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Thoughts On Reality – Sri Ramana Maharshi

A collection of thoughts on reality by Sri Ramana Maharshi

If Reality did not exist, could there be any knowledge of existence? Free from all thoughts, Reality abides in the Heart, the Source of all thoughts. It is, therefore, called the Heart. How then is one to contemplate it? To be as it is in the Heart, is Its contemplation.

Those who know intense fear of death seek refuge only at the feet of the Lord. Who has neither death nor birth. Dead to themselves and their possessions, can the thought of death occur to them again? Deathless are they.

From our perception of the world there follows acceptance of a unique First Principle possessing various powers. Pictures of name and form, the person who sees, the screen on which he sees, and the light by which he sees : he himself is all of these.

All religions postulate the three fundamentals, the world, the soul, and God, but it is only the one Reality that manifests Itself as these three. One can say, ' The three are really three' only so long as the ego lasts. Therefore, to inhere in one's own Be-ing, where the ' I', or ego, is dead, is the perfect State.

'The world is real.' 'No, it is a mere illusory appearance.' 'The world is conscious.' 'No.' ' The world is happiness-' ' No.' What use is it to argue thus ? That State is agreeable to all, wherein, having given up the objective outlook, one knows one's Self and loses all notions either of unity or duality, of oneself and the ego.

Sri Ramana Maharshi, one of the most revered Indian sages of the 20th century, focused his teachings on the nature of reality and the self. His core philosophy revolved around self-inquiry and the realization of the true self, or the "I," which he identified as the essence of all beings and the ultimate reality. Here are some key teachings by Sri Ramana Maharshi on reality:

1. Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara)

Core Question: "Who am I?" This question is central to Maharshi's teachings. He encouraged seekers to turn their attention inward and repeatedly question the nature of the "I" until they realize its true essence.

Process: Whenever thoughts arise, one should question their origin by asking "Who is thinking?" This practice aims to dissolve the ego and reveal the self beyond the mind.

2. The Nature of the Self

Self as Pure Consciousness: Maharshi taught that the true self (Atman) is pure consciousness, which is unchanging, eternal, and the substratum of all experiences.

Illusory Nature of the Ego: He emphasized that the ego or the individual self is an illusion created by identification with the body and mind. Realizing the true self involves transcending this false identification.

3. Non-Dualism (Advaita)

Unity of Existence: According to Maharshi, there is no separation between the individual self and the universal self (Brahman). Realization of this non-dual reality is the goal of spiritual practice.

Maya: He acknowledged the concept of Maya (illusion), which veils the true nature of reality and creates the perception of duality. Recognizing and overcoming Maya leads to enlightenment.

4. Silence as a Teaching

Power of Silence: Maharshi often taught through silence, considering it a powerful means of transmitting spiritual wisdom. He believed that the highest truths could not be expressed in words but could be experienced directly through inner stillness.

Silent Presence: His presence was considered transformative, capable of quieting the mind and drawing seekers into the direct experience of the self.

5. Simplicity and Directness

Direct Path to Realization: Maharshi advocated a direct approach to self-realization, bypassing complex rituals, dogmas, and intellectual debates. He emphasized direct experience and inner exploration.

Living in the Present: He taught the importance of living in the present moment, as the past and future are constructs of the mind. True reality is always in the here and now.

6. Detachment and Surrender

Letting Go of Attachments: Maharshi advised seekers to detach from worldly attachments and desires, which perpetuate the illusion of separateness and suffering.

Surrender to the Divine: He also encouraged surrender to a higher power or the self, which helps dissolve the ego and align one’s will with the universal will.

7. Integration with Daily Life

Practical Application: While his teachings are profound, Maharshi emphasized their applicability to daily life. He encouraged followers to maintain awareness of the self amidst all activities, seeing all experiences as opportunities for spiritual growth.

8. Books and Writings

Key Texts: Sri Ramana Maharshi’s teachings are encapsulated in several key texts, including "Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi," "Be as You Are," and "The Collected Works of Sri Ramana Maharshi." These works provide detailed insights into his philosophy and guidance for practitioners.

Sri Ramana Maharshi's teachings focus on the realization of the true self through self-inquiry and inner exploration. By questioning the nature of the "I" and recognizing the illusion of the ego, seekers can experience the non-dual reality of pure consciousness. His emphasis on silence, simplicity, and practical application makes his teachings accessible and transformative for those on the spiritual path.