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The Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi in His Own Words
Sri Ramana Maharshi is widely thought of as one of the most outstanding Indian spiritual leaders of recent times. Having attained enlightenment at the age of 16, he was drawn to the holy mountain of Arunachala in southern India, and remained there for the rest of his life. Attracted by his stillness, quietness and teachings, thousands sought his guidance on issues ranging from the nature of God to daily life.
This book brings together many of the conversations Maharshi had with his followers in an intimate portrait of his beliefs and teachings. Through these conversations, readers will discover Maharshi's simple discipline of self-enquiry: knowing oneself and looking inwards as the road to true understanding and enlightenment.
This updated edition will appeal to anyone looking for peace, self-awareness, and guidance on how to embrace the self for well being and calm.
This book brings together many of the conversations Maharshi had with his followers in an intimate portrait of his beliefs and teachings. Through these conversations, readers will discover Maharshi's simple discipline of self-enquiry: knowing oneself and looking inwards as the road to true understanding and enlightenment.
This updated edition will appeal to anyone looking for peace, self-awareness, and guidance on how to embrace the self for well being and calm.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
About the author
Ramana Maharshi
253 books618 followersBhagavan Sri Ramaṇa Mahārṣi (Tamil: ரமண மஹரிஷி) born Venkataraman Iyer, was probably the most famous Indian sage of the twentieth century, he was born on December 30, 1879 in a village called Tirucculi about 30 miles south of Madurai in southern India. His middle-class parents named him Venkataraman. His father died when he was twelve, and he went to live with his uncle in Madurai, where he attended American Mission High School.
At age 16, he became spontaneously self-realized. Six weeks later he ran away to the holy hill of Arunachala where he would remain for the rest of his life. For several years he stopped talking and spent many hours each day in samadhi. When he began speaking again, people came to ask him questions, and he soon acquired a reputation as a sage. In 1907, when he was 28, one of his early devotees named him Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, Divine Eminent Ramana the Great Seer, and the name stuck. Eventually he became world-famous and an ashram was built around him. He died of cancer in 1950 at the age of 70.
Ramana Maharshi was born 30 kilometers south of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India.
His Self-Realization
At age 16, he heard somebody mention "Arunachala." Although he didn't know what the word meant (it's the name of a holy hill associated with the god Shiva) he became greatly excited. At about the same time he came across a copy of Sekkilar's Periyapuranam, a book that describes the lives of Shaivite saints, and became fascinated by it. In the middle of 1896, at age 16, he was suddenly overcome by the feeling that he was about to die. He lay down on the floor, made his body stiff, and held his breath. "My body is dead now," he said to himself, "but I am still alive." In a flood of spiritual awareness he realized he was spirit, not his body.
His Guru
Ramana Maharshi didn't have a human guru (other than himself). He often said that his guru was Arunachala, a holy mountain in South India.
His Teachings
Ramana Maharshi taught a method called self-inquiry in which the seeker focuses continuous attention on the I-thought in order to find its source. In the beginning this requires effort, but eventually something deeper than the ego takes over and the mind dissolves in the heart center.
At age 16, he became spontaneously self-realized. Six weeks later he ran away to the holy hill of Arunachala where he would remain for the rest of his life. For several years he stopped talking and spent many hours each day in samadhi. When he began speaking again, people came to ask him questions, and he soon acquired a reputation as a sage. In 1907, when he was 28, one of his early devotees named him Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, Divine Eminent Ramana the Great Seer, and the name stuck. Eventually he became world-famous and an ashram was built around him. He died of cancer in 1950 at the age of 70.
Ramana Maharshi was born 30 kilometers south of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India.
