The Mind (Contd)

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Ramana explains that the terms individual, ego and mind are inter-changeable expressions. Just as one identifies him with the body, with a particular name and form, similarly the individual also identifies himself with the mind. It is the mind, which gives one the feeling of existence, the feeling that one is alive. Ramana says that one should examine, and understand the nature of the mind. If one does so he will find that behind every particular thought there is a common thought 'I'. It is the general thought and also the first thought on waking up. If we closely think one would be able to perceive a pattern. 'A' (I thought) + B thought followed by 'A' + C thought and from that to 'A' + D thought. B, C, D, are the thoughts which come and go but 'A' the individual remains the common link. Without me, there can be no thought for me. They are all my thoughts. Can we not therefore say that the individual is his mind? If you want to understand the mind, its true nature, you must pay attention to the subject 'I'.

For this also the method is the same as for your identification with a particular name and form. 'Am I the mind?' Wherefrom did my mind arise?' For it is your daily experience that there are no thoughts in sleep because the thinker is absent. The thinker too has disappeared only to reappear on waking. What is his source? Can there be multiplicity of sources? No, the source is one.

When attention is thus focused on the individual what would happen? To begin with the fast and uncontrolled movement of thoughts would slow down. One would be quickly aware that the mind's attention has shifted from the desired focus to another. To use Ramana's words "Running with the running mind" will gradually cease. Then the mind consciously dips into its source as it does unconsciously when sleep overtakes. We say consciously because it is as a result of steady practice that it has come about. Then this mind would be in repose, in peace as it is in deep sleep. Ramana says that this source of the mind into which it has merged is consciousness, intelligence and bliss. That is in fact your strength. Your mind will thereafter reflect the same power, same bliss. Your true nature as consciousness and bliss would be revealed to you.

The Heart
On the basis of his own experience Ramana gives a physical location for this source as being on the right side of the chest. He calls it the Spiritual Heart and distinguishes it from the physical blood pumping heart on the left side of the chest. Ramana compares it to the sun and the mind to the moon since it only reflects the light of the spiritual heart.