Spirituality Studies 10-1 Spring 2024 3 Michael James Received February 28, 2024 Revised March 9, 2024 Accepted March 10, 2024 Key words Self, being, awareness, happiness, bhakti, tmavic ra, ego Is it possible for us to attain infinite and eternal happiness, untainted by even the least misery, and if so, how can we do so and what is the price we must be willing to pay for it? According to the teachings of Bhagavan Ramana, it is possible, and the means to attain it is to investigate and know what we actually are, for which the price to be paid is complete surrender of ourself to what alone is real, which requires wholehearted and all-consuming “love” (Sa. bhakti) born of and nurtured in our heart by the grace of God, who is what we actually are and what alone is real. This paper explores these teachings and their rationale as expressed by Bhagavan in his own original Tamil writings. Michael James is one of the most prominent contemporary promoters of the teachings of the Indian sage Śr Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950). His approach is based on the primary sources’ scholarship and experiential practice of contemplation (self-investigation). Michael’s understanding of Śr Ramana’s teachings has been shaped by the direct influence of his close friendship and association with Sadhu Om (1922–1985), a Tamil j n , poet, writer, editor, and devotee of Ramana Maharshi. Michael can be reached by email at mdajames@gmail.com. ←← Śrī Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950). Portrait by G. G. Welling, 1948.
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