Ramana Maharshi
Discover the life and teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950), the Indian sage of self-inquiry. Learn about his early awakening, philosophy, method, influence, and powerful quotes for inner transformation.
Introduction
Sri Ramana Maharshi is one of modern India’s most revered spiritual teachers. Though he never sought fame or status, his presence, silence, and method of self-inquiry (“Who am I?”) have drawn seekers from around the world. He taught that the essence of spiritual practice is turning inward to realize one’s true Self beyond thought and ego.
In this article, we revisit his life, key teachings, philosophical insights, memorable quotes, and lessons that remain relevant in our fast-paced age.
Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Ramana Maharshi was born Venkataraman Iyer on December 30, 1879 in Tiruchuli (in what is now Tamil Nadu, India). His early life was unremarkable: he was a quiet, introspective boy, and not especially drawn to conventional religious practices.
At about age 16, Ramana experienced a profound event: an intense fear of death gripped him, and he turned inward seeking the source of the “I.” In that moment, he had what is often described as a “death experience” or awakening, in which he realized that what dies is the body, not the eternal Self. Arunachala (a sacred mountain) in Tiruvannamalai, where he remained in solitude and gradually became known as a saint.
Over time, devotees gathered around him, and an ashram formed near the slopes of Arunachala, where Ramana lived and taught until his passing on April 14, 1950.
Though he lived in the 20th century, his teachings are deeply rooted in the Vedantic tradition—especially nondualism (Advaita)—while remaining simple, direct, and accessible.
Philosophy & Method
Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara)
Ramana’s signature teaching is self-inquiry, particularly through the question “Who am I?” (Tamil: N?n y?r?). He counseled seekers to turn attention back to the sense of “I”—the “I-thought”—and trace it to its source. In doing so, the egoic sense gradually dissolves, revealing the true Self, which is ever present, timeless, and unchanging.
This inquiry is both method and goal: in Ramana’s view, one does not acquire a new Self; one merely uncovers what is already present by removing the illusions and identifications that veil it.
Nature of the Self and the Ego
He often contrasted the ego (the “I-thought,” which arises with identification to body, mind, and objects) with the Self (the pure awareness or Being which always remains). The ego is transient, changing, bound to limitation; the Self is eternal, formless, and infinite.
As one practices inquiry, the ego loses its grip and the mind’s restlessness settles. Silence, peace, or the abiding awareness of one’s own Being becomes more dominant.
Silence & Direct Experience
Though Ramana spoke with devotees and answered questions, he placed great emphasis on silence as the highest teaching. Silence is not merely absence of speech, but the direct revealing of the Self beyond words. He is often said to have preferred to teach through presence, quietude, and being rather than through elaborate doctrine or ritual.
Nondual Realization
Ramana’s approach is nondual: there is no real separation between “you” and “God” or between “Self” and “world” at the ultimate level. The separation is a product of identification and thought. As the ego dissolves, the realized Self is recognized as inseparable reality.
He often said that realization is not a new acquisition but the removal of the obstacles (ignorance, vasanas, thoughts) that hide the Self.
Influence and Legacy
-
Ramana Maharshi’s teachings have had broad influence on spiritual seekers from many traditions—not only in India but in the West, especially among those drawn to meditation, nonduality, and mysticism.
-
The ashram at Arunachala (Sri Ramana Ashram) continues to thrive, welcoming visitors, devotees, and seekers.
-
His method of self-inquiry is widely taught in modern meditation and spiritual centers as a concise, powerful path.
-
Many authors, teachers, and translators have compiled his dialogues, letters, and teachings, making them accessible globally.
Famous Quotes
Here are several quotes attributed to Ramana Maharshi, illustrating his concise and penetrating wisdom:
-
“Thoughts come and go. Feelings come and go. Find out what it is that remains.”
-
“Your own Self-realization is the greatest service you can render to the world.”
-
“Silence is truth. Silence is bliss. Silence is peace. And hence Silence is the Self.”
-
“Let what comes, come. Let what goes, go. Find out what remains.”
-
“The Self cannot be found in books. You have to find it for yourself, in yourself.”
-
“There is neither creation nor destruction, neither destiny nor free will, neither path nor achievement. This is the final truth.”
-
“When the mind is left without anything to cling to, it becomes still.”
-
“All that is required to realize the Self is to be still. What can be easier than that?”
-
“To ask the mind to kill itself is like making the thief the policeman. … So you must turn inward and see where the mind rises from, and then it will cease to exist.”
-
“Grace is within you. Grace is not something outside you.”
These lines encapsulate his emphasis on turning inward, stillness, and realization of what never changes.
Lessons from Ramana Maharshi
From his life and teachings, a few key lessons emerge:
-
True spiritual practice is inward, not outward
Ramana’s message: the deepest transformation happens by silent turning inward, not accumulation of external rituals or knowledge. -
Simplicity is potency
His method is simple—to inquire, to attend to the “I” sense—but its effect is profound. You don’t need elaborate techniques; consistency matters more. -
Silence is a powerful teacher
Beyond speech or doctrine, there is a depth of being that communicates without words. -
Realization is uncovering, not acquiring
You already are the Self; the journey is about removing the ignorance that conceals it. -
Ego dissolves through investigation, not suppression
Rather than forcefully subduing thoughts, Ramana taught discerning their origin and letting them fade naturally. -
Service to humanity is by being realized
When one is established in the Self, one’s presence itself becomes service — that is, inner peace radiates outward.
Conclusion
Ramana Maharshi stands as a luminous example of spiritual clarity grounded in silence, simplicity, and self-inquiry. He taught not an ideology, but a direct turning within and realization of what we truly are—beyond mind, beyond ego.