Realization: Internal and Eternal

Sri Ramana Maharshi

Mr. V K Cholkar of Poona: It is said, 'Know Thyself' or see who the 'I' in you is. What is the way to do it? Is it by simply repeating the mantra mechanically all along or have you to do it, remembering every moment why you are repeating the mantra?

M: You are always repeating the mantra automatically. If you are not aware of the ajapa (unspoken chant) which is eternally going on, you should take to japa. Japa is made with effort. The effort is meant to ward off other thoughts. Then the japa becomes mental and internal. Finally, its ajapa and eternal nature will be realized. For it will be found to be going on even without your effort. The effortless state is the state of realization. 

Mr. Cholkar again requested instructions from a practical point of view, i.e., suitable to himself.

M: It is not external and therefore need not be sought elsewhere. It is internal and also eternal. It is always realized. But you say you are not aware. It requires constant attention to itself. No other effort is necessary. Your effort is only meant not to allow yourself to be distracted by other thoughts.