Good question. It depends on the goal.

Often if you ask the right question, the answer is obvious, and the wrong questions can lead to over-analysis like I mentioned. There may be a few ways to take it.

I’ve heard a good metaphor where in the story of king Arthur, the knights had to enter the forest where it looked darkest to them. So, the place you don’t want to go most, perhaps the place that causes the most suffering and shining the light of awareness there (for example through questions like “what am I afraid of?”) can be an illuminating venture.

There is also another method of self-enquiry by Ramana Maharshi where the goal is to perceive selflessness or pure consciousness.

In Buddhism, the heart sutra follows similar lines.

In my view, using a technique to remove the distortions of the mind to achieve a clear meditative state, and then from this perception asking the questions you may have will offer the insight required. This state of consciousness won’t directly answer your questions, it is only a quality that from there can allow your mind to perceive more clearly.

If the questions are coming from a frustrated or desperate mind, answers will not come. Also, if we do not have enough experience, or we have mental blocks in the way of solving the problem, it can keep us from an answer. But this again can put someone in the trap of ‘never knowing enough’.

I think self-realization is incredibly valuable in answering deeper questions, it also presupposes that we are wholly sufficient unto ourselves which can avoid a victimhood mentality. That we have the answers within us.

Manly Hall, who I quoted from in the article, wrote “Self Unfoldment By Disciplines of Realization” — I have yet to finish it, though I have heard a few talks he has given on it and for realization itself, it goes something along the lines of relaxation, honesty, and finding time to dedicate all of your internal resources to realization. This could mean shutting off any external stimulation such as through meditation, isolation tanks, vipassana course etc. Maybe another ritual like a vision quest will help.

Does this help with your question?

Thanks for the comment.