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Who Am I?: The Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
This is the quintessential, aphoristic work, constituting one of the earliest recordings of the Maharshi s teachings, that spells out the nature of the Self and the practice of Self-Inquiry.
The text begins as follows:
All living beings desire to be happy always, without any misery. In everyone there is observed supreme love for oneself. And happiness alone is the cause of love. In order therefore, to gain that happiness which is one's nature and which is experienced in the state of deep sleep, where there is no mind, one should know oneself. To achieve this, the Path of Knowledge, the enquiry in the form of 'Who Am I?' is the principal means.
There maybe slight bends on the cover of the book due to transportation from India. The inside of the book is not affected.
The text begins as follows:
All living beings desire to be happy always, without any misery. In everyone there is observed supreme love for oneself. And happiness alone is the cause of love. In order therefore, to gain that happiness which is one's nature and which is experienced in the state of deep sleep, where there is no mind, one should know oneself. To achieve this, the Path of Knowledge, the enquiry in the form of 'Who Am I?' is the principal means.
There maybe slight bends on the cover of the book due to transportation from India. The inside of the book is not affected.
16 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Ramana Maharshi
220 books545 followersBhagavan Sri Ramaṇa Mahārṣi (Tamil: ரமண மஹரிஷி) born Venkataraman Iyer, was probably the most famous Indian sage of the twentieth century, he was born on December 30, 1879 in a village called Tirucculi about 30 miles south of Madurai in southern India. His middle-class parents named him Venkataraman. His father died when he was twelve, and he went to live with his uncle in Madurai, where he attended American Mission High School.
At age 16, he became spontaneously self-realized. Six weeks later he ran away to the holy hill of Arunachala where he would remain for the rest of his life. For several years he stopped talking and spent many hours each day in samadhi. When he began speaking again, people came to ask him questions, and he soon acquired a reputation as a sage. In 1907, when he was 28, one of his early devotees named him Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, Divine Eminent Ramana the Great Seer, and the name stuck. Eventually he became world-famous and an ashram was built around him. He died of cancer in 1950 at the age of 70.
Ramana Maharshi was born 30 kilometers south of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India.
His Self-Realization
At age 16, he heard somebody mention "Arunachala." Although he didn't know what the word meant (it's the name of a holy hill associated with the god Shiva) he became greatly excited. At about the same time he came across a copy of Sekkilar's Periyapuranam, a book that describes the lives of Shaivite saints, and became fascinated by it. In the middle of 1896, at age 16, he was suddenly overcome by the feeling that he was about to die. He lay down on the floor, made his body stiff, and held his breath. "My body is dead now," he said to himself, "but I am still alive." In a flood of spiritual awareness he realized he was spirit, not his body.
His Guru
Ramana Maharshi didn't have a human guru (other than himself). He often said that his guru was Arunachala, a holy mountain in South India.
His Teachings
Ramana Maharshi taught a method called self-inquiry in which the seeker focuses continuous attention on the I-thought in order to find its source. In the beginning this requires effort, but eventually something deeper than the ego takes over and the mind dissolves in the heart center.
At age 16, he became spontaneously self-realized. Six weeks later he ran away to the holy hill of Arunachala where he would remain for the rest of his life. For several years he stopped talking and spent many hours each day in samadhi. When he began speaking again, people came to ask him questions, and he soon acquired a reputation as a sage. In 1907, when he was 28, one of his early devotees named him Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, Divine Eminent Ramana the Great Seer, and the name stuck. Eventually he became world-famous and an ashram was built around him. He died of cancer in 1950 at the age of 70.
Ramana Maharshi was born 30 kilometers south of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India.
His Self-Realization
At age 16, he heard somebody mention "Arunachala." Although he didn't know what the word meant (it's the name of a holy hill associated with the god Shiva) he became greatly excited. At about the same time he came across a copy of Sekkilar's Periyapuranam, a book that describes the lives of Shaivite saints, and became fascinated by it. In the middle of 1896, at age 16, he was suddenly overcome by the feeling that he was about to die. He lay down on the floor, made his body stiff, and held his breath. "My body is dead now," he said to himself, "but I am still alive." In a flood of spiritual awareness he realized he was spirit, not his body.
His Guru
Ramana Maharshi didn't have a human guru (other than himself). He often said that his guru was Arunachala, a holy mountain in South India.
