all? That shows some wavering on his part. He must argue with himself and gradually convince himself of the Truth before his faith becomes firm.

La soledad está en la mente de un hombre. Uno puede estar en el centro del mundo y sin embargo mantener una perfecta serenidad; una persona así siempre está en soledad. Otro puede estar en el bosque, y aún así, ser incapaz de controlar su mente. Entonces no se puede decir que esté en soledad. La soledad es un actitud del ánimo; un hombre apegado a las cosas de la vida no puede alcanzar la soledad, no importa dónde esté. Un hombre desapegado está siempre en soledad.

Therefore, when the world appears (to be real), the Self does not appear; and when the Self appears (shines) the world does not appear.

Dristim jnanamayim kritva, pasyet Brahmamayam jagat. By making your standpoint that of wisdom, the world will be seen only as God. (p. 153)

De qué sirve atribuir a los sucesos de la vida la causa de la desdicha que está realmente dentro de ti? ¿Qué felicidad puedes obtener de las cosas que te son ajenas? Y cuando la obtengas, ¿cuánto durará?

If that had been your destiny the question would not have arisen.

The sense of "I" pertains to the person, the body and the brain. When anyone knows true Being for the first time, something else arises from the depths and takes possession...That something is behind the mind; it is infinite, divine, eternal. Some people call it the Kingdom of Heaven, others call it the soul, and others again Nirvana, and Hindus call it liberation; you may give it what name you wish.

Devotion complete culminates in knowledge supreme.