Sri Ramana Maharshi
Ignorance - ajnAna - is of two kinds: Forgetfulness of the Self and Obstruction to the knowledge of the Self.
Aids are meant for eradicating thoughts; these thoughts are the re-manifestations of predispositions remaining in seed form; they give rise to diversity from which all troubles arise. These aids are: hearing the truth from the master (shravana) etc. The effects of shravana may be immediate and the disciple realizes the truth all at once. This can happen only for the well-advanced disciple. Otherwise, the disciple feels that he is unable to realize the truth, even after repeatedly hearing it. What is it due to? Impurities in his mind: ignorance, doubt and wrong identity are the obstacles to be removed.
1. To remove ignorance completely, he has to hear the truth repeatedly, until his knowledge of the subject-matter becomes perfect;
2. To remove doubts, he must reflect on what he has heard; ultimately his knowledge will be free from doubts of any kind;
3. To remove the wrong identity of the Self with the non-self (such as the body, the senses, the mind or the intellect) his mind must become one-pointed.
All these things accomplished, the obstacles are at an end and samAdhi results, that is, Peace reigns.
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