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Talks With Ramana Maharshi: On Realizing Abiding Peace and Happiness

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A devotee comes along and asks "why is there no meditation during dreaming?" Ramana's response: "Ask it in the dream."

Most of the answers from Ramana Maharshi in this huge volume of ultimate spiritual Q&A are as disconcerting as this one -- which by the way has a double entendre for those who know the advaita equalization of waking life and dreams (the devotee did not get he WAS INDEED asking "in the dream"...). What strikes the reader first is the brilliance of this humble man, his razor-sharp intelligence. But as we turn the pages and ponder his words in hundreds of dialogues, little by little we realize we are dealing here with the real thing: a man who has crossed over to the other shore, a jivanmukta ("liberated while alive"). I have read quite a lot in the last few years on philosophy and spirituality, and my feeling regarding this book is one of reaching rock bottom: you simply cannot go deeper.

The question "Did you exist in deep sleep?", for example, sounds to me the best argument for the unreality of the ego, which Ramana sometimes call the "small I". Very ingenious. No one denies, while awake, his own existence in deep sleep. But whence comes our certainty, if we where unconscious? It comes from a silent witness. If you understand that the same witness is the indestructible background of the bundle of thoughts we call "mind", it is game over for the ego and the suffering it brings to you.

My limited exposure to advaita vedanta suggests that it may not be suitable for some (perhaps most) spiritual seekers, because it may be misconstrued as nihilistic. If you want to take the risk, this may be one of the best books to read. Overall, a very fine edition, compleat with sanskrit glossary, anotated vedanta bibliography and full thematic index. A work of love.

Ramana Maharshi's technique of Self-realization is simplicity itself. This should already be indication enough that he has discovered the profoundest truth. This book is a bit like a Mozart score. When you look at the pages there doesn't seem to be very much there. It all seems so simple. Yet when you play the Mozart, as when you apply the principle of Self-Inquiry, something very unexpected and altogether miraculous happens.

When one correctly applies the single and singular principle he expounds in these talks, the result is well-nigh infallible. Which is not to say that one sees bright lights or is consumed with ecstasy or anything of the sort--that's not what is supposed to happen anyway. What happens simply is that the mind is stilled, and the true nature of mind, ego, and Self is glimpsed. With practice, this glimpse turns into a gander and then turns into a wide open view.

Alas, as one very wise reviewer below put it, many people "enjoy being lost." What Maharshi makes absolutely crystal clear in these talks is that Realization is right there for taking, and always has been, and always will be. In other words, "The Kingdom of Heaven is within." Those who do not realize do so because, in the final analysis, they either enjoy being lost or they are profoundly afraid of what realization implies--even those who claim to be seeking the way. And so the endless rounds continue: the books, the tapes, the discussion groups and meditation retreats, the trips to India and Tibet, the fumbling attempts at Tantric Yoga, the crystals, the gurus, etc. This is all well and good: the Self is always still there, watching, and will still be there when one has tired of the spiritual circus.

My own words crumble and dissolve in the face of Maharshi's very modest-seeming but singularly pure and profound wisdom. I don't know what else to say except that Maharshi's words show the way, and then provide the guidance and inspiration to abide in the Self that is always already there. I give this book all the stars in the cosmos!

If I could, i'd give it 100 stars. I have no words to describe this book. Buy it. Download it from the Net (its available for free on Ramana's website). Buy many copies. Give it to friends who are truly spiritualy minded. Buy other copies. Why?

I could give many reasons: the sheer brilliance of his answers, the keen wits of his arguments, the love, humbleness and peace that flow from this pages like nothing i've seen before. But i'll give none. Someone said in a review above: this book is Rock bottom. Couldn't agree more. Thats the book i'd take to a desert island. For sure! This is it. The real thing.

However, as well pointed by other reviews, its not suitable for everyone. It might be good to start with a smaller one (like "Who Am I?", available for free on Ramana's official website).

You'll either LOVE this book or dislike it, like some previous reviews. Thats ok. Ramana would say: nevermind the others, let them be. Find out who you are. All others will be fine in due course. Brilliant. Truthful. Humble. Rock bottom.

Examples? Just a few:

God? Reply: Forget about God. You exist right here and right now. No one denies that. Find out who you are first, then inquire about God, if you feel inclined to do so.

Siddhis (Occult powers)? Reply: Forget about siddhis. They are all manifestations of the duality, therefore ilusory. Do not seek them. Its imaterial to spiritual realization. Find out who you are.

Help others? Reply: Realize your true Self. Interfere the least possible with the affairs of others and be compassionate. Thats the most effective help, indeed the only true help. The silence of the sages accomplishes more than all the speeches of men.

Yoga and other practices? Reply: They are good as aids to Realization, but not essential. The Self IS always. Can you not exist now? Do you need to do anything to be as you are, to abide in your true nature? Simply turn the mind within and seek your source. Asanas, pranayama, etc, may be left aside. Self-enquiry alone will do.

The guru? Reply: The guru is within. The guru is the Self. This body you call Ramana is not the guru. Do not prostrate before me with your body, but keep the mind in its source. THAT is true prostration.

