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Aham Da Asmi
Ruchira Avatar Adi Da Samraj has created a series of twenty-three books that He has designated as His "Source-Texts". Of these twenty-three books, the first five form a sub-series called The Five Books Of The Heart Of The Adidam Revelation. These five books communicate the core of Avatar Adi Da's Message to all. Aham Da Asmi, the first of these books, is Avatar Adi Da's Magnificent Confession of His Divine Identity and His Eternal Impulse to Offer Perfect Liberation to all.
384 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2000
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About the author
Adi Da Samraj
220 books25 followersAdi Da Samraj (AKA Da Free John), born Franklin Albert Jones, was an American-born spiritual teacher, writer, and artist, widely recognized as the founder of the new religious movement Adidam. His teachings, writings, and artistic expressions were deeply rooted in a commitment to radical nonduality, which he referred to as “the Bright” — the inherent, indivisible reality that transcends the egoic self. Adi Da taught that true spiritual realization is not something to be sought or attained but is already fully present and must be directly realized through the transcendence of separateness and the activity of seeking itself.
He wrote extensively throughout his life, authoring more than 75 books on spirituality, philosophy, art, and global peace. Among his best-known works are The Knee of Listening, an autobiographical account of his early life and spiritual realizations; The Aletheon, a summation of his spiritual instruction; and Not-Two Is Peace, a work addressing the global human condition and advocating for a radically new form of cooperative culture. His writings are considered by followers to be revelatory and are presented not as mere philosophy, but as direct communications of the spiritual reality he claimed to have fully realized.
Raised in the United States, Adi Da studied at Columbia University and later at Stanford University, where he developed a strong interest in literature, philosophy, and theology. Despite achieving academic success, he found intellectual pursuits ultimately insufficient for the depth of truth he sought. This dissatisfaction led him to explore a wide range of spiritual paths, including Zen Buddhism, Vedanta, and various esoteric practices. After years of spiritual searching and intense personal experiences that he described as revelatory, he began to teach others, presenting a radically different approach to spiritual life that emphasized immediate, intuitive recognition of the divine reality.
Central to Adi Da’s teaching was the concept of devotional recognition-response — the spontaneous turning of attention toward what he described as the living presence of the divine. He rejected conventional religious forms and techniques as inherently limited and emphasized a transformative relationship to the spiritual reality he embodied. His community of devotees, known as Adidam, formed around this core relationship and sought to live in accordance with the principles he articulated.
Beyond his spiritual teachings, Adi Da was also an accomplished visual artist whose work spanned photography, digital media, and mixed media installations. He referred to his aesthetic approach as “Transcendental Realism,” seeking not to represent the world but to provide a perceptual portal into the non-dual reality. His art has been exhibited internationally and received attention in both spiritual and contemporary art contexts.
Adi Da spent his final years in Fiji on Naitauba Island, a remote setting he regarded as sacred and conducive to spiritual practice. There, he continued to write, create art, and guide his devotees. His legacy continues through the Adidam community, which maintains his teachings and artistic work, promoting his vision of a new culture rooted in spiritual realization, radical truthfulness, and the transcendence of ego.
His life and work remain a source of devotion, debate, and philosophical inquiry, reflecting a bold and unconventional path toward the ultimate questions of human existence.
He wrote extensively throughout his life, authoring more than 75 books on spirituality, philosophy, art, and global peace. Among his best-known works are The Knee of Listening, an autobiographical account of his early life and spiritual realizations; The Aletheon, a summation of his spiritual instruction; and Not-Two Is Peace, a work addressing the global human condition and advocating for a radically new form of cooperative culture. His writings are considered by followers to be revelatory and are presented not as mere philosophy, but as direct communications of the spiritual reality he claimed to have fully realized.
