True Happiness

1. The Self is the ultimate reality, beyond body and mind

The Self is Pure Consciousness. Yet a man identifies himself with the body, which is insentient and does not itself say: 'I am the body'.

The eternal Self. The Self is the unchanging, ever-present reality that underlies all experience. It is not the body, mind, or any object of perception, but the pure awareness that witnesses all phenomena. This absolute consciousness is our true nature, always existing but often obscured by identification with passing thoughts and sensations.

Beyond all attributes. The Self transcends all qualities and limitations. It has no form, no beginning or end, and is not bound by time or space. Unlike the ego-self which is ever-changing, the true Self remains constant through all states - waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Realizing this eternal identity as one's own being is the essence of spiritual awakening.

The Self is:

• Pure awareness
• Unchanging and eternal
• Beyond all attributes and limitations
• Present in all states of consciousness
• The ultimate subject that cannot be objectified

2. Self-enquiry is the direct path to realizing one's true nature

All other methods lead up to Self-enquiry.

Investigating the "I". Self-enquiry involves turning attention inward to investigate the source of the "I" thought. By persistently questioning "Who am I?", the seeker traces consciousness back to its origin. This direct method cuts through mental concepts and leads to the experiential realization of one's true nature.

Dissolving the ego. Unlike other practices that may reinforce the ego, Self-enquiry aims to dissolve the false notion of a separate self. As attention is held on the feeling of "I", all other thoughts subside. Eventually, the "I" thought itself merges back into its source - pure awareness. This results in the natural state of effortless being, free from the limitations of ego.

Key aspects of Self-enquiry:

• Turning attention inward
• Investigating the source of "I"
• Persistent questioning of identity
• Dissolving ego rather than reinforcing it
• Resting in natural awareness

3. Surrender and devotion are alternative paths to Self-realization

Surrender to Him and abide by His will, whether he appears or vanishes; await His pleasure.

Ego dissolution through devotion. For those of a devotional temperament, surrender to God or Guru can be an effective path. By cultivating intense love and offering everything to the Divine, the ego gradually dissolves. Complete self-surrender leads to the same egoless state as Self-enquiry, though the approach differs.

Grace and effort. While emphasizing the importance of grace, Bhagavan also stressed the need for sincere effort. Surrender is not passive, but an active dedication of one's entire being. The devotee strives to align with divine will, relinquishing personal desires and attachments. This purifies the mind and prepares it for the ultimate revelation of non-dual truth.

Aspects of the devotional path:

• Cultivating love for God/Guru
• Offering all actions and their fruits
• Aligning with divine will
• Purifying the mind through devotion
• Balancing grace and personal effort

4. The world and individual ego are illusory manifestations of the Self

All this is Brahman. That alone is Real. There is nothing else.

The dream analogy. Bhagavan often compared the world to a dream - apparently real while it lasts, but recognized as unreal upon waking. Similarly, from the perspective of Self-realization, the seemingly solid world and individual self are seen as temporary appearances in consciousness. They have no independent existence apart from their substratum, the Self.

Non-dual reality. The teachings emphasize that there is only one reality - the Self or Brahman. The appearance of multiplicity and separation is an illusion (maya) caused by ignorance. Just as a rope may be mistaken for a snake in dim light, the Self appears as the world due to misperception. Realizing the non-dual nature of existence dissolves all sense of otherness and fear.

Key points on illusion:

• World compared to a dream
• No independent existence apart from Self
• Multiplicity caused by ignorance (maya)
• Analogy of rope and snake
• Realization dissolves sense of separation

5. The Guru's role is to guide seekers to their own inner truth

The Guru is both 'within' and 'without', as he creates conditions to drive you inward and at the same time prepares the 'interior' to drag you to the Centre.

External and internal guidance. The Guru functions both externally, providing teachings and creating conducive conditions, and internally as the Self within the seeker. The outer Guru points the way, while the inner Guru pulls one towards realization. Ultimately, they are not separate - the true Guru is the Self manifesting in a form appropriate for the disciple.

Beyond physical form. Bhagavan emphasized that the Guru's essence transcends the physical body. The real teaching occurs in silence, through a direct transmission of understanding. Even after the Guru's physical death, guidance continues for sincere seekers. The Guru-disciple relationship exists at the level of consciousness, not limited by time or space.

