A collection of quotes from Sri Ramana Paravidyopanishad
Becoming keenly aware that worldly life is full of misery,
because it is infested with desire and fear, one should approach a Guru, a sage
who is free from those bad forces, and after doing reverence to his holy feet
should question him about how to become free.
The sage will give out in reply the supreme secret,
confirmed by the [uniform] experience of all sages: ‘If you know yourself,
there is no suffering for you. If you suffer [it only means that] you do not
know yourself.’
Since you have no suffering in deep sleep, this suffering is
only falsely ascribed to your Self. Realize the truth of yourself by the resolve
to know it, and thereafter remain in your own true nature, which is bliss.
In the Heart there dwells the reality that is pure
consciousness, the real Self. To be in the Heart, with the mind quiescent, is
knowledge [awareness] of it, and also the state of deliverance.
Sri Ramana Paravidyopanishad, also known as the "Upanishad on the Supreme Knowledge of Sri Ramana," is a significant text in the teachings of the Indian sage Ramana Maharshi. It offers profound insights into his philosophy, which centers around self-inquiry (ātma-vichāra) and the realization of one's true nature.
Overview of the Text
- Author: The text was composed by Sri Lakshmana Sharma, a disciple of Ramana Maharshi, under the guidance and inspiration of his master.
- Form: Written in the traditional Upanishadic style, it consists of concise verses that explore the essence of Ramana Maharshi's teachings.
Core Teachings of Sri Ramana Paravidyopanishad
Self-Inquiry (Ātma-Vichāra):
- The central practice taught by Ramana Maharshi is the inquiry into the nature of the self, encapsulated in the question "Who am I?".
- This method is not about finding an intellectual answer but about turning the mind inward to realize the Self (Ātman) directly.
The Illusion of the Ego:
- Ramana Maharshi emphasized that the ego, or the individual sense of "I," is an illusion.
- By persistently questioning the source of this "I"-thought, one can transcend the ego and experience the Self as pure consciousness.
Non-Duality (Advaita):
- The teachings align with the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which posits that there is no duality; the individual self and the universal Self are one.
- Realizing this unity is the goal of spiritual practice.
Silence (Mouna):
- Ramana often communicated through silence, considering it the purest form of teaching.
- Silence is seen not merely as the absence of speech but as the essence of the Self, which transcends thought and word.
The Nature of the Self (Ātman):
- The Self is described as eternal, unchanging, and blissful.
- The realization of the Self brings an end to suffering and the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
Jñāna (Knowledge):
- True knowledge (jñāna) is the direct experience of the Self, beyond intellectual understanding.
- This knowledge is both the means and the end of spiritual practice.
Practice and Surrender:
- While self-inquiry is the primary method, Ramana Maharshi also acknowledged the path of surrender (bhakti), where one submits to the divine will.
- Both paths ultimately lead to the dissolution of the ego and the realization of the Self.
Structure of Sri Ramana Paravidyopanishad
- Verses and Commentary: The text is structured into verses, each encapsulating a teaching or aspect of the path to self-realization.
- Guidance for Practice: It provides practical instructions for those seeking to engage in self-inquiry and guidance on dealing with obstacles on the path.
Themes Explored in the Verses
- Definition of the Self: The nature of the Self and its distinction from the body, mind, and senses.
- The Role of Mind: How the mind creates the illusion of individuality and how it can be subdued through inquiry.
- Liberation (Moksha): The state of liberation as the direct realization of the Self and its characteristics.
- Obstacles and Aids: Common obstacles on the spiritual path and methods to overcome them.
Practical Application
- Daily Practice: Incorporating self-inquiry into daily life, observing the "I"-thought, and maintaining awareness of the Self.
- Mindfulness and Presence: Emphasizing living in the present moment and cultivating a sense of presence.
- Inner Silence: Valuing moments of inner silence and using them as a gateway to deeper understanding.
Sri Ramana Paravidyopanishad encapsulates the essence of Ramana Maharshi's teachings, providing a clear and profound guide for those seeking self-realization. It emphasizes the simplicity and directness of the path, focusing on the inward journey to discover the true Self.
For deeper exploration, studying the text itself along with the traditional commentaries can offer more insights into the nuances of this spiritual path.