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The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi in His Own Words
In this Book Arthur osborne has succeeded in presenting in a brief compass the essential teachings of the Maharshi,through a process of selection from his dialogues and written works.The matter has been classified under distinct subjects.This Book fulfills the need for a short,reliable compendium of Sri Bhagawan's instructions--which in earlier years were available mostly in the form of jottings.The notes of the author are of great value. Ever since it was published in the year 1996 the book's demand is so great that it has been re-printed eleven times within four years!
211 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
421 people are currently reading
1061 people want to read
About the author
Ramana Maharshi
252 books600 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 44 reviews
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.
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.
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...
Read
October 27, 2021महर्षि रमण की सिखाव्नियों एवम उनको जानने की प्रक्��िया 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.
September 14, 2014
Recomend this as a must read for those interested in advaita. Complimentary book for Ramana maharishi's work. Arthur Osborne has chosen the most outstanding or radical aspects of teaching. Far reaching changes in the world view is introduced through Maharishis teachings by Osborne. Osborne's books has clear markings of one who has realised what he is talking about. He ranks like Maurice Frydman (Editor of Iam that - nissagardatta maharaj) as a realised master in their own right.
May 2, 2020
Best book on self enquirey
Best words of Ramana from best writer. Writer plays good role in mentioning and directing at every interval along with all paragraphs from direct Maharishi words. It is much clear to understand then. Maharishi explained in clear crystal way to sniff to the source. This enquiry can be used with other teachings as Echkart tolle teachings and can have wide view
Best words of Ramana from best writer. Writer plays good role in mentioning and directing at every interval along with all paragraphs from direct Maharishi words. It is much clear to understand then. Maharishi explained in clear crystal way to sniff to the source. This enquiry can be used with other teachings as Echkart tolle teachings and can have wide view
December 19, 2014
Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant !!!!!!!! One of the best books I have read and highly recommended for those who r seriously on the spiritual journey...the book has the capacity to satisfy the spiritual hunger (of seeking the truth)thats there within and it comes from someone who has been there and lived by the truth and hence it is amazingly powerful and crystal clear.... :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews