Thoughts and Desires Keep You Away from Self

Sri Lakshmana Swamy

Q: You say that the mind does not exist. How can something that does not exist cause so much trouble and prevent us from being aware of the Self?

LS: If you are obsessed with such thoughts as "Does the mind exist?" or "How can something that does not exist be bothering me?", then these thoughts will keep your attention away from the Self. The jnani knows that the mind does not exist, but you will never discover this state if you spend your time indulging in thoughts such as these.

Q: If I am the Self now, what is preventing me from being aware of this?

LS: Your thoughts and desires. Get rid of them.

Q: You say get rid of desires, but one can only get rid of desires if one has fully satisfied them and grown tired of them. Otherwise it is just repression.

LS: The mind is like a fire which is fueled by thoughts and desires. If there are no thoughts or desires, then the fire of the mind will die out. Indulging in one's desires in the hope of transcending them is like attempting to extinguish a fire by pouring kerosene on it.

Q: But there is a problem. Wanting to be without thoughts is also a desire. There is no escape. One is either immersed in thoughts and desires or the mind is occupied with the desire to get rid of them. What am I to do?

LS: Your doubts are in the mind, and it is the mind that is preventing you from realizing the Self. Even if you get answers to these doubts, the answers are still only in the mind. Answers produce more questions, and these questions and answers will continue until you die unless you ignore the mind by keeping tour attention tuned towards the Self. Don't think about desires and how to get rid of them. Just be still and quiet and all your doubts and desires will vanish.

These questions and answers are not benefiting you. They are just filling your mind with thoughts. My last piece of advice to you s to be humble. Be humble at all times and your humility will take you to your goal.