Customer Reviews

The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharshi (Shambhala Dragon Editions)

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To those already familiar with ramana maharshi, a compilation book such as this, neatly organized into different topics, is more useful than some of the larger books such as 'Talks' where each and every conversation for a period of years has been recorded, so one is left to go through much repetition and questions put forth from seekers of different maturity levels. This book succeeds in culling the pearls of Ramana's sayings and putting it into one book. Other highly recommended books (after going through MANY) include Conscious Immortality, Erase the Ego, Sayings of Ramana Maharshi, Gems from Bhagavan, The Maharhsi and his Message (you can order at ashrama@aol.com)... and for those not aware of ramana, do become familiar with him...he is one of the great persons of the last century, although not very well known in India and abroad...

For an ordinary human being to "review" the words of a strange being liberated from so many of the basic premises that govern the existence of almost every human, may be a travesty. But I feel a need to point to the originality, directness and purity of the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, teachings that are etched in a realm beyond the shifting phases of a life. Ramana made no concessions to marketing or popular tastes and stands far removed from what we know as new age spirituality and quick solutions. He had no need to be worshipped and diverted his followers` emotional tactics, but left simple guidelines that can be used as a reminder of the inner core of our being, a source to return to, again and again, through the years. I dare see the person who has ever regretted buying this volume, lovingly compiled by an editor and a publisher with respect and understanding for the man, his life and his message. Read and understand, slowly, gradually, like a gold digger who shifts sand day by day, and once in a long while finds the nuggets that make all the experience, effort and labor worthwhile.

In my humble opinion, Ramana Maharshi was/is one of the greatest saints of the modern era. In this precious little book he speaks to us from the viewpoint of eternal Brahman, the Self of all, the ground of all Being. This wonderful little book is a collection of questions his many visitors would ask. His answers are as close to true knowledge of the Divine as anything i've ever heard or seen. This book is an excellent introduction to the sublime words and methods of this modern saint. This could be a very important guide for the sincere spiritual aspirant who wants to finally know his or her true identity. These truths can take us where knowledge is known by direct perception and words alone utterly fail us...ask yourself right this moment, "Who am I?" This book may help you get closer to the answer of that all-important question.

This is the central source book of all Sage Ramana's teachings. It is concise, clear, precise and to the point. The core of the Sages teaching is in Chapter One titled: "Who am I?" Sage Ramana rarely wrote instructions for spiritual seekers. "Who am I?" was compiled by a seeker Mr. Pillai around 1900. It is an invaluable Jewel to establish "THE TRUE IDENTITY".

We typically identify our selves with the body, mind and intellect. When asked by some one we say "I am so and so, 6ft tall, 180 lbs, doctor, accountant, son of so and so, grand daughter of so and so, resident of Texas etc." We are sick, happy, sad and poor etc. We seek happiness in the material world. All these are modifications of our mind and psyche. Play of the psycho-somatic apparatus. The true source of PEACE and HAPPINESS is to know your "Real and True IDENTITY." Sage Ramana says in the very first page of "Who am I?" that you negate all these forms of false identifications and what remains is "Pure Conciousness." This PURE CONCIOUSNESS devoid of modifications is the gateway to the heart of "TRUE IDENTITY." You are Pure Awareness. Awareness is infinite, eternal, free from concepts of space-time and is "THE ULTIMATE SPIRIT." We can signify it by "Existence-Conciousness-Happiness." "I am 'I'" is Self-Realization. Nothing else. Plain and Simple. "BE". There is no light to see in your meditation, no extra sensory perceptions, no reading palms! If you are trying to become or becoming something "you are mid-stream and sharks are circling around." Give up these gimmicks and don't be taken away from the "ETERNAL TRUTH."

The book also contains a number of chapters where questions posed by sincere seekers and the pertinent answers given by the sage are cataloged, edited and presented clearly.

This is a masterpiece that beckons: "ALL in ONE and ONE in ALL." Your religious faith could be Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islamism, Agnostic ...what ever "ism" you like. The "SAGE ESTABLISED IN THE ONE REALITY" beckons you with warm smile and open heart. Open your heart and SEEK the final PEACE & HAPPINESS. Here and Right Now.

There are times in our lives that we need spiritual healing. Hungrily, we seek for self-discovery. We want to know how our soul and the spiritual world can comfort us when we are so vulnerable and want to seek an intellectual understanding on self, mind, spirit, reality, truth and God. While there are million books written for this very purpose, a simple dialogue of Maharshi gives us a basic guidlines about nature and our existence. It is comforting to read, regardless of ones previous beliefs about religion.

It is a good soulfood for students, couples and self-inquirer who seeks peace and harmony. Recommended spiritual reading.

As good practical view of his method of enlightenment. Much of the book is in Q&A format.
Talks about the role of Ego as hindrance. The key seems to be to stop the mind thinking.

The book is nicely organized into questions and answers. This book is a very concise resource for those interested in the advaita-vedanta philosophy of Ramana. Readers who are accustomed to Ramana's previous books might find this a very exciting addition to their collection, primarily beacuse of the crisp nature Ramana's answers. For the beginner, it might take a little time to get used to the Q and A format. But this can be overcome by brooding over the question for a while before reading Ramana's reply. I would recommend this book to any person interested in the philosophy of existence.

This book gives a great introduction to the wonderful guru, Sri Ramana Maharshi. "Who am I?" Ask yourself that question and go as deeply as you can with the answers until you find the true self. That's just for starters.

This book will help the reader find clarity of mind.

Ramana Maharshi's teachings are original and his spiritual philosophy is beyond the shifting phases of a life. His intention in life was not to become worshiped as a leader, but to leave some important guidelines that will make the follower aware of his or her human essence.

Author of The Invitation and Majnun Leyla: Poems about Passion

Certainly the greatest Indian sage of the last century, an invaluable contribution to philosophy and spirituality.