Ramana Maharshi – The Sage of Self-Inquiry

Among India’s greatest spiritual masters, Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950) is revered as the sage who revived the ancient path of Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara). Known for his simplicity, silence, and profound wisdom, he guided seekers not with complex rituals but with a single question: “Who am I?”

His teachings remain timeless, offering direct insight into the nature of the Self and the path to ultimate liberation (moksha).

Early Life

Ramana Maharshi was born as Venkataraman Iyer on December 30, 1879, in Tiruchuzhi, Tamil Nadu. As a child, he lived an ordinary life with a love for sports and storytelling. Spirituality was not his main focus, but destiny soon revealed his deeper calling.

At the age of 16, he had a sudden and transformative experience. One afternoon, he was overcome by a powerful fear of death. Instead of reacting with panic, he surrendered to the moment, lying down and consciously observing the process of “dying.” Through deep introspection, he discovered that while the body may die, the true Self—the eternal awareness—remains untouched.

This profound awakening marked the turning point of his life.

Journey to Arunachala

Following this realization, young Venkataraman felt an irresistible pull to Arunachala, a sacred mountain in Tiruvannamalai, which he recognized as his spiritual home. Leaving his family behind, he traveled there and immersed himself in meditation, silence, and self-realization.

Living in caves and temples around Arunachala, he spent years in deep contemplation. Slowly, his radiance and presence drew seekers from all walks of life—pilgrims, scholars, householders, and wandering monks.

Over time, his humble dwelling became Sri Ramanasramam, an ashram that continues to serve as a beacon of peace and wisdom for spiritual aspirants worldwide.

Teachings of Self-Inquiry

At the heart of Ramana Maharshi’s guidance was the direct path of Atma Vichara (Self-Inquiry). He urged seekers to turn inward with the fundamental question:

“Who am I?”

By investigating the source of the ego and thoughts, one transcends illusion and realizes the Self as pure, limitless awareness.

Core Principles of His Teachings:

• Liberation is not something to be gained—it is our true nature, already present.
• Silence is the highest form of teaching, beyond words and scriptures.
• The Self is eternal, unchanging, and untouched by the body or mind.
• Devotion, meditation, and discipline arise naturally from Self-awareness.
• The world is not separate from the Self; it is an expression of consciousness.

Unlike many spiritual leaders, Maharshi did not create a new sect or philosophy. Instead, his approach was universal and experiential, cutting through complexities to reveal the essence of truth.

The Power of Silence and Presence

Devotees often remarked that simply sitting in his presence brought profound peace and clarity. His silence itself was a teaching—a transmission beyond words that awakened inner stillness.

Though he spoke when necessary, his words were concise, simple, and deeply transformative. His few written works, including:

• Who Am I?
• Forty Verses on Reality
• Five Hymns to Arunachala

continue to serve as guiding lights for seekers of truth.

Global Influence

Ramana Maharshi’s wisdom transcended India and reached the West through disciples, writers, and travelers who carried his message abroad. Thinkers, philosophers, and spiritual leaders worldwide were influenced by his teachings, finding in them a universal truth beyond religious or cultural boundaries.

Today, psychologists, mindfulness teachers, and yoga practitioners integrate his method of Self-Inquiry as a tool for self-awareness, healing, and inner freedom. His teachings continue to inspire modern seekers, proving their timeless relevance.

Daily Life and Simplicity

Despite being recognized as a great sage, Ramana Maharshi lived with remarkable humility. He participated in ashram life—helping in the kitchen, engaging in simple tasks, and maintaining a spirit of equality with all. His daily routine embodied the essence of simplicity, humility, and detachment.

This approach reminded his devotees that spirituality is not about renunciation of the world but about realizing the Self while living in harmony with life.

Legacy

Ramana Maharshi attained Maha Samadhi on April 14, 1950. As he left his body, devotees reported seeing a brilliant star-like light moving across the sky toward Arunachala, symbolizing his eternal union with the sacred mountain.

His ashram, Sri Ramanasramam, continues to be a pilgrimage site where seekers experience the same atmosphere of silence and transformation. His teachings live on, not just through texts and memories, but as a direct inner experience for anyone who sincerely practices Self-Inquiry.

Conclusion

Ramana Maharshi’s life is a reminder that the ultimate truth lies not in external rituals but in the stillness of our own being. His timeless question—“Who am I?”—remains the doorway to self-realization, peace, and liberation.

At Mimamsa Yoga School, Rishikesh, we honor his teachings by integrating introspection, meditation, and awareness into our philosophy and yoga programs, guiding seekers toward the same clarity that Ramana Maharshi embodied.

Discover our meditation and yoga philosophy programs at: mimamsayoga.com