That which makes the enquiry is the ego


“...when the Self is realised this goes on without any effort and what was the means becomes the goal." - 6/6/46 Day by Day

Paying attention is a process. A process which implies a frame of mind. We learn about and develop the ability to pay attention as we grow up. The practice of vichara is utilising this ability to pay attention in order to achieve a particular frame of mind. This is a temporary frame of mind during which "I" am paying attention. I am doing vichara. This frame of mind, this practice of vichara, is a part of one's own umwelt, one's individual world. Paying attention takes effort.

 "...you must concentrate to see where the I-thought arises. Instead of looking outwards, look inwards and see where the I-thought arises.”
 - 3/7/46 Day by Day

Whether outwards or inwards, paying attention takes effort. This effort is subjective. It is performed by me. It is a part of 'my' umwelt.

Dr. Srinivasa Rao asked Bhagavan, “When we enquire within ‘who am I?’ what is that?”
Bhagavan: It is the ego. It is only that which makes the vichara also. The Self has no vichara. That which makes the enquiry is the ego. The ‘I’ about which the enquiry is made is also the ego. As the result of the enquiry the ego ceases to exist and only the Self is found to exist.
- 21/11/45 Day by Day

“When once you have found what you seek, vichara (enquiry) also ceases and you rest in it.“
- Talk 186

“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.“
-  Talk 390

 Thereafter paying attention remains a process. When needed it arises. When it is not needed, vichara (as goal) automatically, without effort, re-asserts.

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