The Teachings Of Ramana Maharshi In His Own Words - English | by Arthur Osborne/ Philosophical Book

"The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi in His Own Words" is a profound compilation of the essential teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, presented directly from his own responses and writings. Edited by Arthur Osborne, a devoted disciple of the Maharshi, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to the core spiritual philosophy of Ramana Maharshi. Through this collection, readers are introduced to the essence of his teachings on self-realization, self-inquiry, and the nature of the true Self.

The primary focus of Ramana Maharshi's teachings, as encapsulated in this book, is the practice of self-inquiry (Atma-Vichara), a method of questioning and turning inward to discover the true nature of the Self. Maharshi emphasized that the root cause of human suffering lies in the false identification with the ego and the mind. By repeatedly asking the question “Who am I?” and meditating upon the answer, one can transcend the false identification with the body and mind, ultimately realizing the eternal, unchanging essence of the Self that is pure consciousness.

In addition to the central practice of self-inquiry, the book also covers a range of topics that were frequently discussed by Ramana Maharshi with his devotees, such as the concept of God, the nature of the mind, the path to liberation, and the importance of surrender. Maharshi often conveyed that true liberation (Moksha) is not an external event, but an internal realization, a shift in perception that arises when the individual transcends the ego and experiences their true nature as one with the infinite, formless consciousness.

Throughout the book, the clarity and simplicity of Maharshi's words are evident. His teachings are marked by their directness, compassion, and depth. For him, spiritual wisdom was not about intellectual knowledge but the direct, experiential understanding of one’s true self. Whether discussing meditation, the nature of the universe, or the means to attain peace, Ramana Maharshi's teachings point towards an internal awakening—a realization of the Self that is timeless and beyond the limitations of the mind and body.