u/BrendynTVNotes

There are plenty of versions of self-inquiry. The most direct is Ramana Maharshi's version.

For each thought which comes one asks, "To whom does this thought arise?" It doesn't have to be this formal after a bit, but to get the momentum going (build a habit) and even be a little silly with it (less pressure), be formal. To whom does this thought arise?

The most obvious answer is "to me." Then one asks, "Who am I?"

Now the answer to this can't be a thought. Why? Well for each thought whuch comes, one asks "To whom does this thought arise?" So the process begins again – with every thought attempting to answer the question "who am I?"

Eventually you see "Who am I" is also a thought.

The expectation that Nondual Realization is something extraordinary is dropped.

"Your expectation of something unique and dramatic, of some wonderful explosion, is merely hindering and delaying your self-realization." –Nisargadatta Maharaj

"A day will dawn when you will laugh at your past efforts. What you realize on the day you laugh is also here and now." –Ramana Maharshi

First off, God doesn't have to be whatever concept you grew up with. It can be whatever is bigger than you. Higher Self? Nature? The Universe? Anything bigger than your personal problems.

This gives you a chance to see things from a bigger perspective.

> "A single thread in a tapestry, though its colors brightly shine, can never know its purpose in the pattern of the grand design." –Through Heaven's Eyes, The Prince of Egypt

Now that there's a high ideal to fall under, everything can be done in service of that ideal. Imagine that! All I do is in service of my higher self, nature, the universe or whatever is bigger than my personal problems.

Take it further. All I do is done by that high ideal.

"Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." –Jesus

"...the Supreme Controller resides in the hearts of all living beings. By His illusory energy He directs all their activities as if they were mounted on a machine." –Bhagavad Gita

"You are not the body. You do not have a body. You neither do nor enjoy. You are Awareness only—the timeless Witness. You are free. Go in happiness." –Ashtavakra Gita

"Be empty of worrying. Think of who created thought!" –Rumi

The most direct way to deal with thoughts.

Putting God First?