His Self-Realization
At age 16, he heard somebody mention "Arunachala." Although he didn't know what the word meant (it's the name of a holy hill associated with the god Shiva) he became greatly excited. At about the same time he came across a copy of Sekkilar's Periyapuranam, a book that describes the lives of Shaivite saints, and became fascinated by it. In the middle of 1896, at age 16, he was suddenly overcome by the feeling that he was about to die. He lay down on the floor, made his body stiff, and held his breath. "My body is dead now," he said to himself, "but I am still alive." In a flood of spiritual awareness he realized he was spirit, not his body.
His Guru
Ramana Maharshi didn't have a human guru (other than himself). He often said that his guru was Arunachala, a holy mountain in South India.
His Teachings
Ramana Maharshi taught a method called self-inquiry in which the seeker focuses continuous attention on the I-thought in order to find its source. In the beginning this requires effort, but eventually something deeper than the ego takes over and the mind dissolves in the heart center.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 1, 2026
Arthur Osborne's compilation, The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi in His Own Words, stands as one of the most accessible and profound entry points into the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and the practice of Self-Inquiry. For anyone seeking a spiritual guide that cuts through complex rituals and dense theological jargon, this book is an absolute masterpiece.
What makes this collection so powerful is how Osborne organizes the material. Instead of presenting a chronological record, he groups Ramana Maharshi's responses to visitors by theme, covering topics like the nature of the Self, the practice of inquiry, the role of a Guru and the integration of spiritual practice with everyday life. This thematic approach allows the reader to deeply understand the Maharshi's perspective on specific doubts that inevitably arise on the spiritual path.
At the heart of the teachings is the practice of Self-Inquiry or Atma-Vichara. Ramana Maharshi consistently directs seekers away from theoretical arguments and toward the direct question: Who am I?
He explains that the mind, by looking inward to find its own source, eventually dissolves into the heart, revealing the true Self. Osborne includes dialogues where seekers from all backgrounds and religions ask practical questions about dealing with worldly responsibilities, wandering thoughts and emotional struggles. The Maharshi's answers are always direct, compassionate and uncompromisingly rooted in non-duality. He emphasizes that true renunciation is internal, not external, making his path incredibly relevant for modern readers living busy lives.
Osborne's own commentary provides invaluable context without overshadowing the main text. He writes with the clarity and authority of someone who lived at the Sri Ramanasramam ashram and practiced these teachings intensely. His introductions to each chapter help bridge the gap between traditional Indian philosophy and Western mindsets, clarifying terms that might otherwise confuse a beginner.
This is not a book to be read quickly or just once. It is a text to keep on a bedside table, to be read a few pages at a time, allowing the profound simplicity of the words to settle into the mind. It is a rare spiritual gem that manages to be both intellectually satisfying and intensely practical. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in non-duality, meditation or authentic spiritual literature. It earns a well-deserved five stars.
What makes this collection so powerful is how Osborne organizes the material. Instead of presenting a chronological record, he groups Ramana Maharshi's responses to visitors by theme, covering topics like the nature of the Self, the practice of inquiry, the role of a Guru and the integration of spiritual practice with everyday life. This thematic approach allows the reader to deeply understand the Maharshi's perspective on specific doubts that inevitably arise on the spiritual path.
At the heart of the teachings is the practice of Self-Inquiry or Atma-Vichara. Ramana Maharshi consistently directs seekers away from theoretical arguments and toward the direct question: Who am I?
He explains that the mind, by looking inward to find its own source, eventually dissolves into the heart, revealing the true Self. Osborne includes dialogues where seekers from all backgrounds and religions ask practical questions about dealing with worldly responsibilities, wandering thoughts and emotional struggles. The Maharshi's answers are always direct, compassionate and uncompromisingly rooted in non-duality. He emphasizes that true renunciation is internal, not external, making his path incredibly relevant for modern readers living busy lives.
Osborne's own commentary provides invaluable context without overshadowing the main text. He writes with the clarity and authority of someone who lived at the Sri Ramanasramam ashram and practiced these teachings intensely. His introductions to each chapter help bridge the gap between traditional Indian philosophy and Western mindsets, clarifying terms that might otherwise confuse a beginner.
