This idea, ‘I am the body’, is not there during sleep. Everyone enjoys sleeping, and the reason we enjoy it is because there are no thoughts there. It is the thoughts that arise subsequently that cause us all our trouble.
There is no separate entity during sleep because no thought
has arisen to create the image of one. When waking comes, this first rising
thought, ‘I am the body’, brings separation, doubts and confusion. If you can
be without it in the waking state there will be the knowledge, ‘I am Ramana, I
am Arunachala. Everything is myself.’ Ram, Krishna, etc., are all you. It is
just this limiting ‘I am the body’ thought that keeps this knowledge, this
awareness from you.
In the waking state, the jnani has no limiting thoughts, no ego
that identifies with a name and a form. His state is crystal clear. Ramana
Bhagavan had no ego, no limiting thoughts, which is why he knew himself to be
this peace, this happiness.
The moment we attach with an external source or search for
happiness outside us, we develop ego and ignorance. It is this ego and ignorance
that shatters our peace.
Explanation:
n the waking state, the jnani (one who has realized the Self) experiences a profound sense of clarity and presence. This state is devoid of any limiting thoughts or egoistic identifications that usually characterize the ordinary human experience. The jnani does not identify with the transient aspects of existence, such as the body, mind, or personality, which are often encapsulated in a name and a form.
Understanding the Jnani's State:
No Limiting Thoughts:
- Transcendence of Dualities: The jnani sees beyond the dualistic nature of the world. Concepts like good and bad, success and failure, do not affect their inner peace because they recognize these as mere constructs of the mind.
- Mind as a Tool: For the jnani, the mind is a tool that can be used or set aside at will. They are not governed by habitual thoughts or patterns.
No Ego Identification:
- Ego Dissolution: The ego, which is the sense of 'I' as a separate individual, dissolves in the jnani. There is no sense of 'I' that claims ownership or authorship of actions.
- Unified Consciousness: The jnani experiences themselves as part of a unified field of consciousness, where personal identity merges with universal consciousness.
Crystal Clear State:
- Pure Awareness: The jnani's state of mind is often described as being like a clear sky, free of clouds. This metaphor indicates a state of pure awareness, unmarred by mental disturbances.
- Present Moment Awareness: They live fully in the present moment, without being influenced by past memories or future anxieties.
Ramana Bhagavan as an Example:
- No Ego: Ramana Maharshi, often referred to as Bhagavan, exemplified this state of egolessness. His sense of self was not tied to his physical identity or personal history.
- No Limiting Thoughts: His thoughts were not confined to personal concerns but were aligned with a broader, universal perspective. This enabled him to remain in a constant state of inner peace and happiness.
- Inner Peace and Happiness: Ramana Maharshi's realization of his true nature brought about a profound sense of peace and happiness. He recognized his true self as beyond physical form and mental constructs, leading to a state of perpetual contentment.
Key Concepts:
- Self-Realization: The realization of one's true nature beyond the ego and mind.
- Non-Duality (Advaita): The philosophical understanding that the self is not separate from the ultimate reality or Brahman.
- Inner Peace: The natural state of the jnani, arising from the absence of ego and limiting thoughts.
- Happiness: Not dependent on external circumstances but a reflection of the inner state of being.
Practical Implications:
- Living without Ego: Practicing non-attachment and observing thoughts without identifying with them can lead to a more peaceful and happy life.
- Mindfulness and Presence: Engaging fully with the present moment can help dissolve limiting thoughts and egoistic tendencies.
- Inner Inquiry: Techniques such as self-inquiry ("Who am I?") can help uncover the deeper, non-egoic self.
In essence, the state of a jnani, as exemplified by Ramana Maharshi, is one of profound inner clarity, peace, and happiness, arising from the dissolution of the ego and limiting thoughts. This state reflects the true nature of the self, which is beyond physical and mental confines.
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When we attach ourselves to external sources or seek happiness outside of ourselves, we develop ego and ignorance. This process unfolds in several profound ways:
Attachment to External Sources:
- Definition: This means relying on people, possessions, or circumstances outside of oneself for happiness and fulfillment.
- Impact: By doing so, we make our inner peace contingent on external factors, which are inherently unstable and subject to change. This can lead to anxiety, insecurity, and a constant craving for more, as the satisfaction from external sources is often fleeting.
Search for Happiness Outside Ourselves:
- Definition: This refers to the pursuit of joy and contentment through external achievements, material possessions, or validation from others.
- Impact: Such a search distracts us from the potential for inner peace and contentment that can be cultivated from within. It leads to a cycle of desire and disillusionment, as external sources cannot provide lasting happiness.
Development of Ego:
- Definition: The ego is a sense of self that is separate from others, often inflated by attachments to external validation and success.
- Impact: The ego thrives on comparison and competition, creating a false identity that is reliant on external approval and status. This can lead to arrogance, pride, and a sense of superiority, which separates us from others and from our true self.
Ignorance:
- Definition: Ignorance in this context is a lack of awareness or understanding of our true nature and the nature of reality.
- Impact: Ignorance manifests as a misunderstanding of where true happiness lies, often leading to a misguided pursuit of external achievements and pleasures. It blinds us to the inner sources of peace and contentment, perpetuating the cycle of dissatisfaction.
Shattering of Peace:
- Definition: The loss of inner tranquility and stability.
- Impact: The combination of ego and ignorance creates inner turmoil and conflict. The ego's constant need for validation and the ignorance of true sources of happiness disrupt our mental and emotional equilibrium. This can lead to feelings of emptiness, frustration, and discontent.
To summarize, the moment we look outside ourselves for happiness, we become entangled in a cycle that feeds our ego and perpetuates ignorance. This cycle disrupts our peace, as true contentment can only be found by looking within and recognizing the inherent joy and completeness of our own being. The path to lasting peace and happiness involves understanding this dynamic and shifting our focus from external to internal sources of fulfillment.