Question: How do I stop trying to become enlightened? I know intellectually that the ‘me’ cannot become enlightened but I can’t stop. Am worried it will drive me crazy. Do I continue till the ‘me’ gets exhausted?
Sri Prabhuji:
We have to understand “Being” and “becoming”. Your true nature is “Being-Atma-Brahman”. Ego is an imposter claiming to be you. Ego identifies with the limited body and suffers. Ego wants to get out of suffering by becoming “Enlightened”. While real you has no problem, false you “ego” has no solution. Ego continuously tries to become enlightened.
What is the solution ? Ego has to find its root. This is the meaning of Self enquiry – who am I ? When ego finds its real nature – pure awareness, ego merges with the source. This is called enlightenment – no mind etc. No mind is the solution. Enquiry into your true nature and merge ego with the source – that will end the struggle.
Intellectual conviction is very important. Listening to vedantic teaching from an authentic master will help to get clarity and conviction. This is called Shravana (listening). Internalizing by clarifying doubts ( manana) will help. Abiding in SELF through the process of Nidhidhyasa helps to get rid of your previous impressions. Shravana-manana-nidhidhyasa has to be repeated until all impressions are eradicated.