This is not a book to be read quickly or just once. It is a text to keep on a bedside table, to be read a few pages at a time, allowing the profound simplicity of the words to settle into the mind. It is a rare spiritual gem that manages to be both intellectually satisfying and intensely practical. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in non-duality, meditation or authentic spiritual literature. It earns a well-deserved five stars.
February 14, 2017
The most extolling words won't be enough to express the significance and value of this book and Ramana Maharishi's teachings in general. Maharshi is such a beautiful expression of the Consciousness. He's been the most compassionate and loving guide towards spiritual awakening for many, including me.
July 29, 2026
It’s all about the Self, nothing else !!!
This book contains teachings that are mostly conversations between Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshi and spiritual seekers. It addresses many questions and doubts that almost every spiritual seeker may encounter in life, such as: What is death? What is karma? What is consciousness? What is the importance of mantra in spirituality? Is there predestination? Who is the Guru? What is liberation? And so on.
Ramana Maharshi tries to answer the various questions presented to him, but how those answers are understood ultimately depends on the interpretation of the listener.
This book is for all spiritual seekers, from amateurs who are just beginning their spiritual journey to those who have already deeply involved in the world of spirituality. Even experienced spiritual seekers may realise, while reading this book, that they too are nothing. Only by putting aside the ego within us can we begin to understand what spirituality really is, what God is, and what the Self is.
“Brahman or the Self is like a cinema screen and the world like the pictures on it. You can see the picture only so long as there is a screen. But when the observer himself becomes the screen only the Self remains.”
This book contains teachings that are mostly conversations between Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshi and spiritual seekers. It addresses many questions and doubts that almost every spiritual seeker may encounter in life, such as: What is death? What is karma? What is consciousness? What is the importance of mantra in spirituality? Is there predestination? Who is the Guru? What is liberation? And so on.
Ramana Maharshi tries to answer the various questions presented to him, but how those answers are understood ultimately depends on the interpretation of the listener.
This book is for all spiritual seekers, from amateurs who are just beginning their spiritual journey to those who have already deeply involved in the world of spirituality. Even experienced spiritual seekers may realise, while reading this book, that they too are nothing. Only by putting aside the ego within us can we begin to understand what spirituality really is, what God is, and what the Self is.
“Brahman or the Self is like a cinema screen and the world like the pictures on it. You can see the picture only so long as there is a screen. But when the observer himself becomes the screen only the Self remains.”
September 15, 2015
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reading spiritual books and are interested in the self-inquiry approach to spirituality. Ramana Maharsi was an Enlightened Master from India. This book is arranged as a series of questions and answers with Ramana Maharsi. The answers are great pointers to the truth that we are all That and That is all there is.
July 31, 2018
This book was my first exposure to Ramana Maharshi. By itself, it stands as a worthy collection of most of the the core ideas of the maharishi. The formatting of the digital edition and the classy design of the cover is a welcome benefit.
December 14, 2020
A more direct path
Are you currently on a spiritual path to search for truth, but you are struggling to find your way. Why not try the direct path of self inquiry? Its one of the most ancient of the Hindu techniques. It’s all taught right here in this little book. It is all in the words of the great Indian Sage and self realized master, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Marhishi.
Are you currently on a spiritual path to search for truth, but you are struggling to find your way. Why not try the direct path of self inquiry? Its one of the most ancient of the Hindu techniques. It’s all taught right here in this little book. It is all in the words of the great Indian Sage and self realized master, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Marhishi.
September 7, 2023
It just struck me that I read this on Janmashtami…
Very straightforward words about knowing the body/mind is not the Self.
Very straightforward words about knowing the body/mind is not the Self.
November 12, 2025
Great. Simple. True.
June 4, 2020
Completed reading this masterpiece.
The entire book revolves around the concept of realization of self and overcoming the ego and mind which are creations of maaya.
The true nature of happiness lies in not attaching ourselves to any tendencies by abiding to the duties of mankind.
The known, knower and knowledge are not different from one another and the ultimate aim of seeker is to forgo the tendencies and seek the true nature of self i.e. the true 'I'.
It answers most of the questions raised by devotees seeking liberation in the path of self realization and Bhagavan answered all the queries without deviating the focal point of the subject i.e. understanding 'Who am I'.
This is the basic question which solves all the problem that human kind is facing nowadays. He advocated the practise of advaita without criticizing the other relevant practises prevalent in Hinduism and other allied religions.
Happy to utilize the lock out period in reading one of the best books in quenching the thirst of spirituality and self realization.
A must need for everyone.
The entire book revolves around the concept of realization of self and overcoming the ego and mind which are creations of maaya.
The true nature of happiness lies in not attaching ourselves to any tendencies by abiding to the duties of mankind.
The known, knower and knowledge are not different from one another and the ultimate aim of seeker is to forgo the tendencies and seek the true nature of self i.e. the true 'I'.
It answers most of the questions raised by devotees seeking liberation in the path of self realization and Bhagavan answered all the queries without deviating the focal point of the subject i.e. understanding 'Who am I'.
This is the basic question which solves all the problem that human kind is facing nowadays. He advocated the practise of advaita without criticizing the other relevant practises prevalent in Hinduism and other allied religions.
Happy to utilize the lock out period in reading one of the best books in quenching the thirst of spirituality and self realization.
A must need for everyone.
May 9, 2022
I have been looking forward to reading this book for quite some time and somehow it was lost in the humdrum of life and its false, pretentious priorities. Finally, I started and there was no looking back, just breezed threw pages turning them and assimilating the golden nectar that oozed.
The mainstay of the gist of the book is that "self-inquiry" is direct and we somehow miss it altogether, in fact, it is just there in the background omniscient and eternal. The Maharishi carries a certain pull in his messages and one just floats in the aura without any more questions and suggestions. The power of silence is so surreal when you go through the book.
I have read this book at the airports, inside the aircraft, traveling by bus, and in many such places that represent human busyness. The readings always provided direct calmness, and bliss, despite the outer perturbations.
I would highly recommend it to someone who wants to dive into this ever-growing infinite expanse of consciousness. Best wishes.
The mainstay of the gist of the book is that "self-inquiry" is direct and we somehow miss it altogether, in fact, it is just there in the background omniscient and eternal. The Maharishi carries a certain pull in his messages and one just floats in the aura without any more questions and suggestions. The power of silence is so surreal when you go through the book.
I have read this book at the airports, inside the aircraft, traveling by bus, and in many such places that represent human busyness. The readings always provided direct calmness, and bliss, despite the outer perturbations.
I would highly recommend it to someone who wants to dive into this ever-growing infinite expanse of consciousness. Best wishes.
July 26, 2024
Can sense peace and Truth since I (Who am I?) started reading it, even if some concepts were difficult to grasp and uncomfortable for a western-kind prone to individuality mind.
Gradually the meaning made its way through, most of it came through meditation self-inquiry practice and re-reading, actually can make you look at things in a very plain and simple way, as profound and joyful.
If you encounter it during your lifetime it's a good sign you should turn off your mind and give it a deep look.
Gradually the meaning made its way through, most of it came through meditation self-inquiry practice and re-reading, actually can make you look at things in a very plain and simple way, as profound and joyful.
If you encounter it during your lifetime it's a good sign you should turn off your mind and give it a deep look.
July 5, 2025
Self-inquiry is the direct method of meditation.
Its different from other meditations that uses objects like breath, sensations, mantras, visualizations, sounds, incantations, etc because these various forms are meant to calm the mind.
Self-inquiry works by always questioning your thoughts by finding out who is thinking these thoughts, who is experiencing these emotions, who is doing these activities. Is it You or your ego (I-thought)?
