Early Life and Self-Realization
Ramana Maharshi was born as Venkataraman Iyer in 1879 in Tiruchuzhi, Tamil Nadu. At the young age of 16, he had a profound spiritual experience that completely transformed his life. He experienced a sudden and intense fear of death, which led him to inquire deeply into the nature of the self. Through this self-inquiry, he realized his true nature as the eternal, unchanging Self beyond the body and mind.
Journey to Arunachala
Shortly after his self-realization, Venkataraman left his home and traveled to Tiruvannamalai, drawn by the sacred hill Arunachala. He spent the rest of his life in the vicinity of this holy mountain, which he regarded as the embodiment of Shiva.
Core Teachings of Ramana Maharshi
- Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara):
Ramana Maharshi’s central teaching was the practice of self-inquiry, asking oneself “Who am I?” This direct method leads to the realization of one’s true nature as the Self. - The Self as Pure Consciousness:
He taught that our true nature is pure consciousness, which is ever-present and unchanging, beyond the body, mind, and ego. - Surrender to the Self:
Ramana emphasized complete surrender to the Self or God as another path to realization. - Silence as the Ultimate Teaching:
He often taught through silence, demonstrating that the highest truth is beyond words and can be directly experienced in stillness. - All is the Self:
Ramana taught that everything in existence is a manifestation of the one Self or Brahman.
The Power of Presence
Ramana Maharshi’s presence itself was his most potent teaching. Devotees reported experiencing profound peace and spiritual awakening simply by being in his presence. His unwavering abidance in the Self created a powerful spiritual atmosphere around him.
Conversations with Devotees
While Ramana often taught through silence, he also engaged in conversations with devotees, answering their spiritual questions with profound simplicity and clarity. These conversations, later compiled into books, continue to guide seekers worldwide.
The Path of Jnana Yoga
Ramana Maharshi’s teachings align closely with the path of Jnana Yoga, the yoga of knowledge or wisdom. He emphasized direct self-realization over ritualistic practices or intellectual understanding.
Bhakti and Karma in Ramana’s Teachings
While self-inquiry was his primary teaching, Ramana also acknowledged the validity of devotion (Bhakti) and selfless action (Karma Yoga) as paths to realization, especially for those who found self-inquiry challenging.
Ramana’s Compassion for All Beings
Ramana Maharshi exemplified compassion for all creatures. He treated animals with great kindness and was known to communicate with them on a deep level. This demonstrated his realization of the unity of all life.
My Personal Connection with Ramana Maharshi
As I have often shared, Ramana Maharshi is my first love in spirituality. His life and teachings have profoundly influenced my own spiritual journey and teachings. The discipline of mind I learned from Ramana Maharshi – chittam viniyatam – has been a cornerstone of my spiritual practice.
For ten years, I read ‘The Gospel of Sri Ramana’ every night, absorbing his wisdom and allowing it to transform my being. His teachings on self-inquiry and the nature of the Self align perfectly with the eternal truths of Sanatana Dharma that I have come to revive and share with the world.
Conclusion
Ramana Maharshi’s life and teachings offer a direct path to self-realization that continues to inspire and transform seekers worldwide. His emphasis on self-inquiry, silence, and the ever-present nature of the Self provides a profound yet simple approach to spiritual awakening.
As we reflect on Ramana’s teachings, let us remember that our true nature is always here and now, waiting to be recognized. By turning our attention inward and inquiring into the nature of our own being, we can discover the eternal peace and bliss that is our birthright.
Nithyanandam! May Ramana Maharshi’s grace guide us all to the direct experience of the Self.