'I' is a Door: The essence of Advaita as taught by Ramana Maharshi, Atmananda & Nisargadatta Maharaj

by Philip Renard

Isn’t it amazing that our most commonly-used word, ‘I’, has been used so adeptly as a pointer to the Ultimate Truth by the greatest Advaita teachers? The three teachers discussed in this book – RamanaMaharshi, Atmananda and NisargadattaMaharaj – steer clear from all religious dogma, therefore making their teachings especially suitable for both westerners and easterners. These three may be considered as ‘the Big Three’ of the twentieth-century Advaita Vedanta. They are the ones who distilled Advaita to the heart of the direct recognition of your true nature. All three of them used the word ‘I’ as an integral term to point to the Ultimate the first two spoke in terms of ‘I-I’ and ‘I-Principle’ respectively, and Nisargadatta offered his two-step approach of ‘I am’ and ‘I, the Absolute’. With this they showed that the way is a direct way in the first place, a way that cannot be found anywhere else than within you, with the direct experience of ‘I’. Probably no other teacher or writer, from East or West, has investigated the truth of what ‘I’ really is, as thoroughly as these three spiritual giants.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy

73 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2017

Reviews

[Dean Paradiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent summary of three greats.

I really enjoyed this smallish, but compete book related to the use of “I” among three great Advaita teachers of the 20th century. The author presents a focus, summary, short biography and also notes on the relevance of the “I” concept in each of the three sections. This book was of particular interest for me, after having a decade of so experience with the material (Advaita). It may not be so approachable for those new to the teachings, o without having done the hard yards in practice. It is definitely a book I will re-read and go over more in depth. Overall, very happy to have purchased and read it. It delivers a new perspective on a core topic in Advaita- the “I”.

[Sukanya Viswanathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt gratitude to the author for this gem of a book. Reading it and contemplating on the 'I' is a very meditating, uplifting and illuminating experience.

It felt like hanging out with a true awakened soul and contemplating on the 3 great Advaita gurus of our times. Some of his explanations helped clear some vague doubts I didn't even know I had.

[Reflections Of · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We can continue our past, that is to say our karma, or we now can recognize and acknowledge freedom."

All of these great masters just want you in general to be realized and realize your freedom, that you have always been free.

[Everett Grandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My door has been opened

I have been so attached to object of my physical self so terrestrial educated I am had been hidden well, this reading has opened self awareness closed by my attachment to objects fleeting in experiences. I Am my own Door, open yours.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books like this and feel I’m almost getting it but lack the practical experience to allow me to know without any doubt what the author is writing about.

[Clancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

good exposition of the merging of these 3 teachers and solid understanding of their methods and philosophy.