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What is the importance of “being present” according to “Be As You Are”?
Effortless presence dissolves the chatter and reveals the ever-present Self. In Ramana Maharshi’s view, the present moment holds the ‘I’ thought—the root of all illusions. By fixing attention on “I am,” the restless mind lets go of past regrets and future worries, uncovering its own unchanging source.
• Revealing the True Self: Presence acts like a microscope, exposing the origin of awareness. When the mind stops wandering, it discovers the silent witness beneath fleeting thoughts.
• Freedom from Suffering: Just as modern mindfulness apps and digital-detox retreats promise relief, Maharshi’s teaching shows that staying here and now cuts through anxiety and regret. In an era of endless to-do lists and social-media highlight reels, being present offers a genuine reset.
• Spontaneous Compassion: Without mental loops hogging attention, empathy flows naturally. Front-line workers, community volunteers, even climate activists demonstrate presence in action, showing up fully to what truly matters.
• Gateway to Self-Inquiry: Every stray thought springs from that tiny “I” sense. Turning attention back to it sparks the question “Who am I?”—leading seekers into silence, the wellspring of wisdom.
Today’s global restlessness—from climate anxiety to remote-work burnout—makes Maharshi’s message feel more alive than ever. Scrolling through news feeds often fuels the fear of missing out, but a few seconds of inward focus can flip the whole script. Presence becomes both antidote and compass, steering away from mental noise toward a clear, spacious mind.
In the heartbeat between one breath and the next, everything essential is already here. As attention settles, the feeling of being a limited self dissolves, unveiling an unbreakable bond with existence itself. That quiet revolution awaits every seeker—no ticket required, just an open mind tuned to the frequency of now.