Listed Alphabetically S-Z
A Sadhu's Reminiscences of Ramana Maharshi
by Sadhu Arunachala (A. W. Chadwick)Major Chadwick was a direct disciple of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, so naturally, he has much to tell us not only of Bhagavan and his teachings, but also of the many things that happened in Bhagavan's presence. In this book Chadwick gives us only what has been, for the most part, unrecorded in the books of others. Thus, this text serves to supplement the previous publications, and to provide the reader with insights not already rendered in previous books. The pen picture of Sri Ramana is so vivid and complete that many disciples have testified to its being faithful in spirit and accurate in detail.
Further the highest Truths have been quite clearly stated, and many a reader will be drawn back into the Self while reading the text. You will enjoy reading this book.
Paperback - 110 pages - $3.95
Sat-Darshana Bhashya
by Kapali SastriA concise commentary on Sat-Darshana by Ganapati Muni, a renowned spiritual scholar and early devotee of Ramana Maharshi. Sat-Darshana is a commentary on Sri Bhagavan's work, The Forty Verses on Reality. It is preceded by accounts of significant dialogues held with Sri Bhagavan.
This is a book that one can see how Self-Inquiry is not to be intellectualized but expereinced. It is inward and subtle. The Self within waits for you. All that is required from you is your openness to merge with Self; for the seer and the seen are One – the Self - the One Reality.
Paperback - 132 pages - $5.25
Sat-Darshanam
English Translation and Commentary by A. R. NatarajanThe way this book came to originally be written is as follows: Bhagavan had composed some stray verses. In 1928, wishing to preserve these, the poet saint, Muruganar, requested Him to compose a few more to make forty in all, in the true Tamil literary tradition. Bhagavan agreed and composed additional verses. When the number came to forty, Sri Muruganar deleted some of the original stray verses as not being truly relevant and requested Sri Bhagavan to compose fresh ones to make up the required forty. The final forty verses were arranged afterwards in order by Sri Muruganar with Bhagavan's approval, according to the thoughts expressed and subject matter. Sat-Darshanam is a compound word: Sat meaning existence, the Real, Truth; and Darshanam meaning its perception. It also means the experience of those abiding in Sat, or Truth, the experience in this case being that of Sri Bhagavan himself. Sri Bhagavan says that abidance in the Self, the Heart, alone, is Sat-Darshanam.
Bhagavan Ramana never failed to point out the need for incessant, alert, inquiry into the source of the “I”-thought, or ego. In this teaching, the emphasis is always on practice and experience. Sat-Darshanam is invaluable because it is a practice-oriented scripture. It opens the door to experiencing Reality for oneself. For this reason, Sat-Darshanam is a delight to sincere seekers of Truth, for it gives the essence of spiritual wisdom in an easily understandable and direct manner.
Paperback - 48 pages - $5.95
Sayings of Sri Ramana Maharshi
compiled and Classified by A. R. NatarajanMuch of philosophic thought is bogged down by dialectic disputes about the nature of God, the nature of the world, and the individual’s relationship to them. Sri Bhagavan steers clear of this quagmire by focusing attention on the essential need to discover one’s true identity. For such quarrels are only part of the mind’s illusive ways. “The truth about oneself alone is worthy or being scrutinized and known.” Of what use is it to know everything about the world if we remain ignorant about ourselves? It would be worth remembering that the answers to all questions will be found when one becomes Self-aware.
This book of Sri Ramana’s sayings would be of value not only for those practicing Self-inquiry, but also for all seekers of truth, for his teachings are of universal value. It is not based on dogmas and theories, but on his direct experience and steady Self-abidance. Each utterance of Sri Bhagavan has a special sanctity. So special attention was given to what to include and what to omit. To just string together the sayings without a clear idea of the purpose of the book, would have been only a series of “quotable quotes.” The selections therefore were made keeping in mind seekers hard pressed for time, and needing a counsel in their spiritual practice. The chapters were arranged by subject to serve the purpose of one needing quick words of wisdom on a variety of spiritual subjects, including: mind control; the need for practice; fate and freewill; renunciation; and sayings to remember.
