3 Ramana Maharshi Teachings for Meditation, Peace & Moksha

Ramana Maharshi was an Indian sage who attained ultimate liberation from all kinds of attachments through Jnana Yoga or self-enquiry. This great sannyasin believed that maintaining consistent awareness about the Self, along with deep devotion or surrender to the Supreme can result in Moksha. Each and every word uttered by Rama Maharshi was filled with fundamental truths about existence and also about the true nature of our Self. In this article, we will learn 3 powerful teachings from this great sage which we can use to uplift ourselves spiritually and also to find profound inner balance and harmony.

Ramana Maharshi once said:

“Let what comes come.

Let what goes go.

Find out what remains.”

Human beings are always stuck in a tug-of-war between desires and aversions. We see something. We develop desire towards it. This desire will turn into attachment and this attachment will keep us stuck in an eternal loop of attempts to fulfil the desire. What happens when we fulfil those desires? It will spread like wild fire and we will be left with no option but to go on attempting to fulfil them again and again. However, what happens when we don’t get what we desire? That will also result in sorrow and resentment.

The key solution to this puzzle is contained in the above-mentioned words of Ramana Maharshi. Whatever that arises is bound to pass way. Whether it is an emotion, thought or an object; they are all impermanent. Therefore, we shouldn’t react to whatever that is arising or is passing away. Realise the ultimate truth of impermanence and remain still. In this stillness, you will attain self-awareness. This is the path towards Moksha.

Once, while talking to his followers, Ramana Maharshi said:

“Your concentration must come as easily as the breath. Fix yourself on one thing and try to hold onto it. All will come right. Meditation is sticking to one thought. That single thought keeps away other thoughts. The dissipated mind is a sign of its weakness. By constant meditation it gains strength.”

Meditation is the greatest tool that humanity has invented to attain absolute mastery over the mind. The fundamental principle of meditation is simple. All we have to do is retain our focus on a single thing. Indeed, we can meditate by focusing on our breath itself. Sit up straight in Sukhasana or Padmasana. Then, observe your breath going in and coming out. In between, you will notice that the mind has wandered away. Become aware and calmly bring back the focus into the breath again. Keep practising and all the suppressed thoughts, pain, trauma and so forth will arise into your consciousness. The key is to remain equanimous and not react to them in any way. They will all pass away. Why? Because the ultimate truth of existence is impermanence.

Ramana Maharshi defined solitude in this way:

“Solitude is in the mind of man. One might be in the thick of the world and maintain serenity of mind; such a one is in solitude. Another may stay in a forest, but still be unable to control his mind. He cannot be said to be in solitude. Solitude is a function of the mind. A man attached to desire cannot get solitude wherever he may be; a detached man is always in solitude.”

According to Ramana Maharshi, solitude is a state in which our internal world remain absolutely still. In fact, this is the most powerful and peaceful state any human being can achieve. What creates pain and sorrow are the waves that are constantly splashing on the walls of our minds. Once these waves become still, nothing in this world can break us.

The key is to not become attached to worldly matters. How can we do this? We can either choose the path of Jnana Yoga as Ramana Maharshi recommended. Constantly look within and maintain awareness about the inner truth. Let go of all kinds of thoughts, attachments and emotions. What remains at the depth of your being is the ultimate truth of existence i.e., Brahman.

Otherwise, you can engage in Karma Yoga as recommended by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita. Perform your duties with utmost sincerity and dedication. However, don’t worry about the results. This is another great path of deep inner purification.

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