How to enquire – selfenquiry.me

How to Enquire

Self-enquiry is the direct path to knowing oneself—who we truly are. Instead of seeking answers outside or analyzing thoughts, this practice turns attention inward to the very source of ‘I’.

By questioning the reality of the ‘I’ (ego) and tracing it back to its origin, the illusion of separation dissolves, revealing the ever-present Self.

Below is a simple explanation of the process, making it easy to follow and practice.

The Biggest Obstacle

The biggest obstacle to Self-enquiry is the deep-rooted belief that “I am the body.”

This assumption is not just an idea in the conscious mind—it is a subconscious identification that shapes how we experience ourselves and the world.

In reality, what we call ‘the body’ is actually made up of five layers—the physical body, vital energy, mind, intellect, and the bliss sheath.

The body is a form of five sheaths. Therefore, all five are included in the term ‘body’.

~ Uḷḷadu Nārpadu (Verse 5) ~

However, if we look closely, we realize that the belief “I am the body” itself is just a thought.

Before this thought arises, something even more fundamental comes first—the primary ‘I’-thought.

To think “I am the body,” the sense of “I” must first arise.

Without the ‘I’ arising, or without the fundamental feeling “I exist,” can one say “I am the body”?

This makes it clear that the first-person sense of ‘I’ gives rise to all other thoughts, and that our entire experience is shaped by this ‘I’.

To correct our misconceptions, we should not focus on changing thoughts but instead turn inward and investigate the fundamental ‘I’ at its source.

Of all the thoughts that arise in the mind, the ‘I’-thought is the first. It is only after the rise of this that the other thoughts arise.

~ Who am I? (Para 9) ~

Shifting Focus to the Thinker

Normally, when thoughts arise, we try to analyze them—searching for solutions, explanations, and meaning. But in Self-enquiry, the approach is entirely different.

Instead of engaging with thoughts, we turn our attention to the one who is thinking.

This is the key step—instead of following each thought, we shift our focus to the thinker behind the thought.

By doing so, we break free from the endless cycle of mental activity and begin to uncover the source from which all thoughts arise.

This inward shift marks the beginning of true self-discovery.

When other thoughts arise, one should not pursue them, but should inquire: ‘To whom do they arise?’

~ Who am I? (Para 11) ~

Disengaging from Thoughts

As we start to disengage from our thoughts, we begin to notice something important—the mind quickly jumps from one thought to another.

This is completely natural, so there is no need to feel frustrated or discouraged. The mind is simply doing what it has always done.

Here, instead of chasing one thought after another or trying to stop them, we take a different approach.

We gently bring our attention back to ourselves and ask:

“To whom has this thought arisen?”

The answer is always the same:

“To me.”

After all, is there anyone else who thinks on our behalf?

Now, we do not stop here. Instead, we go one step further and enquire:

‘Who am I?’

The objective is to enquire into the first-person ‘I’—our most immediate experience—one whose nature is often misunderstood.

Thereupon if one inquires ‘Who am I?’, the mind will go back to its source; and the thought that arose will become quiescent.

~ Who am I? (Para 11) ~

Most people assume that the “I” (ego) refers to something tangible—the body, the mind, or a combination of both.

However, careful examination shows that this is not the case.

We must also ensure that the enquiry “Who am I?” does not turn into an intellectual question, leading to more mental activity.

Instead, it should act as a tool to draw the mind back to its source, allowing thoughts to dissolve into stillness.

This is where many seekers encounter difficulty—mistaking enquiry for mere contemplation rather than direct inner experience.

If you seek the ego you will find that it does not exist. That is the way to destroy it.

~ Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi ~

Experiencing the “I”

As stated before, Self-enquiry is not a mental process.

It is not about analyzing or thinking of the ‘I’. Rather, it is about directly experiencing the sense of ‘I’.

This sense of being, when not associated with the body or mind, is naturally felt in the Heart (not the physical heart, but the centre of awareness within).

It is a silent, steady presence—not a thought to be grasped, but a reality to be recognized.

By remaining with this pure sense of ‘I’, the mind gradually dissolves into its source, revealing the Self.

By constantly keeping our aim on our source, our ego is dissolved in its source, like a doll of salt in the ocean.

~ Talks With Sri Ramana Maharshi ~

Resting in the Self

The ultimate goal of Self-enquiry is not to intellectually answer “Who am I?” but to dissolve the questioner itself.

Instead of following thoughts outward, we turn inward, bringing the mind to its source.

As this practice deepens, the usual “I”-thought in the head gives way to the pure “I” feeling in the Heart.

This shift breaks the illusion of being a separate self with a separate body.

To stabilize this realization, the practice must be repeated many times a day—until the mind, instead of running outward, naturally abides in its source.

What then remains is silence—pure, changeless, self-effulgent. It is not something new to be attained; it is what you have always been.

This Page Evolves

This page will continue to grow over time with more insights. Feel free to check back for new additions.

Realise your own Self. Others can take care of themselves.

~ Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi ~