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The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana Maharshi
The renowned Indian sage Ramana Maharshi is beloved by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Taoists alike for the inspirational power of his teachings, which transcend all religious differences. Here is a collection of Sri Ramana's instructions and discourses culled from three works: Who Am I? , Spiritual Instructions , and Maharshi's Gospel. These teachings are arranged by topics such as work and renunciation, silence and solitude, peace and happiness, and the discipline of self-inquiry. Reading this book, presented in question-and-answer format, evokes the feeling of being with this outstanding teacher at one of his intimate teaching sessions.
116 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
107 people are currently reading
2016 people want to read
About the author
Ramana Maharshi
254 books605 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 38 reviews
October 20, 2007
this is one of the hardest books i've ever read. it's existentialism to the Nth degree. it's a cocktail of philosophy and spirituality. it's so simple, it's hard. it's so hard, it's simple. my yoga teacher, tony, told me about this book two years ago. this isn't the sort of book through which one plows and tosses aside. it's a book to go back to and which to refer over and over.
maharshi realized, at the age of 16, that he needed to relinquish all personal possessions and belongings, as well as family, and head off by himself to create the 'death' of his former self and begin life anew. and did he, ever. he only wore a mere loincloth or a shift, of sorts. he didn't write books; people would instead write down what he said in his teachings. most of his teachings were silent! imagine.
if you're ever mentally clogged by life's woes, give this book a gander. maharshi points things out that are so incredibly simple, you can't believe you ever thought something so trite in the first place!
maharshi realized, at the age of 16, that he needed to relinquish all personal possessions and belongings, as well as family, and head off by himself to create the 'death' of his former self and begin life anew. and did he, ever. he only wore a mere loincloth or a shift, of sorts. he didn't write books; people would instead write down what he said in his teachings. most of his teachings were silent! imagine.
if you're ever mentally clogged by life's woes, give this book a gander. maharshi points things out that are so incredibly simple, you can't believe you ever thought something so trite in the first place!
May 24, 2011
One of the most important books I have ever read.
February 26, 2021
A lifelong exposure to scientific training can engender a deep-rooted apprehension towards any tomes proclaiming spiritual edification. For many books written on the subject, that sense of foreboding, foretelling sweeping Godly claims of intuitional rather than empirical knowledge is often times prophetic.
This is where this book differs from the rest.
Self realization resulting from intense concentration is not new to science. Whether there be a possible as yet unproven biochemical reason for this or whether it truly be the process of achieving Self-consciousness to the point of apotheosis, the fact of the matter is this - something incredible happens to people when they pursue one single question with utmost almost inhuman inner zeal - 'Who am I'.
Very few books involve an honest discussion between a layman and such an "enlightened" being on a level that is most straightforward. This book, written as a conversation, is just that - straightforward. Asking the simple often blunt questions a normal person would like to ask an enlightened one and being treated to answers that are among the best efforts to explain things without the reader having to work doubletime as a spiritual cryptographer.
Read this book irrespective of what religion you belong to. Read it especially if you are an atheist. There is no talk of God in the conventional manner. No talk of religion beyond some scriptural parables used as examples. The philosophical explanation of the 'Self' and its amalgamation with 'consciousness' leads to a deep-rooted ancient philosophy that over the centuries was oversimplified for the masses into a concept of an external God observing a proverbial Newtonian clockwork Universe with a pinch of uncertainty added to foster external divine miraculous interventions.
All in all a short, highly thought provoking read with some excellent explanations of the eastern spiritual and philosophical perception of the Universe, reality itself and what the Self truly is.
This is where this book differs from the rest.
Self realization resulting from intense concentration is not new to science. Whether there be a possible as yet unproven biochemical reason for this or whether it truly be the process of achieving Self-consciousness to the point of apotheosis, the fact of the matter is this - something incredible happens to people when they pursue one single question with utmost almost inhuman inner zeal - 'Who am I'.
Very few books involve an honest discussion between a layman and such an "enlightened" being on a level that is most straightforward. This book, written as a conversation, is just that - straightforward. Asking the simple often blunt questions a normal person would like to ask an enlightened one and being treated to answers that are among the best efforts to explain things without the reader having to work doubletime as a spiritual cryptographer.
