Sri Ramana Maharshi’s Self-Inquiry (“Who Am I?”)

* Focus : Direct inquiry into the fundamental nature of the “I”-thought. The primary practice is to constantly ask “Who am I?” and trace the origin of this thought.

 

* Method : Introspective, focusing on the subjective feeling of “I”. The aim is to see that the “I” is not the body, mind, or intellect, but the underlying Self (Awareness).

 

* Emphasis : Relentless and persistent investigation into the source of the ego. It’s a direct path that aims to dissolve the egoic identification.

 

* Silence : Sri Ramana often emphasized the importance of silence and stillness as the natural state of the Self, and self-inquiry helps to abide in that silence.

 

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj’s Self-Inquiry (“I Am”)

* Focus : Abiding in the feeling of “I Am,” the fundamental awareness of being, prior to any identification with thoughts, feelings, or the body.

 

* Method : Direct attention to the “I Am” consciousness. By holding onto this feeling, one can realize its impersonal and universal nature.

 

* Emphasis : Understanding that the “I Am” is the root of all experience. By realizing its true nature, the illusion of separateness dissolves.

 

* Spontaneity : Sri Nisargadatta’s teachings often involved spontaneous dialogues, cutting through conceptual understanding and pointing directly to the immediate experience of “I Am.”

 

The “222 of Self-Inquiry”

 

* Focus : Identifying the two main seeking patterns of the ego.

* Method : Ask : “Am I seeking comfort/pleasure?” and “Am I seeking self-contraction/tension?”

* Emphasis : Silencing ego’s motivations through repeated self-awareness of them.

* Practical Application : Apply two questions 6-8 times daily to experiences.

 

Key Differences :

* The Question : Sri Ramana’s primary question is “Who am I?”, Sri Nisargadatta emphasizes abiding in “I Am,” while The 222 of Self-Inquiry focuses on the motivation behind egoic seeking through his two questions.

 

* Approach to Ego : Sri Ramana’s method aims to trace the ego to its source and dissolve it.

Sri Nisargadatta’s approach is to dis-identify from the ego by focusing on the prior “I Am.”

The 222 method seeks to understand and reverse the ego’s core operating principles.

* Emphasis on Action : The 222 is very action-oriented, requiring consistent application of the two questions at least 6 to 8 times a day in relation to various experiences.

While Sri Ramana’s inquiry is also continuous, the focus is more on the internal investigation of the “I”-thought. Sri Nisargadatta’s emphasis is more on sustained awareness of the “I Am.”

 

Similarities :

* Rooted in Advaita : All three approaches stem from the principles of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the non-dual nature of reality and the illusory nature of the separate self (ego.)

* Direct Path : All three can be considered direct paths to self-realization, bypassing intellectual understanding and aiming for a direct experiential shift in consciousness.

* Importance of Self-Awareness : All three emphasize the crucial role of self-awareness and introspection in uncovering the true Self.

* Transcending the Ego : The ultimate goal of all three methods is to transcend the limitations and suffering caused by the ego.

 

In summary, while all three teachers guide towards self-realization through self-inquiry, The “222 of Self-Inquiry” offers a practical and “inclusive of the world” approach rather than that of an “avoidance, rejection or withdrawal” approach which could potentially happen following the Sri Ramana and Sri Nisargadatta styles of self-inquiry if there is lack of proper guidance.