Raised in the United States, Adi Da studied at Columbia University and later at Stanford University, where he developed a strong interest in literature, philosophy, and theology. Despite achieving academic success, he found intellectual pursuits ultimately insufficient for the depth of truth he sought. This dissatisfaction led him to explore a wide range of spiritual paths, including Zen Buddhism, Vedanta, and various esoteric practices. After years of spiritual searching and intense personal experiences that he described as revelatory, he began to teach others, presenting a radically different approach to spiritual life that emphasized immediate, intuitive recognition of the divine reality.
Central to Adi Da’s teaching was the concept of devotional recognition-response — the spontaneous turning of attention toward what he described as the living presence of the divine. He rejected conventional religious forms and techniques as inherently limited and emphasized a transformative relationship to the spiritual reality he embodied. His community of devotees, known as Adidam, formed around this core relationship and sought to live in accordance with the principles he articulated.
Beyond his spiritual teachings, Adi Da was also an accomplished visual artist whose work spanned photography, digital media, and mixed media installations. He referred to his aesthetic approach as “Transcendental Realism,” seeking not to represent the world but to provide a perceptual portal into the non-dual reality. His art has been exhibited internationally and received attention in both spiritual and contemporary art contexts.
Adi Da spent his final years in Fiji on Naitauba Island, a remote setting he regarded as sacred and conducive to spiritual practice. There, he continued to write, create art, and guide his devotees. His legacy continues through the Adidam community, which maintains his teachings and artistic work, promoting his vision of a new culture rooted in spiritual realization, radical truthfulness, and the transcendence of ego.
His life and work remain a source of devotion, debate, and philosophical inquiry, reflecting a bold and unconventional path toward the ultimate questions of human existence.
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September 16, 2024
THE FIRST OF THE FIVE "BOOKS OF THE HEART OF THE ADIDAM REVELATION"
Adi Da Samraj (1939-2008) was born Franklin Albert Jones, but was also known as Bubba Free John, Da Free John, Da Love-Ananda, etc., until from 1991 until his death he settled on Adi Da Love-Ananda Samraj [or just "Adi Da"]. He became a famous and controversial spiritual teacher beginning in the 1970s counterculture. His movement has been criticized as cultic, abusive, etc., although his followers remain devoted to him, and often live in one of his five "Adidam" churches (including his main one on an island in Fiji).
This 1998 book begins with more than 60 pages of introduction by devotees such as Carolyn Lee [The Promised God-Man Is Here], who asserts, "the Work of the Ruchira Avatar requires extraordinary Siddhis, or Divine Powers. Throughout His Lifetime, He has Miraculously healed many people. Remarkable weather phenomena frequently accompany His movements. And, time and time again, global conflicts to which He Gives His Regard have been seen to resolve, inexplicably." (Pg. 11)
The author explains, "There are several parts to the Divine Title and Name of Ruchira Avatar Adi Da Samraj... 'Ruchira' (meaning 'Radiant,' 'Effulgent,' or 'Bright')... In 1979, He Assumed the Divine Name 'Da,' an ancient reference to Real God (first spontaneously revealed to Him in 1970), a Name that means 'the Divine Giver.' In 1994, the name 'Adi' (meaning 'First,' or 'Source') came to Him spontaneously as the complement to His Principal Name, 'Da.'" (Pg. 12)
She adds, "In contrast to conventional religion, there is the Process that Avatar Adi Da calls TRUE religion, religion that is centered in the Divine in response to a true Spiritual Master, who has, to at least some significant degree, REALIZED Real God (as opposed to merely offering teachings ABOUT God). Thus, true religion ... is self-transcending, rather than self-serving." (Pg. 33-34)
Adi Da says, "Beloved, I AM Da. Surrender to Me. Breathe Me and Feel Me IN all Your parts. My 'Bright' Condition Can Also Be Realized By You, If You Forget Your Separate and dying self By Remembering and Receiving Me. Therefore, I Am here." (Pg. 106)
He says, "Your lives as My true devotees are Absolutely Single in Me, 'Bonded' to Me. I am, in this 'Bonding,' Associated with every one, Transcending even relations, and yet Embracing all the variations and in Play with it constantly... I Play with all My devotees. They can be in the millions." (Pg. 127) He adds, "And after My physical Lifetime, I will be in the same Play with you---equally, exactly As in this present-time with you... It will not end. It will always be Fulfilled, and It will always be mysterious." (Pg. 129-130)
Later, he is quoted, "I do not require the discipline of conventional renunciation. Nor do I allow commitment to the karmas of self-indulgence. My devotees serve Me through the humorous discipline of an ordinary pleasurable life. This is the foundation of their practice of the Way of Adidam." (Pg. 185)
Adi Da definitely doesn't appeal to everyone. There are 23 "Source-Texts" he wrote, but this series of five are considered by devotees as the most significant---or at least, the best for those wanting to learn more about him and his teachings.