Read this book irrespective of what religion you belong to. Read it especially if you are an atheist. There is no talk of God in the conventional manner. No talk of religion beyond some scriptural parables used as examples. The philosophical explanation of the 'Self' and its amalgamation with 'consciousness' leads to a deep-rooted ancient philosophy that over the centuries was oversimplified for the masses into a concept of an external God observing a proverbial Newtonian clockwork Universe with a pinch of uncertainty added to foster external divine miraculous interventions.
All in all a short, highly thought provoking read with some excellent explanations of the eastern spiritual and philosophical perception of the Universe, reality itself and what the Self truly is.
May 5, 2020
Immenso insegnamento.
Un libro da leggere e rileggere, non tanto per capire, quanto per intuire con cuore la ricchezza che contiene.
Una luce sul sentiero!
Un libro da leggere e rileggere, non tanto per capire, quanto per intuire con cuore la ricchezza che contiene.
Una luce sul sentiero!
November 2, 2015
I recognize that Ramana Maharshi is one of the most important figures in Indian Spirituality and my review is in no way an attempt to diminish the value in his teachings. That being said I didn't enjoy this book at all. It was required reading for one of my classes in school and I just felt detached while reading. I didn't agree or feel touched or moved by his teachings and it just didn't resonate with me; also I didn't understand a lot of what he said either. I admire his influence in India but I think he was sort of a silly person honestly. I mean reading the short biography in this book he simply left home, refused to speak to his mother ever again, and abused his body to the point he let himself die of cancer basically. No spiritual teachings should come to that and even though I might be missing the point I guess that's why I couldn't sympathize with this book.
August 27, 2007
This is a book I will be re-reading for years before I realize everything that is inside, if ever. My dad noticed I was toting a copy and told me he's been keeping this book by the side of his bed for years, saying it was the last book he ever had to read before he 'got it'. He still references it to this day. A book for the serious student of self-realization and Eastern practice.
March 3, 2010
extreme sincerity and constant inner questionning are the two requisite for a genuine spiritual enlightenment
September 16, 2015
Another indispensable classic. Some of the exchanges are more meritricious than others, and, as much as I love Jung, his introduction to this work is, in my opinion, a completely "miss" and should be skipped (or read with caution :)), but otherwise this is an excellent collection of the teachings of one of the great jnana yogis of this or any age....
October 28, 2010
The meditation method I have used and enjoyed with the best results after 35 years of trying.
December 9, 2010
Completely excellent. Like direct transmissions for recognizing your true Self. No convoluted paradigms.
February 3, 2017
"True Knowledge does not create a new Being for you; it only removes your 'ignorant ignorance" was among the teachings of Sri Bhagavan on this short and powerful book.
Once you question the existence of the world and its things it is inevitable to come across this sage who's words came from the Heart known as the Seat of Consciousness.
His simplicity with words to explain the mundane things as well as Reality cross a bridge and make connection with so much that it's never tiring to absorb his teachings.
"The body is itself a mere projection of the mind, and the mind is but a poor reflection of the radiant Heart. How can That, in which everything is contained, be reels confined as a tiny part of the physical body which is but and infinitesimal, phenomenal manifestation of the one Reality?"
Worth reading!
Once you question the existence of the world and its things it is inevitable to come across this sage who's words came from the Heart known as the Seat of Consciousness.
His simplicity with words to explain the mundane things as well as Reality cross a bridge and make connection with so much that it's never tiring to absorb his teachings.
"The body is itself a mere projection of the mind, and the mind is but a poor reflection of the radiant Heart. How can That, in which everything is contained, be reels confined as a tiny part of the physical body which is but and infinitesimal, phenomenal manifestation of the one Reality?"
Worth reading!
August 24, 2012
This book consists of Sri Ramana's instructions and discourses from three works: Who Am I?, Spiritual Instructions, and Maharishis's Gospel, and foreword by the great Carl G. Jung, these teachings arranged by conversations of some topics like renunciation, silence, bhakti, jnana, self-realization, mind control, self-inquiry, etc. you will find find an answer of your spiritual questions in this book. I find the great quote here: "To see God is to be God, the is no "all" apart from God for Him to pervade. He alone is".
