The experience of 'I am" is to Be Still

A visitor from Tirukoilur asked if the study of the sacred books will reveal the truth.

Sri Ramana Maharshi: That will not suffice.

D.: Why not?

M.: Samadhi alone can reveal it. Thoughts cast a veil over Reality and so it cannot be clear in states other than Samadhi.

D.: Is there thought in Samadhi? Or is there not?

M.: There will only be the feeling `I am' and no other thoughts.

D.: Is not `I am' a thought?

M.: The egoless `I am' is not thought. It is realisation. The meaning or significance of `I' is God. The experience of `I am' is to Be Still.

~ from Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi