Author: David Godman

“Be As You Are: The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi” by David Godman is a profound compilation of the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, one of the most revered spiritual teachers from India. The book is structured in a question-and-answer format, making it accessible and engaging for readers seeking spiritual guidance.

Detailed Summary

1. The Self as Ultimate Reality:

• Core Concept: The Self is the fundamental reality underlying all existence. It is pure consciousness, ever-present and unchanging.
• Key Teachings: The Self is not an object to be perceived but the very subject of all experience. It transcends all concepts, forms, and mental constructs. Realizing the Self is equivalent to realizing God or the absolute reality¹.

2. Self-Enquiry:

• Core Concept: Self-enquiry is the direct path to Self-realization.
• Key Teachings: This involves turning attention inward to investigate the source of the ‘I’ thought. By persistently questioning “Who am I?”, one traces the sense of individuality back to its origin, gradually dissolving the false identification with body and mind¹.

3. Surrender to the Divine:

• Core Concept: Surrender involves completely relinquishing the sense of personal doership and will.
• Key Teachings: Accepting everything that happens as the will of the divine, without resistance or expectation, dissolves the ego and its attachments. True surrender recognizes that the divine is not separate from one’s own essential nature¹.

Reviews

• Goodreads: The book has a rating of 4.27 out of 5 based on over 2,700 ratings. Readers praise its clarity, depth, and transformative power. Many consider it the ultimate spiritual text, offering profound insights into self-inquiry and enlightenment².
• Amazon: The book is highly regarded for its practical approach to spirituality. The conversations compiled by David Godman effectively convey Ramana Maharshi’s teachings, making complex spiritual concepts accessible to a broad audience4.

Key Takeaways

• Practical Guidance: The book provides practical instructions for self-enquiry and surrender, making it a valuable resource for anyone on a spiritual path.
• Transformative Insights: Readers often find the teachings transformative, helping them to understand and experience their true nature as pure consciousness.
• Accessibility: The question-and-answer format makes the teachings accessible, allowing readers to easily grasp and apply the concepts in their own lives.

Source:
(1) Be As You Are by Ramana Maharshi | Summary & Audio. https://sobrief.com/books/be-as-you-are.
(2) Be As You Are by Ramana Maharshi – Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/352078.Be_As_You_Are.
(3) Be As You Are: The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. https://www.amazon.com.au/Be-As-You-Are-Teachings/dp/0140190627.
(4) “Be As You Are” by Ramana Maharshi (Deep Book Summary). https://www.sloww.co/be-as-you-are-ramana-maharshi/.
(5) Be As You Are : The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi – Google Books. https://books.google.com/books/about/Be_As_You_Are.html?id=fgx3drsYFAwC.
(6) goodreads.com. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/352078.Be_As_You_Are.