The Song of Ribhu: Translated from the Original Tamil Version of the Ribhu Gita

by H. Ramamoorthy, Nome

The Society of Abidance in Truth (SAT) has published the first complete translation into English of the Tamil book The Song of Ribhu . This classic work of Advaita Vedanta (nonduality) has ancient origins, probably dating from the period of the Upanisads. Sri Ramana Marharshi regularly recommended it to spiritual seekers. The Song of Ribhu is instruction by the sage Ribhu to his disciple Nidagha to assist him in realizing the ultimate Truth. For any spiritual seeker interested in Self-knowledge, it provides a detailed and lyrical description of Self-Realization, Enlightenment, or the Realization of the Absolute. This translation, in eight-line verse that simulates the Tamil original verses, is the result of several years work by Dr. H. Ramamoorthy, the Indian religious scholar and Nome, a teacher of the Society of Abidance in Truth. The Song of Ribhu and The Ribhu Gita are two distinct works. Although this Tamil Song of Ribhu and the Sanskrit Ribhu Gita are based in the same ancient teachings they are quite different in form. The verses, for example, cannot be directly aligned. The Sanskrit resembles a more spontaneous outpouring of expression of nondual Realization, while the Tamil text not only contains much different content but a more systematic arrangement of the expression of nondual Realization. The serious seeker is therefore well advised to seek benefit from both. The Tamil work is also warmly recommended by H.H. Sri Chandrasekharendra Sarasvati Swamigal Sankaracharya (Kanchipuram), and Srila Sri Tavatirthu Nachiappa Gnanadesiki Swami (Kovilur Math). This publication is the translation of this unique text that is so highly recommended by sages and holy persons of India. Audiobook with chapters 1 through 11 is also availalble through Amazon. The reading is by Nome and is accompanied by soft vina music. Outside USA, the book is available in Amazon with 978-1947154216

Genres: Religion, Spirituality

810 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sarasvatī · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most beautiful book I've ever encountered. There's no way to describe it other than it's: Pure Spirituality. Pure Oneness. Pure Non-Duality. Pure Beauty.

If you've read the Heart Sutra; imagine an entire treaty about it. 44 Chapters!

I've heard Rāmaṇa Mahāṛṣi read it to his students. After reading his teachings, I have to agree because his non-duality teachings have the same depth than those of the Ribhu Gita--again, beautifully expanded.

If there is a candy for the soul; this is it. If there is a stabilizer of the mind; this is it. If there is an amplifier of love; these teachings have it all... And you're blessed they found their way to your hands. You're in satsanga; in the company of truth. Among truth. My advise to you: Memorize it! As much as you can! And recite it. As often as you can. May the Ribhu Gita absorb you into its teachings. May you become One with them.

ॐ "There is no fear from a second person or thing when one gets awakened into non-duality. There is no question of peace or lack of peace. This is the Brahman. May you become One with it.

ॐ "Where there is no resolution to do, and when there is no delusion and the mind has become no-mind. May you become identified with that Brahman.

ॐ "When there is no scholarship or learning, there is no once, or one side, or opposite side; there is no argument. When there is no defeat or non-defeat. Become One with that Brahman always." ~ Ribhu Gita, The Song of Ribhu

ॐ तत्सत्

ॐ नमः शिवाय ॐ

[Jason Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

South India is a part of India that has produce some of the best spiritual literature in the world. The Song of Ribhu makes up a huge part for this statement. An essential for anyone wanting to go deeper inside themselves. It reaffirms constantly that Brahman is All and You are That. Like a lullaby its splendor will sink its roots deep into your consciousness.

[Shiva Somadev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem of spiritual literature "Ribhu Gita" or "Song of Ribhu". Ramana Maharshi was saying that reading verses from Ribhu Gita is as good as Samadhi (Absorption in Reality) itself. I read both versions of translations: one translated from Sanskrit and called "Ribhu Gita" and this version of translation from Tamil called "Song of Ribhu". From my opinion the latest version which I display here is more poetic and resonates more profoundly within my heart. "Song of Ribhu" is the exposition on the True Nature of Reality by the venerated sage Ribhu, who received Darshan (Pure seeing) and the teaching directly from the Lord Shiva on holy mountain Kailas. Every chapter is the negation of appearances and affirmation of Brahman - identical to real Self being the only Reality. This tremendously powerful book is not for everyone, but only for the ripe aspirants ready to receive and abide in the Ultimate Truth. The best way to absorb the message of "Ribhu Gita" is if you sit in deep meditations and someone (your friend) reciting its magical verses to you. Must-read for the true seekers of Reality.

[Shashwat Bhatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a not just a song, it's meditation.

[Erik Steevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mesmerising!

[Kassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyday atleast I read this book, some part of it, slowly and meditatively. It puts me in a pure Nondual state, where I'm the subtle screen of awareness more and more, and in that state is pure love, pure bliss, pure auspiciousness, timelessness, and no difference between me and other individuals. I become the Self. Egoless. In that state I can still function deeply, better. Socially because others are drawn in by the sense of peace, and lack of craving for something I dno't already have. I function in school, because the one that woudl get stressed out, is dissipated.

This particular translation is from Nome in Santa Cruz, who I have personally corresponded about my spiritual experiences with, and has been immensely helpful. This translation is the best I know of. It flows so well, that the words roll off the tongue, and I become absorbed in pure Bliss, timelessness, formlessness.