The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi: Unveiling the True Self

Ramana Maharshi, one of the most revered spiritual masters of the 20th century, is renowned for his profound teachings on self-inquiry and the realization of the true self. His simple yet powerful guidance has had a lasting impact on seekers worldwide, emphasizing direct experience over intellectual understanding. This post explores the essence of Ramana Maharshi’s teachings, focusing on his method of self-inquiry and the transformative discovery of the true self.

The Life of Ramana Maharshi

Ramana Maharshi was born Venkataraman Iyer in 1879 in Tamil Nadu, India. At the age of 16, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening, which led him to the realization of his true nature. Following this transformative event, he left his family and journeyed to the sacred mountain of Arunachala, where he spent the rest of his life in deep meditation and self-inquiry. Despite his reclusive nature, Ramana’s presence and teachings attracted seekers from all over the world, drawn to his wisdom and serene demeanor.

The Core of Ramana Maharshi’s Teachings

Ramana Maharshi’s teachings revolve around the principle of self-inquiry (Atma Vichara), a direct method for realizing the true self. Unlike complex spiritual practices or rituals, Ramana’s approach is straightforward and accessible, inviting seekers to investigate the very nature of their own existence.

Self-Inquiry: The Method of "Who Am I?"

The heart of Ramana’s teaching is the practice of self-inquiry, encapsulated in the question, "Who am I?" This inquiry is not meant to be answered intellectually but is a tool to direct one’s attention inward, beyond thoughts and identifications, to the source of the "I" thought.

Ramana explained that the "I" thought, or ego, arises from the true self and gives rise to all other thoughts and identifications. By tracing the "I" thought back to its origin, one can dissolve the ego and experience the self as pure consciousness. He taught that persistent and sincere self-inquiry leads to the realization that the true self is beyond the body, mind, and individual identity.

Ramana said, "The mind will subside only by means of the inquiry ‘Who am I?’. The thought ‘Who am I?’ will destroy all other thoughts, and, like the stick used for stirring the burning pyre, it will itself in the end get destroyed. Then, there will arise Self-realization."

The Nature of the True Self

According to Ramana, the true self is pure, unconditioned awareness. It is not something to be attained but rather something to be realized as always present. The self is described as Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss), the ultimate reality that underlies all experiences.

Ramana often used the analogy of the cinema screen to explain the nature of the self. Just as the screen remains unchanged regardless of the images projected onto it, the self remains untouched by the transient phenomena of the world. Recognizing this truth leads to liberation from suffering and the realization of one’s innate peace and bliss.

Detachment and Surrender

In addition to self-inquiry, Ramana emphasized the importance of detachment and surrender. He taught that by relinquishing attachment to the ego and its desires, one can more easily abide in the true self. Detachment involves recognizing the impermanent nature of the world and not clinging to transient experiences.

Surrender, or self-surrender, is another key aspect of Ramana’s teachings. He advised seekers to surrender their ego and will to the divine or the true self. This act of surrender dissolves the sense of separateness and allows one to live in harmony with the natural flow of life.

Ramana explained, "Surrender is to give oneself up to the original cause of one’s being. Do not delude yourself by imagining such a source to be some God outside you. Your source is within yourself. Give yourself up to it. That means that you should seek the source and merge in it."

Living the Realized State

Ramana Maharshi taught that self-realization is not a distant goal but a present reality to be lived. He emphasized that once the true self is realized, it naturally expresses itself in daily life through peace, compassion, and equanimity. The realized being lives without fear or desire, rooted in the unshakable awareness of their true nature.

He also pointed out that self-realization does not necessarily mean withdrawal from worldly activities. One can lead a normal life, fulfilling their responsibilities, while remaining anchored in the awareness of the self. The key is to maintain continuous self-awareness and not get lost in the ego’s identifications and distractions.

The Role of the Guru

Ramana acknowledged the importance of the guru in spiritual awakening but also emphasized that the ultimate guru is the self within. External teachers and guides can point the way, but the final realization comes from within. He often reminded seekers that the true teacher is their own inner awareness, the "I Am."

He stated, "The Guru is none other than the Self. Sometimes in his life a man becomes dissatisfied with it, and, not content with what he has, he seeks the satisfaction of his desires through prayer to God, etc. His mind is gradually purified until he longs to know God, more to obtain His Grace than to satisfy his worldly desires."

Conclusion

Ramana Maharshi’s teachings offer a direct and profound path to self-realization. Through the practice of self-inquiry and the recognition of the true self, seekers can transcend the limitations of the ego and discover the boundless peace and bliss of their essential nature. Ramana’s life and wisdom continue to inspire and guide countless individuals on their spiritual journeys, illuminating the timeless truth that the self is always present, waiting to be discovered within.