True happiness

Book Description

In this profound exploration of spiritual awakening, one of India's most revered sages offers timeless wisdom on discovering authentic fulfillment. Sri Ramana Maharshi, who experienced his own spiritual transformation at just sixteen years old, spent his life guiding seekers toward understanding their deepest nature.

Drawing from teachings that have influenced notable figures including Carl Jung and Somerset Maugham, this collection presents Maharshi's insights on living fully in the present moment, understanding the role of material wealth, and recognizing true freedom. At the heart of his approach lies the practice of self-inquiry, which he presents as the essential pathway to liberation from the illusions that bind us.

Maharshi's teachings center on the fundamental question of who we truly are beneath our surface identities and conditioned responses. Through gentle yet penetrating guidance, he invites readers to examine their assumptions about happiness and discover what remains when external circumstances change. His approach to non-dual awareness, rooted in the Advaita tradition, offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to move beyond temporary pleasures toward lasting contentment.

Carefully compiled by his student Arthur Osborne, these teachings provide both newcomers and experienced practitioners with clear direction for inner exploration. This work serves as an accessible introduction to the profound yet simple truth that genuine happiness emerges not from acquiring more, but from recognizing what we already are.