"Distracted as we are by various thoughts, if we would continually contemplate the Self, which is Itself God, this single thought would in due course replace all distraction and would itself ultimately vanish;. The pure Consciousness that alone finally remains is God. This is Liberation. To be constantly centered on one's own all-perfect pure Self is the acme of yoga, wisdom, and all other forms of spiritual practice. Even though the mind wanders restlessly, involved in external matters, and so is forgetful of its own Self, one should remain alert and remember: 'The body is not I.'
"'Who am I?' Enquire in this way, turning the mind backward to its primal state. The enquiry 'Who am I?' is the only method of putting an end to all misery and ushering in Supreme Beatitude. Whatever may be said and however phrased, this is the whole truth in a nutshell."
-Sri Ramana Maharshi
Timely reminder since at the moment my body has 24-hour stomach flu. And I finished the Brunton book--was good.
ReplyDeleteAh! So you know exactly who Sri Ramana Maharshi is.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better.
And perhaps consider reading
The Journey Home: Autobiography of an American Swami by Radhanath Swami - to get a bhakti perspective.
Yes, the source of this week's quote does figure rather prominently in the Brunton book.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the third book suggestion. There's even a Kindle edition so I can entertain myself on the couch today without resorting to bad daytime TV. And judging by the past two suggestions, you seem to have a knack for book recommendations.
I'm sure I'll be fine in a day or two.
Ho ho ho -- why an I NOT surprised to see Sri Ramana Maharshi showing up in your blog.
ReplyDeleteIguess I need to dig out some of my books on him as well.
Who knows -- you may spring a pop quiz on him at the retreat!!!
Ralph from DeKalb
Ever heard of a fellow named Mooji? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Shokananda/Mooji
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I found him but when I did I found a whole bunch of his satsang videos on youtube. Pretty interesting. Same message. He laughs about how simple it is. Talks about how we all search for enlightenment and it's right here.