Begin by finding a quiet moment and turning attention sharply inward. The simplest instruction is to ask, “Who am I?” whenever the sense of “I” surfaces. Treat that “I” like a detective’s prime suspect, tracing it back to its source. Each time the mind drifts to thoughts about work, friends, or social media updates, gently withdraw and pose that same question.

Whenever a thought arises—whether about yesterday’s email or tomorrow’s errands—pause and ask, “To whom does this thought occur?” The instant answer, “To me,” becomes the runway for self-inquiry. Then inquire, “Who is this ‘me’?” Rather than getting tangled in ideas about body or personality, keep turning attention toward the bare “I”—no story, no label.

Mental vigilance is key. Picture the mind as a mischievous monkey that needs constant supervision. Each time it hops off after a stray thought, bring it back to its starting point. Over time, these brief check-ins—whether during a coffee break or waiting for a bus—build into a steady practice. It’s like cultivating a garden: a few minutes of weeding daily keeps wild growth at bay.

Once attention rests steadily on the sense of “I,” allow all other thoughts to dissolve into silence. This rest is not empty; it’s the living presence that underlies every experience. In that space, the illusion of separation gradually falls away.

In today’s whirlwind of notifications and endless scrolling, Sri Ramana’s method offers a direct shortcut—no apps, no gurus, just quiet inquiry. By consistently turning the spotlight inward, the genuine Self reveals itself, unmasked by the ceaseless chatter of the mind.