The direct teachings of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi revolve around self-inquiry, the nature of the self, and the direct experience of truth or Atman (the true self). Ramana Maharshi’s teachings are profound, yet simple, and emphasize the importance of inner silence, meditation, and self-awareness. Here’s an overview of his key teachings:
The core of Ramana Maharshi’s teachings is the practice of self-inquiry, also known as Atma Vichara. He taught that the only way to realize the truth of one's nature is to ask the fundamental question, “Who am I?”
Self-Inquiry: Ramana suggested that we should focus on the question "Who am I?" not as an intellectual exercise but as a direct, experiential investigation. By persistently asking the question, a person is encouraged to turn inward and observe the "I-thought" or ego that arises in the mind.
The Ego: According to Ramana, the ego, which is the sense of "I" or "individual identity," is the root cause of all suffering. This ego is not the real self but is a false identification with the body, mind, and external world.
The Source of the "I": When we investigate deeply through self-inquiry, we begin to realize that the sense of "I" is not something external but a mental construct that originates from the Heart (the spiritual center, also known as the "Self"). As we trace this "I-thought" to its source, it dissolves into the formless, timeless Self, which is the true essence of who we are.
The Self is Pure Consciousness: Ramana Maharshi taught that the Self is pure, unchanging consciousness and is beyond both the mind and the body. It is the ultimate reality that is ever-present and not subject to birth, death, or change. The real self is Satchidananda — Sat (Existence), Chit (Consciousness), and Ananda (Bliss).
Beyond the Body and Mind: Ramana emphasized that what we think of as "ourself" — our body, mind, and experiences — is temporary and not the true "I." The real "I" is the unchanging awareness behind all experiences, and it can be directly realized through self-inquiry and meditation.
The Mind is a Bundle of Thoughts: According to Ramana, the mind is simply a stream of thoughts. When we look at the mind closely, we realize that the "I" or ego is merely the first thought that arises and that all other thoughts are centered around this false sense of self.
The Root of the Mind: The mind’s root is the "I-thought," which arises and sustains the ego. Through self-inquiry, we trace this "I-thought" back to its source, which is the unmanifested Self or consciousness. When the "I-thought" disappears, the mind dissolves, and what remains is the eternal, unchanging Self.
Silence of the Mind: Ramana often spoke of the importance of mental silence. He believed that true silence is not merely the absence of external sounds but the inner silence that comes when the mind is still and the "I-thought" has been dissolved. In this silence, the true Self is directly experienced.
Ramana Maharshi often pointed out that the most fundamental experience we have is the simple awareness of being, the feeling of "I am."
"I Am" as the True Identity: The phrase "I am" is not an egoic or intellectual statement but the purest expression of being. Ramana taught that the experience of "I am" is the starting point for self-inquiry. If we dive deeply into this feeling of "I am" without attaching it to the body or the mind, we reach the realization of the Self, the pure, non-dual consciousness.
The Direct Experience of Existence: "I am" is the expression of the ultimate, formless Being that transcends all distinctions. It is before all thought, before any identification with the body or the world, and is the essence of all that exists.
The Guru as the Inner Guide: Ramana Maharshi emphasized that the true Guru is within, as the Self. While an external Guru can help guide a seeker, the true essence of the Guru is the Self that resides in all beings. Through the grace of the inner Guru, the seeker is led to the direct experience of reality.
The Power of Silence: Ramana's life itself was an embodiment of the teaching that the silence of the Guru is more powerful than words. His silent presence served as a living example of the truth that can be directly felt, beyond intellectual understanding.
Ramana Maharshi did not advocate renouncing the world in the conventional sense of withdrawing from worldly life. Instead, he spoke of a renunciation of attachment — detaching oneself from the identification with the body, mind, and external circumstances.
Living in the World with Awareness: Ramana encouraged individuals to live in the world but remain detached from its superficial aspects. The goal is not to escape life but to live with the understanding that we are not the body or the mind, but the eternal, unchanging Self.
Dispassion (Vairagya): The practice of detachment (not as a denial but as an understanding of impermanence) allows one to remain undisturbed by the ups and downs of life. Dispassion here means freedom from desires and attachments, which arises naturally once one realizes their true nature.
Liberation as the Realization of the Self: Ramana often stated that Moksha (liberation) is not something that can be attained in the future, but rather it is the recognition of the truth of the Self. The realization that one is the eternal, infinite consciousness frees the individual from the cycle of birth and death.
Here and Now: Ramana emphasized that liberation is here and now. It is not a far-off goal to be achieved in the future but is the direct experience of the Self in the present moment. It requires only the turning of the mind inward and the abandonment of false identification.
Non-Duality (Advaita): Ramana’s teachings align closely with the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which asserts that there is no real distinction between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). The apparent separation between the two is due to ignorance, and true knowledge reveals their inherent unity.
Oneness of Existence: He taught that all of existence is one. The idea of duality — that there is a distinction between the self and the world — is an illusion (Maya). When we realize our true nature, we see that we are one with all beings, all life, and the entire universe.
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