Sri Ramana Maharshi
on The Purpose of Life
Edited by John David Oct 2021
INTRODUCTION
In this blog “Ramana Maharshi on the purpose of life,” Bhagavan explains that the sense of having a life arises from the thought ‘I have a life.’ True understanding is realized not by replacing this thought with another, but through self-inquiry meditation and spiritual surrender, allowing all ideas and attachments to dissolve. By fully living as Life, one naturally remains in inner peace, while actions continue effortlessly under the guidance of a Higher Power. Persistent self-inquiry and mindful presence lead to effortless awareness, revealing the transient nature of the individual life, while the Self remains untouched and ever-present.
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Widely appreciated
“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
2nd Volume
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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
The Purpose of Life
Q.: What is the purpose of life?
B.: It is to discover the correct answer to this question.
Q.: What is the correct answer?
B.: Life.
Q.:I do not understand?
B.: 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. Therefore it is in perpetual peace. You, on the other hand, seem to lack peace; that is why you are raising these questions evidently. So, if you make yourself indistinguishable and inseperable from Life, no more questions about Life or anything else will arise so as to throw you into the uneasy marsh of inner tumult and worry. Thus, you will remain in Peace. So, the purpose of life is to subsume your life into Life so that torments such as this question cease to distress you. Then you will abide as Life or Peace itself. Thus, the purpose of life is Life.
Q.: I find Bhagvan’s words cryptic.
B.: Go around the Hill today evening. You will find the peace you are looking for.
Q.: I shall do as advised. Is this Hill God?
B.: Yes.
Q.: Is not everything God?
B.: All parts of your body– evenly- are made up substantially only of the elements Oxygen, Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen. Can you use the anus for eating and the mouth for excreting?
Q.: [laughs impertinently] So far I have not tried the novel proposition… So this mountain has a special function to play in the spiritual destiny of the world or mankind?
B.: Undoubtedly.
Q.: Does this mountain bestow Jnana upon those who think of Him but once?
B.: At least eventually.
Q.: What is the covenant to be followed in order to win Jnana-siddhi from this mountain?
B.: Poorna-shranagathi.
Q.: It means?
B.: Totally cease to care about anything. Let what may, happen. What comes, let it come. What goes let it go. See what remains.
Q.: You are- in effect- asking me to throw away my life, sir.
B.: Yes. “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”
Q.: [again the same insolent laugh] May I know why I am being expected to want to lose my life for your sake? I assure Bhagavan that my mental faculties are quite sound, despite coming here.
B.: One who wants Immortality must perish therein.
Q.: Then what is the point of Immortality?
B.: Immortality is already immortal. Your mortality is the obstacle to Realisation of the same. Kill that mortality and Immortality shines forth.
Q.: How to do this?
B.: By following the investigation ‘Who am I?‘. Its import is not verbally or mentally articulating the question, but is only this: “You say ‘I am’. Find out who ‘is’. Find the source of thought. Stay there once and for all.”
More from Ramana Maharshi
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.
Vishwanatha Aiyyer and the Monkey
Bhagavan recounts how the monkey Shabarigirisan miraculously inspired a boy to return home, illustrating the mysterious grace of Arunachala.
A Dialogue with a Mature Visiter
Bhagavan guides a seeker beyond concepts, showing that diligent Self-inquiry removes doubt and ignorance, revealing the timeless Self.
A Small Wise Boy
Through a boy’s spinning top, Bhagavan reveals that prarabdha spins itself out naturally, beyond the Jnani’s identification.
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.
An Incident between Bhagavan and the Ashram Manager
Bhagavan compassionately scolds the manager for cruelty towards rats, teaching mercy and the value of every life, inspiring humility.
Sri Gajapathi Aiyyer, Author of Aham Spraruna
Gajapathi Aiyyer’s Red Notebooks preserve Bhagavan’s profound teachings, offering timeless guidance for seekers, now published and accessible to all.
Gossip
Chadwick recounts a miracle New York visit, illustrating Grace beyond space, attachment, and the inward path to formlessness.
Letters to Bhagavan
Letters to Bhagavan, answered by a Brahmin scribe, carried the Master’s imprimatur, preserving his teaching and direct spiritual essence.
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.
Get Your Copy of the Book
Aham Sphurana
A Glimpse of Self Realisation
New Book about Sri Ramana Maharshi
Available Worldwide
On www.openskypress.com and Amazon:
“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
