H.W.L. Poonja

H.W.L. Poonja, affectionately known as Papaji, was a direct disciple of Ramana Maharshi whose presence and teachings helped bring Advaita wisdom to countless Western seekers in the final decades of the twentieth century. Born in Punjab, he had spiritual experiences from early childhood and spent years searching for God before meeting Ramana, who showed him his true nature.

After Ramana's death, Papaji lived as a householder, working as a mining manager while maintaining inner stillness. In his later years, particularly after settling in Lucknow, his living room became a gathering place for seekers from around the world, many of whom went on to become teachers themselves.

Papaji's teaching style was characterized by joy, spontaneity, and directness. He often laughed while pointing to freedom, emphasizing that enlightenment requires no time because it is always already the case. His simple message—"Be still and know that you are That"—touched thousands of hearts.

Papaji emphasized the immediate recognition of freedom over gradual practice. He taught that enlightenment is not something to be achieved but recognized—it is our natural state, obscured only by the belief that we are separate individuals. He encouraged seekers to stop all effort and simply notice what is always already present: the awareness that is looking through their eyes right now.