A koan about cultivating self-inquiry in the tradition of Ramana Maharshi:
One day, a student approached their guru and asked, “Guruji, how can I cultivate self-inquiry and discover my true nature?”
The guru replied, “Imagine you are standing on the edge of a great abyss, looking down into the depths below. What do you see?”
The student replied, “I see darkness and emptiness, with no clear path forward.”
The guru replied, “In the same way, cultivating self-inquiry requires that you look deeply into the depths of your own mind, confronting the darkness and emptiness within. Ask yourself ‘Who am I?’ and let your mind rest in that question, without seeking answers or resolution. In this way, you can cultivate a state of deep inner awareness and uncover the true nature of your being.”
The student nodded, understanding that cultivating self-inquiry requires a willingness to confront the unknown and embrace the darkness within, in order to discover the light of one’s true nature.
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