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Silence of the Heart: Dialogues with Robert Adams
One of the clearest presentations of India's Advaita Vedanta, the doctrine of Oneness. Adams, an American student of the great master, Ramana Maharshi, discourses with wisdom and delightful humor as he clarifies for Westerners India's teaching of Ultimate Reality.
374 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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1252 people want to read
About the author
Robert Adams
408 books113 followersRobert Adams (January 21, 1928 – March 2, 1997) was an American Advaita teacher. In his late teens, he was a devotee of Sri Ramana Maharshi in Tiruvannamalai, India.[1] In later life Adams held satsang with a small group of devotees in California, US.[2] He mainly advocated the path of jñāna yoga[note 1] with an emphasis on the practice of self-enquiry.[3]
Adams' teachings were not that well known in his lifetime, but have since been widely circulated amongst those investigating the philosophy of Advaita and the Western devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi.[4][note 2] A book of his teachings, Silence of the Heart: Dialogues with Robert Adams, was published in 1999.
Adams' teachings were not that well known in his lifetime, but have since been widely circulated amongst those investigating the philosophy of Advaita and the Western devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi.[4][note 2] A book of his teachings, Silence of the Heart: Dialogues with Robert Adams, was published in 1999.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 9, 2014
Never has a book so clearly and unequivocally told me that all is well and there is no room for mistakes or regrets here. No room for freewill. and no need for fretful action.
The immediacy and urgency with which the book exhorts to be free has transformed my tyrannical mind forever. It has filled me with a fresh burst of hope.
Can’t wait to reread and feel the vibrations that Robert Adams has left in these pages. ‘Silence of the heart’ is not a book, it’s an experience.
The immediacy and urgency with which the book exhorts to be free has transformed my tyrannical mind forever. It has filled me with a fresh burst of hope.
Can’t wait to reread and feel the vibrations that Robert Adams has left in these pages. ‘Silence of the heart’ is not a book, it’s an experience.
July 8, 2018
This book is like a song. You keep reading the same thing again and again and yet you don't want it to end :)
April 24, 2012
Any time and anywhere you can find the words of Robert Adams, I would advise you to do everything in your power to get as close as possible and dive in. Robert went to India to meet Ramana Maharshi as a teenager and has given us a very clear vision into the Knowledge of the Self through the teaching of Truth which lives within us all. He is so utterly pedestrian and profound in almost every utterance. Best of all the Western teachers I have found. This book is kinda rare and has been re-issued in a compromised edition. Get this one by shopping on my favorite site for used books: allbookstores.com
November 25, 2020
They say this is the last book you will ever read.. and I didn’t get it at that time .. but now, after finishing it.. I can understand why! I am reading it for the second time now... and I am loving the “silence” between the words..... 😊
September 29, 2012
Absolutely beautiful book! Robert Adams knew how to give pointers. I'm so glad I came across his teachings.
June 22, 2021
The Nectar of Non-Duality.
“So there are two ways of seeing this world. One is maya, the grand illusion. You want nothing to do with this. This is what creates problems. This appears to create animosity, sorrow. But then there is the real world. The world of the Self. The world of Bliss. The world of total joy, unalloyed peace and happiness. This is what you really are. This is your real nature, your swarupa. You have always been this and you will always be this. Forget about the past. Do not worry about the future. Have total faith, total joy, in yourself. Only when you can understand yourself as All Pervading Consciousness can you possibly understand that all the universe is an emanation of your mind. Everything that you see comes out of you. You are the Creator. You are the God. You are the Avatar, the Atman. All the Gods that you've heard of, the Buddha, Krishna, Jehovah, Allah, they're all you. You are That. You are nothing else but That. You've always been That. Tat Tvam Asi. This is you.”
― Robert Adams, Silence of the Heart: Dialogues with Robert Adams
“So there are two ways of seeing this world. One is maya, the grand illusion. You want nothing to do with this. This is what creates problems. This appears to create animosity, sorrow. But then there is the real world. The world of the Self. The world of Bliss. The world of total joy, unalloyed peace and happiness. This is what you really are. This is your real nature, your swarupa. You have always been this and you will always be this. Forget about the past. Do not worry about the future. Have total faith, total joy, in yourself. Only when you can understand yourself as All Pervading Consciousness can you possibly understand that all the universe is an emanation of your mind. Everything that you see comes out of you. You are the Creator. You are the God. You are the Avatar, the Atman. All the Gods that you've heard of, the Buddha, Krishna, Jehovah, Allah, they're all you. You are That. You are nothing else but That. You've always been That. Tat Tvam Asi. This is you.”
― Robert Adams, Silence of the Heart: Dialogues with Robert Adams
June 1, 2013
With the lack of editing aside, this was a well timed book for me. I feel this book can be easily confusing if one was not well versed in 'enlightenment speak/lingo' or have not read others of this genre: non-duality or advaita vedanta.
It was well timed for me because it was a nudge in the direction of actual spiritual practise of stilling the mind and self inquiry. It brought clarity to the genre which is a rare trait. The other book which was as this clear for me was 'Happiness beyond Thought' by Gary Weber.
