 Sri
Ramana Maharshi
The Sage of Arunachala
30th Dec. 1879 to 14th April 1950
Throughout the history of mankind spiritual giants have appeared on
very rare ocassions to exemplify the Highest Truth, guiding followers
by their conduct in every moment of their lives; Sri Ramana Maharshi
was such a giant. Unique in our time, He perfectly embodied the ultimate
truth of Self-realisation, or complete immersion in God.
Known as the Sage of Arunachala, He spoke very little and wrote even
less. He preferred to communicate through the power of Silence, a silence
so deep and profound that it stilled the minds of those ardent seekers
who were attracted to Him from all over the world.
His highest teaching of 'Self-enquiry' was understood in the infinite
silence of his presence. Through this silence, countless numbers of
devotees and visitors experienced the pure bliss of True Being. That
same experience of perfect peace is still available to sincere souls
who turn to him and practice his teachings with devotion.
Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
This act of perfect grace can be experienced anywhere, but it is especially
palpable at his Ashram in South India at the foot of the holy Arunachala
Hill, a hill that has attracted saints and sages for thousands of years.
The Maharshi's teaching of 'Self-enquiry' (Pure Advaita) is simplicity
itself, requiring no outward formalities, no outer change of life, only
a simple change in 'point of view' and a sustained effort on the part
of the seeker. The goal is no heaven after death or a faraway ideal,
but rather the removal of the ignorance that prevents us from knowing
that we are eternally One with our Source, the Supreme Self, or God.
It is an experience than can be had NOW! All that is required is a sincere
effort, which earns us the necessary grace.
On his deathbed the Maharshi told his grieving devotees, "You
say I am going away, but where can I go? I am always here. You give
too much importance to the body." His promise of a 'continued presence'
is daily being experienced by numerous admirers and devotees from around
the world, and it is that experience of 'continued presence' that has
inspired many to devote themselves to the path of peace and love.
Devotees are not required to give up their current faith in God (however
perceived) and practices of devotion or worship, in fact they are encouraged
to continue in them as long as benefit is perceived. Self-enquiry does
not require the seeker to leave home, job, family or anything else.
Progress depends only upon effort and nothing else and help in Sadhana
(Spiritual effort) is always available.
Truth is Freedom.
From: /http://www.ramana-maharshi.org
This page was last updated:
January 3, 2004 17:43
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