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What is the importance of surrender in Ramana Maharshi's teachings?
Surrender is a central theme in the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, the revered sage of Arunachala and renowned teacher of Advaita (non-dual) philosophy. It is considered to be one of the most powerful and transformative aspects of his teachings, and is often seen as the key to spiritual liberation.
According to Ramana Maharshi, surrender is the act of giving up one's ego and surrendering to the divine or higher power. It is the complete surrender of one's will and desires to the divine will, and the recognition that the individual self is ultimately an illusion. This surrender is not a passive act, but rather an active and conscious choice to let go of the ego and merge with the divine.
In his teachings, Ramana Maharshi emphasizes the importance of surrender as a means to overcome the illusion of the individual self and attain self-realization. He believed that the ego is the root cause of all suffering and that surrendering it is the only way to experience true peace and happiness.
One of the key ways in which Ramana Maharshi encouraged surrender was through the practice of self-inquiry. He taught his followers to constantly question the nature of the self and to seek the source of the "I" thought. By doing so, one can gradually let go of the ego and surrender to the true self, which is beyond the limitations of the individual mind.
Another important aspect of surrender in Ramana Maharshi's teachings is the idea of surrendering to the present moment. He believed that the only way to truly live in the present moment is to surrender to it completely, without any resistance or attachment to the past or future. This surrender allows one to experience the true nature of reality and to live in a state of peace and contentment.
Furthermore, Ramana Maharshi emphasized the importance of surrendering to the divine will. He believed that everything happens according to the divine plan and that surrendering to this plan is the key to living a life of purpose and fulfillment. This surrender involves letting go of the need to control or manipulate events and trusting in the greater wisdom of the universe.
In conclusion, surrender is a fundamental aspect of Ramana Maharshi's teachings and is seen as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and self-realization. It is the act of letting go of the ego, surrendering to the present moment, and trusting in the divine will. By surrendering, one can overcome the illusion of the individual self and experience the true nature of reality.