Edward’s Diary Entry 10 - WAI?

Self-Enquiry (Vichara)

To facilitate the "Essentials" the one single method chosen was something exquisitely, even ridiculously, simple. I decided to use the direct method of “Vichara”, ie, Self-Enquiry, which involves mentally asking “Who am I?” (WAI) as often as possible throughout the day, at specific periods during contemplation, in free time, and in general whenever it can be remembered. This questioning of the “I” or Ego by the ”I” or Ego” was described by Sri Ramana Maharshi as follows:” The mind will subside only by means of the enquiry ‘Who am I?’ The thought ‘Who am I?’ destroying all other thoughts, will itself finally be destroyed like the stick used for stirring the funeral pyre. If other thoughts arise, one should, without attempting to complete them, enquire: ‘To whom did they arise?’ What does it matter however many thoughts arise? At the very moment that each thought arises, if one vigilantly enquires ‘To whom did this rise?’, it will be known ‘To me’. If one then enquiries ‘Who am I?’, the mind will turn back to its source (the Self) and the thought which had arisen will also subside. By repeatedly practising thus, the power of the mind to abide in its source increases…” All other methods involve retaining the Ego, even strengthening it, and in other methods doubts arise and will always arise until the eternal question “Who am I?” is ultimately tackled. No special practises are necessary to embark on this quest. Many people, when they feel the call of the so-called “spirit”, will latch onto the first teacher that comes their way, who may or may not be able to help them. But freer spirits will side with Ramana Maharshi, Krishnamurti and others like Zen Masters who proclaim: you need no teacher, you need no method, you need nothing but yourself and your Self-Awareness to seek Truth. Direct pointing to the heart and realisation of Truth. For Truth is already within you. It is not a question of believing or disbelieving. You have to prove it for yourself or it’s of no value. Because Self-Realisation is just that: realisation of one’s self by one’s self. A teacher can only point the way at some stage or other. That’s what Guru Nanda seemed to be telling me… so I had to test it out for myself.