Its good to learn from different gurus and apply which meditation method works best for you.
Its different from other meditations that uses objects like breath, sensations, mantras, visualizations, sounds, incantations, etc because these various forms are meant to calm the mind.
Self-inquiry works by always questioning your thoughts by finding out who is thinking these thoughts, who is experiencing these emotions, who is doing these activities. Is it You or your ego (I-thought)?
Its good to learn from different gurus and apply which meditation method works best for you.
August 7, 2019
A simple and beautiful guidebook on meditation
For spiritual aspirants, this book can work as a wonderful guide since Ramana Maharishi answers many questions related with the challenges on the path of meditation.
First i read it on Kindle, but now i have also ordered the paperback because i find it easier to read and make notes on the paper.
For spiritual aspirants, this book can work as a wonderful guide since Ramana Maharishi answers many questions related with the challenges on the path of meditation.
First i read it on Kindle, but now i have also ordered the paperback because i find it easier to read and make notes on the paper.
September 17, 2019
The initial pages are little complicated to understand. Felt like it is in the loop, it ran through many loops. Every line was saying same words Ego, dream, sleep, death, self. From second chapter the q & a got smoother gives some points of understanding. Still if I need to understand thoroughly I may need to go through 2-3 more repeats.
January 25, 2026
lasīju latviešu valodā. bet lai pilnībā izprastu šo grāmatu, nepieciešama augstāka sagatavotība par garīgo attīstību. man gribējās visu laiku iebilst, ka nav iespējams atdalīties no sava ķermeņa un pa kuru laiku tas lai atsakās no sava ego un meklē savu patieso "es", ja ir tā laicīgā dzīve ar saviem pienākumiem, uzdevumiem, notikumiem un saistībām.
May 30, 2017
One of the simplest and the best books on spirituality ever. Just one question answers everything, and the answer to that question is everything - who am I? The grace and simplicity with which Ramana Maharshi has imparted his teachings without preaching about anything is just amazing.
November 26, 2019
One can experience the peace as we go through the book. A simple guide which sums up the teaching of Maharshi. The questions and the answers make it more lively and one can imagine the discourse being performed. The silence which is told in the book gives the peace and presence of the Maharshi
July 17, 2021
Ramana Maharshi is truly one of a kind! Seek the real ‘I’ by asking “Who Am I?” and let your Self speak to you. Definitely not an easy read, but just be patient because the wisdom this book holds can’t be expressed in words.
November 28, 2018
The book was written beautifully. We saw Nectar from Bhagavan in His own words.
March 3, 2019
Ramana Maharshi's teaching is pretty simple. To question who is the doer/ director?
It's so simple, yet so profound. Loved the man's mystic answers to people's questions.
It's so simple, yet so profound. Loved the man's mystic answers to people's questions.
July 21, 2020
Simply written but ideas are complex to comprehend. Reading couple more times will give more clarity. But it seems it's a great guide to understand mind and go into self enquiry.
May 30, 2021
Know yourself before you seek to know the nature of God, and the world.
Read
May 30, 2021...
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October 27, 2021महर्षि रमण की सिखाव्नियों एवम उनको जानने की प्रक्रिया में आत्म बोध घटने लगता है I बह्तेरीन पुस्तक है
May 21, 2022
अद्वैत is the main part of his teachings
July 31, 2023
Too many logical fallacies, still better than 90% of spiritual books out there.
November 17, 2023
Must Read For the Ones on Spiritual Path!!
December 25, 2023
No drama, just straightforward truths.
February 11, 2025
Truly Enlightening!
Full of wisdom and I was sad to finish it. I will be rereading it and going back to all the parts I've highlighted, and there was many!
Full of wisdom and I was sad to finish it. I will be rereading it and going back to all the parts I've highlighted, and there was many!
December 4, 2025
The deep spiritual clarity of Ramana Maharshi really comes through in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews