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All living beings desire to be happy always without misery – Ramana Maharshi

The disciple’s experience of the Master’s Grace, whereby he gets spiritual awakening, is likened unto that of the elephant waking up from sleep on seeing a lion in his dream. Just as the mere sight of the dream-lion wakes up the elephant from his sleep, even so the mere gracious glance of the Master dispels the disciple’s sleep of ignorance and awakens him to the Real.

All living beings desire to be happy always without misery. To gain that happiness which is our nature and which is experience in the state of deep sleep where there is no mind, one should know one’s self. For that the path of knowledge, the enquiry of ‘who am I’ is the principal means.

The man who has not experienced his own real Self, thinking ‘I am this body’, sees himself as ‘I’, the first person of grammar. He sees another person whom he calls ‘you’, and refers to third persons as ‘he’.

These three distinct persons are not real. They are seen on account of the false notion ‘I am the body’. When the ego-soul is lost as a result of the quest of the real Self, only that Self, consciousness alone, will shine.
– Ramana Maharshi

Expansion of above quote - All living beings... principal means

The Universal Desire for Happiness

All living beings, regardless of their nature, culture, or environment, have an intrinsic and universal desire to be happy. This pursuit of happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated drive that influences actions, decisions, and life paths. Happiness is sought after as a fundamental goal, while misery is instinctively avoided. This universal quest underscores the importance of understanding what true happiness is and how it can be attained.

Happiness as Our True Nature

Happiness is not just a transient state but is argued to be the very essence of our being. This concept is especially evident in the state of deep sleep. In deep sleep, where there are no thoughts, desires, or sensory experiences, individuals often wake up feeling refreshed and content, having experienced a profound sense of peace and happiness. This suggests that happiness is intrinsic to our nature, unclouded by the mind's disturbances.

The Role of Self-Knowledge

To attain lasting happiness, one must delve into the nature of the self. This involves transcending the superficial layers of identity constructed by the mind and societal influences. By knowing one's true self, free from the confines of ego and mental constructs, one can reconnect with the inherent happiness that is often obscured by external factors.

The Path of Knowledge

The path of knowledge, or Jnana Yoga, is a spiritual practice focused on self-inquiry and the quest for understanding the true nature of reality and the self. The principal means of this path is the enquiry ‘Who am I?’ This inquiry involves a deep, introspective examination of one’s true identity beyond the physical body, mind, and ego.

The Enquiry 'Who am I?'

The question ‘Who am I?’ is not just a philosophical or intellectual exercise but a meditative practice aimed at peeling away the layers of false identification. By persistently questioning and investigating the source of the 'I' thought, practitioners can gradually dissolve the ego, revealing the pure consciousness or true self that is the foundation of all existence.

Practical Steps for Self-Enquiry

  1. Introspection and Meditation: Regular practice of meditation and introspection helps quiet the mind, making it easier to observe and question the nature of the self.

  2. Detachment: Cultivating a sense of detachment from thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences helps reduce identification with transient phenomena.

  3. Guidance from a Teacher: Learning from a knowledgeable teacher or reading texts by enlightened beings can provide valuable insights and direction.

  4. Consistent Practice: Persistence and consistency in the practice of self-enquiry are crucial for deepening one’s understanding and realization.

The pursuit of happiness is a natural and universal goal of all living beings. True happiness, however, is not found in external circumstances but in the realization of our true nature, which is pure, unconditioned consciousness. The path of knowledge, through self-enquiry with the question ‘Who am I?’, serves as the principal means to achieve this realization, guiding individuals to the profound happiness that lies within.