Scientist and Mahatma: Swami Rama Tirtha
Swami Rama Tirtha was a knower in direct experience of the non-dual truth revealed in the Upanishads, and was also an accomplished mathematician with a deep knowledge of the science and culture of East and West.He traveled to America in the early years of the 20th century before returning to the Himalayan region. His writings…
Read MoreRealization of the Absolute: Naishkarmya Siddhi
Realization of the Absolute (Naishkarmya Siddhi) is a presentation of the pure non-dual teachings, with reasoned-out explanations to help us understand them. It was written by Suresvara (or Sureśvara, also known as Sureśvarācārya) who was, according to tradition, a close disciple of Shri Shankara, and entrusted as head of the first of the four great…
Read MorePanchadashi
Panchadashi is a classic text on the non-dual philosophy by Swami Vidyaranya, that has been studied by serious students for centuries. It is one of the best sources from which to gain a thorough understanding of the non-dual view. This philosophy is most helpful when studied alongside meditation and the other practices. Sometimes we find…
Read MoreFreedom through Self-Realisation
Freedom through Self-Realisation contains chapters on: Expanding the boundaries of the feeling ‘I’ and ‘mine’. The wholeness of one’s true being and where this is to be found. Levels of the human personality and the choice of where to ‘take one’s stand’. Right view of suffering, and where happiness is to be found. The nature…
Read MoreDirect Experience of Reality
The Direct Experience of Reality contains 100 verses from a classic text on non-duality, translated with a commentary by Hari Prasad Shastri. The text covers the essential points in the non-dual teachings. It begins with the qualities needed to pursue the path to illumination. It explains that our difficulties come from not knowing our true…
Read MoreAvadhut Gita
The Avadhut Gita consists of 176 verses. It states the non-dual teachings with extreme brevity and directness. The Avadhuta Gita is based on the understanding that when knowledge of the true Self (Atman) arises, all divisions, distinctions and not-knowing are dispelled; the nature of all is revealed as Self. Here are verses two to five (it…
Read MoreAshtavakra Gita
Classic text of pure non-duality
Read MoreSpring Showers
Spring Showers is a short collection of poems on inner illumination and higher love written by Hari Prasad Shastri. It was first published while he was in China, 1918-28. Here is one of them: Who can fathom the depth of the ocean of fate? And who can untie the knot of the future? What is…
Read MoreThe Three Steps
This is a slightly edited version of a Chapter on three stages of learning and absorbing the non-dual teachings. They are: Shravana—the hearing [or reading] of the Truth. Manana—brooding on that Truth which has been heard. Nididhyasana—meditation or contemplation on the Truth, leading to absorption. The Truth has first to be received—that is shravana; then…
Read MoreImportance of Rhythm in Meditation
Before starting to meditate, there are three preliminary things to be established: a rhythm in timing a rhythm in posture a rhythm in the preparation to be carried out immediately before the actual meditation begins. The more conscious a pupil becomes of his inner processes, the more aware he will be of his disharmony, and…
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