"Who Am I?" — The Timeless Teachings of Ramana Maharshi

Ramana Maharshi is widely regarded as one of the greatest sages of modern India, whose teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers across the world.

Born in Tamil Nadu, India in 1879, he had a near-death experience at the age of 16 that inspired him to dedicate his life to devotion and teaching. Ramana left home and journeyed to the holy mountain of Arunachala, where he spent the remainder of his life, mostly in silence, meditating and engaging with spiritual seekers. Despite his simplicity, the power of his presence and the depth of his wisdom drew thousands of followers, both from India and around the world.

Self-Inquiry: The Core of His Teachings

The heart of Ramana Maharshi’s teachings revolves around the method of Atma Vichara (self-inquiry), which he advocated as the most direct path to realizing the true Self. His essential question was: “Who am I?”

This inquiry is not about seeking intellectual answers or engaging in philosophical debates, but about turning attention inward. By asking "Who am I?" one begins to explore the source of the egoic identity that is at the root of all suffering and illusion. According to Ramana, the ego creates the sense of separation, identifying with the body, mind, and personal experiences.

Ramana explained that when we trace the "I-thought" back to its origin, we arrive at pure awareness—our true nature. He emphasized that the answer to "Who am I?" cannot be found outside of ourselves; it lies in the direct experience of the Self, which is beyond the body and mind, beyond time and space.

Key Teachings of Ramana Maharshi

1. The True Nature of the Self

Ramana Maharshi’s central teaching is that the Self is eternal, unchanging, and ever-present. He said: “Awareness is another name for you. Since you are awareness there is no need to attain or cultivate it. All that you have to do is to give up being aware of other things, that are of the not-self. If one gives up being aware of them then pure awareness alone remains, and that is the Self.”

The Self, or Atman, is the ground of all existence. It is not something to be attained but something to be realized. This eternal Self is not born, nor does it die; it simply is.

2. The Illusion of the Ego

Ramana Maharshi taught that the ego is an illusion—a product of ignorance that identifies with the body, mind, and personal narrative. He said: “The Self is that where there is absolutely no 'I'-thought. That is called 'Silence'. The Self itself is the world; the Self itself is 'I'; the Self itself is God; all is the Supreme Self.”

By dissolving the ego through self-inquiry, one discovers that there is only the Self, which is infinite and undivided. The ego, or "I-thought," is merely a temporary veil that obscures this reality.

3. Silence as the Ultimate Teaching

For Ramana Maharshi, silence was not the absence of sound, but the highest form of teaching. He often said that silence communicates more profoundly than words, for in silence, the mind becomes still, and the truth of the Self is revealed.

“Silence is ever-speaking; it is the perennial flow of language. It is interrupted by speaking; for words obstruct this mute language.”

Many devotees reported experiencing profound states of peace and realization simply by sitting in the presence of Ramana’s silence.

4. Self-Realization is Liberation

According to Ramana Maharshi, the realization of the true Self is the ultimate goal of life. This realization is also known as liberation (moksha) or enlightenment, where one abides in the eternal, undisturbed Self.

“To know the Self is to be the Self, as there are not two separate selves: one to know and one to be known.”

This direct realization of oneness with the Self brings an end to suffering and a sense of infinite peace and bliss.

5. Non-Duality (Advaita)

Ramana’s teachings are rooted in the philosophy of non-duality (Advaita), which asserts that there is no separation between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). He taught that duality—the belief in separation between oneself and the universe, between the self and God—is the cause of all suffering.

“There are not two selves. The one Self alone is. If the false self is removed, the real Self alone remains.”

In this way, Ramana’s teachings align with the essence of the Upanishads and Advaita Vedanta, which proclaim the oneness of all existence. Learn more about non-duality.

Living Ramana Maharshi’s Teachings Today

In today’s world, where we often define ourselves by our roles, possessions, and accomplishments, Ramana’s message is more relevant than ever. He invites us to drop all identification with the fleeting and impermanent and return to the awareness of our true, infinite nature.

The path of self-inquiry is timeless and requires no rituals, dogmas, or external practices—just a deep and sincere turning inward. The simplicity and clarity of Ramana Maharshi’s message make it accessible to people of all backgrounds, regardless of religious or cultural traditions. His teachings remind us that the search for meaning, happiness, and peace ultimately leads back to ourselves.