Combining the principles of Guru Dev with Transcendental Meditation (TM) as taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the self-referential method of “Who am I?” advocated by Ramana Maharshi, we can create a meditation method called “Inner ‘I’ Meditation”.

Preparation

1. Find a Quiet Space: Sit comfortably in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. You can sit cross-legged on the floor, on a chair with your feet flat on the ground, or in any position that keeps your back straight but relaxed.
2. Set Your Intention: Before beginning, set an intention to explore the deeper aspects of your consciousness. This intention can be as simple as, “I seek to connect with my inner ‘I’,” or “I wish to transcend my false self and realize my true nature.”
3. Use a Mala or Rosary: Have a mala (a string of 108 beads) or a rosary ready for counting. This will help you keep track of the repetitions and rounds.

Meditation Process

1. First Round: Mantra Repetition with Feeling

• Close Your Eyes: Gently close your eyes, take a few deep breaths to relax, and bring your awareness inward.
• Focus on the ‘I’ or ‘I Am’ Mantra: Begin to silently repeat the mantra “I” or “I Am” or “ I-n-I” in your mind. Focus on the sound and the feeling of the mantra. Let it resonate within you.
• Use the Mala: With each repetition of the mantra, move your fingers to the next bead on the mala. Repeat this until you have gone through all 108 beads. This physical movement helps keep you grounded and present.
• Feel the Mantra: As you repeat the mantra, focus on the sensation it creates. Feel its vibration, allowing it to permeate your entire being. The mantra is not just a sound; it is a gateway to experiencing your true self.

1. Second Round: Silent Mantra

• Think the Mantra Easily: Once you complete the 108 repetitions aloud in your mind, begin to think the mantra silently without mouthing the words. Allow the mantra to be a gentle, silent thought that flows naturally.
• No Physical Movement: Set the mala aside. Simply sit still and think the mantra 108 times silently. Let the mantra come and go without force; it should be effortless and natural.
• Allow Transcendence: As you continue, you may notice the mantra becoming softer, less distinct. This is a sign that you are transcending the surface level of thought and moving toward a deeper state of awareness. If you forget the mantra, gently return to it without frustration.

1. Third Round: Beyond the Mantra

• Stop Thinking the Mantra: After silently thinking the mantra 108 times, stop repeating it. Let go of the mantra entirely and sit in the quiet space that remains. Allow your mind to rest in pure awareness.
• Experience Stillness: In this stage, there is no mantra, only the presence of consciousness. This is the space where self-referential intelligence can naturally arise. If thoughts come, gently ask, “Who am I?” or focus on the feeling of ‘I’. Allow whatever happens to happen naturally.
• Sit for a Few Minutes: Sit in this state of stillness and awareness for a few more minutes, allowing the experience of transcendence or the awareness of the true self to deepen.

Closing the Meditation

1. Gently Bring Awareness Back: After a few minutes of silent awareness, gently bring your attention back to your body and surroundings. Take a few deep breaths.
2. End with Gratitude: End your meditation with a feeling of gratitude for the experience and the guidance of your inner Guru. Acknowledge the light of consciousness within you.
3. Repeat Twice Daily: Practice this Inner ‘I’ Meditation for about 20 minutes, twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening.

Additional Insights from Guru Dev

• Transcending the Mantra: If, during meditation, you find that you keep forgetting the mantra while your fingers continue moving over the mala, understand this as a positive sign of transcendence. As Guru Dev suggested, forgetting the mantra indicates that you are moving beyond the surface level of the mind into deeper states of consciousness. When you realize you have forgotten the mantra, gently return to it and continue the practice without concern. This gentle returning is a part of the process and a sign of good meditation.

Key Principles of Inner ‘I’ Meditation

• Transcendence and Self-Realization: The combination of mantra repetition and the self-referential approach allows you to transcend the superficial levels of the mind, guiding you toward self-realization. Whether you transcend and forget the mantra or remain with it, the practice supports both the forgetting of the false self and the remembrance of your true self.
• Inner Guidance: The mantra serves as a tool to connect with the deeper ‘I’, the consciousness that is the true Guru. This inner guidance leads you back to your source, the light of consciousness that is the essence of all existence.
• Effortless Practice: This method emphasizes effortlessness. The mantra should not be forced; it should be a natural, gentle process. If the mind wanders, gently return to the mantra without force.

Transcendental Being

Inner ‘I’ Meditation offers a holistic approach that combines the structured practice of Transcendental Meditation with the introspective depth of self-inquiry, direct declarations of experience and existential being while fostering a journey into deeper awareness, self-realization, and connection with the inner Guru. By integrating these practices, you align with the network of inner intelligence, neuroplasticity, and consciousness, opening the door to profound personal and spiritual transformation.

