Sense-perceptions can only be indirect knowledge, and not direct knowledge. Only one's own awareness is direct knowledge.
Ramana MaharshiEvery living being longs always to be happy, untainted by sorrow; and everyone has the greatest love for himself, which is solely due to the fact that happiness is his real nature. Hence, in order to realize that inherent and untainted happiness, which indeed he daily experiences when the mind is subdued in deep sleep, it is essential that he should know himself. For obtaining such knowledge the inquiry 'Who am I?' in quest of the Self is the best means.
Ramana MaharshiActions themselves form no bondage. Bondage is only the false belief,"I am the do-er."
Ramana Maharshi