Chapter 1: The Journey to Self-Discovery

Ramana Maharshi’s approach to uncovering our authentic self revolves around the quest to identify our true "I."

Photo by Motoki Tonn on Unsplash

Ramana Maharshi, a revered Indian sage of the 20th century, had a profound influence on modern spiritual teachers such as Eckhart Tolle, Ram Dass, and Michael Singer. His life story is both straightforward and captivating. At the age of 16, he encountered an intense internal force that he recognized as his true self. Six weeks later, in 1896, he left his home and journeyed to the sacred Arunachala mountain in southern India. For the next 54 years, he lived in and around Tiruvannamalai, embracing a life of renunciation and teaching spirituality.

Maharshi’s teachings were not heavily tied to Hindu doctrines; in fact, he never engaged with the Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduism's foundational texts. His focus was primarily on his personal experiences and insights regarding his inner self.

In a previous discussion (link here), I delved into the straightforward meditation technique he proposed, centered around the persistent inquiry of “Who am I?” Rather than seeking an answer, the practitioner continuously poses the question.

Body Awareness Exercise

Start by stating, “I am not my feet,” while concentrating on them. As you do this, perceive your sense of “I” as distinct from your feet.

Indeed, we are not merely our feet!

Next, apply the same principle to your legs: “I am not my legs,” focusing your awareness on them and recognizing your “I” as separate from your legs.

Continue this process with:

• “I am not my hands…or arms…”
• “I am not my genitals…”
• “I am not my eyes…ears…nose…mouth…throat…skin…”

Direct your attention to each part, envisioning it as separate from your true self.

Proceed further with your organs:

• “I am not my lungs…liver…kidneys…spleen…heart…intestines…”

Visualize each organ within your body and feel your true self as distinct from these physical manifestations.

Once you have worked through your body, you will arrive at your thoughts. Declare, “I am not these thoughts.”

Ram Dass and Ramana Maharshi elevate this inquiry by adding, “I am not the thought ‘I am not my thoughts.’” Ultimately, when this is completed, what remains is the essence of the true “I,” which is the objective of this meditation.

Merging the Observer and the Observed

Upon reaching this state, I recommend a final step: say to yourself, “Let’s eliminate the meditator.” Instead of merely observing or recognizing your true “I,” you merge with it. This teaching aligns with Adyashanti’s meditative practices.

Some interpret this final integration of the observer with the observed as the core of Yoga. The term "Yoga" in Sanskrit translates to union, and this ultimate merging leads to a fully realized, awakened existence. The duality we once experienced transforms into singular, pure consciousness.

Conclusion: The Benefits of Self-Inquiry

This practice requires patience, but the reward of identifying our true nature, or genuine “I,” is immeasurable. Understanding who we truly are, and who we are not, encapsulates the essence of spiritual exploration.

Engage fully with this meditation.

The first video, Sri Ramana Maharshi's True Nature is our very own Being | Advaita | Sadhanai Saram by Sri Sadhu Om, provides further insights into Maharshi’s teachings, elaborating on the connection between self-inquiry and realization.

Chapter 2: Mastering the Mind

In this chapter, we will explore techniques to gain control over our thoughts and mental processes.

The second video, How To Control Your Mind | Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, discusses methods for mastering your thoughts, allowing for a deeper understanding of the self and the practice of meditation.