Paperback - 123 pages - $4.95
A Search in Secret India
by Dr. Paul BruntonThis book is a fascinating account of a European’s view of the sacred in Indian life. From the foreword, “The most sacred part of India is the most secret. Now secret things require much searching for; but those... who seek with their whole heart and with the real determination to find, will at last discover the secret... For in India, as everywhere else, there is much spurious spirituality through which a way must be forced before the true can be found.” And, Dr. Brunton found much that was astonishing in the world of Yogis and seers.
Midway in the book’s account, Brunton’s search leads him to Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi (“the Maharishee”). It is the Silence that affects him most deeply. “I become aware that He is definitely linking my own mind with His, that He is provoking my heart into that state of starry calm which he seems perpetually to enjoy... Never again, I feel, shall the bitterness of anger and the melancholy of unsatisfied desire afflict me.” The account of the conflict between Dr. Brunton’s self-imposed plans to hurry him on to other places in India and back to Europe, and the pull he feels toward the Maharishee, calls to mind the conflict in many of us between our worldly plans and the pull to the spiritual.
Paperback - 312 pages - $9.95 - Out of stock
Self-Enquiry
(Vichara-Sangraham of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi)
translated by Dr. T. M. P. MahadevanThis work, written in prose form, consists of forty questions with answers covering the entire range of spiritual disciplines required for the gaining of release (moksha). The questioner was Gambhiram Seshayya, one of the early devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. Besides being an ardent Ramabhakta (worshipper of Rama) he was interested in the study and practice of yoga. To resolve the difficulties he came across while studying books on yoga and different spiritual practices, he would approach Sri Bhagavan Ramana.
Bhagavan, who was only twenty-one years old at the time, was living in Virupaksha cave on Arunachala. As he was not inclined to talk, he wrote his answers to Seshayya’s questions on bits of paper. Seshayya collected these writings over the period of 1900 - 1902, and copied them into a notebook. The material gathered was subsequently published under the title Vichara-Sangraham, which means “A Compendium of Self-Inquiry,” and later translated into English under the title Self-Inquiry.
This work has unique value, because it constitutes the first set of instructions given by Bhagavan in his own hand-writing. The basic instruction is that of Advaita-Vedanta (non-dual knowledge). The experience of the non-dual Self is the goal; inquiry into the nature of the Self is the means. When the mind identifies the Self with the not-self, there is bondage. When the wrong identification is removed through the inquiry “Who am I?” there is release. Thus, Self-Inquiry is the direct path taught by Sri Bhagavan.
Paperback - 42 pages - $1.95
Self-Realization
The Life and Teachings of Sri Bhagavan Maharshi by B. V. Naragimha SwamiThe author of this book has gathered information about the incidents in the life of Bhagavan, and about his talks and sayings, which a limited number of disciples and admirers have had opportunities to hear, and has embodied them in chapters that are masterfully arranged.
Bhagavan would often say, “Retreat ever within one’s own self: seek the source from where the restless mind spins out an unceasing web of thoughts; brush aside the springing thoughts; concentrate at the root of thought; and take repose in that stillness and quietude.
This is truly an inspiring book. If open to receive, the reader will feel Bhagavan’s presence.
Hard cover - 271 pages - $8.95
Self - The Truth Absolute
by G. SubramanianThis work is a life-time achievement of Dr. G. Subramanian, who is a doctor—and a specialist not only in the field of medicine for the healing of the body, but also of the soul—to reach the ultimate Goal of life. This book will appeal to those who prefer an intellectual understanding of Advaita Vedanta. Advaita Vadanta is not a sectarian doctrine, but the culmination of all doctrines ending in the Realization of Truth, and attainment of Liberation while alive.
Part two will appeal to those who have a desire to have a connection with Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, the Greatest Sage of modern times, and who has realized the Self and has merged with the Reality. The original works of Sri Bhagavan, and the writings of His close devotees, have been condensed without losing their true import with particular reference to the spiritual practice, which is rarely found in classical Vedantic texts. One can’t but be effected by the Sage of Arunachala.
