Today marks the 144th birth anniversary of Sri Ramana Maharshi, an emblematic figure in the spiritual landscape of India and a beacon of enlightenment in philosophy.

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Today marks the 144th birth anniversary of Sri Ramana Maharshi, an emblematic figure in the spiritual landscape of India and a beacon of enlightenment in philosophy. Born on 30th December 1879 as Venkataraman Iyer in Tamil Nadu, his journey to spiritual awakening is as profound as it is inspirational.

His early life in the village of Tiruchuzhi was unremarkable until a pivotal moment at the age of 16. In 1896, he experienced a profound "death-experience," a moment of existential clarity that unveiled to him the essence of his true "I" or "self." This experience was not just a revelation but a transformation, leading him to identify this force with Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism.

This awakening compelled him to leave his uncle's home in Madurai and travel to the sacred hill of Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai. Here, he adopted the life of a Sannyasi, a renunciate seeking spiritual liberation. Although he never underwent formal initiation, his life henceforth was an embodiment of renunciation and spiritual seeking.

Sri Ramana Maharshi's presence at Arunachala became a magnet for those seeking spiritual guidance. Devotees viewed him as an avatar, a divine incarnation, and sought his darshan, the blessing of seeing a holy person. His method of teaching was unique; he often imparted wisdom in silence, offering spiritual instruction (upadesha) through his mere presence, answering questions from those who came to him.

From the 1930s onwards, his teachings gained traction in the West, cementing his status as a globally recognized enlightened being. His approach to spirituality was inclusive and approving of various paths and practices. However, he emphasized self-enquiry as the primary tool for dispelling ignorance and attaining Self-awareness, a state of consciousness where one recognizes the self as the ultimate reality.

Sri Ramana Maharshi's life and teachings continue to resonate deeply, offering pathways to inner peace and enlightenment. His emphasis on self-realization and the pursuit of the true "I" remains a guiding light for spiritual seekers worldwide. As we remember him on his 144th birth anniversary, his legacy endures as a testament to the transformative power of spiritual awakening.

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