Ramana Maharshi was one of the most influential saints of the 20th century. His teachings inspired millions of lives during that period and after that. He insisted on stillness of mind and silence to achieve the great self realization or enlightenment. His most famous quote is “Who Am I ?”. As per him if we keep on asking this question to ourselves then we can find out the real self. As per him mind is the real obstacle in the search for the truth and stillness of mind is the only thing required to attain the ultimate knowledge. Here are some of his famous quotes.
- Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside.
- All that is required to realize the Self is to “Be Still.
- The only useful purpose of the present birth is to turn within and realize the Self.
- Remain still, with the conviction that the Self shines as everything yet nothing, within, without, and everywhere.
- There is neither Past nor Future. There is only the Present.
- There is no doubt whatsoever that the universe is the merest illusion.
- Mind is consciousness which has put on limitations. You are originally unlimited and perfect. Later you take on limitations and become the mind.
- One must realize his Self in order to open the store of unalloyed happiness.
- Silence is also conversation.
- I am not the perishable body, but the eternal Self.
- When there are thoughts, it is distraction: when there are no thoughts, it is meditation.
- Without understanding yourself, what is the use of trying to understand the world?
- Eventually, all that one has learnt will have to be forgotten.
- Remain still, with the conviction that the Self shines as everything yet nothing, within, without, and everywhere.
- You can only stop the flow of thoughts by refusing to have any interest in it.
- Turn your vision inward and the whole world will be full of supreme spirit.
- The Ultimate Truth is so simple. It is nothing more than being in one’s natural, original state.
- The end of all wisdom is love, love, love.
Ramana Maharshi was a the great saint who lived a very simple life. So many people from all over the world reached Tiruvannamalai during that period to learn his teaching and get his blessing. He never tried to promote him or popularize his teachings or knowledge. Even without that he has got so many followers and still he lives in the heart of millions as his teachings were so pure. Core of his teaching is to sit calm and silent without doing anything. As per him silence is far more divine than speaking and he taught his followers to be remain silent and contemplate on “Who Am I”.