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How do Ramana Maharshi’s methods compare with other Advaita Vedanta approaches?

Ramana Maharshi’s signature method, Atma-vichara (self-inquiry), cuts straight to the chase: “Who am I?” It’s like using a laser instead of a broad brush, zeroing in on the root “I”-thought rather than layering on rituals or intellectual study. This contrasts with more classical Advaita Vedanta paths that tend to unfold in stages:

  1. Shravanam and Mananam (hearing and reflecting):
    • Traditional students pore over scriptures like the Upanishads or Shankara’s commentaries, dissecting every verse.
    • Ramana’s Talks gently steer away from scriptural gymnastics, encouraging direct inner listening over textual analysis.

  2. Nididhyasana (meditative absorption):
    • Many gurus recommend prolonged meditation on the formless Absolute or a chosen deity to build concentration.
    • Ramana simply points back to the ever-present self, inviting practitioners to notice the thinker instead of chasing thoughts.

  3. Bhakti (devotion) and Karma (selfless action):
    • In schools such as Vishishtadvaita or Dvaita, devotion to a personal god and ritual play starring roles.
    • Maharshi honored bhakti—often guiding visitors to meditate on his form—but never mandated it. Self-inquiry remained the golden key.

  4. Neti-neti (“not this, not that”):
    • A common Advaitic technique that peels away layers by negation.
    • Ramana’s approach feels more affirmative: turning attention inward, discovering the Self by its very presence rather than by exclusion alone.

Today’s mindfulness apps and modern teachers like Mooji echo Ramana’s simplicity: focus awareness inward, sense the witnessing presence. While some Vedanta circles still emphasize lengthy scriptural courses, Maharshi’s mountain-foot grace shows that the shortest cut to non-duality can be found by asking one potent question, again and again. Current retreats around Arunachala brim with seekers who find this singular inquiry more intuitive than juggling multiple yogic limbs. In a world buzzing with endless techniques and self-help chatter, Ramana’s method stands out like clear spring water—refreshingly straightforward, yet remarkably deep.