Experiencing The Pure Mind

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While journeying from the state of a troubled and weak mind to an all-pervading silence we have to clear many a mental cobweb. Troubled sometimes by a plethora of thoughts, even after earnest effort, some would ask Ramana in despair whether at all it is possible to break the thought-barrier. Ramana would encourage saying "Yes. Many have done so because they believed they could. Why not you?" Again there is the danger of listlessness at the seeming lack of progress - yet another facet of the mind"s weakness.

When some one talked of the need for years of practice, Ramana chided remarking "There is no question of time. Prevent this thought, this very moment". When doubt and despair dominate, the strengthening remembrance of the inherent peace and quietness of the mind is the best antidote.

There are periods during practice when the mind is quiet and undisturbed by thought. This quietness is of course very pleasant and enjoyable, but it is also the time for greater vigilance. For, one could well be misled by this stilling of thought and assume that the mind has come under control. Actually it is more in the nature of a lull before a storm. The latent tendencies which give rise to thoughts have not yet been eradicated at this stage. They are only asleep and would be back to frenzy the mind.

The temporary thought subsidence, even assuming that it lasts for a thousand years, would really be of no avail because one has not yet reached the mind"s source. This apart, essentially the mere absence of thoughts is only negative and cannot be equated to a permanent freedom from the back and forth movement of the mind.

Ramana would therefore advise that one should "revive consciousness and reactivate the mind". This is to be done by enquiring within as to who is experiencing this stillness? Such questioning has the double advantage of not only preventing the intrusion of thoughts but also helps in keeping the thinker wide aware for continuing the self-enquiry.

In fact it is so important to get past this "false quietude that whenever Ramana noticed an earnest seeker falling off to sleep while meditating, he would advise a companion to "take him out to the temple or for a walk along the lake." Here it is important to remember that the waking state is the only available time for effective pursuit of self-enquiry and should not be frittered away particularly under the false belief that one is meditating and progressing.