Ramana Maharshi

Ramana Maharshi, born as Venkataraman Iyer on December 30, 1879, in Tiruchuli, Tamil Nadu, India, was a renowned Indian sage and spiritual teacher. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential spiritual figures of the 20th century. Ramana Maharshi's teachings focus on self-inquiry and direct self-realization.
 

At the age of 16, Ramana Maharshi experienced a profound spiritual awakening where he realized the true nature of the self. That day he suddenly felt a great fear of death, and, lying very still, imagined his body becoming a stiff, cold corpse. Following a traditional “not this, not that” (neti-neti) practice, he began self-inquiry, asking, “Who am I?” and answering, “Not the body, because it is decaying; not the mind, because the brain will decay with the body; not the personality, nor the emotions, for these also will vanish with death.”
 

This experience of self-inquiry, questioning the source of his own identity, led to a deep realization of his true nature as pure consciousness. Following this awakening, he left his family and worldly life behind and embarked on a journey to the sacred hill of Arunachala, where he settled in the town of Tiruvannamalai.

Ramana Maharshi attracted numerous seekers and devotees who were drawn to his presence and teachings. He emphasized self-inquiry as the primary means to attain self-realization. Self-inquiry involves turning one's attention inward and asking the question, "Who am I?" in order to directly investigate the nature of the self. He taught that the true self, or the "I" consciousness, is beyond the body and mind, and that realizing this truth leads to liberation or enlightenment.
 

Throughout his life, Ramana Maharshi maintained silence as a significant aspect of his teachings. He often communicated with seekers through silence, inspiring them to look within and discover the truth for themselves. Many of his teachings and insights were compiled in a book called "Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi" and "Sri Ramana Gita."
 

Ramana Maharshi's teachings continue to inspire and guide spiritual seekers around the world. He passed away on April 14, 1950, but his legacy lives on through his teachings and the spiritual community at the Ramana Ashram in Tiruvannamalai, where devotees and seekers can still visit and explore his teachings.