Ramana Maharshi was an Indian sage and spiritual teacher who lived in the 20th century. He is considered one of the most important spiritual teachers of our time. Ramana was born in Tamil Nadu, India in 1879. His early life was marked by a series of mystical experiences, which led him to pursue a life of spirituality. He eventually came to the conclusion that the Self is the only reality, and that all else is an illusion. 

Ramana taught that the true Self is not the body or the mind, but the soul, which is one with the Divine. He also taught that all beings are equal, regardless of caste, creed, or race. Ramana was greatly influenced by the teachings of the Vedas and the Upanishads. He also studied the works of Shankara, Ramakrishna, and Vivekananda. In his own life, Ramana experienced a profound spiritual awakening, which led him to renounce all worldly possessions and live a life of renunciation and simplicity.

He also had a great influence on Mahatma Gandhi, who was a close friend and admirer of his. Gandhi once said of Ramana Maharshi: 'In a life comprising eighty years of ceaseless activity, I have not known a man more pure, more true, more sincere, more holy, more equal-minded, more free from fear, more free from anger, more free from hatred, more free from egotism.'

Ramana Maharshi's teachings helped Gandhi to develop his own philosophy of nonviolent resistance. Gandhi said that he owed a great debt to Ramana Maharshi and that his teachings had a profound impact on his life.

Ramana Maharshi was a great admirer of Gandhi and he believed that he was a true spiritual leader. He once said, 'Gandhi is the only man who has understood the true nature of the soul.'

Ramana passed away in 1950, but his teachings continue to inspire people around the world. His simple, yet profound message is that we are all ultimately One.