Mind takes the very form of that which one contemplates

Mind constantly swings like a pendulum
between the reality and the appearance,
between consciousness and inertness.

When the mind contemplates the inert objects for a considerable time,
it assumes the characteristic of such inertness.

When the same mind is devoted to enquiry and wisdom,
it shakes off all conditioning
and returns to its original nature as pure consciousness.

Mind takes the very form of that which one contemplates,
whether it is natural or cultivated.

Therefore, resolutely but intelligently contemplate
the state beyond sorrow,
free from all doubts.

The mind is capable of restraining itself;
there is indeed no other way.

~ Yoga Vasistha

Q:How is the mind to dive into the heart?

Sri Ramana Maharshi: The mind now sees itself diversified into the universe. If the diversity is not manifest, it remains in its own essence. That is the heart. The heart is only truth. Mind is only a transient phase. Because a man identifies himself with the body, he sees the world separate from himself. This wrong identification arises because he has lost his moorings and has swerved from his original state. He is now advised to give up all these false ideas, to trace his source and remain as the Self. In that state, there are no differences, no questions will arise. All the sastras are meant only to make man retrace his steps to the original source. He need not gain anything. He must only give up the false ideas and useless accretions. He, instead of doing it, tries to catch hold of something strange and mysterious because he believes that his happiness lies elsewhere. That is the mistake. If one remains as the Self, there is bliss. Probably he thinks that being quiet does not bring about the state of bliss. That is due to his ignorance. The only practice is to find out "to whom these questions arise."

~Conscious Immortality

the one infallible means

Vichara is the process and the goal also. ‘I am’ is the goal and the final reality. To hold to it with effort is Vichara. When spontaneous and natural, it is realisation. If one leaves aside Vichara, the most efficacious Sadhana (spiritual practice), there are no other adequate means whatever to make the mind subside. If made to subside by other means, it will remain as if subsided but will rise again. Self-enquiry is the one infallible means, the only direct one, to realise the unconditioned, absolute being that you really are.

~ Sri Ramana Maharshi

The ending of suffering

Since you are intent on driving out suffering, you should know that your real nature is bliss alone.

Confusion and agitation are erroneous superimpositions upon consciousness, within which they have no real existence.

For all the many distressful diseases the peerless medicine is definitely the certainty of the real nature of the Self.

Why do you become distressed and suffer to no purpose over things that are not worthy of your concern? Let go of the mind's anxieties.

Those adepts who have perfected their sadhana will not become dejected and perturbed when they are beset by trials and tribulations.

In what way do lamentations benefit the jiva? The sensible policy is to terminate the tyrannical insurgency of the mind.

Until you enquire into your real nature, seeing and abiding as it, the triple miseries experienced by you will not cease.

~ Padamalai, Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi Recorded by Muruganar

Those who pursue the enquiry "Who am I?" until the last vestige of identification with the physical body is eradicated from their hearts, will be filled with the all pervading glory of the Self, shining alone as Sadasiva.

Praise to his holy feet, where the sun of truth rises, illuminating the boundless sphere of supreme bliss, which can never be expunged from the awareness of his devotees, whose stony hearts melt, as the senses' contamination comes to an end.

~ verses 411 & 419, Sri Ramana Anubuti