One of the close disciples of Bhagavan, Arthur Osborne, wrote in his book, “Ramana Maharshi and the Path of Self-knowledge”:

        “Sri Bhagavan spoke and wrote most about the vichara or Self-enquiry, and therefore the opinion arose that He prescribed only jnana-marga, the Path of Knowledge, which most people find too sheer in this age. But in fact He was universal and provided guidance for every temperament, by the path of Devotion no less than of Knowledge. Love and devotion to Him are a bridge across the abyss to salvation. He had many devotees for whom he prescribed no other path.”

   At a later time, Bhagavan declared when questioned by

   a devotee: 

      D.: “What are the steps in practical sadhana?”

M.: “They depend on the qualifications and the nature of the seeker. If you are doing idol worship, you should go on with it; it will lead you to concentration. Get one-pointed, and all will come out right. People think that Liberation is far away and should be sought out. They are wrong. It is only knowing (by direct experience) the Self within oneself. Concentrate and you will get it. The mind is the cycle of births and deaths. Go on practicing and concentration will be as easy as breathing. That will be the crown of your achievements.”

Are few examples of the Maharshi’s instructions regarding worship, meditation, satsanga and prayer are given below:

From Talks #59:

Devotee: With all your penance for so many years what have you got?

Maharshi: I have got what need be got. I see what need be seen.

D.: Can all see the same?

M.: I see only just what all do. It is immanent in all.

D.: Is this the way for seeing It?

M.: Method may be anything. From whatever directions the pilgrims may foregather, they must enter the Kaaba only by one route (passage) or all gather only to enter the Kaaba.

D.: Please tell me two upadesas (spiritual instructions) on the way to salvation as known by you.

M.: What upadesa do I know? Everything is upadesa. Worship of God is the only upadesa.

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From Talks # 337:

D.: How is one to overcome regrets?

M.: By realising the Divinity in him.

D.: How?

M.: By practice.

D.: What kind of practice?

M.: Meditation.

D.: Mind is not steady while meditating.

M.: It will be all right by practice.

D.: How is the mind to be steadied?

M.: By strengthening it.

D.: How to strengthen it?

M.: It grows strong by satsanga (the company of the wise).

D.: Shall we add prayers, etc.?

M.: Yes.