Just Like You: An Autobiography

by Gangaji, Roslyn Moore (Editor)

After a difficult childhood in the deep South and with her marriage failing, Toni Varner arrived in San Francisco looking for happiness. Joining the counterculture, she spent two decades on a spiritual search. Then, in 1990, she met Papaji, an awakened master in the lineage of Sri Ramana Maharshi. She had never wanted a guru, and she certainly hadn't wanted an Indian name. But when she met Papji, he stopped her in her tracks. In meeting him, she discovered the source of true fulfillment. Since that time, Gangaji, a beloved spiritual teacher, has been holding public meetings and retreats across the United States and around the world. In her autobiography, written with Roslyn Moore, Gangaji tells her story. It is a candid, inspiring, and often humorous account. "Just Like You" includes dozens of pictures, a section of penetrating questions and answers, and an appendix with letters exchanged between Gangaji and her teacher. Gangaji says she is just like you and me, that she would be happy to tell us if she weren't, but she is. By sharing the experience of her life she is offering herself as living proof that it is possible for anyone to stop telling their endless story of suffering, to wake up to what is, and to live life truly and freely.

Genres: Spirituality, Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2003

About the author

Gangaji is an American born spiritual teacher and author. She lives in Ashland, Oregon, with her husband, fellow spiritual teacher Eli Jaxon-Bear.

Reviews

[Yollana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been blessed to sit with Gangaji many times and love her clear and simple teachings. In Just Like You she shares the personal stories that she would rarely share in Satsang. Rather than being direct teachings, these stories conspire to bring home the message that awakening is possible, no matter who you are or where you are from.

[abcdefg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written by Rosalyn Moore, is probably one of the most important books I've ever read in my life. In fact, it's so important, I'm moving it into my list of top 5 books I've ever read.

Because of this book and the fire that it has sparked, life changes are in the works of happening for me.

Gangaji's honesty and freshness relating her experiences in her spiritual search for the truth makes this an incredible read. It is truly rare that we get this kind of transmission from a book.

It is a magical, amazing text (at least for me).

And I am ever so grateful that it was written.

[Selfinquiry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real life person who is enlightened, truly spiritually inspiring and entertaining too. Great book, read it twice.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just saw Eli & Gangaji speak at Studio Maui a few weeks ago and was inspired to read this. I liked it, but it wasn't life changing or anything.

[Aletheia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-paced, insightful look at the life of Gangaji. It was wonderful reading about her journey -- it truly reminds you how possible awakening is for the "average" person.