Realization

It is false to speak of realization. What is there to realize it? The real
is as it is, ever. How to realize it? All that is required is this. We have
realized the unreal i.e., regarded as real what is unreal. We have to give
up this attitude. That is all that is required for us to attain jnana. We
are not creating anything new or achieving something which we did not have
before. The illustration given in the books is this. We dig a well and
create a huge pit. The akasa (space) in the pit or well has not been created
by us. We have just removed the earth which was filling the akasa there. The
akasa was there, then, and is also there now. Similarly, we have simply to
throw out all the age long samskaras (innate tendencies) which are inside
us. When all of them have been given up the Self will shine alone.
Effortless and choiceless awareness is our real state. If we can attain it
or be in it, it is all right. But one cannot reach it without effort, the
effort of deliberate meditation. All the age long vasanas (impressions)
carry the mind outwards and turn it to external objects. All such thoughts
have to be given up and the mind turned inward. For that effort is
necessary, for most people. Of course, everybody, every book says 'Be quiet
or still'. But it is not easy. That is why all this effort is necessary.
Even if you find one who has at once achieved the mouna (silence) or supreme
state indicated, you may take it that the effort necessary has already been
completed in a previous life. Such effortless and choiceless awareness is
reached only after deliberate meditation.

(Gems from Bhagavan
The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi
Compiled by A. Devaraja Mudaliar - 1993 Edition)