Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi's Teachings on Self-Inquiry
- Phani Madhav RSS
- Oct 31
- 5 min read
When I first encountered the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, I was struck by the simplicity and depth of his method of self-inquiry. This practice, often called Ramana self-inquiry, is a powerful tool for anyone seeking to understand the true nature of the self beyond the distractions of everyday life. In this post, I want to share my insights and practical guidance on this profound spiritual path.
Let me share how I first came upon the radiant teachings of Bhagavan Ramana. It was sometime around 1993–94, in the early, wonder-filled days of my sadhana. My grandmother — my first spiritual guide and an embodiment of quiet wisdom — and myself would pick up any one of Bhagavan’s books and read together. Those evenings were not mere readings; they were moments of awakening. I use to ask her innumerable questions for which she use to answer from her very inner experience.
It was she who first introduced me to Bhagavan Ramana and the sacred hill of Arunachala. As she spoke of the mountain and the Ashram nestled upon its slopes, a vivid image formed in my mind — so alive, so radiant — that it has never faded. Years later, when I finally visited Arunachalam in 1994 with my parents, I was astonished to find that the vision I had cherished was not of the main Ashram complex at all, but of Skandasramam, resting high upon the mountain’s heart.
Thus, I first met Bhagavān inwardly, through her words and my own heart’s seeing, long before I was ever introduced to Kavyakantha Sri Ganapati Muni. It was my grandmother who set me upon the path of self-enquiry — the path of Who am I? — which later became the living pulse of my entire spiritual life.
Since childhood, my sadhana has followed the way of jñāna and yoga mārga; and so, when I came to Bhagavan’s teachings, they felt not new, but profoundly familiar — like the echo of a truth I had always known.
Understanding Ramana Self-Inquiry: The Core Practice
Ramana self-inquiry is a direct and introspective method that invites us to turn our attention inward and ask the fundamental question: Who am I? Unlike other spiritual practices that may involve rituals or complex techniques, this inquiry is straightforward yet transformative.
The process involves:
Quieting the mind and focusing on the sense of "I" or "I am."
Observing thoughts and emotions without attachment.
Persistently questioning the origin of the "I" thought until the false ego dissolves.
By consistently practicing this, I found that the layers of identification with the body, mind, and external roles begin to peel away, revealing a deeper, unchanging awareness.
This practice is not about intellectual analysis but about direct experience. It requires patience and sincerity. The more I practiced, the more I realized that the "I" I was seeking was not the limited ego but the universal Self.
The Significance of Ramana Self-Inquiry in Daily Life
Incorporating Ramana self-inquiry into daily life can be both simple and profound. It does not require special settings or long hours of meditation. Even in the midst of daily activities, I learned to pause and ask myself, Who is experiencing this moment?
Here are some practical ways to integrate this practice:
Start your day with a moment of self-inquiry - Before getting out of bed, gently ask your mind, Who am I? Let this question set the tone for your day.
Use triggers throughout the day - When you feel stressed or distracted, pause and return to the question.
End your day with reflection - Review your day by observing moments when you identified strongly with the ego and gently bring your awareness back to the Self.
This ongoing practice helps to reduce anxiety, increase clarity, and foster a sense of peace that is not dependent on external circumstances.
What is the philosophy of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi?
The philosophy of Ramana Maharshi centers on the realization that the true Self is pure consciousness, eternal and unchanging. According to his teachings, the ego or individual self is because of a false identification. The root cause of suffering is this mistaken identity.
Ramana Maharshi taught that liberation or moksha is attained by turning the mind inward and abiding in the Self. This is achieved through self-inquiry, which dissolves the ego and reveals the underlying reality.
Key points of his philosophy include:
Non-duality (Advaita Vedanta): There is no separation between the individual and the universal Self.
Self-realization: The ultimate goal is to realize one's true nature beyond body and mind.
Silence and stillness: Silence is not just the absence of speech but the presence of pure awareness.
Grace and effort: While self-inquiry requires effort, grace plays a vital role in awakening.
This philosophy is both simple and profound, offering a direct path to inner freedom without reliance on external rituals or beliefs.
How to Practice Ramana Self-Inquiry Effectively
To get the most out of Ramana self-inquiry, I found it helpful to follow a structured approach:
Find a quiet place: Choose a calm environment where distractions are minimal.
Sit comfortably: Maintain a relaxed but alert posture.
Focus on the "I" thought: Whenever a thought arises, ask, To whom does this thought occur? The answer is always, To me 'I'.
Trace the "I" back to its source: Keep asking, Who am I? or Where does this "I" come from?
Avoid intellectualizing: The inquiry is experiential, not analytical.
Be patient and persistent: The ego resists dissolution, so regular practice is essential.
I also recommend journaling your experiences after each session. Writing down insights or obstacles can deepen your understanding and commitment.
The Impact of Sri Ramana Maharshi Teachings on My Spiritual Journey
Encountering sri ramana maharshi teachings was a turning point in my spiritual journey. His emphasis on self-inquiry as the direct path to self-realization resonated deeply with me. Unlike many spiritual methods that felt complicated or esoteric, Ramana Maharshi’s approach was accessible and practical.
Through consistent practice, I noticed:
A gradual reduction in mental chatter and emotional turbulence.
A growing sense of inner peace and contentment.
Increased clarity about my true nature beyond roles and identities.
A deeper connection to the universal consciousness.
These changes were not sudden but unfolded gently over time, reinforcing the power of self-inquiry as a lifelong practice.
Embracing the Path of Self-Inquiry for Inner Transformation
If you are drawn to explore Ramana self-inquiry, here are some tips to support your journey:
Commit to daily practice: Even 10-15 minutes a day can make a difference.
Seek guidance if needed: Rather than Books, online resources, a Genuine experienced Guru can provide valuable support.
Be gentle with yourself: The mind will wander; gently bring it back without judgment.
Combine with other supportive practices: Attentive Reading of Recommended Books of Bhagavan Ramana or Adi Shankaracharya's 'Atma Bodha' etc., mantra chanting, or participating in Vedic Yajnas can complement self-inquiry.
Stay open to transformation: The process may challenge your beliefs and assumptions, but this is part of growth.
Remember, self-inquiry is not about achieving something new but uncovering what has always been present - your true Self.
By embracing this path, you align with the timeless wisdom of Sanatana Dharma and the profound spiritual heritage preserved by great sages like Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi and Kavyakantha Sri Ganapati Muni. The journey inward is the most rewarding adventure you can undertake, leading to lasting freedom and joy.
Namo Ramana!