Ramana Maharshi
Biography of Ramana Maharshi
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Venkataraman Iyer
Common Aliases: Ramana Maharshi, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: December 30, 1879
Death Date: April 14, 1950
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Indian
Profession(s): Spiritual Teacher, Philosopher, Sage
Early Life and Background
Ramana Maharshi, born Venkataraman Iyer, entered the world in the small village of Tiruchuzhi, located in the Tamil Nadu state of India. His family was part of the Brahmin caste, known for their scholarly and priestly roles in society. Venkataraman's early life was marked by a typical upbringing, attending school and engaging in the usual activities of a young boy. However, his life took a dramatic turn at the age of 16 when he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. This pivotal moment occurred when he was suddenly struck by an intense fear of death, which led him to introspect deeply on the nature of the self and existence. This experience left him with a lasting realization of the eternal self, a realization that would shape his life and teachings.
Major Accomplishments
Ramana Maharshi is renowned for his teachings on self-inquiry, a method he advocated as the most direct path to self-realization. His approach was simple yet profound, focusing on the question "Who am I?" to guide individuals toward understanding their true nature. Despite having no formal education in philosophy or religion, Ramana's insights resonated with seekers from all walks of life. He spent the majority of his life at the foot of the sacred Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, where he attracted followers from around the world. His presence and teachings transformed the area into a spiritual hub, leading to the establishment of the Sri Ramanasramam, a spiritual community that continues to thrive today.
Notable Works or Actions
While Ramana Maharshi did not author any books himself, his teachings have been compiled by devotees and scholars into several influential works. Among these, "Who Am I?" and "Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi" are particularly notable. These texts capture the essence of his teachings and provide guidance on the practice of self-inquiry. Ramana's life itself was a testament to his teachings; he lived with simplicity, humility, and a profound sense of peace, embodying the principles he espoused.
Impact and Legacy
The impact of Ramana Maharshi's teachings extends far beyond the confines of his ashram. His emphasis on self-inquiry and the direct experience of the self has influenced countless spiritual seekers and thinkers worldwide. His teachings have been embraced by individuals from various religious and philosophical backgrounds, highlighting their universal appeal. The Sri Ramanasramam remains a vibrant center for spiritual practice, drawing visitors from across the globe who seek to experience the tranquility and wisdom that Ramana embodied.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ramana Maharshi is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the nature of the self and the simplicity of his teachings. His emphasis on self-inquiry as a means to attain self-realization offers a direct and accessible path for those seeking spiritual enlightenment. His teachings transcend religious and cultural boundaries, resonating with individuals seeking deeper understanding and peace. Ramana's life and words continue to inspire and guide those on the spiritual path, making him a revered figure in the realm of spirituality and philosophy. His legacy endures through the countless individuals who have been touched by his teachings and the ongoing work of the Sri Ramanasramam, ensuring that his wisdom remains a beacon for future generations.
Quotes by Ramana Maharshi
Ramana Maharshi's insights on:
If you approach the ocean with a cup, you can only take away a cupful; if you approach it with a bucket, you can take away a bucketful.
Every moment there is creation, every moment destruction. There is no absolute creation, no absolute destruction. Both are movements, and that is eternal.
As instruments for knowing the objects, the sense organs are outside, and so they are called outer senses; and the mind is called the inner sense because it is inside. But the distinction between inner and outer is only with reference to the body; in truth, there is neither inner nor outer. The mind's nature is to remain pure like ether.
Society is the body; individuals are its members, its limbs. Just as the various limbs help and co-operate with one another and thus are happy, so each must unite with others in being helpful to all in thought, speech and action... One may see to the good of one's own group, i.e., the group that is immediate to him, and then proceed to others.
The mind itself is of the form of all, i.e., of soul, God and world; when it becomes of the form of the Self through knowledge, there is release, which is of the nature of Brahman: this is the teaching.
It is every intelligent man's experience that evildoing recoils on the doer sooner or later.
Experiences such as, 'I went; I came; I was; I did,' come naturally to everyone. From these experiences, does it not appear that the consciousness 'I' is the subject of those various acts? Enquiry into the true nature of that consciousness, and remaining as oneself, is the way to understand, through enquiry, one's true nature.
The Self is self-luminous without darkness and light, and is the reality which is self-manifest. Therefore, one should not think of it as this or as that. The very thought of thinking will end in bondage.