Sri Ramana Maharshi
on Non-Doing
Edited by John David Oct 2021
INTRODUCTION
In this blog “Ramana Maharshi on Non-Doing”, Bhagavan explains that true Realisation cannot be forced and arises naturally when the mind ceases all effort and conceptual thinking. Staying at the root of the mind or abiding as pure consciousness is not a deliberate practice but the natural state of being. Non-doing is simply the absence of action, thought, or volition, allowing awareness to remain effortlessly. By letting go of all striving, attachment, and ego, one moves spontaneously toward Liberation.
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“In my opinion, Aham Sphurana, a Glimpse of Self Realisation, will become a Treasure Trove of Wisdom to the Seekers of Truth in general, and particularly to the devotees of Bhagavan.”
Swami Hamsananda – Athithi Ashram, Tiruvannamalai
“This collection is a profound offering for those who are inspired to deeper inquiry. I have read both volumes for myself and others. Many passages reveal freshly and intimately the gift that is Ramana Maharshi. This is a book to cherish.”
Gangaji
“Thanks for presenting the book. I went through the book and it is indeed a good read. As you have mentioned, certain portions are controversial. However, many portions on Self-enquiry (genuinely in Bhagavan’s words) are profound and helpful to the seekers. Pranams”
Sri Ramanacharana Tirtha Swami
(formerly Sri Nochur Venkataraman),
“An excellent book suitable for anyone serious about the spiritual life and committed to knowing profound and liberating realisations. The beauty of Ramana’s teachings shows in the unwavering directness with a remarkable clarity and simplicity. Meditate on the questions and responses. Listen inwardly beneath the mind’s activity.”
Christopher Titmuss
“Aham Sphurana is the most profound, subtle and practical version of Ramana Maharshi. When you read this book you realise just how diluted, vague and lacking are most of the books published in the name of this great sage of Arunachala.
It is not an easy new age read, it is the real deal with all its subtleties and intricacies. Our role is to develop a profound, sensitive and subtle mind and heart to understand and absorb these teachings.
The persons who wrote and published this book faced fierce objection from many people and are no less than warriors of spiritual truth.
Their devotion and respect to Ramana Maharshi made them fight this war and they deserve our appreciation and respect for making these rare teachings available to us.”
Noah
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The pristine, pure mind of the Master that speaks through this profound volume is bound to bring us to an awakening into the most obvious yet hidden truth of our own existence.
Pravrajika Divyanandaprana
Non-Doing
Q.: If I stay at the root of the mind or abide as pure consciousness, will I Realise the Self?
B.: The question shows that the arbitrary mental conceptualisation, ‘Realising the Self‘, is still present in the mind. Staying in the root of the mind should be a matter of course; it must be the natural state. On the other hand, you are trying to deliberately do it so that you can thereby gain the reward you call ‘Self-Realisation’. Can it work? No.
Stillness cannot be reached with the mind. Water cannot be made dry water. Subside as the mind and Stillness alone is left over. People want to know how this may be done. It cannot be done because doing is the anti-thesis of it. J.K. has said- ‘Total negation is the essence of the positive.‘ Do not do anything with the mind. That is Realisation.
Doing cannot bring about non-doing; absence of doing is known as non-doing. Non-doing is not an exotic variety of doing; it is simply not doing. Abstinence from or relinquishment of thought is not a positive act. It should therefore not require to be attended to with effort or volition. If there is any effort or volition involved you are still stuck in the realm of doing. The transition from the realm of doing to that of non-doing should be a natural collapse. It is pointless if forced.
More from Ramana Maharshi
The Answer is to Enquire,”Who Am I”
Through playful enquiry and timeless teaching, Ramana Maharshi guides a seeker from ego and fear to the Self’s silence.
What is the Purpose of Life?
Life does not question its own purpose. It has no questions to ask. It has no complaint to raise. It has no grudge to bear.
Ramana Maharshi on Jesus Teachings
Bhagavan explains Jesus’ words as Advaitic teaching, guiding the seeker towards Self-Realization, surrender, and a still, inward-turned mind.
Trust in God
Bhagavan reminds people to trust in God for its needs, resolving a misunderstanding with compassion and integrity.
Mr. Evans-Wentz’s Visit
A visitor finds peace and wisdom with Ramana Maharshi, experiences deep spiritual moments, and departs with profound gratitude and joy.
Sri Gajapathi Aiyyer Ashram Report
A vivid Ashram diary recounting the devoted, diverse lives of seekers, Bhagavan’s humour, Grace, and timeless wisdom in action.
Samadhi
Samadhi is the natural state where ego, thoughts, and effort dissolve, leaving only pure Being — the Self — revealed.
Destiny
Ramana Maharshi teaches that regardless of destiny, ego’s illusions must be dissolved inwardly for true Self-Realization and freedom.
Unrealise the not-Self
Recognise that all ideas of ego and identity are unreal, and by seeing this clearly, only the true Self remains.
Essential Extracts from the Manuscript
Aham Sphurana is a beacon leading to Sahaja, but only when left undisturbed and ego-free, allowing spontaneous abidance.
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Aham Sphurana
A Glimpse of Self Realisation
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“In my opinion, Aham Sphurana, a Glimpse of Self Realisation, will become a Treasure Trove of Wisdom to the Seekers of Truth in general, and particularly to the devotees of Bhagavan.”
Swami Hamsananda – Athithi Ashram, Tiruvannamalai
