Ramana Maharshi
1879–1950 · Tiruvannamalai, India
- First attested
- 1950Who Am I? (Nan Yar?), Talk with Sri Ramana Maharshi (recorded by Munagala Venkataramiah).
Turn attention inward toward the source of the observer: ask "Who am I?" until the seeker dissolves in the Self.
Indian sage who lived at the holy mountain of Arunachala in Tamil Nadu. At age sixteen, he underwent an intense death-experience during which he recognized that consciousness remained untouched by the death of the body. He spent the remainder of his life in silent presence and answering seekers using the method of Self-Enquiry (atma-vichara: "Who am I?").
Light
Direct, accessible pointer to pure awareness without dogma or sect.
Shadow
Passive escapism; using the inquiry mechanically as a mental mantra rather than deep looking.