You are the Goal!

Sri Ramana Maharshi
16.9.1945 Afternoon

A visitor asked, "What should be one, who is an absolute beginner, do in this (spiritual) line?"

Bhagavan: The very fact that you put this question shows you know what to do. It is because you feel the want of peace, that you are anxious to take some steps to secure peace. Because I have a little pain in my foot, I am applying this ointment.

Visitor: What is the method to be adopted for securing peace?

Bhagavan: The conception that there is a goal and a path to it, is wrong. We are the goal or peace always. To get rid of the notion that we are not peace is all that is required.

Visitor: All books say that the guidance of a Guru is necessary.

Bhagavan: The Guru will say only what I am saying now. He will not give you anything you have not already. It is impossible for anyone to get what he has not got already. Even if he gets any such thing, it will go as it came. The Guru cannot give you anything new, which you have not already. Removal of the notion that we have not realized the Self is all that is required. We are always the Self. Only, we don't realize it.