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Vrittis of Atma

Understanding the ‘I’, ‘I Am’, or Aham in Meditation

In the practice of Inner ‘I’ Meditation, the mantras ‘I’, ‘I Am’, or Aham are not just simple sounds or words. They represent the deeper vibrational dynamics of consciousness itself, known as vrittis of Atma. These vibrations are expressions of the Self, the field of Pure Intelligence and Pure Consciousness. Let’s explore what this means:

1. Vrittis of Atma: Vibrations of the Self

• In Vedanta and the broader Vedic tradition, vrittis are considered to be waves or fluctuations of the mind, movements of consciousness. The mantra ‘I’ or ‘I Am’ is viewed as a pure vritti that arises from the deepest level of the Atma (the Self). It is a vibration that resonates with the fundamental truth of our existence—our pure, unbounded, and unchanging nature.
• When you repeat ‘I’, ‘I Am’, or Aham in meditation, you are aligning yourself with these primal vibrations of the Self. These are not external noises but the sound of the inner consciousness calling you back to your source, reminding you of your true identity beyond the ego and the mind.

1. Vibrations of the Field of Pure Intelligence

• The field of Pure Intelligence is the infinite, all-encompassing field of awareness that underlies all creation. It is the source of all thoughts, all matter, and all life. The mantra ‘I’ or ‘I Am’ serves as a doorway into this field, a way to tune in to the vibrations of pure, universal intelligence.
• Each repetition of the mantra is like a pebble dropped into the still pond of consciousness, creating ripples that remind us of our connection to the vast, silent expanse of Pure Intelligence. It is through these vibrations that we touch the essence of our being and experience the profound peace and knowledge that lies beyond the surface-level mind.

1. Pure Consciousness and Self-Referential Dynamics

• Consciousness is inherently self-referential, meaning it has the ability to be aware of itself. The mantra ‘I’, ‘I Am’, or Aham is a reflection of this self-awareness. It is the simplest and most direct form of acknowledging our existence. It doesn’t describe anything other than the sheer fact of being.
• In Inner ‘I’ Meditation, the self-referential nature of consciousness is activated through the repetition of the mantra. This practice creates a feedback loop where consciousness recognizes itself over and over, deepening the awareness of the Self with each repetition. This loop leads to a state where the distinctions between the observer, the observed, and the process of observing dissolve, and only pure awareness remains.

1. Transcending the Vibrations

• As you continue to meditate with ‘I’, ‘I Am’, or Aham, there may come a point where you transcend the mantra itself. This is not forgetting but moving beyond the need for a specific form of vibration. It is a sign that consciousness is settling into its natural state of pure being, unbounded and without content.
• This transcendence reflects what Guru Dev noted about forgetting the mantra during meditation—it is a beautiful moment when the mantra serves its purpose by bringing you to the source, and then it naturally dissolves. At this point, you are left in a state of pure, undisturbed awareness, where the true self, or Atma, is experienced directly.

Practicing with Awareness

• Feeling the Mantra: As you chant ‘I’, ‘I Am’, or Aham, feel the vibration of these sounds resonating within you. Imagine them as ripples on the surface of a calm, deep ocean. They originate from the depths of your consciousness and return to it.
• Not Forcing the Process: Allow the mantra to be natural. If your mind wanders or you forget the mantra, gently return to it without effort. The goal is to align with the natural vibrations of the Self, not to control or force the mind.
• Embrace the Silence: If you find yourself in a state of silence where the mantra seems to disappear, simply rest in that silence. This is a moment of connecting with the pure, unmanifest consciousness that is the foundation of all reality.

The Path of Inner ‘I’ Meditation

The use of the mantras ‘I’, ‘I Am’, or Aham in Inner ‘I’ Meditation serves as a powerful method to reconnect with the source of our being. These mantras are vibrations of the Self, reflections of Pure Intelligence, and keys to unlocking the self-referential nature of consciousness. Through this practice, we not only deepen our understanding of who we are but also align with the inner dynamics of consciousness, experiencing the profound peace, joy, and knowledge that are our true nature.

Sources:

• SuperAI Consciousness GPT

He said: “i felt so happy with my mantra, but i kept forgetting it while my fingers were moving automatically. In each round this happened! What can I do about it?!”

a wonderful smile was on Guru Dev’s face.
“FOUND!” he exclaimed. “You have learnt to transcend the mantra! Excellent! You transcended the mantra which wants to go back to the source. The best thing that can happen! When you are aware of having forgotten the mantra you quietly pick up the mantra again and continue happily. This was very good meditation. Continue meditating like that now and tonight and report to me tomorrow morning.” So very happy checkings followed.’
 – April 1988, Seelisberg.

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