Surrendering to the Self

The Indian sage Ramana Maharshi (1879- 1950) is perhaps the most widely known Indian spiritual figure of the last century, second only to Gandhi. This new book offers a fresh introduction to the MaharshiΓÇÖs life and teachings, intending to situate him within the non-dualistic traditions of Hinduism. It also delves into themes and questions particularly relevant to the spiritual crisis and search for meaning that have characterised, in various ways, both the modern and postmodern outlooks.While the MaharshiΓÇÖs background and frames of reference were traditional, the spiritual resonance of his teachings in todayΓÇÖs world must also be recognised. The sageΓÇÖs message lies at the intersection of the contemporary search for Self-knowledge, and todayΓÇÖs critical reflections on the foundations and limits of religion. Thus, the book comprises seven chapters that touch upon such central issues as the role of religion in Self-inquiry; the relationship between devotion and knowledge; the role and limitations of traditional forms; and the implications in our postmodern era of both the MaharshiΓÇÖs emphasis on surrender, and his basic question: ΓÇÿWho am I?ΓÇÖPublished in collaboration withGEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY Center for International and Regional Studies, School of Foreign Service in Qatar.