How is Self-realization obtained?

Sri Ramana Maharshi

V: The world is materialistic. What is the remedy for it?

M: Materialistic or spiritual, it is according to your outlook. Drishtim jnanamayim kritva, Brahma mayam pasyet jagat. Make your outlook right. The Creator knows how to take care of His Creation.

V: What is the best thing to do for ensuring the future?

M: Take care of the present, the future will take care of itself.

V: The future is the result of the present. So, what should I do to make it good? Or should I keep still?

M: Whose is the doubt? Who is it that wants a course of action? Find the doubter. If you hold the doubter the doubts will disappear. Having lost hold of the Self the thoughts afflict you; the world is seen, doubts arise, also anxiety for the future.

V: How to do it?

M: This question is relevant to matters of non-self, but not to the Self. Do you doubt the existence of your own Self?

V: No. But still, I want to know how the Self could be realized. Is there any method leading to it?

V: Make effort. Just as water is got by boring a well, so also you realize the Self by investigation.