Biography
Ramana Maharshi was an Indian sage who, at the age of sixteen, experienced a profound spiritual awakening that revealed to him his true nature as pure awareness. Without any formal teaching or initiation, he spontaneously realized the Self and spent the remainder of his life at the holy mountain Arunachala in South India.
For over fifty years, seekers from around the world came to sit in his presence and receive his teachings. He spoke little, often communicating through silence, which devotees found more powerful than words. When he did speak, his teachings were remarkably simple and direct, always pointing back to the fundamental question of identity.
His life was characterized by extraordinary stillness, compassion, and accessibility. He treated all visitors equally—whether scholars, peasants, or animals—and his ashram became a refuge for seekers of truth. His teachings continue to influence spiritual seekers worldwide.
Teaching and methods
Self-inquiry (Atma Vichara): Ramana's primary teaching was the practice of asking "Who am I?" He taught that by persistently investigating the source of the "I"-thought, one discovers that the ego has no independent existence, revealing the ever-present Self. He also taught surrender to the divine as an alternative path, emphasizing that both methods lead to the same recognition of one's true nature as pure awareness.
Selected quotes
“ Do not tell this path to all. Only the few who manifest anxiety to know the Truth and an eagerness to find it, should be told. With all others be silent and keep it secret. ~ Conscious Immortality ”
“ The radio sings and speaks, but if you open it you will find no one inside. Similarly, my existence is like the space; though this body speaks like the radio, there is no one inside as the doer. ”
— Be As You Are (Arkana)
“ When you see that the mind invents everything, all will vanish. The good will vanish, the evil will vanish, and you will remain as you are. ”