The degree of the absence of thoughts is the measure of your progress towards Self-Realisation. But Self-Realisation itself does not admit of progress; it is ever the same. The Self remains always in realisation. The obstacles are thoughts. Progress is measured by the degree of removal of the obstacles to understanding that the Self is always realised. So thoughts must be checked by seeking to whom they arise. So you go to their Source, where they do not arise.

~ Sri Ramana Maharshi

...from: Talk 618; 1st February, 1939

The ancient Masters
didn't try to educate the people,
but kindly taught them to not-know.

When they think that they know the answers,
... people are difficult to guide.
When they know that they don't know,
people can find their own way.

If you want to learn how to govern,
avoid being clever or rich.
The simplest pattern is the clearest.
Content with an ordinary life,
you can show all people the way
back to their own true nature.

~ Lao Tzu (`Tao Te Ching’, verse 65)See more