Sri Ramana Maharshi

Sri Ramana Maharshi was a twentieth-century Indian sage associated particularly with Self-enquiry and the question 'Who am I?' at Tiruvannamalai.

Who was Sri Ramana Maharshi?

He moved to Arunachala as a young man and spent most of his life there, attracting seekers who came for silent presence, conversation and spiritual instruction.

Teachings and spiritual significance

Self-enquiry asks the seeker to investigate the source of the sense of 'I'. His recorded teachings also discuss awareness, the mind, surrender and the nature of the Self.

Major works and primary material

Who Am I?; Upadesa Saram; Forty Verses on Reality; recorded conversations and collected works.

How should Sri Ramana Maharshi be understood?

Love of God distinguishes a teacher's own teachings from editorial explanation. Tradition-specific theological statements are identified as belonging to the relevant tradition rather than being presented automatically as universally accepted historical facts. Where historical evidence is uncertain or traditions differ, the distinction should be made explicit.

Questions readers commonly ask

What tradition is Sri Ramana Maharshi associated with?

Advaita / Self-enquiry.

What are the main subjects associated with Sri Ramana Maharshi?

Self-enquiry asks the seeker to investigate the source of the sense of 'I'. His recorded teachings also discuss awareness, the mind, surrender and the nature of the Self.

Where should I start reading?

Begin with the teacher's own published works or recorded teachings, then consult recognized institutional biographies and scholarly or historical sources where appropriate.