Be As You Are: The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi (Compass)

I don't know how I have not come across Sri Maharshi's teachings before but am glad that I have done so, as he has coherently put into words what has been floating around in my head since a young boy.To me Maharshi is a modern day Buddha or not so much a Buddha as he states that he belongs to no religious school of thought but to me he achieved what Shakyamuni Buddha did under the Bodhi tree in 535 BCE(enlightenment) or as Maharshi states 'self-realisation. People have mentioned that this book uses Hindu or ancient Indian words or phrases but all are explained in the glossary at the back and it doesn't distract from the reading, takes a bit of getting used to admitedly but ensures a long English explanation isn't used everytime that would break up the flow of the book. After reading this book several times now I have purchased several others over time and have given them to friends who have all mentioned how they would like to read it, this book is so important (to me) I'd like to keep my own copy to refer back to and hence am not lending this one out and I'm so certain that others would like to keep this themselves, it's easier just to buy my friends a copy.Lets say the first quarter of the book is the hardest part as this is the basis of the book, you must have a basic grasp of the concept of the 'I' 'true self' and 'ego' before proceeding. This isn't a book you can just dip into willy nilly, it must be read methodically and digested to some degree before proceeding. If you get past the first quarter and into the second quarter this is when it really opens your eyes and continues in this vain for the remainder of the book.This encapsulates so many religions without all the dogma and shows the true law of the universe of which we are part, as Sri maharshi states 'Just as the sun cannot be seen in a densely clouded sky, so one's own Self cannot be seen in a mind-sky which is darkened by a dense cloud of thoughts.'If you looking for the way of enlightenment (self-realisation) or just answers, I guarantee this book is a must have, be warned though, his teachings are explained well in the book but to carry out the practice, well that's a totally different matter all together.Ok the bottom line, out of my top five books I've ever read in my (42 years of) life?Definitely in the top 5.Buy it, stick with it and if possible, live it.

To paraphrase from David Godman's own account of his first reading a book by Aurthur Osborne at Oxford University's bookshop on the teachings of Sri Ramana, he says Sri Ramana's teachings "shut him up", the questions ceased, the search was over.....Dito David this magnificent publication has brought decades of my searching and seeking to an abrupt but most welcomed halt. Theres really no more further questions. This outstanding introduction to Sri Ramana Maharshi has both a comprehensive clarity and a depth as well as a genuine authenticity in a busy field of other books on Advaita and the Self. The first 80 or so pages are quite hard work but well worth the endeavour as a foundation to further chapters..... I have gifted copies of "Be As You Are" to other open minded serious seekers. Raised as a Quaker, i could deeply appreciate the importance of silence. I would recommend, alongside Be As You Are, reading 'Ramana Maharshi And The Path Of Self Knowledge' by Arthur Osborne as a companion offering a wonderful cultural context and insights into the background and life with Sri Ramana Maharashi at the Ashram. David Godman alongside Michael James are among the finest authorities in the world today on the life and teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, i recommend this book unreservedly for any serious seeker or student of Advaita.

It revealed, who am I

I suspect since humankind first developed an awareness of a spiritual dimension to existence Self Enquiry in some form has been practised. Indeed Self Enquiry is an ancient Practice embraced by the major religions and one which has inspired many in all walks of life. A great deal has been written over the centuries on this Practice, much of it complex, esoteric and, notably into the 21st century, empty and wordy rhetoric that has little to do with the Practice itself and simply confuses the would-be seeker of Truth.However there are two texts which stand out amongst all this verbiage: The Bhagavad Gita and this book, a collection of the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi who reawakened interest in this simple yet profound Practice in the early part of the 20th century. In fact I would go so far and say that if you are ready to proceed with this Practice these two books are all you require as helping hands and guiding lights. Although it may seem at a first look into this book that Sri Ramana is ignoring his own advice, "to leave off all this verbiage" this is not in fact the case. As you delve more deeply into a book where there are no empty or wasted words you will emerge with a clear understanding of the nature of Self Enquiry and its increasing relevance in today's challenged world. Highly recommended this is a book for those with a sincere interest in a Practice described as the direct path to Truth. A challenging Practice indeed but then who, or what, is being challenged.....?

If you read this in conjunction with David Godman's "Living through the words of Bhagavan" in my opinion these are the only books you will ever need to attain the necessary knowledge for practice. Answers to questions can only give you so much, practice provides the rest. That's not to say that reading other works is bad, only that departing from these answers and drilling down into detail tend merely to add unnecessary complexity and confusion. I would advise you to read LTTWOB first as this provides a useful backdrop. The humanity of the man comes through, and this serves to demystify the mystic and make the teaching more direct and accessible and attainable. There is only ever one answer to the many questions and it is repeated in many different ways throughout from many different perspectives according to the perceived needs of the questioner. If you can use the answer to these questions to transport you to the place from where the answer is true for you, you will know it. If you can't quite yet, the advice I received that served me the best for years was, "Keep going!" and enjoy the journey. I wish you great grace :).Joy