...it immediately becomes obvious what one IS. We can call it one's "True Self" to distinguish it from the false egoic separate self, but it can definitely be known. It is not known CONCEPTUALLY because it is not imaginatively dividing itself into abstract states. In fact, THIS that one IS can only know Itself when selfhood is seen through.
What do you think that the smell of coffee or a birdsound IS? It is YOU! YOU are THIS.
When the Buddha woke up, he reportedly said, "Lo and behold, in all the universe I am the only one." He had discovered that he was not Siddhartha Gautama. When people asked him, "Are you a man or a god?" he replied, "I am awake." The dream of "me" had ended and along with it any idea of self-improvement.
Ramana constantly talked about The Self waking up to Itself. His whole teaching revolved around self-inquiry, and he encouraged everyone to contemplate, "Who am I?"
Who or what is "you?" Discover THAT, and all of your ideas about self improvement and "a better quality of experience" will evaporate. Discover THAT, and you will get a big laugh at the joke you have played upon yourself.
What do you think that the smell of coffee or a birdsound IS? It is YOU! YOU are THIS.
When the Buddha woke up, he reportedly said, "Lo and behold, in all the universe I am the only one." He had discovered that he was not Siddhartha Gautama. When people asked him, "Are you a man or a god?" he replied, "I am awake." The dream of "me" had ended and along with it any idea of self-improvement.
Ramana constantly talked about The Self waking up to Itself. His whole teaching revolved around self-inquiry, and he encouraged everyone to contemplate, "Who am I?"
Who or what is "you?" Discover THAT, and all of your ideas about self improvement and "a better quality of experience" will evaporate. Discover THAT, and you will get a big laugh at the joke you have played upon yourself.
