Cinefx Productions, JNANA AGNI Trailer 2022 Sri Ramana Maharshi
Photograph: © Markus Horlacher
The fire of Self-Knowledge
“The only useful purpose of the present birth
is to turn within and realize the Self.”
—Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
JNANA AGNI is the follow-up feature-length documentary focussing on an in-depth examination of the teachings of the Indian sage, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi (30th December 1879–14th April 1950), specifically the path of Self-Knowledge or Jnana Marga. Its critically acclaimed predecessor, JNANI, The Silent Sage of Arunachala, set the stage by presenting the teacher’s life and legacy, receiving 2.6 million views to date on YouTube since its release.
Directed and produced by Jean-Raphael Dedieu, with co-production by Saran Dashnamoorthy and Paula Marvelly, JNANA AGNI (translated from the Sanskrit as the “fire of Self-Knowledge”) is currently in production, with filming predominantly taking place in Tiruvannamalai, India, home of the Ramanasramam and sacred Mount Arunachala, as well as other international locations for the recording of conversations with renowned nondual spiritual teachers, such as Rupert Spira, Michael James and Francis Lucille.
Photograph: © Saran Dashnamoorthy
According to the ancient spiritual wisdom of India, there are four main spiritual paths, known as “margas”, which lead to the discovery of the inner divine presence:
- Karma Marga—selfless service and good deeds
- Bhakti Marga—devotion and surrender
- Raga Marga—meditation and physical postures
- Jnana Marga—Self-Knowledge and investigation into the nature of reality
The way of Jnana Marga is believed to be the most direct path, whereby the focus of attention is guided away from the thoughts and perceptions of the mind and is directed instead towards that in which the thoughts and perceptions arise, namely the Self.
This process of turning within is called Self-Enquiry, or Atma Vichara, and is a means of discovering who we truly are. Paradoxically, it is the art of utilizing the mind to investigate the source of the mind itself. As Sri Ramana Maharshi states: “The mind will subside only by means of the enquiry ‘Who am I?’. The thought ‘Who am I?’, destroying all other thoughts, will itself finally be destroyed like the stick used for stirring the funeral pyre.”
Jean-Raphael Dedieu, Jnani, The Silent Sage of Arunachala
Since time immemorial, humanity has been searching for everlasting happiness, be it status and power, wealth and possessions, romantic infatuation and sensorial indulgence. Breaking these cravings and desires may initially feel like we are depriving ourselves of what it means to be human and yet the road to hell is paved with attachment. Letting go of all that binds is then found to be utterly liberating and leads to the peace of mind that we are all so desperately longing for.
Indeed, this understanding—cultivated through Jnana Marga and the practice of Atma Vichara—can only ever truly be the sole purpose of life, whereby the fire of Self-Knowledge ignites the realization of our inner being and union with the sacred presence within.
Photograph: © Ramanasramam, with kind permission.
In order to complete JNANA AGNI, the production team relies on supporters’ patronage. If you feel so moved, they would humbly like you to consider supporting their work by clicking the link below for more information on the donation options available. Your support will make all the difference. Thank you.
Photograph: © Saran Dashnamoorthy
For more information about the film, please visit JNANA AGNI‘s website.
Post Notes
- Cinefx Productions on YouTube
- Cinefx Productions: Talks With Sri Ramana Maharshi
- Jean-Raphael Dedieu: Jnani, The Silent Sage of Arunachala
- Rupert Spira: A Meditation on I Am
- Upahar: Bright Like a Million Suns
- Sri V. Ganesan: The Ultimate Question
- Paula Marvelly: A Singular Man
- Paula Marvelly: Rendezvous With Ramana, Part I
- W. Somerset Maugham: The Saint
- Ana Ramana: Hymns to the Beloved
- Ditmar Bollaert: Arunachala Pradakshina
- Alan Jacobs: Who Am I?