To assist the reader in understanding the text, a glossary of definitions or translations of Indian words are available in the back of the book. Rather than just intellectualizing what is read, just be open to whatever you receive. Just glancing at the picture of Bhagavan may have a significant affect on you.
Hard cover - 385 pages - $9.95 - Out of stock
The Silent Mind
by A. R. NatarajanIt seems that in life most people are content to be only spectators. Many prefer to enjoy, vicariously, the deeds of the players. Some do not even do that but remain on the sidelines. For them, the rough and smooth of life are too much - a quiet backwater is what they want. However, when it comes to mind-control, to the silent mind, all have to be players whether they like it or not. There is never a dull moment, for thoughts keep pestering and harassing. We wake up with thoughts and have no rest from them till sleep overtakes. Some indulge in escapes, in entertainments, some succeed for a time in suppressing unwanted thoughts. But then the chaos of the mind and the consequent restlessness have to be tackled. Unless the mind is understood, one can never be sure when the volcano of thoughts would erupt.
Does not wisdom demand that one should learn about the mind, learn to manage it, learn to harness its potential fully? None can dodge this responsibility, save at great peril. For it is the only energy source we have and life is made or marred by understanding the mind, by freeing oneself from its waywardness and weaknesses.
We have it on the authority of Sri Ramana that peace of mind is natural and that restlessness of thoughts is only a super-imposition. The focus of attention in this book is the straight path incessantly taught by Sri Ramana. The way is “easy, very easy.” The proliferation of thoughts, “the running with the running mind,” is nipped in the bud by shifting attention from thoughts to the thinker. The intelligent and assiduous practice of this path opens up the joy of the silent mind.
We would all like to have the repose of sleep without losing the joy of the alert mind. This is precisely what is being helped by Sri Bhagavan’s teachings about the mind which enables repose in action, repose in idle time, coupled with the alertness of a totally awake mind. No elaborate system of “do’s and don’ts” is suggested, for there is always the danger of doing the don’ts and having regrets after. Instead we have a positive approach in which one experiences the sharpness and exhilaration of a quiet mind. Practice steadies and lengthens such spells until one is free to have thoughts, or be without them. The mind becomes tentative, supple and dynamic. What it is like, how to come by it, the practical guidance given by Sri Ramana, are all spelt out in this book. But here it stops. For experience is always for the individual and it is open to all to have its abundance.
Paperback - 62 pages - $4.95
The Song Celestial
Selected and reset by Bhagavan Sri Ramana MaharshiWhat is the abiding Truth sought by man throughout the ages? How is it realized in this life of ours, a life so transient and yet so apparently full of sorrow? In answer to these questions (implicit in the opening verse of this Gita-booklet) Sri Krishna offered the eternal Message of Wisdom, KNOW THYSELF. This is also the quintessence of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi’s teachings, which enjoin the earnest aspirant to inquire, “WHO AM I?,” as the direct means to Self-Knowledge.
In order to convey this Message in a pointed manner, Sri Maharshi, at the request of devotees, selected these forty-two out of the seven hundred verses of the Bhagavad-Gita, and arranged them in the particular order found in this booklet. The emphasis is primarily on the jnana (knowledge) and bhakti (devotion), and the path of karma yoga (path of action) being implicit in either. Indeed, according to Sri Bhagavan, it is only a jnani that can be a good karma yogi.
These forty-two verses contain the essence of the Bhagavad-Gita, and show the aspirant the direct means to realize the Sat - Chit - Ananda Atman, the Self Absolute, which is the one, ultimate object of man’s quest throughout the ages.
Paperback - 31 pages - $1.95
Spiritual Instruction of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
compiled by Sri NatananandaThis book, originally titled Upadesa Manjari (bouquet of spiritual instructions) is a compilation of questions and answers made by Bhagavan’s earnest devotee, Sri Natanananda, who “serves and praises him by laying at his lotus feet many garlands of songs.” Although this is a small book in size, each of its four chapters; Upadesa (instruction), Abhyasa (practice), Anubhava (experience), and Arudha (attainment) contain in them potent words that will nourish the spiritual appetite.
Paperback - 29 pages - $2.00
Srimad Bhagavata
condensed by S. S. CohenIn this work, S. S. Cohen, one of Sri Ramana Maharshi's foremost Western devotees, provides a condensed version of the spiritual classic “Bhagavata Purana.” Here, Lord Krishna gives His fullest teaching to His beloved disciple, Uddhava. It is aimed at resolving all spiritual doubt of the ardent, self-dedicated spiritual aspirant by giving the story of a great, pious king—Parikshit—who, while on his death-bed, prays for wisdom to help him calmly face, with a purified, illumined mind, the last moments of his life. Even more it creates in its readers a fervent devotion that can impel them to make the strenuous effort needed for the fruition and consummation of their own spiritual yearnings.
These ancient legends are “mines of wisdom” which do not fail to impress themselves upon the character and conduct of the thoughtful reader. This is especially true in modern times, when there are innumerable forces at work to divert attention away from the urge for Self-fulfillment and Self-knowledge.
This condensed version attempts to bring out all of the stories and instructions given in the original classic, while leaving out details and insignificant anecdotes that are unlikely to interest the modern reader. The author has also included his own interpretive remarks to bring in clarity where needed. Cohen’s supreme aim in this work is to convey the sublime Truth, using a narrative to create both an atmosphere for this teaching as well as a lasting impression on the reader’s mind.
Paperback - 316 pages - $9.95
Sri Maharshi - A Short Life Sketch
Presented here is a beautiful and profusely illustrated book depicting the biography of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, the Sage of Arunachala, who shared with the world Self-Inquiry. Most illustrations were specially collected by Mr. P.R. Subramaniam.
Along with the illustrations is writing presented in a simple style, and with deep insight into the life and teachings of the Maharshi.
Looking into the eyes of Bhagavan one can’t help but feel His presence.
Soft cover - 59 pages - $6.95
Sri Maharshi's Words of Grace
This is a special publication containing, in one volume, the combination of three well-known, classical works of Sri Bhagavan Ramana, namely: Who Am I?, Self-Inquiry and Spiritual Instructions. It was for many years only printed in Tamil, but this is an English rendering.
Who Am I?, is a connected and coherent exposition of the replies given by Sri Bhagavan to certain questions put to him by Sri Sivaprakasam Pillai. Self-Inquiry is a similar exposition of the replies given to questions put by Gambhiram Seshayya. Spiritual Instructions contains questions put by Natananandar and Sri Bhagavan’s replies.
It is at the request of many Western devotees that an essay form of Who Am I? and Self-Inquiry has been retained in this edition.
Paperback - 68 pages - $5.95
Sri Ramana Gita
— with Sanskrit text and a revised English Translation by Kavyakantha Ganapathi MuniSri Ramana Gita is so called because it contains the essential teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, communicated on different occasions to different gatherings of disciples. A small part of the writings were composed by Sri Bhagavan himself, and the rest of the sage’s teachings were put into writing by the eminent scholar, Sri Kavyakantha Ganapathi Muni.
These series of questions and answers all took place in the presence of the author, Sri Ganapathi Muni, who immediately rendered them into slokas (Sanskrit verses) on the spot. Thus, they accurately reflect Sri Bhagavan’s pure teaching, and are a great aid for any sincere seeker of truth.
Paperback - 161 pages - $29.00
Surging Joy - Self Discovery
by Dr. Sarada Natarajan“Surging joy is something that wells up limitlessly, spontaneously from within.” This flood of happiness is not outside of ourselves. In this book, Dr. Sarada explores the technique of Self-Inquiry and its practical implications and applications.
Soft cover - 171 pages - $6.95
Teachings of Ramana Maharshi - An Anthology
Translation and commentary by A. R. NatarajanAlthough Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi taught and transformed mostly through Silence, it was not possible for all to sit at his feet while he was in the body. Therefore, his written words are necessary to make his message available to all, as a constant guide. Fortunately, Ramana’s sacred words have been largely preserved. The great advantage of this is that there is no ambiguity about Bhagavan’s teachings.
His message was always and constantly the same: Happiness is our inherent and natural state. Since this is our own, all that we have to do is to be aware of it, to discover it ourselves. Therefore, the “paramount duty” of those whose sights are set on the highest is to inquire, to search, to quest, to know this state of inherent happiness within and abide in It. To assist in this, the words of Bhagavan are of great significance. The three philosophical works included in this anthology - Upadesa Saram, Sat-Darshanam, and Selections from Ramana Gita - were selected because they contain the essence of Sri Ramana’s teachings. They are of great benefit to the seeker of truth, for they give the cream of spiritual wisdom in an easily understandable and direct manner.
Paperback - 174 pages - $6.95
The Technique of Maha Yoga
by N. R. Narayana AiyerThe author of this short work sat at the feet of Sri Ramana Maharshi for several years in order to learn his sublime teachings. During this period, he developed a strict discipline of spiritual life and regular practice.
Here in the manner of guiding aspirants, the author records his own spiritual experiences in order to safeguard them against mistaking ideas and concepts for experiences. To help overcome some of the hurdles in this spiritual path, a few important sadhanas (practices) - such as japa, regulation of breath, regulated sleep, regular practice and its method - are dealt with in their proper places. Passages dealing with overcoming vasanas (innate tendencies of the mind) and different forms of samadhis (transcendental states) are also addressed.
Paperback - 66 pages - $4.95
Tripura Rahasya: The Mystery Beyond the Trinity
translated by Swami Ramanananda SaraswathiTripura Rahasya, regarded as one of the chief texts - books on non-duality – was considered by Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi as one of the greatest works that expounded advaita philosophy, thus quoting from it often. The work, widely known in India, teaches that the Supreme Reality is no other than Abstract Intelligence. No other agent can be admitted to exist apart from It in order to reveal It, nor can there be manifestation beyond the Supreme Intelligence; therefore Universe and the Self are only the same, but different modes of Reality.
Hard cover - 258 pages - $8.95
Thus Spake Ramana
by Swami RajeswaranandaBhagavan Sri Ramana stands for the unity of existence, the non-duality of the Self. His teachings are refreshingly plain and powerful, being free from any dogma or doctrine, and unhampered by tradition. In his words, one’s true nature is revealed, not as belief or opinion, but from the truth of his own experience. This small booklet gives the full essence and scope of Bhagavan's message in 125 terse, but powerful, statements. Its author, Swami Rajeswarananda was blessed with the rare opportunity of having been in contact with Bhagavan Sri Ramana for nearly 44 years, and has assembled an easily accessible way to carry the Truth of Bhagavan.
NOTE: This exceptional “big-little” book is being given free (while supplies last) as “AHAM’s Free Book Offer” to those interested in Sri Bhagavan Ramana’s pure teaching. (See Free offer).
Paperback - 111 pages - $1.50
Truth Revealed
translated from the Tamil original of Bhagavan Sri Ramana MaharshiWe of the Western world have mostly come to regard the mind and mental activity as the highest possible experience of reality. Yet, the Maharshi’s statement in this treatise that “knowledge of diverse objects is ignorance” is going in the opposite direction to all the teachings we have had from childhood.
In this work the whole fabric of apparent form and conceptual formlessness is hurled to the ground and utterly destroyed. Such is the message of the Maharshi and such is Reality. Once the path to spiritual Freedom or Liberation is found, it must be followed to the end - which also includes the middle and the beginning!
Paperback - 29 pages - $1.95
Upadesa Saram
with English translation and notes by B. V. NarasimhaswamiThe Upadesa Saram is an old legend about a group of Rishis that once lived in a forest practicing rites by which they acquired super-natural powers. By the same means they hoped to attain final Liberation. In this, however, they were mistaken, for action can only result in action; rites can produce powers but not the Peace of Liberation, which is beyond rites and powers and all forms of action.
