The Awareness is itself the "I" Ramana

[Guest guest]

Q: When I seek the "I" I see nothing.

Bhagavan: You say that because you are accustomed to identify yourself with the

body and sight with the eyes, but what is there to be seen? And by whom? And

How? There is only one Consciousness and this, when it identifies itself with

the body, projects itself through the eyes and sees the surrounding objects.

The individual is limited to the waking state; he expects to see something

different and accepts the authority of his senses. He will not admit that he

who sees, the object seen and the act of seeing are all manifestation of the

same Consciousness - the 'I-I'. Meditation helps to overcome the illusion that

the Self is something to see. Actually, there is nothing to see. How do you

recognize yourself now? Do you have to hold a mirror up in front of yourself to

recognize yourself? The awareness is itself the 'I'. Realize it and that is

the truth.

Q: When I enquire into the origin of thoughts, there is the perception of the

'I', but it does not satisfy me.

B: Quite right. Because this perception of 'I' is associated with a form,

perhaps with the physical body. Nothing should be associated with the pure Self.

The Self is the pure Reality in whose light the body, the ego and all else

shine. When all thoughts are stilled, pure Consciousness remains over.