Source of consciousness. 2nd edition. Swami Vishnudevananda Giri

The ATMA-Vichar method (self-study) is the most direct path to spiritual self-realization, from the very beginning, suggesting a vision of the ultimate goal of human existence-unity with the Absolute, the highest "I" (Atman). This method showed the world Sri Raman Maharsha. Its goal is to overcome the conditioning of consciousness with thoughts arising in it, which leads to the exit beyond the feeling of the “I”, or “ego”, to what is called liberation. ATMA-Vichara-meditation of the detection of an internal observer and false "I" is a direct path to awareness. All other meditative techniques, according to the Maharshi Raman, lead to ATMA-Vichar, prepare for it, but do not replace it. Vichara is practiced both as an exercise in a traditional meditative pose, and as a constant internal process during any action.

The practice of Atma-Vicharyn requires the knowledge of any abstract theories, the commitment of a philosophical doctrine or religion and can begin with the worldview zero.