About the Book
Selfless Self: Talks with Shri Ramakant Maharaj is a tangibly powerful life-transforming book that addresses the ultimate questions of "Who am I? Why am I here? What is the purpose of existence"? Never before has Truth been revealed in such a simple and devastatingly piercing and direct way. Herein is a roadmap for Self-discovery that will, if followed, take the reader on a route to infinity, eternity and majesty, as yet unknown to the seeker. It is a One way-ticket with no return, no way back, unless of course you are happy to enter another dream. This book reveals the story of the reader, the story of Oneness. It is a universal story, a 'spiritography', and it is your story, the reader's story. Just read it, and see! All that is needed is acceptance, and then, slowly silently permanently Reality will awaken. A timeless classic.
About the Author :
Ann Shaw's search began in the late 1960's and has continued throughout her life. At university in the UK, she studied Theology, Philosophy and Comparative Religion, Sanskrit, and specialized in Indian Philosophy and Religion. Over the decades, she practised meditation, Self-enquiry, contemplation and went on solitary retreats. She immersed herself in a wide variety of spiritual literature from east and west. This included the mystics, teachers and masters such as St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, Søren Kierkegaard, Patanjali, Ramana Maharshi, Paramahansa Yogananda, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Joel Goldsmith, Lao Tzu and Taoism, Rumi and Sufism, D. T. Suzuki and Zen, et al. Further on down the 'illusory' road, the teachings of Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj brought the search to an end. When she eventually visited Nisargadatta's disciple, Shri Ramakant Maharaj, she knew for certain, that she had reached the destination! A background in publishing and writing in various genres also prepared her for the task of compiling Selfless Self. The 'Spontaneous Direct Knowledge' flowing from Shri Ramakant Maharaj coupled with diligence and understanding on the part of the editor, have together produced a power-packed, spiritual classic. In her own words: "I was completely absorbed in the unfolding of this book and was guided throughout by both the living Master, Shri Ramakant Maharaj, and by (my) Inner Master - 'Selfless Self'. "This is an instruction manual through which the Master guides, pushes, and draws the reader towards Spontaneous Self-Realization. Selfless Self: Talks with Shri Ramakant Maharaj is the highest knowledgedelivered in plain, simple language. These pragmatic teachings are aided by a methodical presentation to enable the fullest absorption of Ultimate Truth". Shri Ramakant Maharaj is a rare Self-Realized Master and direct disciple of Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj whose talks became the famous spiritual classic 'I Am That'. He was with the Master for nearly 20 years and teaches from a small ashram in Nashik, Maharashtra, India. Visitors from across the globe travel to sit in the presence of this English speaking Master. His Talks (Satangs) are simple, powerful, non-dual teachings that are hammered into the visitor. He freely shares the teachings and on occasion offers initiation into the lineage of his Masters via the Naam Mantra.
Review :
Alan Jacobs President Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK "Ann Shaw has done truly remarkable work in editing this great spiritually encyclopaedic work recording the Teachings of the Self Realised Sage and Jnani, Sri Ramakant Maharaj, successor to the esteemed Jnani Nisargadatta Maharaj. In over 400 pages Sri Ramakant explores every aspect of the necessary Spiritual Practices or Sadhanas, which are needed for the ardent aspirant to achieve Self Realisation. In this important book questions are put to the Sage and then lucid answers are given which are precisely appropriate to the question. In this book the earnest aspirant will surely find the question and answer appropriate to his or her need. In reading the whole book he or she will find all that is essential for him or her to form their own synthesis, and proceed on their great journey towards Enlightenment. This is truly a great book and a worthy successor to the much celebrated 'I AM THAT', Talks given by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sri Ramakant's own Master." John Wheeler Author and Teacher of Non-Duality, California "The content is pure gold." Ricky James Manager, Watkins Books, London "'Selfless Self' will - without doubt - become a 'Direct Way' classic. If you have a copy of 'I Am That' by Nisargadatta Maharaj on your shelf then this more than deserves a place next to it. The author (Shri Ramakant Maharaj), spent 19 years in 'physical proximity' with his Guru and these talks have not been filtered through a translator as they were spoken in English. Written by Selfless Self for Selfless Self. Page after page, this book hits you straight between the eyes." Timothy Conway Teacher of Advaita Spirituality "The teachings of Sri Ramakant Maharaj bear the stamp of complete authenticity and the power to awaken aspirants to innate Awareness. A beautiful book emerging within the divine dream."
