Books, teachers, and materials for deepening your understanding of Advaita Vedanta.
The foundational text. Dialogues between Maharaj and seekers, pointing directly to the nature of consciousness. Available freely online and in print.
"The real does not die, the unreal never lived."
The source scriptures of Advaita Vedanta. Key Upanishads include Brihadaranyaka, Chandogya, Katha, Mundaka, Mandukya, and Isha. Translations by Swami Nikhilananda or Eknath Easwaran recommended.
The timeless dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on dharma, action, and Self-knowledge. Particularly relevant: Chapters 2, 3, and 13.
Direct, uncompromising teaching on non-duality. "You are already free. You are the Self, the solitary witness." Translation by John Richards recommended.
(1879-1950)
The sage of Arunachala. His teaching: "Who Am I?" - the direct path of self-inquiry. Books: "Be As You Are," "Talks with Ramana Maharshi."
(1897-1981)
The Mumbai tobacco seller who became one of the most direct teachers of Advaita. "Abide in the 'I Am' and you will go beyond."
(788-820 CE)
Systematized Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Key works: "Vivekachudamani" (Crest-Jewel of Discrimination), commentaries on Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita.
Clear, accessible presentations of non-duality. Books: "The Nature of Consciousness," "Being Aware of Being Aware." Excellent videos on YouTube.
Direct disciple of Papaji (H.W.L. Poonja). Satsangs available online. Emphasizes self-inquiry and recognition of the Self.
Student of Jean Klein. Combines Advaita with modern understanding. Clear exposition of consciousness as the fundamental reality.
Traditional Vedanta monk of the Ramakrishna Order. Excellent lectures on Upanishads and Advaita philosophy. Accessible on YouTube.
Be As You Are
David Godman - Ramana Maharshi teachings
The Power of Now
Eckhart Tolle - Present moment awareness
The Direct Path
Greg Goode - Inquiry methods in Advaita
The Book of Secrets
Osho - Meditation techniques commentary
The Transparency of Things
Rupert Spira - Non-dual understanding in contemporary language
1. Start with accessible modern teachers:
2. Basic self-inquiry practice:
3. Gentle introduction to scriptures:
1. Deepen with classical texts:
2. Intensify self-inquiry:
3. Explore principal Upanishads:
1. Traditional Vedanta study:
2. Stabilize recognition:
3. Integration and service:
Non-duality; the teaching that reality is one, not two. Ultimate truth is non-dual consciousness.
The Self; your true nature. Pure consciousness beyond body and mind, identical to Brahman.
The Absolute; ultimate reality. Infinite, eternal, unchanging consciousness that is the ground of all existence.
The power of illusion; the appearance of separation and multiplicity within the one reality. Not "unreality" but misperception.
Ignorance; not knowing your true nature. The root cause of all suffering and the sense of being a limited individual.
Liberation; freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Recognition of your eternal, infinite nature.
Knowledge; specifically, self-knowledge. The direct recognition of one's true nature as consciousness itself.
Gathering in truth; being in the company of truth. Usually refers to meetings with a spiritual teacher.
Spiritual teacher; one who removes darkness (ignorance). The outer guru points to the inner guru (Self).
Natural state; effortless being. The recognition that you've never been anything other than consciousness.
"The truth is simple. Don't be misled by the volume of spiritual literature. The essence can be stated in a few words: You are awareness itself. All else appears in you."
โ Nisargadatta Maharaj