Suggested Reading

This work, composed by Bhagavan in the mid-1920s, is the work that originated with answers written in the sand in 1901. It is considered the standard introduction to Bhagavan’s teachings. It is advisable to use the translation of T.M.P. Mahadevan.

This text consists of 40 questions and answers explaining the attitude needed for revealing the Supreme Self. We can find here different analogies used by Ramana for explaining the Ultimate nature of Reality and how individuality appears. It is advisable to use the translation of T.M.P. Mahadevan, who also provides a clear introduction to and explanation of the text.

This text presents a synthesis of Ramana’s teaching of nonduality and practice of inquiry and was written at the request of his disciple Muruganar, who wanted a brief summary of Ramana’s teaching. Ramana wrote the verses as they came to him, and Muruganar arranged them in a particular order. 40 verses fit a classical Hindu poetic form. Later, Ramana wrote 40 additional verses, and the original 40 verses were put into a supplement to the 40 verses. The text still requires some explanations, especially for a beginner. It has very short and essential affirmations since it is structured as a book of aphorisms.

Answers of Ramana to questions put to him by his devotees. The answers are structured around the essential themes of Ramana: Bhakti and Jnana , mind control, silence and solitude, atman. Ego’s existence is not illusory because it is an instrument, a function in the dynamism of creation. What is illusory is the position of the ego as the Supreme Doer. That’s why all spiritual traditions agree that the ego sense must be transcended. Sometimes this is wrongly interpreted as a demand to be altruistic or to fight with the ego in order to destroy this “impostor.” This will only enhance the ego, nourishing it with attention and importance. Something much more profound is intended, namely a radical shift in our sense of who we are: from self (personal) identity, we aim to move to Self Identity -from ahamkâra to âtman. By perseverant practice of discrimination (viveka) and self-inquiry (using the question “Who am I?”) this identification with the ego fades away, allowing the Self to reveal itself more and more.

In Kashmir Shaivism, however, Aham designates the transcendental Self, the transcendental eternal Identity, as Shiva, and is also known as ahamtâ or “I- ness.””>Aham and Ahamvritti , the place of the Heart, etc. It is a book of about 100 pages, easy to read.

This classic book of conversations recorded over the period 1935 – 1939 can be a continuous source of inspiration. Ramana often went behind the words that constitute a question to correct the questioner even on the matter of questioning. When irrelevant and futile questions were asked, he didn’t want to satisfy the idle curiosity of the questioner or confirm him in his delusions. It was said that Ramana does not leave his interlocutor in the place where he was. As one of the devotees put it, “All our questions are from our standpoint, and Sri Bhagavan’s replies are from his standpoint. The questions are not only answered, but are also undermined.” It is a comprehensive book of about 700 pages.

A very good collection of Q&A about the nature of the mind, ego, etc.

A very systematic book about Ramana’s perspectives. He starts each chapter explaining the significance of the terms used by Ramana and Ramana’s general vision and after that he exemplifies this with quotes. I consider that Godman had some misunderstandings regarding the Heart, but apart from this, this book represents a very good place to start. The topics are: the Self, Self-awareness, Self-inquiry, surrender, meditation, concentration, samadhi, Creation theories and the reality of the world, the nature of God, etc.

(Happiness and the Art of Being: The Philosophy and Practice of the Spiritual Teaching of Bhagavan Sri Ramana). As a direct disciple of Ramana, the author analyzes and presents Sri Ramana’s teaching in a very systematic, accessible, and logical manner. A massive book – and this is only Part 1 of a planned multi-volume work – the index alone runs to 38 pages. Topics include: happiness, the illusion of time and space, the science of consciousness, Self-surrender, etc.

This biography of Ramana, with many stories about special moments in his life, is well written, and the love for Ramana radiates through her words.

Commentaries and interesting personal notes about the teachings of Ramana. Topics: Destiny and free will, visions, brahmacharya, the world, God, the Self as Reality, Heart and mind, etc.

General ideas and topics of Advaita, including surrender, maya, free will, Liberation, etc. This book contains some of Cohen’s reminiscences – the memories of a man who remained with Ramana for 14 years – as well as the notes he took down during his long residence at Ramanashram. The last part of the book consists of his diary. This is also very inspiring because it is charged by the spiritual aspiration emanating in the presence of Ramana.

The book lucidly narrates the author’s acquaintance with, impressions of, and relation to Maharshi, who so influenced him. The three chapters — IX, XVI, and XVII — relating to Maharshi were reprinted by Ramanasramam in a booklet entitled “The Maharshi and His Message.”

Maha Yoga or The Upanishadic Lore in the Light of the Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana is the Direct Method of finding the Truth of ourselves. A very clear book about Advaita as taught by Ramana Maharshi. The author, only identified as “Who” on the title page, was Sri K. Laksmana Sarma, who studied for more than 20 years with Ramana. The key topics addressed are happiness, ignorance, world, soul, God, the nature of the Self and the means for realizing this, and the role of devotion.

The contribution of Osborne to this book is mainly the very good compilation of the answers of Ramana, grouped in essential topics. He also gives a few useful explanations and conclusions.

About Ramana, Advaita, and Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, etc.

This is a biography of Ramana, with some nice and less known pictures of Ramana.