Collected Works of Sri Ramana Maharshi

Collected Works of Sri Ramana Maharshi. “Self-enquiry is the first work the Maharshi ever wrote. It was written about 1901, that is, when he was a young man of about twenty-two. He was already a Jnani (Sage) in phttps://www.holybooks.com/talks-sri-ramana-maharshi/erfect realization of the Self, in the resplendent bliss of Divine Knowledge. At that time he was living in Virupaksha Cave on the hill of Arunachala. A number of disciples had already gathered round him. Although he had not actually taken a vow of silence, he seldom spoke, and so wrote his replies to certain questions put to him by Gambhiram Seshayya, one of the earliest devotees. The latter copied them in his diary. After his death this diary was obtained from his brother. The questions and answers were edited by Natanananda and published with Bhagavan’s approval under the name of Vichara Sangraham, or Self-Enquiry. Subsequently they were changed into the form of an essay. The original form has been adopted in the present work.

The Collected Works of Sri Ramana Maharshi, by Ramana Maharshi. Download full text here (820 KB)

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Who was Sri Ramana Maharshi?

Sri Ramana Maharshi, born as Venkataraman Iyer, was a renowned spiritual teacher and sage of the 20th century. He is considered one of the most influential spiritual figures in the Advaita Vedanta tradition, particularly in self-inquiry.

Early Life and Awakening:

Ramana Maharshi was born on December 30, 1879, in Tiruchuzhi, Tamil Nadu, India. From an early age, he displayed a contemplative nature and an interest in spirituality.

Life at Arunachala:

At the age of 16, Ramana experienced a profound spiritual awakening that led to a radical transformation. He left home and embarked on a journey to Tiruvannamalai, where he settled for the rest of his life. It was at the sacred mountain of Arunachala that Ramana Maharshi found his spiritual abode.

Teachings and Philosophy:

Ramana Maharshi’s teachings revolved around the principle of self-inquiry, the practice of turning the attention inward to investigate the nature of the self. He emphasized that the true nature of oneself, the “I” or “Self,” is inherently pure and unchanging. Through self-inquiry, one could directly experience this ultimate reality.

Influence and Disciples:

Ramana Maharshi’s teachings attracted numerous seekers and devotees from various backgrounds. His silent presence and profound wisdom had a transformative impact on those who came into contact with him. Many disciples became deeply devoted to him and spread his teachings throughout India and the world.

Writing and Literary Works:

Although Ramana Maharshi rarely wrote, he answered countless questions from seekers and disciples. These interactions were compiled into the book “Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi,” which serves as a compendium of his teachings. His concise and direct approach to spiritual inquiry is also encapsulated in the seminal text “Who Am I?” and other writings and poetry attributed to him.

Legacy and Continuing Influence:

Ramana Maharshi’s teachings continue to resonate with spiritual seekers around the globe. His impact can be seen in the establishment of the Ramana Ashram in Tiruvannamalai, which serves as a spiritual retreat for devotees. His profound realization and the simplicity of his teachings have solidified his position as a revered spiritual luminary.

By integrating the subheadings, the information about Sri Ramana Maharshi is presented in a more structured and organized manner.