September 4, 2008
A truly great modern spiritual classic from one of the greatest twentieth century sages (perhaps THE greatest) of Advaita Vedanta, India's contribution to the nondual teachings. You don't have to believe in any religion or anything else to revel in the Maharshi's profundity, simplicity, and clarity. This is one of the books that started me on the spiritual search, and I return to it again and again.
November 4, 2023
Ramana Maharshi always good-- the essence of Vedanta. Still, gets a bit bogged down (for me) with cultural baggage. Not sure one needs more that the initial essay, "Who Am I." Still, this, his talks, books by Godwin, etc. can be very helpful for one desiring to evolve toward truth/clarity/thusness.
July 16, 2007
Excellent teachings on the meditative Hindu tradition by a saint.
July 8, 2012
Simply an awesome book!
May 16, 2018
a gem
August 10, 2023
The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharshi is a collection of the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, a 20th-century Indian sage who is considered one of the most important spiritual teachers of modern times. The book is divided into chapters on topics such as work and renunciation, silence and solitude, peace and happiness, and the discipline of self-inquiry.
Ramana Maharshi taught that the root of all suffering is ignorance of our true nature. We mistakenly identify ourselves with our bodies, minds, and emotions, which are all impermanent. When we realize that we are not these things, but the eternal Self, all suffering ceases.
The central teaching of Ramana Maharshi is self-inquiry, which is the practice of asking the question "Who am I?" This question is designed to lead us to the realization that we are not the body, mind, or emotions, but the unchanging Self.
The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharshi is a classic of spiritual literature. It is a clear and concise exposition of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, and it offers a practical path to self-realization.
Here are some of the key teachings of Ramana Maharshi:
* The Self is the only reality.
* The world is an illusion.
* Suffering is caused by ignorance of the Self.
* Liberation is achieved through self-inquiry.
* The path to self-realization is simple but not easy.
* Grace is essential for success on the spiritual path.
The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharshi is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Advaita Vedanta and the path to self-realization. It is a book that can be read and reread for years to come, and it is sure to inspire and guide you on your spiritual journey.
Ramana Maharshi taught that the root of all suffering is ignorance of our true nature. We mistakenly identify ourselves with our bodies, minds, and emotions, which are all impermanent. When we realize that we are not these things, but the eternal Self, all suffering ceases.
The central teaching of Ramana Maharshi is self-inquiry, which is the practice of asking the question "Who am I?" This question is designed to lead us to the realization that we are not the body, mind, or emotions, but the unchanging Self.
The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharshi is a classic of spiritual literature. It is a clear and concise exposition of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, and it offers a practical path to self-realization.
Here are some of the key teachings of Ramana Maharshi:
* The Self is the only reality.
* The world is an illusion.
* Suffering is caused by ignorance of the Self.
* Liberation is achieved through self-inquiry.
* The path to self-realization is simple but not easy.
* Grace is essential for success on the spiritual path.
The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharshi is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Advaita Vedanta and the path to self-realization. It is a book that can be read and reread for years to come, and it is sure to inspire and guide you on your spiritual journey.
January 16, 2026
Read this book upon a friend's recommendation. My late interests in Indian knowledge in spirituality also served me well to finish this book which was full of discussions between disciple and Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharishi.
One should always approach spiritual self-help texts with caution--as it can be exploitative when the reader is vulnerable. Such a condition applies to almost all the texts, but especially to those coming from words of godmen. However, the book's saving grace is Sri Ramana Maharishi does not self-proclaim him as the only God out there, but asks the disciple and readers to find God residing in one's spiritual heart.
The sage declares absolute surrender or detached self-inquiry as the only way to find the God. The declaration of chronic detachment from maya seems too idealistic but also desirable to me. However, certain parts remain obscure to my finite mind and some parts sound problematic too which suggests chronic detachment even from caring to ailing--leaving it all to the God. I will revisit again for more understanding and overall it's a simple read.
It has a lot of vocabulary from Tamil and Sanskrit, and there is a glossary to support them. The usage metaphor to explain concepts also works well for me. In fact, I am amazed by the repeated usage of popular examples like cinema as a metaphor by the sage.