And right before his death: " They say i'm going to die. But i'm not going anywhere. I am here. Where else could I go?"

If you grasp the depth of these words, then you will know why i took the time to review this book. Thats my only review, and probably the last.

Like many said above: you simply can not go deeper.

Do yourself a HUGE favor and get this book, even if you hate it afterwards. It is well worth the shot.

I am a student of comparative mysticism and meditator of more than 20 years who has read, at this point, most of the great ancient and modern mystical texts.

I read this book after reading consciousness theorist Ken Wilber's vigorous endorsement of Ramana in his own various works. Talks with Ramana Maharshi clarified subtle points I've had questions about for years.

Ramana, as Wilber says, is certainly the greatest spiritual master of the 20th century, and arguably the greatest spiritual Realization of all time. Readers of Talks With Ramana Maharshi will find his explanations effortless and clear on concepts more often represented in almost riddle-like fashion in other sacred Indian texts.

Ramana is not an educated man, but he has seen the Truth and is centered in it. Read this book and see the incredible internal consistancy in his answers. He's never tripped up by challengers presented in the book because his Realization came to him, as Wilber says, fully formed, and at least as complete, in my opinion, as the Realizations of Buddha and Christ. I consider both those men my teachers as well.

I believe one day Ramana will be thought of in the same light as those great men. His reputation growing faster than ever more than 50 years after his death. Read this book and see why.

i've seriously studied indian philosophy/spirituality for many years and this book is amongst those few which are truly valuable from a spiritual/experential sense. this book can be highly informative and useful to those interested in spirituality or even those who would like a glimpse of traditional indian culture. ramana, who apparently attained enlightenment while only in his teens, had the special capability to impart even the subtlest of truths in a most direct and experential manner - as one would expect of a truly realized sage. so all of ramana's works are highly engaging and instructive - unlike most other books on the subject (even the classical ones). but what makes this book even more interesting is that this is not a typical dry exposition of spirituality/philosophy - but real life conversations that ramana had with many of those who sought his instruction. so over a period of few years, somebody kept an account of actual conversations between ramana and whoever came to meet/talk with him. this makes the book so very interesting - because many of those who met ramana are people whose backgrounds are varied and interesting in itself (his visitors even included famous personalities like somerset maugham and swami yogananda of autobiography of a yogi fame) and raise questions ranging from the most mundane to the subtlest, which ramana patiently/aptly answers. and it is a living sage full of knowledge and compassion, who answers so clearly. the more you read the book the more you feel that it is you who is asking such questions and receiving instruction from ramana. so it is almost a personal spiritual experience reading this book, which you would never get out of a standard book on the subject. but beyond the philosophical issues we can also have a glimpse of the person that ramana was and the times he lived in - his views on culture (caste, vegetarianism etc), popular religion, human psychology, his deep compassion, his wry sense of humour etc. one instance i remember from the book is about a guy who was so full of himself that he had the gall to ask ramana whether he (ramana) had anything to teach him! to which ramana is supposed to have answered : yes i do, but you're not ready for it yet!

exceptional book this!

Self Inquiry, is an incredibly powerful spititual technique. It is little understood, & very under-appreciated.

I have read this book in its original version, printed in India. It is one of my most treasured books, and I felt very fortunate to discover it one day in a used bookstore. I think it was very much needed in that Sri Ramana elaborates on the deceptively simple method he put forth in his first book "Who Am I?"

Self Inquiry is a technique used in several modern teachings including Krishnamurti and Gurdjieff. Ramana however really cuts to the heart of the matter, when he proposed the practice of the question, "Who am I?". All I can say is that he is absolutely correct that it's use is the most direct route one can take toward understanding their own relationship between their own individuality and that of the All Encompassing (call it what you will).

This book is needed now more than ever, in an era where cheap pop spirituality is ever-present. I rejoice to see it made available to a wider audience.

For a while, I have been one of those book junkies getting any book that gives any 'hope' of peace or salvation. From all your typical self-help gurus working only on symptoms to all the new age phantom masters who are so self-absorbed that they dont understand the borrowed chant they sing to Echart Tolle's 'Power of Now' to J. Krishnamurti's endless but thought provoking talks to Nisgardata Maharaj's simple, honest, yet powerful advaita nature, to U.G. Krishnamurti's anti-everything stance, finally I read what Maharashi had to say.

There is no point me trying to quote him. Just do yourself a favor and get his work. Searching for truth itself is addicting and often people start enjoying being lost. Be aware of that. Read what he has to say and know the truth.

If you really have to get other books, get no more than a book on Nisgardata Maharaj, Wei Wu Wei (Ask the awakened) or a book by Ramesh Balsekar. You could also read a short book written (free) by Emeritus Professor of Physiscs at University of Virginia called 'A Course in Consciousness'. Very good material derived from Wei Wu Wei and Ramesh Balsekar teachings. Link is http://faculty.virginia.edu/consciousness/

Remember, all true masters will tell you one thing though. Your desire to find the truth is the problem. 'You' can never find the truth because in order for you to find the truth, you have to be the subject and the truth to be the object. How could you be the subject of that which is ultimate? When you realize that you are part of that finality, that oneness, and that you are the one, than the truth is known.

