"Who am I?" is a central question in the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, a revered Indian sage and spiritual teacher. His answers to this question form the core of his philosophy, which emphasizes self-inquiry as the path to self-realization and enlightenment. Here are some key points from Ramana Maharshi's teachings on this question:
The True Self: According to Ramana Maharshi, the true Self
(Atman) is pure consciousness, which is beyond the body, mind, and intellect.
It is eternal, unchanging, and identical with Brahman (the absolute reality).
Self-Inquiry Method: Ramana Maharshi taught a method called
"Atma Vichara" (self-inquiry) to discover the true Self. The central
practice involves continuously asking oneself, "Who am I?" and
turning attention inward to explore the source of one's sense of "I"
or ego.
Ego and Illusion: He explained that the ego, the sense of
individual self or "I-thought," is an illusion created by the
identification with the body and mind. This ego obscures the true Self. By
persistently questioning the nature of this ego, one can dissolve it and reveal
the underlying pure consciousness.
Direct Experience: Ramana emphasized that the ultimate
understanding of "Who am I?" is not an intellectual answer but a
direct, experiential realization. When the mind turns inward and the ego
dissolves, what remains is the true Self, which is pure awareness.
Inner Silence: The realization of the true Self often leads
to a state of inner silence or stillness, where the mind becomes calm and the
identification with thoughts and emotions ceases.
Liberation (Moksha): The goal of this self-inquiry is
liberation or self-realization, where one realizes their true nature and
becomes free from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). This state is
characterized by eternal peace and bliss.
Excerpt from "Who Am I?" by Ramana Maharshi
Here are some excerpts from the booklet "Who Am
I?", which captures his teachings on the question:
Question: Who am I? Answer: The physical body and its
functions are not "I". The five senses and their respective functions
are not "I". The mind and its various thoughts are not "I".
The knowledge of these, the consciousness of these, is not "I".
Beyond these, who is it that remains? This self-inquiry leads to the
realization of the Self, which is the true "I".
Question: How is one to realize the Self? Answer: The Self
is realized by the "I am the body" notion being given up, and the
enquiry into the true nature of the Self ceaselessly pursued. The thought
"Who am I?" will destroy all other thoughts, and, like the stick used
for stirring the burning pyre, it will itself in the end get destroyed. Then,
there will arise Self-realization.
Key Practices
- Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Cultivate a deep sense of awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and actions, questioning the origin and nature of the "I" that experiences them.
- Meditation: Engage in regular meditation, focusing on the question "Who am I?" to quiet the mind and turn inward.
- Detachment: Practice detachment from the ego and material identifications, understanding them as transient and not the true Self.
By following these teachings and practices, Ramana Maharshi
guides seekers towards the profound realization of their true nature, beyond
the confines of the ego and the physical world.