His Teachings
Ramana Maharshi taught a method called self-inquiry in which the seeker focuses continuous attention on the I-thought in order to find its source. In the beginning this requires effort, but eventually something deeper than the ego takes over and the mind dissolves in the heart center.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
December 15, 2019
Brief, yet powerful.
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October 31, 2023Who Am I ? I never thought of that. I'd ask someone, but I'm sure they would disappoint me. I think a debate between me and me would be more fruitful, but what if we argue ?? Complicated...
I find " Who Am I ? " - to be the first question that man must answer, and that only in solitude, otherwise it makes no sense. And when I say " solitude " - I don't mean only an isolation in a cave, but to answer this question by eliminating any external conscious element ( meaning individual ) - from present, past and future.
Suffering is the most common thing in the world, so it's the most irrelevant thing for defining an identity, the fact that I have known someone's pain does not mean that I know that person, although I'd have liked that. This matter is a terrible burden, if you're stuck in the Need to Belong, it may seem quite paradoxical, but you cannot extract yourself from a world to which you didn't belong to. The absolute inner solitude, the elimination of the world from my entire temporal space, leads to the discovery of an essential origin. It's not about thinking of " how I would be now, if I hadn't interacted with ..." - but about who I was when I was alone, who I am when I'm alone - and to understand that the goal is precisely the traceability of these " solitudes ".
I find " Who Am I ? " - to be the first question that man must answer, and that only in solitude, otherwise it makes no sense. And when I say " solitude " - I don't mean only an isolation in a cave, but to answer this question by eliminating any external conscious element ( meaning individual ) - from present, past and future.
Suffering is the most common thing in the world, so it's the most irrelevant thing for defining an identity, the fact that I have known someone's pain does not mean that I know that person, although I'd have liked that. This matter is a terrible burden, if you're stuck in the Need to Belong, it may seem quite paradoxical, but you cannot extract yourself from a world to which you didn't belong to. The absolute inner solitude, the elimination of the world from my entire temporal space, leads to the discovery of an essential origin. It's not about thinking of " how I would be now, if I hadn't interacted with ..." - but about who I was when I was alone, who I am when I'm alone - and to understand that the goal is precisely the traceability of these " solitudes ".
September 2, 2016
I have to admit it, this book is a bit tricky to read. It is a very short read but a bit hard. But either way, I did make one page of notes while reading this book (I like to make notes when I read books I can learn something from, so I can always bring out my notebook and quickly read the most important things from that book).
March 21, 2020
In this very short book the indian sage Ramana Maharshi goes through what is needed to become enlightened. Its quite succinct and can be summarised in the following way:
For each thought arising ask "where did this thought come from?" and "Who is thinking these thoughts?".
After practicing and continually coming back to the self ones thoughts begin to dissipate. When one no longer have any ego-thoughts, one is liberated. I have just recently begun practicing self-enquiry but it seems like the shortest way to break through the ego. Very exciting book!
I would recommend it to anyone interested in spirituality or psychology.
For each thought arising ask "where did this thought come from?" and "Who is thinking these thoughts?".
After practicing and continually coming back to the self ones thoughts begin to dissipate. When one no longer have any ego-thoughts, one is liberated. I have just recently begun practicing self-enquiry but it seems like the shortest way to break through the ego. Very exciting book!
I would recommend it to anyone interested in spirituality or psychology.
February 3, 2017
An extremely difficult book to comprehend and internalize. So much wisdom concentrated in such a small book.
March 6, 2022
"Who am I?" book is a collection of questions and answers that occurred between Guru and disciple. These questions mainly dig into the "Self-enquiry" and bothering questions like "Who am i"?.
There is not much difference between Shankaracharya and Raman Maharshi's teachings. Raman Mahrarsi's teaching birthplace is Adavitha philosophical system. Discrimination and inquiry are the tools used to remove unreal simultaneously.
According to Raman Maharsi, To find"Who am I?", We need to negate everything unreal so only the real can remain. The final awareness answers the question. The nature of this awareness is constant bliss, When the world is negated as unreal and illusion, Awareness alone exists in our perception.