Desire enlightenment, still the mind through investigating who you really are (is the concept of 'I' also a thought which thus has no basis of reality to it as all thoughts are conceptual?), let things be as they are and don't internally react to the world.
A pivotally monumental book and pleasure to read. Thank you Robert Adams.
It was well timed for me because it was a nudge in the direction of actual spiritual practise of stilling the mind and self inquiry. It brought clarity to the genre which is a rare trait. The other book which was as this clear for me was 'Happiness beyond Thought' by Gary Weber.
Desire enlightenment, still the mind through investigating who you really are (is the concept of 'I' also a thought which thus has no basis of reality to it as all thoughts are conceptual?), let things be as they are and don't internally react to the world.
A pivotally monumental book and pleasure to read. Thank you Robert Adams.
April 26, 2014
Life changer and a constant re-read.
November 15, 2018
I Am - eternally grateful for these ineffable words. Thank you All The Way
December 6, 2018
One of a kind and the only book after Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now that I decided to read again. You have no idea how deeply touching this book is until you read it. I have read many spiritual books and I can say with confidence that Silence of the Heart is the one that penetrates your heart the deepest and most effectively!
April 21, 2012
One of the best, if not THE best books on spirituality. Highly recommended. It is out of print, but if anyone needs a copy, Please send me an email.
May 2, 2016
This is a great book !! Highest teachings conveyed in a simple and direct way by Robert Adams.
May 18, 2023
Beautiful. Just a treasure of a book. The most perfect companion for anyone on a spiritual journey. I read and re-read a chapter every morning.
Now a couple things to be aware of...A.) this book does have some minor editing issues and you will see some grammar mistakes, but it does not interfere with the messages and lessons and did not bother me. B.) this book may be too "heady" for some, as it does use language associated with the study of non-duality and advaita vedanta. I had to "grow in my wisdom" before I could fully understand the concepts taught here. But if you are not new to the personal growth/spiritual world of non-duality, and can understand and enjoy books like "Happiness is free", then you should be good to go here. Otherwise, I recommend you start with Happiness is Free by Lester Levenson and use that to help you understand and prepare for the concepts discussed in Silence of the Heart.
Now a couple things to be aware of...A.) this book does have some minor editing issues and you will see some grammar mistakes, but it does not interfere with the messages and lessons and did not bother me. B.) this book may be too "heady" for some, as it does use language associated with the study of non-duality and advaita vedanta. I had to "grow in my wisdom" before I could fully understand the concepts taught here. But if you are not new to the personal growth/spiritual world of non-duality, and can understand and enjoy books like "Happiness is free", then you should be good to go here. Otherwise, I recommend you start with Happiness is Free by Lester Levenson and use that to help you understand and prepare for the concepts discussed in Silence of the Heart.
April 11, 2021
The Ramana Maharshi of The West, Robert Adams dialogue is true account of an Enlightened Brahman. If one can invest one's time in reading or listening to his lectures one will realise his/her true Self. I am extremely impressed with this effortless, choiceless Pure Awareness and His enlightenened speech will enlighten many.
May 22, 2023
Beautiful. Informative. Similar to I Am That by Nisaragadatta. I trust Robert more than mainstream non-duality teachers on YouTube. Reptetive but it didn't matter because reading the same thing 10x in a different way didn't get boring, it is poetry for the soul and practical. Robert had spiritual experiences at age 14 and beyond. He met Paramahansa Yogananda and was guided to Ramana Maharshi.
September 6, 2023
The book blurb isn't wrong, it is the most simple discussion of advaita vedanta that I have come across. I enjoyed the straight forwardness of it. Really I think he demystifies it, rather than complicate and confuse as some books on this subject are prone to do. The message is always the same where ever you go, but the message here is clear, simple and accessible.
May 28, 2022
Wow
This is one amazing book on self inquiry. Robert Adams word is full of wisdom and it touched my heart. There are certain meditations he provide. It really makes you to be authentic and true to yourself.
This is one amazing book on self inquiry. Robert Adams word is full of wisdom and it touched my heart. There are certain meditations he provide. It really makes you to be authentic and true to yourself.
June 1, 2022
I love this book. I can feel the peacefulness, and calmness of Robert Adams when I am reading the book. Every day morning, I used to read this book and it helps me to remain in a peaceful state throughout the day. Wonderful book. love this.
June 4, 2018
The ego felt a bit big for someone in the know. On the other hand, there was a good deal of love in the book
May 20, 2020
the clearest teacher everhe makes Advaita very easy to grasp
February 18, 2021
Don't read this book lightly for it will change your life forever. It's the best treatment of Advaita Vendanta for Westerners I have ever seen.
October 10, 2021
So clear and precise
March 2, 2023
Great spiritual book, a pointer to Perfection Itself 🙌
October 8, 2023
We all share the same consciousness. So be kind to yourSelf 💕
August 19, 2024
Only for those who are prepared for it.
September 24, 2024
Incredible book. About trancending your self and find the eternal bliss within.
