From the book “Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi” 7th January, 1935 Devotee : What are the obstacles which hinder realisation of the Self? Maharshi .: They are habits of mind (vasanas). D .: How to overcome the mental habits (vasanas)? M .: By realising the Self. D. : That is a vicious circle. M .: It is the ego which raises such difficulties, creating obstacles and then suffers from the perplexity of apparent paradoxes. Find out who makes the enquiries and the Self will be found. D .: How long will it take for one to get that? M .: Why do you desire to know? D .: To give me hope. M .: Even such a desire is an obstacle. The Self is ever there, there is nothing without it. Be the Self and the desires and doubts will disappear