D.: When I read Sri Bhagavan’s works I find that investigation is said to be the one method for Realisation.
M.: Yes, that is .
D.: How is that to be done?
M.: The questioner must admit the existence of his self. “I AM” is the Realisation. To pursue the clue till Realisation is . Vichāra and Realisation are the same.
D.: It is elusive. What shall I meditate upon?
M.: Meditation requires an object to meditate upon, whereas there is only the subject without the object in . Meditation differs from vichāra in this way.
D.: Is not one of the efficient processes for Realisation?
M.: is concentration on an object. It fulfils the purpose of keeping away diverse thoughts and fixing the mind on a single thought, which must also disappear before Realisation. But Realisation is nothing new to be acquired. It is already there, but obstructed by a screen of thoughts. All our attempts are directed for lifting this screen and then Realisation is revealed.
If a true seeker is advised to meditate, many may go away satisfied with the advice. But some one among them may turn round and ask, “Who am I to meditate on an object?” Such an one must be told to find the Self. That is the finality. That is .
D.: Will alone do in the absence of meditation?
M.: is the process and the goal also. ‘I AM’ is the goal and the final Reality. To hold to it with effort is vichāra. When spontaneous and natural it is Realisation.