One should always approach spiritual self-help texts with caution--as it can be exploitative when the reader is vulnerable. Such a condition applies to almost all the texts, but especially to those coming from words of godmen. However, the book's saving grace is Sri Ramana Maharishi does not self-proclaim him as the only God out there, but asks the disciple and readers to find God residing in one's spiritual heart.
The sage declares absolute surrender or detached self-inquiry as the only way to find the God. The declaration of chronic detachment from maya seems too idealistic but also desirable to me. However, certain parts remain obscure to my finite mind and some parts sound problematic too which suggests chronic detachment even from caring to ailing--leaving it all to the God. I will revisit again for more understanding and overall it's a simple read.
It has a lot of vocabulary from Tamil and Sanskrit, and there is a glossary to support them. The usage metaphor to explain concepts also works well for me. In fact, I am amazed by the repeated usage of popular examples like cinema as a metaphor by the sage.
December 1, 2025
No matter how many spiritual teachers people praise, there's one who continually stands apart: this jnani, Ramana Maharshi. There's something sad in thinking that someone might live their entire life, grow old, and never encounter his words.
The Bhagavan speaks from a place very few ever reach. His clarity doesn't come from study alone or from recounting a personal awakening--it comes from someone who completed the full arc of the inward journey and lived most of his life in that effortless state.
Though well-versed in the Vedas, reading him has truth without ornament or mysticism. He is both the sage who realized, and the logician who can reveal that realization to others. Undoubtably, the easiest spiritual practice to recommend to another on an earnest spiritual path, looking to not stray too far into the weeds, would be to just study his words alone for a while (or a lifetime).
The Bhagavan speaks from a place very few ever reach. His clarity doesn't come from study alone or from recounting a personal awakening--it comes from someone who completed the full arc of the inward journey and lived most of his life in that effortless state.
Though well-versed in the Vedas, reading him has truth without ornament or mysticism. He is both the sage who realized, and the logician who can reveal that realization to others. Undoubtably, the easiest spiritual practice to recommend to another on an earnest spiritual path, looking to not stray too far into the weeds, would be to just study his words alone for a while (or a lifetime).
May 6, 2025
Este libro es todo un portal! Cuando la Verdad te habla, no hay forma de ignorarla. Es tan potente y a la vez tan sutil, tan cariñosa, tan alegre... Conocer la Verdad a través de Maharshi me curó el alma. Ya no sufro como antes, ya no me preocupo con la misma carga que llevaba. Solté el control, se lo entregué al Ser y me ha llevado de una forma amorosa. La pelea con el ego es durísima, es casi una derrota reconocida desde el futuro. El gozo de la vida. El Ser mismo. El Sí mismo. Esta experiencia tan única, tan bella, tan plena. Acabo de vivir un deajvu. Mirá que lindo todo, ah?
Gracias!
Gracias!
March 20, 2021
A short and difficult book. Very much worth the study required to reach the many insights and ideas here, but you'll have to work at it. I found m... [see the rest of this review on my book review site.]
May 3, 2023
I find the book as a practical handbook and companion to Be As You Are. The practical steps described in the practice of Self-inquiry answered my naive practical questions that arose from reading and assimilating the ideas presented in Be As You Are. This is a book I feel I would like to go back regularly as a companion.
June 8, 2020
I... need to read this again to really absorb it. Sometimes the ideas are really general and helpful, but sometimes they're referring to concepts that I have never read about before. Would like to revisit after gathering more historical context.
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January 1, 2024A very difficult book to read -- both in terms of language and content. left me frustrated as I couldn't grasp most of it even after multiple attempts. Jung's forward was smooth.
I need to spend more time with this book.
I need to spend more time with this book.
February 12, 2019
I book was well presented. I did grow tired of the question/answer form of the content. While it was insightful, if it were presented in a different form, I think I may have enjoyed it more.
February 27, 2020
Here is the ultimate reality.
February 23, 2021
Nothing compares to the luminous words of this teacher. Rereading for the 5th time now and for the rest of my life!
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March 19, 2021Guru's grace is always with us the moment we think of ramana maharishi. Om Arunachaleshwaraya Namaha. Saravam Krishnaarpanam.
May 12, 2022
Q&A format of Ramana Maharshi's teachings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews