Abide as That: Ramana Maharshi & the Song of Ribhu

by Jason Brett Serle

There are some writings that transcend time and tradition and speak to the ever-present heart of the human experience. Simple yet profound, challenging yet compassionate, the Song of Ribhu is one such example of this. In the same tradition as the Bhagavad Gita or the Ashtavakra Gita, the Ribhu Gita, literally the Song of Ribhu represents the highest declaration of Advaita Vedanta, spoken by the enlightened sage Ribhu to his disciple Nidagha on the slopes of Mount Kedara in the Himalayas. Some 2,500 years later, another awakened master, Sri Ramana Maharshi was touched by these same words, considering them to be one of the most sublime expressions of the awakened state that humanity had ever produced. He spoke of it reverently and would even give copies to his devotees to read. The version that follows is a selection, made by Sri Ramana Maharshi himself, of 45 verses that capture the very essence of the Ribhu Gita - an essence that this fresh and masterful modern translation manages to communicate in simple and elegant English, perfectly adapted to the Western reader. The book also contains the story of Ribhu and Nidagha as told by Sri Ramana Maharshi, as well as excerpts from informal talks with his students to further clarify the themes.

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2019

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, Simple Ramana & Ribhu Gita

What's not to love about this short book of profound wisdom? It's perfect. The Ribhu Gita was unknown to me. I've read so many of the Indian texts save the Ramayana & Mahabharata. Instead, I prefer to read the best breakout sections of those two, such as Bhagavad Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, and now Ribhu Gita.

Ramana Maharshi & the Ashtavakra Gita are two favorites of mine. The Ribhu Gita is very, very similar to Ashtavakra. The author did a great job in communicating this ancient wisdom as well as the master of Self-Realization, Ramana Maharshi's, comments connected to it.

First is presented Ramana's selected verses of the Ribhu. Second is a short, classic Q & A section which isn't too lengthy or repetitive.

I am always amazed at the patience Maharshi showed to seekers asking repetitive questions day after day. Yet he gives the same, brilliant answers each time. Who are you? Find out. Abide in That.

Highly recommended.