Ramana Maharshi

Ramana Maharshi, born Venkataraman Iyer on December 30, 1879, in Tiruchuli, Tamil Nadu, India, was an influential Indian Hindu sage and philosopher. His spiritual journey began in 1895 when he felt a profound attraction to the sacred hill of Arunachala and the revered 63 Nayanmars. This connection deepened in 1896 when, at the tender age of sixteen, he experienced a transformative 'death-experience' that unveiled a powerful current he recognized as his true self, later identifying it with the personal God, Iswara, or Shiva.

Following this awakening, Ramana Maharshi left his uncle's home in Madurai and journeyed to Arunachala, where he embraced the life of a sannyasin, dedicating himself to spiritual pursuits for the remainder of his life. His presence attracted numerous devotees who regarded him as an avatar of Shiva, seeking his darshan, or the sight of God. Over time, an ashram developed around him, providing a space for visitors to receive upadesa, or spiritual instruction, either through silent communion or by engaging in dialogue.

Throughout his life, Ramana Maharshi endorsed various spiritual paths and practices, yet he emphasized self-enquiry as the primary method for dispelling ignorance and achieving self-awareness. He also advocated for bhakti, or devotion, as a means of surrendering to the Self. Since the 1930s, his teachings have gained significant traction in the West, inspiring countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.