Ramana Maharshi

Indian sage (1879–1950) known for teaching self-inquiry (“Who am I?”) as the direct path to self-realization. He lived most of his life at Arunachala and attracted seekers through silence, presence, and simple guidance.

Master of self-inquiry: quiet presence, inner depth, and pointing to the ever-present Self beyond mind.

Short Bio

Ramana Maharshi, born Venkataraman Iyer on December 30, 1879 in Tiruchuzhi, Tamil Nadu, achieved spontaneous self-realization in his youth and spent his life teaching the path of atma vichara or self-inquiry. He settled at Arunachala and quietly received devotees, answering questions through silence and occasional instruction. His central method was the continual questioning “Who am I?” pointing back to substratum of awareness. He died April 14, 1950, in Tiruvannamalai. His legacy lives in his teachings, dialogues, and the Ashram at Arunachala.^{[18][0search0][0search8]}

Key Contributions

Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara): a direct method using the “I” thought to penetrate to pure awareness and dissolve egoic identification.^{[36][0search7][0search21]}
“I-thought” analysis: tracing the “I” to its source rather than focusing on other thoughts.
Silence & presence: teaching through silence, presence, and minimal words rather than elaborate doctrine.
Advaita nonduality: echoing and revitalizing Vedanta nondual insight in modern context.^[18]
Integration over ritual: minimal formal practice, emphasis on introspective vigilance in daily life.

Practical Tips

Self-Inquiry Mini-Pause: when a thought arises, ask: “To whom does this arise?” The answer: “To me.” Then ask: “Who am I?” Return attention to that query.
Stay with “I” in body: feel the “I”-sense somewhere (heart, chest or center); abide in that sense instead of chasing thoughts.
Return to Source: whenever distractions pull you outward, gently redirect inward with “Who am I?”
Silence companioning: in periods of quiet or with others, be present without commentary. Let presence teach.
Short reflective pauses: several times per day, stop activity and sense the background awareness that was there before the thought.

Reflection

One dusk I sat facing Arunachala, thoughts swirling. I asked inwardly: “Who is asking?” The swirl paused. For a moment I tasted a silent clarity beyond wanting — no thought, only being. The mountain felt alive, not distant. Returning to daily tasks, that clarity stayed as a quiet horizon.

Articles

Ramana Maharshi — The Question of Self, Silence, and the Dissolution of the “I”

A long-form exploration of Ramana Maharshi’s life, the method of self-inquiry, the psychological dynamics of the “I” thought, and practical pointers for integrating his path in daily life, with comparative threads to Buddhism and modern psychology.

Reflections

The Question as Silence — A Ramana Reflection

One evening I paused mid-thought and softly asked inwardly: “Who am I?” The next wave of thought stalled, and silence arose behind the ques…