Siva determined to convince them of their error, and so he appeared before them as a wandering sadhu. Together with him came Vishnu in the form of a beautiful lady. All the Rishis were smitten with love for this lady and thereby their equilibrium was disturbed and their rites and powers were adversely affected. Moreover their wives, who were also living with them in the forest, all fell in love with the strange sadhu – Siva. Incensed by this, the Rishis conjured up an elephant and a tiger by magic rites and sent them against him. Siva, however, slew them easily and took the elephant's skin for a robe and the tiger's for a wrap. The Rishis then realized that they were up against one more powerful than themselves and they bowed down to him for instruction. He then explained to them that is it not by action, but by renunciation of action, that one attains Liberation.
The poet Muruganar was writing this legend in Tamil verse, but when he came to the instruction given to the Rishis by Siva he asked Sri Bhagavan (a living manifestation of Siva) to write it for him. Bhagavan accordingly wrote the instruction in thirty Tamil verses. In them he refers to the various paths to Liberation, grading them in order of efficiency and excellence, and showing that the best path to Liberation is Self-Inquiry. In this edition, these thirty verses are translated into English, and contain explanatory notes by the author, B. V. Narasimhaswami, a long-time devotee of Sri Bhagavan.
Paperback - 84 pages - $3.95
Viveka-Cudamani
translated by Swami MadhavanandaThis is a valuable and lucid compendium of Advaita (non-dual) philosophy that describes the transcndental knowledge of Brahman, and the way to achieve it through discrimination and meditation. This is an original producton of Shankara’s genius, an instinct with the prophetic vision of a seer, a man of realization, and the expression is so poetical and lucid that quite a new life has been breathed into the dry bones of this philosophical discussion.
Paperback - 232 pages - $5.95
Who Am I?
In the years 1901 to 1902, when Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi was living in Virupaksha Cave on the Holy Hill, Arunachala. A devotee by the name Sri M. Sivaprakasam Pillai, a graduate in philosophy, who was later employed in the Revenue Department of the Sout Arcot Collectorate, was attracted to Him and approached Him with a number of questions. Sri Bhagavan, who was at that time talking very little, not because of any vow of silence, but because He had no inclination to speak or talk, answered most of his questions by writing either in the sand, on a slate, or on scraps of paper. Sri Pillai collected a total of thirteen questions and answers by Bhagavan and published them in 1923. Soon afterward, Sri Bhagavan was given the devotee’s published version, which He Himself rearranged and rewrote in an essay form, thus making the publication, which was subsequently named “Who Am I?”, a connected and coherent exposition. The work has in fact been published several times through the years in various versions or forms, some with 13 questions, some with twenty-eight. This last rendering has twenty-eight question and answers.
Indeed, this work may be regarded as the very cornerstone of Sri Bhagavan’s Teachings, for within these questions His basic teachings are summarized in a clear and undiluted fashion, and set forth the central teaching that the direct path to liberation is Self-Inquiry. Therefore, on account of the importance of this work, we owe a great debt of gratitude to Sri Sivaprakasam Pillai.
Paperback - 15 pages - $1.95
The Works of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi in His Own Handwriting
From the early days, when Sri Bhagavan was living in Virupaksha Cave, recitation of sacred Tamil works was a regular feature of life in His Presence. All of the Tamil works recited were copied into a notebook, and any devotees who were interested in joining the recitation would copy the verses in their own notebooks. Swami Sivananda, an attendant of Sri Bhagavan during the 1940’s, knew that he could not copy all the verses without making many mistakes, so he requested Sri Bhagavan to copy them for him. Since no work was ever too small or insignificant for Sri Bhagavan to attend to, he painstakingly copied all the verses in his small and neat handwriting in a pocket-ccccsize notebook which he later had bound.
Though there exist many manuscripts or notebooks in which Sri Bhagavan has copied some of his own works or works by others, this notebook of Swami Sivananda is unique in that it is the only known manuscript in which Sri Bhagavan had copied almost all of his own poetic writings. Hence it is an invaluable treasure that will provide future generations of devotees with a definitive manuscript of His works.
Paperback - 159 pages - $6.95
Additional Books by Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
listed alphabetically
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H-R
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