Discarding the Sheaths

Sri Ramana Maharshi

After the rise of the 'I-thought' there is the false identification of the 'I' with the body, the senses, the mind, etc. 'I' is wrongly associated with them and the true 'I' is lost of. In order to shift the pure 'I' from the contaminated 'I' this discarding is mentioned. But it does not mean exactly discarding of the non-self, but it means the finding of the real Self.

The real Self is the Infinite 'I-I', i.e., 'I' is perfection. It is eternal. It has no origin and no end. The other 'I' is born and also dies. It is impermanent. See to whom are the changing thoughts. They will be found to arise after the 'I-thought'. Hold the 'I-thought'. They subside. Trace back the source of the 'I-thought'. The Self alone will remain.

It is difficult to follow. I understand the theory. But what is the practice?

The other methods are meant for those who cannot take to the investigation of the Self. Even to repeat aham brahmAsmi or think of it, a doer is necessary. Who is it? It is 'I'. Be that 'I'. It is the direct method of the investigation of the Self.