Aspects of the Guru's role:

• External guidance through teachings
• Internal pull towards realization
• Creating conditions for spiritual growth
• Transmission beyond words (silence)
• Continued guidance after physical death

6. Spiritual practice can be integrated into everyday life

It is wrong to suppose that if one is fixed in the Self, one's duties in life will not be properly performed.

Harmonizing practice and action. Bhagavan taught that Self-enquiry and other spiritual practices can be seamlessly integrated into daily life. One need not renounce worldly duties to pursue the spiritual path. In fact, everyday activities can become vehicles for practice when performed with awareness and detachment.

The world as a training ground. Rather than seeing the world as an obstacle, it can be viewed as a perfect arena for spiritual growth. Challenges and relationships provide opportunities to cultivate equanimity, compassion, and self-knowledge. By maintaining the attitude of a witness and remembering one's true nature, every situation becomes part of the practice.

Integrating spirituality in daily life:

• Perform duties with awareness and detachment
• Use challenges as opportunities for growth
• Maintain witness attitude in all situations
• Remember true nature amidst activities
• See the world as a training ground for realization

7. Self-realization transcends all concepts and experiences

There is no such thing as realizing the Self. How is one to realize or make real what is real?

Beyond all states. Self-realization is not a new experience or state to be achieved, but the recognition of what always is. It transcends all temporal states and experiences, including visions, powers, or ecstatic bliss. These may occur on the spiritual path but are not the final goal.

Paradox of seeking. Bhagavan often pointed out the paradox that the Self, being ever-present, cannot be sought or attained. The spiritual quest ultimately reveals the seeker's true nature, which was never lost. Realization is simply the falling away of ignorance, leaving only what is - pure being-consciousness-bliss.

Characteristics of Self-realization:

• Not a new experience or state
• Transcends all temporal phenomena
• Cannot be sought or attained
• Reveals ever-present true nature
• Dissolution of ignorance rather than gain

8. Detachment and dispassion are essential for spiritual progress

Detachment cannot be acquired by desperate effort. It is natural to the one who has realized.

Letting go of attachments. Cultivating detachment (vairagya) is crucial for spiritual progress. This doesn't mean suppressing desires, but seeing through their transient nature. As understanding deepens, attachment to objects, experiences, and even one's own body naturally diminishes.

Fruit of understanding. True detachment is not forced, but arises spontaneously from clear seeing. It is the natural result of recognizing the illusory nature of phenomena and the unchanging reality of the Self. This dispassion allows one to engage in the world without being bound by it, leading to inner freedom.

Aspects of detachment:

• Not suppression but clear seeing
• Natural result of understanding
• Diminishes attachment to objects and body
• Allows engagement without bondage
• Leads to inner freedom and peace

9. Concentration and mind control support the quest for Self-knowledge

For the subsidence of the mind there is no other means more effective and adequate than Self-enquiry.

Taming the wayward mind. A concentrated mind is essential for deep spiritual inquiry. Various practices like breath control, mantra repetition, and meditation can help develop one-pointedness. These serve as aids to Self-enquiry by reducing mental distractions and strengthening the capacity for sustained attention.

From concentration to inquiry. While concentration practices are helpful, Bhagavan emphasized that they should lead to Self-enquiry. Simply stilling the mind is not enough - one must use the focused mind to investigate its own source. This inquiry ultimately reveals the conscious presence that underlies all mental activity.

Methods for mind control:

• Breath awareness
• Mantra repetition
• Meditation on form or concept
• One-pointed concentration
• Using focused mind for Self-inquiry

10. True happiness and peace come from abiding as the Self

Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside.

Source of lasting joy. Bhagavan taught that true happiness is not dependent on external circumstances but is the very nature of the Self. Seeking pleasure in objects or experiences can never bring lasting satisfaction. By turning within and abiding as the Self, one discovers the source of unshakeable peace and joy.

End of seeking. Self-realization puts an end to all seeking and struggle. When one recognizes their true nature as pure consciousness, there is nothing left to achieve or avoid. This results in effortless being and spontaneous action, free from the burden of personal doership. It is the natural state of ease and fullness that all beings unknowingly seek.

Characteristics of Self-abidance:

• Recognition of innate happiness
• Independence from external circumstances
• End of seeking and struggle
• Effortless being and spontaneous action
• Natural state of peace and fullness

Last updated: July 23, 2024