Any teachers (Tolle for example) who are trying to tell you to be something other than what you are, are worse than the used car salesmen. How can you find truth by meditating, or 'being in now', or by practicing anything whatsoever? Your sense of separateness and individuality is what's preventing you from knowing that there is nothing to find and there is nothing to gain. Remember that any practice or any attempt you are going to make will only strengthen your sense of selfhood. Suffering is caused by that separateness, feeling of selfhood, and believe that an individual has a will-power. Dont waste your time trying to become something or somebody. No true sage will instruct you to do anything or change yourself. If you find yourself attracted to a guru who is selling you a new way to achieve peace in your life, RUN because he's probably misguided or most likely trying to make money or achieve power. So, point is to not waster your time reading any books or try to do something. BTW, trying not to do anything and expecting something in return is of course same as trying to do something and will not result in anything. So, what can you do? Well, do whatever you please. Your head is already in tiger's mouth as Balsekar said.

The best book on Spirituality, Advaita and Ramana Maharshi. Reading the book itself takes one close to his true nature (Self). Ramana Maharshi is the greatest teacher of our time. Every page in the book is witness to that. I will be reading that book many many times.

A great book to read again and again and contemplate!

This is the sort of book that can resolve your every doubt about the essense of Hinduism. Ramana Maharishi is widely acknowledged to be that rare and precious thing - a man who lived continuously in the state which all the Hindu scriptures promise. If you are not convinced of this 'authenticity', even then the book holds great value as his approach to questions is quite unique: he never says 'I have found it to be so, believe me'. Rather, he asks the questioner to examine his own experiences and tells him/her to make conclusions accordingly. Indeed, this book is an invaluable aid to those who take to that short yet exceedingly steep path of jnana yoga.

However, the book itself is a series of talks, chronologically arranged. The questioners dictate the agenda of discussion, and the responses were recorded immediately. Therefore, you cannot expect anything in the way of additional explanation, commentary, or even continuity. It is a transcript of interviews of Ramana Maharishi. But I assure you, after the initial disconcerting effect of reading disjointed discussions, the book is immensely interesting as all those little questions that have been nagging you are asked, and a great many that may not have occurred to you have been too. This includes the perennial questions like 'Who is God?' 'Why creation?' and 'Does Vaikuntha or Kailasa really exist' etc. I was genuinely delighted to see his explanations, which are concise and profound. But be prepared to ponder most responses for a while.

I say serious aspirants, and particularly those with an aptitude for Jnana Yoga should buy this because the stress is on either surrender or jnana. Karma and Bhakti methods are covered too, but you will have to hunt for them. Having said that, some of his tips on devotion and surrender are brilliant! When someone asks whether they will be liberated after they continue the practise of surrendering, he asks whether that is the question of one who has truly surrendered. When others ask about Japam, he says in an aside that people do not really understand the workings of Grace and Japam, and that once Japam is started one should be content to wait for Grace with faith. That is willpower, and that is the steady determination that brings liberation swiftly. These seemingly obvious truths are nevertheless ignored by most devotees.

Saints used to be common. Back in the 13th century, anywhere in the civilised world, you could barely walk down the street without bumping into one. But by the 20th century they had become rare, like exotic flowers found in remote jungles surrounded by any number of leaves. Catholic, Maronite and Coptic Churches, Islam and Tibetan Buddhism have all produced unmistakable saints within the last 100 years. But none outshines the South Indian Saint Ramana Maharshi, who spent most of his life by the holy mountain Arunachala.

All you need to know of his teaching is contained in a booklet called "Nan Yar?" or "Who Am I?". Unfortunately he says things like, "It is not proper to let the mind rest on objects or affairs of mundane life", that few of us could really stick to. The Third Law of Spiritual Dynamics states that the simpler and briefer a spiritual teaching is, the harder it is to practise.

So most of us will want a book like this, with lots of pages, lots of teachings. It's one of those books that at first seems diffuse, insubstantial and eminently cuttable; with repeated readings you find you wouldn't want to lose a word.

The Maharshi was a Hindu born more than a century ago, and naturally this shows. At times he speaks of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) or of the three gunas (clarity, activity, passivity.) More often he refers to the four states of consciousness: waking, sleep with dreams, dreamless sleep, and Turîya which transcends and includes them all.This was his own State: free of identification with body or mind, he was pure Unqualified, Inconceivable, Boundless Being. This spoke through him. This looked through his eyes.

Hindu Nondualism is pleasingly casual compared to its Buddhist equivalents like Zen, enclosed in monastic traditions. Anyone could visit the Maharshi's Ashram: famous people, people who ask stupid questions, hostile people from rival branches of Hinduism.
The Maharshi is never fazed, but rarely says or does anything remarkable. He reads the paper, pets the animals, smiles at children. His teaching is offered quietly and you may take it or leave it. He seems to repeat himself quite a lot because, in the end, he has only one thing to say. By happy coincidence it's the only thing you need to know.