On the surface, Ramana Maharshi's statement suggests that the reality you experience as the 'world' is merely a construct of your own mental activity. When your mind ceases its usual restless churning, this perceived world dissolves, implying it has no independent existence apart from your perception.

Within the Advaita Vedanta tradition, of which Ramana was a prominent exponent, this points to the concept of Maya. Maya is the cosmic illusion that veils the true, singular reality of Brahman – the Absolute Consciousness. The 'world' is seen as a superimposition upon Brahman, like seeing a snake in a rope in dim light. The mind, with its thoughts, desires, and attachments, is the very instrument that perpetuates this illusion. When the mind is silenced through practices like Self-enquiry ('Who am I?'), it ceases to project the phenomenal world. This stillness isn't emptiness, but the direct realization of the underlying, unchanging Self (Atman), which is identical to Brahman. The dissolution of the world is the dissolution of ignorance (avidya).

In your life: When you feel overwhelmed by external problems, try observing your thoughts without judgment. Notice how your mental state amplifies or diminishes the perceived severity of situations, and practice moments of quiet observation.