Self-inquiry is not a new word for you. But, do you know what it means? I'll be very straight with you. Most of us are aware of the importance of self-inquiry but, but are unable to practice it. We've read that 'God' is the only truth. That He/She is present in all beings. That our true nature is of pure consciousness. And that's it's possible to experience oneself as the ever-free 'I'.
Self-inquiry is a method for practicing Jnana Yoga that was made popular by Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj. Although you can read hundreds of articles about their teachings and insights about the process, it is very difficult to learn about it from books or articles on the internet. You have to be with a mentor to learn about Self-inquiry. Here are some pointers on how to do self-inquiry, based on my own experience, knowledge of other teachers, and what I have learned about it over the years.
Self-inquiry teaches us to turn inward and observe our own minds. It focuses on systematic self-examination, a process of reflection and contemplation, an attitude of care, and alertness.
Self-inquiry involves one’s own reasoning ability. It can be used to arrive at greater self-awareness, to analyze one's own thought processes, or to examine one's motives for taking certain actions, as well as to study the nature of the mind. It is more commonly referred to as Atma-vichara, meaning introspection or examination of the Self, or Atma-nivedana, meaning self-revealing or self-disclosure.
Atma-vichara is one of the most important disciplines in Jnana Yoga, but it is by no means esoteric or difficult to understand. The beginner can start with simple questions that are more relevant to day-to-day life. For example, he can ask himself what his motives are for being unfriendly towards someone who has been rude to him.
Process of Self-inquiry/Atma Vichara
The process is simple. The first step is to still the mind. You can do this by repeating a mantra or by some other means. The second step is to look within. To do this, you ask yourself a question. This phrase, ‘look within’, is often misunderstood. It does not mean look inside your body or mind, but rather ‘look into your consciousness’.
The result of this practice is unbelievable. Mind reaches to its source without any meditation.
The Importance of Self-Inquiry/Atma Vichara in Bhagwad Geeta
Our scriptures have always given importance to the art of self-inquiry. This art not only gives us a proper judgment of ourselves but also helps in removing our ignorance in the quest for knowledge. It is in this quest that Lord Krishna in the Bhagwat Geeta always keeps advising Arjun to enquire about the inner self.
The Gita [Srimad Bhagwad Gita] has been called [by Maharshi Vyasa] the Anubhavamrita [drink for the thirsty]. The word anubhavamrita means that which relieves or removes (mrita) all sorrows and afflictions, and which is itself a source of great joy and happiness. The Gita has been given the title Anubhavamrita because it gives a direct experience of truth and removes all doubts and confusion born out of ignorance and false knowledge.
The Gita is a masterpiece. It gives an insight into Krishna's own Yoga, His own spiritual practice. Krishna says, "But this Yoga has been taught by Me to My dear Arjuna, for your benefit.
The importance of self-inquiry or aatma vichaar in Bhagwat Geeta. It is absolutely essential to practice jnana vichara during bhakti [devotion]. [This is because] when we want to know our true nature [swaroop], we will naturally and spontaneously engage in jnana vichara (the knowledge and inquiry of the true nature of the self).
The importance of "Aatma vichaar" in the Bhagwat Geeta was given by Guru Ji in Bhagwat Geeta, and actually, guru Ji actually told us the importance of doing aatma vichaar to self and enlightened us all about the importance and what is aatma vichaar in the Bhagwat Geeta.
Right now we see so many people suffering from depression and anxiety due to so many issues they are suffering from.
And the actual reason behind the suffering of these people is they don't even know how to find out what is bothering them by finding out their problems by finding out what is their actual worries about life. And suffering occurs when people suffering from suffering don't even know what is suffering all about.
Also, suffering occurs because people suffering from suffering do not have the right guidance about suffering, they don't have the right guidance about suffering due to suffering is caused by ignorance.
How many of us who know the great epic Mahabharata, know that one of the most important chapters of it is named as Aatma Vidya Parva?
Now Bheeshma Parva talks about the actual practical approach to spirituality in detail in this chapter. Most people think that spirituality means meditation, renunciation, leaving family, ahimsa, etc.
But, if we talk about what is a practical approach in Bhagwat Geeta, Lord Krishna explains to us how to be practical in spirituality by telling Arjun the three basic principles of Raj Yoga. These are Yama, Niyama, and Aatma Vidya Parva. He takes Arjun deep into exploring his own Self.
In this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna offers a direct challenge to Arjuna, who was troubled by the prospect of killing his relatives in battle. He responded with a flood of questions that shows us how overwhelmed he was by fear and self-doubt.
In his first question, Arjuna questions God's power or authority to create and destroy beings, although he does not use the word, god or gods. He uses the Sanskrit term Brahman instead. Brahman, which can be translated as supreme spirit, godhead, divine monads, or universal soul, is the creative energy of existence itself. We can think of Brahman as the Source or Power behind the Source of all existence.
