The Life and Legacy of Ramana Maharishi: A Journey of Self-Realisation

Ramana Maharishi, the silent sage of Arunachala, remains one of the most revered spiritual figures of modern India. His teachings on self-inquiry and non-duality have transformed seekers worldwide. Through this extensive article, I present his life, wisdom, and the indelible mark he left on humanity.

Early Life of Ramana Maharishi: The Birth of a Saint

Born as Venkataraman Iyer in 1879 in Tiruchuli, Tamil Nadu, his early years showed no extraordinary signs of spiritual inclination. However, a near-death experience at 16 awakened a profound realization: he was not his body but the eternal self. This epiphany marked the beginning of his spiritual journey.

Renunciation and Sanyas: Ramana Maharishi’s Journey to Arunachala

Drawn by an inner calling, he left his home and traveled to the sacred Arunachala Hill. Here, he embraced a life of silence and asceticism, meditating for years in solitude. His radiant presence soon attracted seekers, marking the rise of one of the greatest spiritual movements of modern times.

Teachings of Ramana Maharishi: The Path of Self-Inquiry

Ramana Maharishi's central teaching was self-inquiry (Atma Vichara). He urged devotees to ask, "Who am I?"—a method to dissolve the ego and realize the true self. His wisdom was rooted in Advaita Vedanta but conveyed in simple, direct words accessible to all.

The Influence of Ramana Maharishi: A Global Spiritual Icon

His impact transcended national boundaries. Intellectuals, saints, and common people alike found solace in his words. Great thinkers like Carl Jung, Paul Brunton, and Henri Cartier-Bresson were drawn to him, recognizing his depth and authenticity.

Meditation and Silence: The Core of Ramana Maharishi’s Practice

Ramana Maharishi emphasized silence as the highest teaching. He believed that words could only point toward truth, but silence was the actual transmission of wisdom. His presence itself became a beacon of peace and enlightenment for all who came to him.

Ramana Maharishi and Vedanta: The Essence of Non-Duality

Though he rarely quoted scriptures, his teachings resonated deeply with Advaita Vedanta. He taught that there is no separation between the individual soul and Brahman—the ultimate reality. His approach was practical, offering seekers direct experience rather than intellectual arguments.

Global Influence and International Recognition

Western Intellectuals and Thinkers Influenced by Ramana Maharishi

Paul Brunton

Paul Brunton, a British philosopher and writer, played a crucial role in introducing Ramana Maharishi to the Western world. His book A Search in Secret India highlighted Ramana’s wisdom and led to a surge of international seekers visiting Arunachala.

Carl Jung

Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, acknowledged Ramana’s teachings as one of the highest expressions of self-realization. Jung appreciated his non-dualistic approach and found parallels between his teachings and analytical psychology.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

The renowned French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson was deeply moved by Ramana’s presence. His photographs of the sage remain some of the most iconic images, capturing the essence of Ramana’s divinity.

Spiritual Seekers and Devotees from Around the World

Arthur Osborne

Arthur Osborne, an English poet and writer, devoted his life to spreading Ramana’s message. He wrote extensively about Ramana Maharishi and edited The Mountain Path magazine, a publication dedicated to his teachings.

Maurice Frydman

A Polish engineer and humanitarian, Maurice Frydman translated Ramana’s works, making them accessible to a global audience. His deep understanding of Eastern philosophy allowed him to interpret Ramana’s words with clarity.

David Godman

A contemporary Western devotee, David Godman has written several books on Ramana Maharishi, further popularizing his teachings among spiritual seekers worldwide.

Impact on Contemporary Spiritual Movements

Influence on Neo-Advaita

Ramana Maharishi’s teachings heavily influenced modern Neo-Advaita teachers such as Mooji, Papaji, and Eckhart Tolle. His direct approach to self-inquiry continues to shape contemporary spiritual practices.

Contribution to Global Meditation Practices

His emphasis on inner silence has inspired many modern meditation techniques, particularly mindfulness and non-dual awareness practices embraced by Western practitioners.

Influence on Indian Spirituality and Ashrams

Ramana’s legacy lives on through Sri Ramanasramam in Tiruvannamalai, which serves as a spiritual hub for devotees from around the world.

Ramana Maharishi’s Universal Appeal

Simplicity and Accessibility of Teachings

Unlike many spiritual traditions requiring elaborate rituals, Ramana’s approach was simple yet profound. His teachings appealed to individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of religion or nationality.

Bridging Eastern and Western Philosophies

His teachings resonated with Western intellectuals seeking a deeper understanding of Eastern spirituality. His approach provided a bridge between Eastern mysticism and Western thought.

Timeless Wisdom for Modern Times

In an era dominated by materialism and technological distractions, Ramana’s message of self-inquiry remains relevant, offering solace to those seeking true fulfillment.

Ramana Maharishi’s Ashrams: Sanctuaries of Peace

Sri Ramanasramam in Tiruvannamalai, founded in his honor, remains a spiritual hub for seekers. The ashram continues to propagate his teachings, providing a space for meditation, self-inquiry, and the study of his works.

The Samadhi of Ramana Maharishi: The Final Journey

On April 14, 1950, Ramana Maharishi left his mortal body, merging into the supreme consciousness. His presence, however, continues to guide seekers through his teachings and the sacred energy of Arunachala.

Conclusion: The Eternal Presence of Ramana Maharishi

Ramana Maharishi’s wisdom remains as potent today as it was during his lifetime. His teachings transcend time and place, serving as a guiding light for anyone seeking truth, peace, and self-realization. Arunachala stands as an eternal testament to his presence, silently calling seekers home.