Sri Ramana Maharshi points out that spiritual progress is not easily seen or noticed.
Question: We have travelled far and wide in search of Enlightenment. How can we get it?
Sri Ramana Maharshi: Through deep enquiry and constant meditation.
Question: Many people do meditate in the West but show no signs of progress.
Maharshi: How do you know that they don't make progress? Spiritual progress is not easily discernible.
Question: A few years ago I got some glimpses of the Bliss but in the years that followed I lost it again. Then last year I again got it. Why is that?
Maharshi: You lost it because your meditation had not become natural (sahaja). When you become habitually inturned the enjoyment of spiritual beatitude becomes a normal experience.
Question: Might it be due to the lack of a Guru?
Maharshi: Yes, But the Guru is within. That Guru who is within is identical with your Self.
Question: What is the way to God realisation?
Maharshi: Vichara, asking yourself Who am I' — enquiry into the nature of your Self.
Question: What is the best way to attain Godhood?
Maharshi: Self-enquiry leads to Self - Realisation.
Hurst : Is it possible to develop along the path of the Spirit while leading a life of work?
Maharshi : There is no conflict between work and wisdom. On the contrary, selfless work paves the way to Self knowledge.
Question: Does the Maharshi know whether an Avatar already exists in the physical body?
Maharshi: Everyone is an Avatar of God. Buddha, Krishna, all are in you. One who knows the Truth sees everyone else as a manifestation of God.