Papaji, also known as H.W.L. Poonja, was a renowned Advaita Vedanta teacher who shared the message of self-inquiry as a means to realize one's true nature. His teachings were centered around the understanding of non-dual consciousness and the realization of the Self.

Self-inquiry, or self-investigation, played a crucial role in Papaji's teachings. He believed that the ultimate goal of life was to discover one's true nature, which is pure consciousness. This can be achieved through self-inquiry, which involves questioning the nature of the self and seeking the source of one's thoughts and emotions.

Papaji emphasized that the mind is the root cause of all suffering and that liberation can only be attained by transcending the mind. He taught that the mind is like a mirror, reflecting the images of the world, and that the true Self is beyond the mind and its perceptions.

Through self-inquiry, Papaji encouraged his students to question the nature of their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. By constantly questioning and investigating the mind, one can realize that the mind is not the true Self, but only a temporary aspect of one's being. This understanding leads to the dissolution of the ego, which is the source of all suffering.

According to Papaji, self-inquiry is a direct path to self-realization. It is not a practice or a technique, but a way of being. He believed that the mind is constantly seeking happiness and fulfillment in external objects, but true happiness can only be found within oneself. By inquiring into the nature of the self, one can discover the infinite and eternal source of happiness within.

Papaji also emphasized the importance of surrender in self-inquiry. He taught that one must surrender all desires, concepts, and attachments to the mind in order to realize the true Self. This surrender is not an act of will, but a natural result of self-inquiry and the understanding that the mind is not the true Self.

In conclusion, self-inquiry played a central role in Papaji's teachings. He believed that it was the most direct and effective means to realize the true nature of the Self and attain liberation from the mind and its illusions. Through self-inquiry, one can discover the ultimate truth of non-dual consciousness and experience the bliss and peace of the true Self.