To discover the awareness clouded by ignorance, First, we need to silence the mind. Silencing the mind is easier when we know its nature. Mind alone doesn't exist, It is just a collection of thoughts derived from our everyday action and memory. Mind is residing power in the self, When the mind comes out of the Self, the world appears. Therefore, when the world appears (to be real), the Self does not appear; and when the Self appears (shines) the world does not appear. When one persistently inquires into the nature of the mind, the mind will end leaving the Self (as the residue).
Once you inquire about illusory mind, Dive deep into the core of "i" by questioning "To whom it arise?". Through this inquiry, We will reach inward and the root of awareness.
Maharshi mainly emphasizes "self-inquiry" to discover the nature of the self free of "I" thought. and he also emphasizes breathing which is the gross form of Mind. Through constant self-inquiry and control of breathing, we can discover real awareness.
However, Maharsi argues inquiry is superior to meditation in the path of realization. because inquiry consists of retaining the mind on the self, meditation is a contemplation on Brahman. If you are familiar with the "Advaith" philosophical system, it's easier to understand the philosophy of Maharsi.
There is not much difference between Shankaracharya and Raman Maharshi's teachings. Raman Mahrarsi's teaching birthplace is Adavitha philosophical system. Discrimination and inquiry are the tools used to remove unreal simultaneously.
According to Raman Maharsi, To find"Who am I?", We need to negate everything unreal so only the real can remain. The final awareness answers the question. The nature of this awareness is constant bliss, When the world is negated as unreal and illusion, Awareness alone exists in our perception.
To discover the awareness clouded by ignorance, First, we need to silence the mind. Silencing the mind is easier when we know its nature. Mind alone doesn't exist, It is just a collection of thoughts derived from our everyday action and memory. Mind is residing power in the self, When the mind comes out of the Self, the world appears. Therefore, when the world appears (to be real), the Self does not appear; and when the Self appears (shines) the world does not appear. When one persistently inquires into the nature of the mind, the mind will end leaving the Self (as the residue).
Once you inquire about illusory mind, Dive deep into the core of "i" by questioning "To whom it arise?". Through this inquiry, We will reach inward and the root of awareness.
Maharshi mainly emphasizes "self-inquiry" to discover the nature of the self free of "I" thought. and he also emphasizes breathing which is the gross form of Mind. Through constant self-inquiry and control of breathing, we can discover real awareness.
However, Maharsi argues inquiry is superior to meditation in the path of realization. because inquiry consists of retaining the mind on the self, meditation is a contemplation on Brahman. If you are familiar with the "Advaith" philosophical system, it's easier to understand the philosophy of Maharsi.
January 17, 2019
Can a book be so exasperating and so soothing at the same time? Read "Who am I?" to find out:-) It is frustrating because the true meaning of Maharshi's words elude me at the experiential level. Even then--despite the cognitive dissonance--truth has a calming effect on the mind. Deep down, we know.
When I first read it, the ideas came across as absurd and bizarre. I mean, how's my poor mind suppose to grapple with these:"Apart from the mind, there's no independent entity called the world." "Desirelessness is wisdom...Wisdom means the appearance of no object." "Waking is long and a dream short; other than this there is no difference between the two." And the macabre analogy of the single-pointed mind and the stick that's used to rake the funeral pyre sent shivers down my spine.
However, as I spend more time ruminating on his words, the simplicity and the veracity of the teaching slams me like huge tidal waves. I'll have to reread the book many many many times and let it all sink in to get to the bottom of it all.
When I first read it, the ideas came across as absurd and bizarre. I mean, how's my poor mind suppose to grapple with these:"Apart from the mind, there's no independent entity called the world." "Desirelessness is wisdom...Wisdom means the appearance of no object." "Waking is long and a dream short; other than this there is no difference between the two." And the macabre analogy of the single-pointed mind and the stick that's used to rake the funeral pyre sent shivers down my spine.
However, as I spend more time ruminating on his words, the simplicity and the veracity of the teaching slams me like huge tidal waves. I'll have to reread the book many many many times and let it all sink in to get to the bottom of it all.
May 19, 2018
Just 28 question-answers but very much difficult to grasp, understand. Basically, the book is about 'Meditation on self'.
October 30, 2020
"I guess after reading this book, you would never remain the same".
It's the fundamental philosophy of soul !
Incredible book ! !
This book comprises spiritual ques and answers which would lead towards the soul and mind.
