Good thoughts keep off bad thoughts. They must themselves disappear before the state of realization.
Ramana MaharshiYogas chitta vritti nirodhah - (Yoga is to check the mind from changing) - which is acceptable to all. That is also the goal of all. The method is chosen according to one's own fitness. The goal for all is the same. Yet different names are given to the goal only to suit the process preliminary to reaching the goal. Bhakti, Yoga, Jnana are all the same.
Ramana MaharshiCall it by any name, God, Self, the Heart, or the Seat of Consciousness, it is all the same.
Ramana MaharshiYou are awareness. Awareness is another name for you. Since you are awareness there is no need to attain or cultivate it. All that you have to do is to give up being aware of other things, that is of the not-Self. If one gives up being aware of them then pure awareness alone remains, and that is the Self.
Ramana Maharshi