Supreme State Arises On The Death Of The Ego – Ramana Maharshi

Ramana Maharshi points out that a person can achieve supreme state only after the death of the ego.

If during this quest of one’s own Self, the mind turns outwards, due to attachment to sense objects, the seeker should turn it inwards again by merging the world in the Self.

Just as waves, foam, etc., are only the ocean, and as the dream-world is only the seer of the dream, and nothing else, so the whole world is only myself and nothing else.’ This view is the merging of the world in the Self.

If during the quest of one’s own Self the mind turns outwards on account of its attachment to objects of perception, the seeker should turn it inwards again. He should bring the mind back again and again and re-engage it in the quest. There must be a resolve to become aware of the truth of oneself by means of the question, ‘Who is he that has this attachment to objects of perception?’

The aspirant for deliverance must be full of enthusiasm, with his mind in the sattvic mood. He should engage in this quest, remembering the teaching that time is unreal.

Always and everywhere there are doorways for getting at the question ‘Who am I?’ By any one of these the seeker must again and again engage his mind in this quest.

The answer to this question is not an intellectual conclusion. The correct answer to it is only the experience of the real Self. The supreme state arises on the death of the ego, the questioner who calls himself the individual self.

Additional Explanation - Further Teachings

The teaching above is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, particularly the quest for Self-realization, which advocates for the discovery of one’s true nature beyond the distractions of worldly attachments. This idea forms a central tenet of Hindu teachings about the nature of the mind and the path to spiritual liberation (moksha).

Expanded Understanding

The Quest for Self (Atma-Vichara)

The practice of Self-inquiry (Atma-vichara), which is encapsulated in the question, "Who am I?", forms the essence of this teaching. This process of introspection, famously expounded by Ramana Maharshi, encourages seekers to continuously turn inward to seek their true Self, which transcends the transient, external world. The “objects of perception” refer to the sensory experiences that the mind becomes attached to—sights, sounds, emotions, and desires. As long as the mind identifies with these temporary experiences, the seeker remains bound to ignorance (avidya).

The resolve to question “Who is he that has this attachment?” is the path to discovering that the true Self is beyond attachments. The Self is pure consciousness, unaffected by the external world. The mind’s tendency to turn outward toward objects is due to the force of karma, habit, and desire. Through repeated inquiry, the mind can be trained to turn inward toward the Self.

Symbolism

In Hinduism, this journey of the mind’s outward turn and inward return is often symbolized through various metaphors:

• The Chariot Analogy (Katha Upanishad): The mind is compared to the reins, and the senses to horses. If the senses are uncontrolled, they lead the chariot (body) astray. Only when the mind controls the senses can the chariot be driven toward the higher goal of Self-realization.
• The Lotus Flower: The lotus grows in muddy waters but rises above it untouched, symbolizing the individual’s ability to remain pure and connected to the higher Self, despite the distractions of the material world.

Importance of Self-Inquiry in Modern Life

Practicality in Day-to-Day Life

In today's fast-paced, distraction-filled world, people are constantly bombarded with sensory stimulation—through technology, social media, material pursuits, etc. The mind naturally gravitates toward these distractions, often leading to stress, anxiety, and a feeling of emptiness. In this context, the teaching to continuously turn inward is especially relevant.

For example, someone feeling stressed at work may be attached to external goals—success, recognition, wealth. By pausing and asking, "Who is the one experiencing stress?" they initiate the process of distancing themselves from the external circumstance. They may begin to recognize that the true Self is untouched by these external fluctuations. In doing so, they can find greater peace, regardless of external circumstances.

Developing Mindfulness

This teaching aligns with modern mindfulness practices. In both, the objective is to bring attention back to the present moment and to one's true nature, moving away from identification with fleeting thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness encourages us to "observe" the mind without attachment, much like Hindu teachings encourage questioning the source of the mind's activity. Both promote mental clarity, calmness, and resilience.

Similar Examples and Stories from Hinduism

The Story of King Janaka

One example from Hindu scriptures is the story of King Janaka. He was a great king who lived a life of extreme luxury and responsibility. However, he remained unattached to these outward circumstances. Despite ruling a kingdom, Janaka practiced deep Self-awareness. The sages and scriptures praise him for his ability to perform his duties without ever losing sight of his true Self. When questioned about how he managed to maintain such a state, Janaka would often say: "I do everything, but my mind is at rest in the Self." This symbolizes the ideal of living in the world while remaining unaffected by it.

The Bhagavad Gita: Karma Yoga

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important Hindu scriptures, teaches similar principles, particularly in the practice of Karma Yoga—the yoga of selfless action. In the Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to engage in action without attachment to the results (Chapter 2, Verse 47):

“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”

This teaching underscores the importance of acting in the world while remaining detached, similar to the advice of continually reining in the mind from external objects and directing it inward.

Additional Thoughts and Quotes

1. Sage Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras highlight that the mind’s tendency to become distracted is an obstacle to meditation (dhyana) and Self-realization. Sutra 1.2 says:

   “Yoga is the restraint of the modifications of the mind.”

   When the mind is no longer caught up in external objects, it can perceive the truth of the Self.

2. Adi Shankaracharya also echoes this teaching in his works, often stating that ignorance (avidya) causes individuals to mistake the non-Self (body, mind, external objects) for the Self. In the text Vivekachudamani (The Crest Jewel of Discrimination), Shankaracharya says:

   "The self-abiding in its own nature (swarupa) is untouched by the external phenomena."

Modern-Day Relevance

The constant redirection of the mind toward the Self is a practice that aligns well with modern challenges. In an age where external validation and sensory overload dominate, this teaching offers:

• Mental Clarity: By questioning the nature of attachments, individuals can reduce stress, anxiety, and mental clutter.
• Resilience: Detaching from the outcome of actions and focusing inward helps build emotional resilience.
• Self-Contentment: Recognizing that happiness comes from within and not from external objects leads to greater satisfaction in life.

Practical Steps for Modern Practice

• Meditation and Mindfulness: Regular meditation helps train the mind to detach from sensory objects and focus inward.
• Self-Reflection: Setting aside time daily to inquire into the nature of one’s thoughts, feelings, and attachments helps gradually shift the focus from the external to the internal.
• Gratitude and Simplicity: In a world of constant desires, practicing gratitude for what one has and living simply can reduce attachment to material objects.

The Hindu teaching on turning the mind inward is timeless. Its relevance in the modern day, especially with the rise of stress and distraction, is crucial. The continuous practice of Self-inquiry, mindfulness, and detachment from external objects fosters inner peace and stability. By regularly engaging in the question, “Who is he that has this attachment?” one gradually moves toward understanding the true nature of the Self—pure, unattached, and infinite.