Ramana Maharshi is regarded by many as one of the most revered spiritual figures of the 20th century. This raises the question: why did he succumb to cancer at the relatively young age of 70, especially considering he lived a life devoid of the typical risk factors associated with the disease?

Join me as I delve into the life and passing of Ramana, seeking insights that may illuminate our understanding of cancer.

Ramana Maharshi, born in 1879 in southern India, experienced what he believed to be death at the age of 16. This moment was, in fact, a profound enlightenment. Following this transformative experience, he renounced his familial ties and retreated to the sacred hill of Arunachala, where he dedicated himself to meditation for extended periods. His deep meditative state led to a lack of awareness regarding physical ailments, including pest bites and severe ulcers, until he was discovered and cared for by a local Hindu saint.

Ramana spent the remainder of his life on Arunachala, where he garnered a global following. In 1948, a tumor was found on his arm, and despite undergoing four unsuccessful surgeries, he declined the doctors' recommendation for amputation. He passed away on April 14, 1950, due to the illness.

The question lingers: how did he develop cancer? He was enlightened, distanced from societal stressors, consumed a healthy diet, and avoided environmental toxins. None of the typical cancer triggers were present in his life, yet he endured a painful illness before his death.

As a scientist, I seek to understand this anomaly by comparing it with a contrasting life narrative: that of the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, born just two years after Ramana.

Pablo Picasso, born in 1881 in southern Spain, exhibited an early passion for art, nurtured by his father, a painter and art instructor. At 16, he attended Spain's foremost art school in Madrid but found the formal education stifling and chose to leave for Paris, a burgeoning artistic center.

While Picasso is celebrated as a pioneer of Cubism, his artistic journey encompassed approximately 50,000 works across various styles. His lifestyle, however, was quite unhealthy; he was known for heavy smoking and drinking, often spending late nights in bars and restaurants. He lived until the age of 91, dying from pulmonary edema and a heart attack.

Here we have two contemporaries: one, living in biologically optimal conditions, dies slowly and painfully from cancer at 70; the other, thriving under adverse conditions, lives to 91. Could this be mere chance? No, for every occurrence has its cause. At the heart of cancer lies abnormal cell growth, yet growth is also the essence of life.

Life, in its journey, begins at birth and culminates in death, traversing through three distinct stages. Consider a tree: in spring, it burgeons with new leaves; in summer, it remains relatively stable; and in autumn, it sheds its leaves, symbolizing decay. Humans experience similar phases: childhood is characterized by growth, adulthood maintains stability, while aging brings deterioration.

To comprehend these phases amidst the inevitable decay that time brings, one must recognize the opposing force that fosters growth. In spring, this force must exceed decay; in summer, it merely balances it; and in autumn, it diminishes, resulting in gradual decay.

This opposing force, known as growth, is the quintessence of life. Although growth may not always be overtly visible, it is inherent in all living beings. Life forms must grow to survive, as evidenced in nature, where life emerges even in extreme conditions, such as after a forest fire. This intrinsic growth force exists within each of us.

Given that cancer embodies growth, could it be viewed as an expression of our own life force? After all, it is our own cells that start to proliferate uncontrollably.

Imagine a water hose filled with pressurized water. Opening the nozzle allows the water to flow, while closing it creates pressure within the hose. Any small leak will cause the water to escape. Similarly, life brims with growth potential, and perhaps cancer signifies a person's internal pressure finding an outlet.

The human body is composed of approximately 35 trillion cells, each interacting to facilitate various functions. These cells organize into units analogous to a company: at the individual cell level, they perform survival tasks; in tissues and organs, they fulfill group functions; and collectively, they constitute the body.

Thus, we embody three levels of physical existence: - cellular life, - organ/tissue life (akin to plant life), and - animal life.

Additionally, our consciousness grants us a fourth dimension of existence: mental life.

Each human cell operates within these three physical levels while also adhering to the mindset of its host. The purpose of a life form is to channel its growth force through its unique capabilities.

A cell's primary method of survival is through division. Plants, possessing two life levels, have a cell division mechanism that remains dormant to preserve the plant's integrity, while their growth mechanism is perpetually open. Animals, with three life levels, also restrict cell and plant growth but maintain active sensorimotor development throughout their lives.

In the wild, life forms excel in their respective roles. Unlike humans, who are not designed to maintain world-class performance indefinitely, animals must excel to survive. Our human capacity allows for continuous mental growth.

If we fail to nurture our mental growth, the resulting pressure seeks expression through one of three channels: - Excessive sensorimotor activities, such as overindulgence in sports or sexuality, - Excessive tissue growth, manifesting as obesity, or - Excessive cell growth, leading to cancer.

A person's lifestyle influences how this internal growth force expresses itself. If it channels through the cellular level, it often targets weakened tissues or organs.

This framework resonates with the lives of Ramana Maharshi and Pablo Picasso. Picasso's approach was characterized by an open human growth channel; he embraced life and pursued mental development tirelessly. He famously stated: “I always do that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

Conversely, Ramana's growth channel was constricted. He showed indifference toward physical existence, urging his followers to relinquish attachment to the body shortly before his passing.

Some might argue that Ramana prioritized spiritual over physical life. However, physical existence is foundational for spiritual experiences and growth. Without a body, the spirit lacks means for expression and evolution. Ignoring physicality equates to neglecting growth.

Due to Ramana's ascetic practices and mindset, his growth force had no other avenue except the cellular level, culminating in his cancer diagnosis.

This analysis is not intended to undermine Ramana Maharshi or his contributions. He consciously chose a path aligned with his spiritual tradition, which often overlooks the physical body. This reflects a one-dimensional view, much like the contemporary Western emphasis on the physical at the expense of the spiritual. The beauty of humanity lies in our ability to choose, providing valuable lessons for others through our experiences.

Is this perspective definitive? It cannot be claimed as such. Perspectives are inherently subjective and can be either beneficial or detrimental.

If this viewpoint holds merit, it may extend to non-human life forms. Instances of cancer are indeed observable in both plants and animals, particularly in those unable to reach their full growth potential due to environmental limitations.

In my exploration of cancer patients' lifestyles and discussions with medical professionals, I have seen this perspective validated. My observations will continue.

I encourage you to make your own observations. Seek both affirming and contrasting examples.

Exercise 1: Examine the lifestyles of individuals you know who have battled cancer. Compare their physical and mental lifestyles, noting the presence of growth at various levels.

Exercise 2: Reflect on those who prioritize mental growth. Compare their health outcomes with their physical lifestyles.

Exercise 3: Investigate trees exhibiting signs of cancer. Analyze their growth environments.

Further reading includes: - Article “Why and How Your Cells Read Your Mind — and What This Means for You” - Article “This is What I Found Out About Our Purpose in Life” - Book “Consciousness: Its Nature, Purpose, and How to Use It”

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