July 14, 2025
There is the highest wisdom in this book.🙏🙏🙏
April 16, 2022
The only book you don’t need .
Currently reading
December 14, 2019I haven't yet finished the book, but something mandated that I wrote a review right away. I know I'll rate this book 5 stars anyway.
There are only a handful texts that imparts the spiritual discourse from a state direct experience. This is one. If you have a strong abidance in Advaita-Vedanta, you wouldn't want to waste your time, looking elsewhere.
The remarkable thing about some of these texts (such as I AM THAT of Nisargadatta Maharaj, Who Am I? of Ramana Maharshi, Death Must Die of Sri Anandmayee Ma, Teachings of Sri Brahmajna Ma, Miracle of Love on the Grace of Been Karoli Baba) are books that found their into our world, through the devotees. The Sage never has to achieve anything — Silence of the Heart is their mastery and accomplishment.
Robert Adams's discourses are really valuable for modern day seekers. They too, have come, from a state of direct experience, are hard hitting and not easy for the mind to digest.
If I'm overcome by a positive, uplifting and an almost Grace that moves me, while reading a spiritual text, that means I've directly experienced it. Can the same always be said for most of the intelligent content our ego uses us, to seek? That's why I've never felt the need to deeply engage in a lot of spiritual books. The right ones find us.
Robert's simplicity and profound need to stay in satsang, is what I (laughs) can really identify with. He didn't believe in any other Satsang other than Silence, just like Ramana Maharshi. He didn't believe in writing books, because there was nothing that needed to be said. And yet, we have this book available to us, with the Grace bestowed on those who found enrichment through their Satsang with Robert.
At 13% in the book, we read about the difference between Self Enquiry and other forms of Sadhana (Yoga, Meditation etc) — this bit is exemplary.
Other profound realization was how all that keeps us human (I thoughts) also keeps us from realization. Through iterations, the discourse remind us to practice Self Enquiry, trace the I Thought to the Source, let it dissolve in the Universal Consciousness, where only the real "I" — the Self, God, will prevail.
Don't worry about functioning or rendering your task in the World. Try to leave it alone and trust that the work that the body or the illusory ''I'' that has come here to do, will be attained. We were always taken care of, in our mother's womb — what qualms we've to know we won't be taken care, if we just give into Grace, and allow ourselves to be moved in life by Life, by Consciousness.
When the Consciousness becomes Aware of Itself, it knows Reality.
(I'll share an excerpt before I continue my reading.... and will update the review if I've something useful to add.)
There are only a handful texts that imparts the spiritual discourse from a state direct experience. This is one. If you have a strong abidance in Advaita-Vedanta, you wouldn't want to waste your time, looking elsewhere.
The remarkable thing about some of these texts (such as I AM THAT of Nisargadatta Maharaj, Who Am I? of Ramana Maharshi, Death Must Die of Sri Anandmayee Ma, Teachings of Sri Brahmajna Ma, Miracle of Love on the Grace of Been Karoli Baba) are books that found their into our world, through the devotees. The Sage never has to achieve anything — Silence of the Heart is their mastery and accomplishment.
Robert Adams's discourses are really valuable for modern day seekers. They too, have come, from a state of direct experience, are hard hitting and not easy for the mind to digest.
If I'm overcome by a positive, uplifting and an almost Grace that moves me, while reading a spiritual text, that means I've directly experienced it. Can the same always be said for most of the intelligent content our ego uses us, to seek? That's why I've never felt the need to deeply engage in a lot of spiritual books. The right ones find us.
Robert's simplicity and profound need to stay in satsang, is what I (laughs) can really identify with. He didn't believe in any other Satsang other than Silence, just like Ramana Maharshi. He didn't believe in writing books, because there was nothing that needed to be said. And yet, we have this book available to us, with the Grace bestowed on those who found enrichment through their Satsang with Robert.
At 13% in the book, we read about the difference between Self Enquiry and other forms of Sadhana (Yoga, Meditation etc) — this bit is exemplary.
Other profound realization was how all that keeps us human (I thoughts) also keeps us from realization. Through iterations, the discourse remind us to practice Self Enquiry, trace the I Thought to the Source, let it dissolve in the Universal Consciousness, where only the real "I" — the Self, God, will prevail.
Don't worry about functioning or rendering your task in the World. Try to leave it alone and trust that the work that the body or the illusory ''I'' that has come here to do, will be attained. We were always taken care of, in our mother's womb — what qualms we've to know we won't be taken care, if we just give into Grace, and allow ourselves to be moved in life by Life, by Consciousness.
When the Consciousness becomes Aware of Itself, it knows Reality.
(I'll share an excerpt before I continue my reading.... and will update the review if I've something useful to add.)
The fastest way to realization is to keep silent. Yet you have to know why you are keeping silent. This is why you can't tell this to the average person. If a person has no inkling of advaita vedanta, you can't say, "Keep silent." For then it means just to be quiet. They don't realize it means to go deep, deep, deep within to that place where Absolute Reality lives, and that's the Silence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews