The Nature of the Mind

Ramana Maharshi taught that the mind is nothing but a collection of thoughts, and the root of all thoughts is the 'I' thought. When the 'I' thought is destroyed, the mind is destroyed.

Ramana Maharshi explained that the mind is not a separate entity, but simply a collection of thoughts. The root of all thoughts is the "I" thought. When one investigates "Who am I?" and traces the "I" thought back to its source, all other thoughts naturally subside.

The mind appears to be very complex, with countless thoughts and emotions. But at its root is just the "I" thought. When this root is destroyed, the entire mind is destroyed. What remains is the Self, which is beyond the mind.

This understanding is crucial for the practice of self-inquiry. One need not try to control or suppress thoughts. Simply by tracing the "I" thought to its source, all thoughts naturally subside, and the mind merges into the Self.