It's the fundamental philosophy of soul !
Incredible book ! !
This book comprises spiritual ques and answers which would lead towards the soul and mind.
December 18, 2018
Even though I felt that this book was difficult to comprehend for someone my age, there were, in fact quite many words that spoke to me.
Personally, through this book I've become wiser on how my relationship with the God should actually be, and how I can inquire about my real Self. I also think that Sri Ramana Maharshi's words can be quite helpful in understanding the nature of the mind. Some of the things I read in the book were things I'd already realised in my life, but they were things I couldn't really put into words. As a result, the book helped me put my thoughts into words and understand my thoughts even better.
I would love to read it again sometime later, since I might be able to learn more from this book thereafter!
Personally, through this book I've become wiser on how my relationship with the God should actually be, and how I can inquire about my real Self. I also think that Sri Ramana Maharshi's words can be quite helpful in understanding the nature of the mind. Some of the things I read in the book were things I'd already realised in my life, but they were things I couldn't really put into words. As a result, the book helped me put my thoughts into words and understand my thoughts even better.
I would love to read it again sometime later, since I might be able to learn more from this book thereafter!
April 27, 2019
This book actually is small pamphlet that helps one reflect into oneself.
It contains a technique for self discovery.
This masterpiece is also a summary of Bhagavan's teachings.
One hundred percent recommended reading for seekers.
It contains a technique for self discovery.
This masterpiece is also a summary of Bhagavan's teachings.
One hundred percent recommended reading for seekers.
May 18, 2019
Profound questions put to Sri Ramana Maharshi and the answers he gives.
This definitely calls for a read.
This definitely calls for a read.
October 11, 2023
We are all from the same place, and made of the same stuff, but we each see ourselves as individuals. Who Am I? is an introspective exploration of that idea – a dive through the multitudes that comprise every one of us – to ask who we really are, once all of the external stuff is stripped away.
June 8, 2020
Carl Gustav Jung described Shri Ramana Maharishi to be a "modern Indian Prophet who exemplified so impressively the problem of psychic transformation". The teachings of this Enlightened saint have pervaded the globe and has influenced scores of people, both devotees as well as non-devotees. This small collection contains within its fold, answers to twenty-eight questions posed to the Maharishi in 1902 by an intrepid student of Philosophy, Mr.Sivaprakasam Pillai.
The questions all revolve around and hone in on the extinction of ego and Enlightenment of and about the soul. The path towards transformation from the sense and self oriented to the detached and divine is set out in a most simplistic and understandable manner. However do not let the simplicity detract from the arduous profundity of the actual task of transformation!
"Who Am I?" - Genuinely worth introspecting!
The questions all revolve around and hone in on the extinction of ego and Enlightenment of and about the soul. The path towards transformation from the sense and self oriented to the detached and divine is set out in a most simplistic and understandable manner. However do not let the simplicity detract from the arduous profundity of the actual task of transformation!
"Who Am I?" - Genuinely worth introspecting!
July 17, 2011
To tell the truth, I am in any way not in favor of enlightenment. Because the very idea seems suicidal to me. This book is one of those books insisted on suicide, like buddha's dhammapada, maybe even worse. I see no beauty in it, just rubbish. Disgusted reading such an outragious anti-life, suicidal so called religious masterpiss. Ramana Maharshi gives no reason why one should enlighten, why one should get rid of one's mind, why one should go against nature. Very Dictating book, I call it 28 commandment. He is mere a buddha. An ancient one hahaha.
April 20, 2010
This book is a collection of 28 questions as asked by one of the disciples of Sri Raman Maharshi. The questions focus on self inquiry. Although this book is only 16 pages but there is a huge depth in the answer to each questions. If studied carefully and practiced as mentioned in the book, one can reach the Goal.
September 18, 2022
This book is a concise pointer to the nature of self. Words are only needed for intellectuals. The wise gets the exact teaching and follow it to the point of liberation. If you think the book is too short or you didn't get the teachings, then spend time on self-enquiry.
Thank you Ramana Maharshi!
Thank you Ramana Maharshi!
February 1, 2017
A short series of Q&A about life and how it can be lived. The questions are answered by Ramana Maharshi. It struck a chord with me as soon as I read it. will be taking for a reread shortly.
