Who Am I? The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi

Sri Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950) was one of the greatest sages of India. Aged just 16 years he realised the Self during a dramatic death experience. He soon left home secretly without telling his family to live a life of seclusion and self-enquiry.

His self-realization was a great gift to the world. Ramana loved silence and simplicity. Many people came to visit him and were transformed by the quality of his strong presence. The teachings he gave out came from his own inner experience of the Self, rather than from book knowledge.

Who am I? was the predominant teaching of Ramana Maharshi. Through practices of self-inquiry, surrender to “self” and bhakti (devotion) his approach to spiritual inquiry remains influential to this day.

Ramana Maharshi quotes for everyday contemplation

1. “The world is so unhappy because it is ignorant of the true Self. Man’s real nature is happiness. Happiness is inborn in the true Self. Man’s search for happiness is an unconscious search for his true Self. The true Self is imperishable; therefore, when a man finds it, he finds a happiness which does not come to an end.”
2. “When one remains without thinking one understands another by means of the universal language of silence.”
3. “Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside.”

Ramana Maharshi quotes for spiritual growth

1. “The only useful purpose of the present birth is to turn within and realize the Self.”
2. “Have faith in God and in yourself; that will cure all. Hope for the best, expect the best, toil for the best and everything will come right for you in the end.”
3. “Your true nature is that of infinite spirit. The feeling of limitation is the work of the mind.”

Ramana Maharshi quotes for community & humanity

1. “All that one gives to others one gives to one’s self. If this truth is understood, who will not give to others?”
2. “Correcting oneself is correcting the whole world. The Sun is simply bright. It does not correct anyone. Because it shines, the whole world is full of light. Transforming yourself is a means of giving light to the whole world.”
3. “Wanting to reform the world without discovering one’s true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns.”

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