Practising self-investigation (ātma-vicāra)

In a Zoom meeting with Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 14th November 2021 Michael James answers the following eight sets of questions about practising self-investigation (ātma-vicāra) and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings:

1. Bhagavan had mentioned that even thinking that I am not realized is an obstacle. Are there any more such obstacles which we may not realize as obstacles to Self-realization or practice of self-enquiry?
2. At the core of Bhagavan’s teaching is giving up our sense of doership. Can you offer any guidelines on how to identify the subtle sense of doership in our actions?
3. What are the signs that we are making progress and that we are the recipients of Bhagavan’s grace?
4. Is there a dramatic point in a spiritual seeker’s life when he/she gets a glimpse of the Self all of a sudden? Or is spiritual awakening a gradual process?
5. What are the signs of one who follows Bhagavan’s vichara marga vs. others who follow the path of devotion?
6. Is Bhagavan’s path a solitary one? What is the role of meeting in a group for satsang, in Bhagavan’s path?
7. What is the role of friendship with fellow devotees in our sadhana?
8. How does one recognize karma that is conducive to spiritual growth and learn to avoid getting entangled in unnecessary karma that is not spiritually beneficial?

While answering these questions, Michael also discusses the meaning and implications of various passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?), Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Upadēśa Undiyār and the note he wrote for his mother in December 1898.

This episode can also be watched as a video: 2021-11-14 Ramana Kendra, Delhi: Michael discusses practising self-investigation (ātma-vicāra).