Ramana Maharshi’s teaching of self-enquiry—centred on the question “Who am I?”—reoriented many seekers from outward striving to direct investigation of the sense of “I.” By turning attention back to the source of thought rather than elaborating philosophical systems, his guidance shifted followers from speculation to immediate inner examination. This often led to a recognition of their true nature as pure awareness, loosening identification with the ego and its narratives. As a result, many described a profound reconfiguration of their understanding of reality and of themselves, sometimes spoken of as Self-realization or a permanent change in consciousness.

A notable feature of his influence was the deep inner peace and mental clarity that followers reported, both in his physical presence and through practice of his instructions. Anxiety, particularly fear of death, tended to diminish as disciples absorbed his insight into the imperishable nature of the Self and contemplated his own fearless attitude toward mortality. Psychological suffering was addressed not by directly solving each problem, but by redirecting attention from transient thoughts and emotions to the unchanging awareness in which they appear. This shift fostered a more stable, less reactive way of meeting praise and blame, success and failure.

His path also simplified spiritual life for many. Instead of complex ritual or extensive scriptural study, he offered a direct, minimalist method that could be integrated into ordinary activities. Household duties, work, and ashram tasks were approached as opportunities to remain established in Self-awareness, rather than as distractions from it. This integration allowed followers to live outwardly ordinary lives while inwardly oriented toward the Self, and it encouraged a move away from unnecessary ambition and complication toward humility, contentment, and simplicity.

Alongside this radical nondual clarity, devotion and surrender played a significant role in the transformation of his followers. Many experienced intense bhakti in his presence and were encouraged to see genuine surrender to the divine as inseparable from Self-knowledge. Practices of worship and remembrance were not set against insight, but rather became channels through which egoic tendencies could dissolve. For numerous disciples, this combination of silent presence, self-enquiry, and devotional surrender yielded a lasting sense of peace and guidance that continued to shape their lives even beyond his physical lifetime.