Just Be Aware

Sunset in Rocky Point!

A young man asked Ramana Maharshi: “J. Krishnamurti teaches the method of effortless and choiceless awareness as distinct from that of deliberate concentration. Would you please explain how best to practice meditation and what form the object of meditation should take?” 

Ramana Maharshi: “Effortless and choiceless awareness is our real nature. If we can attain it or be in that state, it is all right. But one cannot reach it without effort, the effort of deliberate meditation. 

“All the age-long vasanas [mental tendencies] carry the mind outward and turn it to external objects. All such thoughts have to be given up and the mind turned inward. For that, effort is necessary for most people. Of course everybody, every book says: ‘Be quiet or still.’ But it is not easy. That is why all this effort is necessary. 

“Even if we find one who has at once achieved the Supreme state, you may take it that the effort necessary has already been finished in a previous life. So that, effortless and choiceless awareness is reached only after deliberate meditation. 

“That meditation can take any form which appeals to you best. See what helps you to keep away all other thoughts and adopt that method for your meditation.”

“Turn your attention back upon yourself and observe.” -Lin-chi

“Just be aware, mirrorlike, right now.” -Pai-chang

“You simply must pay attention.” -Yun-men

“Keep watching whatever you do until this work becomes pure and refined to the point where in one moment you merge and see the original face, the scenery of the original ground.” -Daio

Be self-aware: Know you are aware.