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Spiritual Instruction
Sri Natanananda, one of the earliest devotees, noted downthe conversation which took place one day between
Bhagavan and his devotees. These were then arranged and
expanded and shown to Bhagavan who appreciated them. They
were then published under the name of Upadesa Manjari, or
Spiritual Instruction.
Invocation
I seek refuge at the sacred feet of the blessed Ramana, who
performs the entire work of creation, preservation and
destruction, while remaining wholly unattached, and who
makes us aware of what is real and thus protects us, that I
may set down his words fittingly.
Importance of the Work
Worshipping with the instruments (of thought, word and
body) the sacred lotus feet of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi,
the very embodiment of the beginningless infinite supreme
Brahman, the Satchitananda (existence, consciousness, bliss),
I have gathered this bouquet of the flowers of his instructions
(upadesa manjari) for the benefit of those who are foremost
among the seekers of liberation and who are adored by learned
persons, in order that they might adorn themselves with it
and attain salvation.
This book is an epitome of the immortal words of that great
soul, Sri Ramana Maharshi, whose teachings entirely dispelled
the doubts and wrong notions of this humble person even as
the sun dispels darkness.
The subject of this book is that eternal Brahman, which
shines as the pinnacle and heart of all the Vedas and Agamas.
That incomparable Self-realization (atma siddhi) which is
praised by all the Upanishads and which is the supreme good
to be sought by all noble aspirants (brahmavids) is the theme
of this work.