A. R. Natrajan More Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi" is a collection of conversations with Sri Ramana Maharshi, a renowned spiritual teacher and philosopher, who lived in the 20th century in India. He is widely regarded for his teachings on self-inquiry (Atma Vichara) and the path of non-duality (Advaita Vedanta).
In this collection, compiled by his devotees, we get a glimpse into the profound insights that Sri Ramana Maharshi shared during his daily interactions with seekers who visited him at his ashram, especially in the years when he was settled at Arunachala, Tamil Nadu.
Here are some key themes and insights from the book:
The core teaching of Sri Ramana Maharshi was the practice of self-inquiry. He taught that the question "Who am I?" is the most direct method for realizing the Self. By constantly asking this question, the seeker goes beyond the body-mind identification and comes to realize the true Self, which is beyond the ego and mental constructs.
Ramana Maharshi's Perspective: He often emphasized that instead of focusing on external rituals or complex philosophies, the most direct approach to self-realization is through the deep, introspective practice of asking "Who am I?"
One of the most striking themes in these talks is the Maharshi’s teachings on the ego. According to him, the ego is a false sense of identity that arises when one identifies with the body and mind. The ego is the root cause of all suffering.
Ramana Maharshi's Teaching: He said that the ego can be eliminated through constant self-inquiry. By continually returning to the question "Who am I?", one eventually transcends the ego and experiences the true nature of the Self, which is pure consciousness.
Sri Ramana Maharshi’s silence was often regarded as the most potent form of teaching. His presence itself conveyed deep wisdom. Many visitors to the ashram reported feeling a profound sense of peace and clarity simply by sitting in silence in his presence.
Ramana Maharshi's Perspective: He would often say that silence itself is the highest form of instruction, as it allows the mind to transcend all concepts and connect directly with the truth.
According to Sri Ramana Maharshi, the world we perceive is not separate from the Self. It is a projection of the mind, and true liberation comes when one recognizes the world as an extension of the Self.
Ramana Maharshi's Teaching: He explained that everything is an expression of the same consciousness, and by realizing the oneness of all existence, the seeker becomes free from duality and attains the experience of non-duality (Advaita).
Grace, in the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, is the divine force that guides the seeker toward self-realization. While self-effort (through self-inquiry) is essential, grace is seen as the underlying energy that leads to spiritual awakening.
Ramana Maharshi's Insight: He would often state that the seeker’s sincere effort in self-inquiry naturally invites grace. It is grace that opens the door to realization, but the seeker must be ready to receive it.
Surrendering to the divine will is another central theme in the talks. Maharshi described surrender as the natural outcome of recognizing one's own helplessness in the face of the mind and ego. By surrendering completely, the ego dissolves, and the true Self is revealed.
Ramana Maharshi's Teaching: He would say that "surrender" means complete self-surrender, where one gives up the idea of being the doer and simply allows the divine to guide one’s life.
Many visitors would express their anxieties, fears, and mental struggles to the Maharshi. He consistently pointed to the nature of fear and the mind. Fear, according to him, arises from the mistaken identification with the body and mind.
Ramana Maharshi's Guidance: He would guide seekers to recognize the source of their fears—the mind—and through self-inquiry, see that they are not the mind or the body. This realization dissolves fear and brings peace.
In one of the conversations in the book, a devotee asked:
"Maharshi, how can I overcome my anger?"
Sri Ramana Maharshi replied:
"When you realize that you are not the body or the mind, anger and all other emotions dissolve. The body and mind are temporary; the Self is eternal. Realize the Self, and all distractions fade away.
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