Essence of Ramana Maharshi's Teaching



om namo bhagavate sri ramanaya

In the second chapter of Sri Ramana Gita, Sri Bhagavan gives, in four lines of Sanskrit, the essence of His teaching.
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hrdayakuharamadhye kevalam brahmamAtram 
hyahamahamiti sAkshAdAtmarupeNa bhAti | 
hrdi viSa manasA svam cinvatA majjatA vA 
pavanacalanarodhAdAtmanishTho bhava tvam ||
(Ramana Gita 2. 2)
 ---------
In the inmost core, the Heart
Shines as Brahman alone,
As 'I-I', the Self aware.
Enter deep into the Heart
By searching for Self, or diving deep, Or with breath under check.
Thus abide ever in Atman.
(This English translation was given by Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi) 
---------
The verse reveals the Self and three methods for the Realisation of the Self which encompass Jnana, Bhakti and Yoga.
hrdayakuharamadhye kevalam brahmamAtram
"In the interior cave of the Heart, Brahman alone shines, no more-no less." This Heart is the seat of the Self. This Heart is none other than Brahman.
You are always in the Heart. You are, indeed, this Heart. This is the Self. In truth, the Self is without location... but in order to help the sadhak and to give direction, in His compassion, Sri Bhagavan has pointed us towards the middle of our being.
'The Heart is not physical; it is spiritual. Hridayam = hrit + ayam = This is the centre. It is that from which thoughts arise, on which they subsist and where they are resolved. The thoughts are the content of the mind and, they shape the universe. The Heart is the centre of all. 
“Yatova imani bhutani jayante (that from which these beings come into existence) etc. is said to be Brahman in the Upanishads. That is the Heart. Brahman is the Heart.” (Talk; 97)
'This space within the Heart is as vast as the (physical) space outside. Indeed, within it are both heaven and earth; fire and air; sun and moon; lightning and stars. Whatever is in this world and whatever is not...all that is established within it.' (Chandogya Upanishad, 8.1.3)
hyahamahamiti sAkshAdAtmarupeNa bhAti |
"As 'I', as 'I', the Self aware; Self-evidently shining. Continuous and uninterrupted."
D. : 'What is the Heart?'
M. : 'It is the seat (if such could be said of it) of the Self. D. : 'Is it the physical heart?'
M. : 'No. It is the seat wherefrom 'I' - 'I' arises.'
(from Talk; 52)
Can we recognise/experience the Self in the body? Yes we can. Atma Vicara is the key. Once unlocked the 'I' - 'I' consciousness shines forth directly, unobstructed.
hrdi viSa manasA svam cinvatA majjatA vA 
pavanacalanarodhAdAtmanishTho bhava tvam ||
"Enter the heart by questing mind, diving deep, or with breath controlled. Thus abide in Self."
How do we submerge the mind in the Heart?
Three methods are suggested.
Quest for Self: This is Jnana. Diving deep: This is bhakti. Attraction of/to the Self with or without attributes. Breath control: This is the path of Yoga.
In essence, all three are resolved in the action of atmavicara, Self-enquiry.
'Thus abide ever in Atman.'
---------
Original Sanskrit Translation by MWright.

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