D.

: Cannot samsara be got rid of by any means other than making the
mind still?
M.: Absolutely by no other means; neither the Vedas, nor the
shastras nor austerities, nor karma, nor vows, nor gifts, nor recital of
scriptures of mystic formulae (mantras), nor worship, nor anything
else, can undo the samsara. Only stillness of mind can accomplish the
end and nothing else.
D.: The scriptures declare that only Knowledge can do it. How then
do you say that stillness of the mind puts an end to samsara?
M.: What is variously described as Knowledge, Liberation, etc., in the
scriptures, is but stillness of mind.
D.: Has any one said so before?
M.: Sri Vasishta had said: When by practice the mind stands still, all
illusions of samsara disappear, root and branch. Just as when the
ocean of milk was churned for its nectar, it was all rough, but became
still and clear after the churn (viz., mount Mandara) was taken out, so
also the mind becoming still, the samsara falls to eternal rest.
Source: ADVAITA BODHA DEEPIKA Book

4. Is the state of ‘being still’ a state involving effort or effortless?

It is not an effortless state of indolence. All mundane activities which
are ordinarily called effort are performed with the aid of a portion of
the mind and with frequent breaks. But the act of communion with
the Self (atma vyavahara) or remaining still inwardly is perfect effort,
which is performed with the entire mind and without break.
Maya (delusion or ignorance) which cannot be destroyed by any
other act is completely destroyed by this perfect effort, which is
called ‘silence’ (mouna).
Spiritual Instruction, revised form by David Godman