Starting with the simplest tool—your own “I”-thought—Ramana Maharshi’s flagship practice invites a gentle yet relentless question: “Who am I?” Here’s how Be As You Are lays it out:

• Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara)
Sit quietly, ideally with eyes half-closed. Notice the sense of “I” that pops up with every thought or emotion. Instead of chasing passing ideas, turn attention back to the feeling of “I.” Whenever a thought arises, ask inwardly, “To whom does this thought appear?” The inevitable answer—“to me”—points straight back to that subtle “I”-sense. Keep tracing until awareness stands alone, free from mental chatter.

• Heart-Center Awareness
Rather than treating the chest as mere anatomy, feel the pulse of existence there. Gently place awareness on the heart region and let all “I”-thoughts converge into that silent space. In today’s world of digital overload, this feels like hitting the ‘pause’ button on notifications—only deeper, dissolving the stream of inner noise.

• Witnessing Mind
Imagine being an impartial observer of every sensation, emotion, or distraction, as if watching birds land, chirp, and fly away. This witnessing stance is a form of meditation where nothing is held onto. Thoughts still parade through, but clinging falls away effortlessly.

• Continuous Integration
No need for formal sit-downs only. Maharshi encouraged weaving self-inquiry into daily chores—washing dishes, scrolling through emails, or even morning stretches. As soon as the “I”-thought surfaces, invite it into awareness. Modern mindfulness apps are great reminders, yet this method flips the lens inward: catch the thinker rather than the thought.

• Resting in Silence
Periods of wordless retreat—whether a few minutes by candlelight or a weekend at a silent retreat—anchor the practice. In 2025’s noisy landscape, creating tiny pockets of inner stillness has never felt more like striking gold.

Each exercise boils down to mastering a single mantra-free movement: peeling back layers of identification until awareness stands naked and free. This straightforward, almost radical approach continues to resonate—no gimmicks, just the raw inquiry that’s fueled seekers for over a century.