All the books on this Series, have philosophical format. The first chapter is a short history of the
philosopher's life. The second chapter is an overview of what will follow. Then come chapters on
epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, spiritual practices, jivan mukti, and an evaluation vis a vis the
philosopher being covered.
What an incredible time I had writing the book. From Sri Ramana Maharshi's perspective, there
is no teacher, no taught, no birth, no death, no enlightened individual, no unenlightened individual,
no path to enlightenment, there is no knower, no known, and no means of knowledge. Obviously
Sri Ramana was not a philosopher in the traditional sense of the word.
As Sri Ramana said, 'I was indeed fortunate that I never took to philosophy. Had I taken to it, I
would probably nowhere, but my inherent tendencies led to directly to inquire, 'Who am I?'
How fortunate!' What is astonishing is Sri Ramana's teachings emerged spontaneously as the fruit of
his Great Awakening and only subsequently, almost by accident, did He learn of the ancient Upanishadic
and philosophical teachings. Even more astounding is that His words are almost, word for word, identical
with those found in the Scriptures.
contd.,
Arunachala Siva.