This article first appeared in Scroll.in on April 27, 2022.
Somerset Maugham, the renowned English novelist and playwright, found himself deeply intrigued by Indian philosophy in the 1930s. His literary success had already cemented his reputation, but his spiritual curiosity led him to embark on a transformative journey to India in 1936. This visit became a pivotal moment in his life, shaping his understanding of Eastern spiritual traditions and influencing his later works.
During his stay in India, Somerset Maugham in India was welcomed with great enthusiasm. The British author was treated as a distinguished guest by various maharajas, who provided him with luxurious hospitality. However, beyond the grandeur of royal palaces, he sought a deeper experience—one that would connect him with India’s spiritual wisdom. This quest led him to the ashram of Ramana Maharshi, the revered Hindu sage known for his teachings on self-inquiry and enlightenment.
Somerset Maugham in India visited the ashram in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, where he had a profound encounter with Ramana Maharshi. It is said that during this meeting, Maugham experienced an intense spiritual revelation, even fainting in the presence of the sage. This interaction left a lasting impression on him, reinforcing his fascination with Indian mysticism. Although Maugham was not a religious man in the conventional sense, his encounter with Ramana Maharshi profoundly influenced his perception of spirituality.
Inspired by this experience, Maugham later wrote The Razor’s Edge (1944), a novel that explored themes of spiritual awakening and the search for meaning. The protagonist, Larry Darrell, embarks on a journey to India, mirroring Maugham’s own quest for wisdom. Through this novel, Somerset Maugham in India brought Eastern philosophy to Western readers, making the concepts of self-realization and enlightenment more accessible to a global audience.
Maugham’s visit to India and his meeting with Ramana Maharshi were crucial in bridging the gap between Eastern and Western spiritual thought. His writings played a significant role in introducing Indian philosophy to the Western literary world. Even today, his work continues to inspire those seeking a deeper understanding of life and spirituality. His journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of Indian wisdom and the universal nature of the human quest for truth…
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