Adi Da Samraj (1939-2008) was born Franklin Albert Jones, but was also known as Bubba Free John, Da Free John, Da Love-Ananda, etc., until from 1991 until his death he settled on Adi Da Love-Ananda Samraj [or just "Adi Da"]. He became a famous and controversial spiritual teacher beginning in the 1970s counterculture. His movement has been criticized as cultic, abusive, etc., although his followers remain devoted to him, and often live in one of his five "Adidam" churches (including his main one on an island in Fiji).
This 1998 book begins with more than 60 pages of introduction by devotees such as Carolyn Lee [The Promised God-Man Is Here], who asserts, "the Work of the Ruchira Avatar requires extraordinary Siddhis, or Divine Powers. Throughout His Lifetime, He has Miraculously healed many people. Remarkable weather phenomena frequently accompany His movements. And, time and time again, global conflicts to which He Gives His Regard have been seen to resolve, inexplicably." (Pg. 11)
The author explains, "There are several parts to the Divine Title and Name of Ruchira Avatar Adi Da Samraj... 'Ruchira' (meaning 'Radiant,' 'Effulgent,' or 'Bright')... In 1979, He Assumed the Divine Name 'Da,' an ancient reference to Real God (first spontaneously revealed to Him in 1970), a Name that means 'the Divine Giver.' In 1994, the name 'Adi' (meaning 'First,' or 'Source') came to Him spontaneously as the complement to His Principal Name, 'Da.'" (Pg. 12)
She adds, "In contrast to conventional religion, there is the Process that Avatar Adi Da calls TRUE religion, religion that is centered in the Divine in response to a true Spiritual Master, who has, to at least some significant degree, REALIZED Real God (as opposed to merely offering teachings ABOUT God). Thus, true religion ... is self-transcending, rather than self-serving." (Pg. 33-34)
Adi Da says, "Beloved, I AM Da. Surrender to Me. Breathe Me and Feel Me IN all Your parts. My 'Bright' Condition Can Also Be Realized By You, If You Forget Your Separate and dying self By Remembering and Receiving Me. Therefore, I Am here." (Pg. 106)
He says, "Your lives as My true devotees are Absolutely Single in Me, 'Bonded' to Me. I am, in this 'Bonding,' Associated with every one, Transcending even relations, and yet Embracing all the variations and in Play with it constantly... I Play with all My devotees. They can be in the millions." (Pg. 127) He adds, "And after My physical Lifetime, I will be in the same Play with you---equally, exactly As in this present-time with you... It will not end. It will always be Fulfilled, and It will always be mysterious." (Pg. 129-130)
Later, he is quoted, "I do not require the discipline of conventional renunciation. Nor do I allow commitment to the karmas of self-indulgence. My devotees serve Me through the humorous discipline of an ordinary pleasurable life. This is the foundation of their practice of the Way of Adidam." (Pg. 185)
Adi Da definitely doesn't appeal to everyone. There are 23 "Source-Texts" he wrote, but this series of five are considered by devotees as the most significant---or at least, the best for those wanting to learn more about him and his teachings.
Displaying 1 of 1 review