Ramana Maharshi’s Self-Inquiry: Path to Inner Peace & Awakening

Love as the Essence of Being

Overcoming the Ego: Inner Healing through Self-Realization

Maharshi’s teachings emphasize the importance of dissolving the ego to connect with our authentic self. By transcending personal stories and identities, we can release attachment to the ego, creating space for healing and self-realization.

Suffering as a Gateway to Transformation

Vandana Shiva on Agroecology and Biodiversity

At the heart of Vandana Shiva’s teachings lies a profound respect for the interconnectedness of life. She advocates for an agroecological approach to farming, one that respects biodiversity and sustains the health of the planet. Her stance against GMOs is not merely a resistance to genetic modification per se, but a broader call to protect the diversity of life forms and the rights of farmers to save and share seeds – practices that are threatened by corporate patents on genetically modified seeds.

The Legacy of Ramana Maharshi in Modern Spirituality

Papaji, also known as H.W.L. Poonja, was one of Ramana Maharshi’s most devoted students. His encounters with Maharshi had a profound impact on him, leading to his own realization and understanding of non-duality. Papaji’s direct transmission of Maharshi’s teachings, especially the practice of self-inquiry (“Who am I?”), formed the foundation of his guidance to others.

Through his own vibrant teaching style, Papaji inspired and taught many spiritual seekers, several of whom went on to become renowned teachers themselves, such as;

Mooji

Mooji is one of the most well-known contemporary teachers influenced by Ramana Maharshi’s approach. He studied with Papaji, who encouraged him to explore self-inquiry deeply. Mooji’s teachings are rooted in non-duality and self-inquiry as a path to realizing one’s true nature.

Gangaji

A direct student of Papaji, Gangaji shares teachings that echo Ramana Maharshi’s approach. She guides people to look within and uncover the peace and presence of their true self. Gangaji’s emphasis on inner silence and self-awareness remains closely aligned with Maharshi’s insights.

Rupert Spira

Rupert Spira, a respected teacher in the non-dual tradition, has been significantly influenced by Ramana Maharshi’s teachings. Spira’s work revolves around exploring the nature of consciousness, often encouraging students to look beyond personal identity. His teachings are known for their clarity and accessibility, appealing to those exploring self-inquiry from both a philosophical and practical standpoint.

Adyashanti

Although not a direct student of Papaji, Adyashanti is heavily influenced by the core principles of self-inquiry and non-duality. His teachings guide seekers to look beyond conditioned beliefs and egoic structures to discover their true essence, mirroring the simplicity and depth of Maharshi’s message.

Byron Katie

Known for “The Work,” a method of inquiry into one’s beliefs, Byron Katie’s approach has resonances with self-inquiry, even though she doesn’t directly teach it in the style of Maharshi. Her method, however, guides people to question their thoughts deeply, which often leads to a similar dissolution of egoic constructs.

His influence has been instrumental in spreading Ramana Maharshi’s wisdom globally, especially in the West, where interest in self-inquiry and non-dual awareness continues to grow.

Papaji’s legacy thus acts as a bridge, carrying forward Maharshi’s timeless teachings, making them accessible and impactful for contemporary audiences. Today, Maharshi’s insights are integrated into various forms of therapy, particularly those focusing on mindfulness and holistic healing. His influence extends to psychological practices that emphasize self-awareness, the dissolution of limiting beliefs, and emotional healing.

Integrating Ramana Maharishi’s Teachings into Daily Life

Being still and asking yourself: 

Who am I?

It is one of the most profound and direct pathless paths to self-realisation.

Watch the film about his life and teachings below.