February 4, 2017
Splendid.
January 23, 2019
One does not possess the ability to review this book.
A human cannot review the words of God.
Human - Desires = God
God + Desires = Human
A human cannot review the words of God.
Human - Desires = God
God + Desires = Human
July 27, 2022
This is a deeply thought provoking booklet . I had to read it twice to let the message sink in . By and large his thoughts concur with the Hindu philosophy : ☆☆Beware Spoilers ☆☆
I also believe that though egoism predominates in the world , as pointed out above , there are some ( rare ) individuals who are intrinsically altruistic and they can achieve salvation with ease .
I also believe that though egoism predominates in the world , as pointed out above , there are some ( rare ) individuals who are intrinsically altruistic and they can achieve salvation with ease .
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April 16, 202328 Questions and Answers on the ultimate enquiry of Who Am I? Ramana's method is as direct as looking in the mirror after seeking elsewhere. From myriad queries to asking where do these queries come from, it's effective in murdering the ego and its manifestations to say the least.
For example, "23. Is it any use reading books for those wholong for liberation?
All the texts say that in order to gain liberation one should render the mind quiescent; therefore their conclusive teaching is that the mind should be rendered quiescent; once this has been understood there is no need for endless reading. In order to quieten the mind one has only to inquire within oneself what one’s Self is; how could this search be done in books?
One should know one’s Self with one’s own eye of wisdom. The Self is within the five sheaths; but books are outside them. Since the Self has to be inquired into by discarding the five sheaths, it is futile to search for it in books. There will come a time when one will have to forget all that one has learned."
For example, "23. Is it any use reading books for those wholong for liberation?
All the texts say that in order to gain liberation one should render the mind quiescent; therefore their conclusive teaching is that the mind should be rendered quiescent; once this has been understood there is no need for endless reading. In order to quieten the mind one has only to inquire within oneself what one’s Self is; how could this search be done in books?
One should know one’s Self with one’s own eye of wisdom. The Self is within the five sheaths; but books are outside them. Since the Self has to be inquired into by discarding the five sheaths, it is futile to search for it in books. There will come a time when one will have to forget all that one has learned."
December 4, 2012
For the most part clear distillation of Advaita Vendanta or non-dualist principles with Maharshi's particular methodology in question/answer format. Probably not best source on this stuff for a beginner, since there is no context or explanation of certain concepts, but those familiar with this stuff should get it. Also not sure how well certain concepts are brought into English language or cultural context. Nonetheless, I got more or less what I wanted in terms of understanding. This particular text doesn't help much in overcoming tendency of non-dualism to read as nihilistic or solipsistic, i.e. longing for the release of nothingness and no reality beyond mind. Gross over-simplification, of course.
February 14, 2019
Very short book but insightful. My take away in it is about how one should persistently focused in destroying thoughts. It's a tricky job. He said the mind, thoughts, and world are one and same thing. If you remove any of it the others won't exist. Everything that remains after removing all that I am not is what I am. That is the first step. The self realization is the liberation from bondade of the illusion created by mind. Worth reading if you are a spiritual seeker.
January 1, 2022
This book transcends its size. Must read! 🙏🏻
November 17, 2016
To read if ur mind is ur obstacle..
Outstanding, amazing, a must read for every spiritual seeker to start with inquiry into who am i.... Om bhagavathe sri ramanaya.. Pranams. All d best.
Outstanding, amazing, a must read for every spiritual seeker to start with inquiry into who am i.... Om bhagavathe sri ramanaya.. Pranams. All d best.
May 24, 2017
You won't need anything else to clear your thoughts.
An excellent book consisting of just 28 Q&A between Sri Ramana Maharshi & Sri M. Sivaprakasam Pillai. The book is for those treading the path of intellect.
An excellent book consisting of just 28 Q&A between Sri Ramana Maharshi & Sri M. Sivaprakasam Pillai. The book is for those treading the path of intellect.
January 19, 2018
if your wish is to dissolve into the great mystery this is a great starting place. simple yet profound and not for everyone, while I can appreciate it and say it is a gem it is not a complete fit for me, perhaps a few more lifetimes and I can say it fits better.
September 9, 2012
Who needs more than these few words to synopsize godliness?
July 17, 2013
2nd greatest read of my life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews