Advaita & Jnana

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi

Sage of Arunachala • Jivanmukta • Tiruchuzhi, Tamil Nadu

December 30, 1879 – April 14, 1950 • Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Start 108 Japa

"Who Am I? (Nan Yar?) — Silence is the ultimate and most potent teaching."

Spiritual Essence

Core Philosophy & Universal Message

Atma-Vichara (Self-Enquiry) • Mouna (Silence)

When a thought arises, ask immediately: 'To whom has this thought arisen?' The answer will be: 'To me.' Then inquire: 'Who am I?' Tracing the 'I'-thought back to its source dissolves the mind into the Heart.(Who Am I?)

Historical Chronology

Verified Life & Spiritual Journey

Early Life & Calling: Born as Venkataraman Iyer on December 30, 1879, in Tiruchuzhi, Tamil Nadu. At the age of 16 in Madurai, he underwent a sudden, spontaneous death-experience. By inquiring deeply into what dies and what remains immortal, he realized himself as pure, deathless Awareness.

Spiritual Descent & Method: He left his home for the holy mountain of Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai, declaring it his eternal father. He spent the rest of his physical life at the foot of Arunachala, communicating the highest truth of Non-Duality through profound, radiant silence.

Major Contribution: Distilled the essence of Advaita Vedanta into the direct, universal practice of Self-Enquiry (Atma-Vichara), accessible to householders and ascetics alike without complex rituals.

Mahasamadhi & Living Presence: Attained Mahanirvana on April 14, 1950, as a brilliant meteor crossed the sky over Arunachala. When devotees wept, he comforted them: 'They say that I am dying, but I am not going away. Where could I go? I am here.'

Documented Encounters

Verified Historical Followers & Impact

Paul Brunton

British Philosopher & Author

1930

The Historic Encounter: Sent by British media to investigate Indian mystics, Brunton sat in silence before Ramana Maharshi at Arunachala, experiencing the cessation of all mental doubt.

Transformation & Documented Achievement:Brunton wrote 'A Search in Secret India' (1934), introducing Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi to millions in the Western world and opening modern Advaita studies.

Verified Source: A Search in Secret India — Paul Brunton (Rider & Co)

W. Somerset Maugham

Renowned British Novelist & Playwright

1938

The Historic Encounter: Maugham visited Sri Ramanasramam in 1938 and experienced an overwhelming stillness in Bhagavan's presence.

Transformation & Documented Achievement:Maugham based the protagonist Larry Darrell in his acclaimed novel 'The Razor's Edge' (1944) on his encounter with Sri Ramana Maharshi, bringing Eastern philosophy into mainstream Western literature.

Verified Source: The Razor's Edge — W. Somerset Maugham (Heinemann)

Continuous Humanitarian Seva

Living Charitable Seva & Legacy Today

Administered by: Sri Ramanasramam Trust

Free Veda Pathasala preserving ancient Vedic chanting.
Free daily dining (Annadanam) for pilgrims, sadhus, and local animals.
Publication of non-dual philosophical literature in over 30 languages.