unMind - the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi
By Siddharth
My spiritual journey found its shore when I discovered the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. Here it was — the complete, direct answer to man’s eternal search for peace and happiness.
This is my attempt to get his teachings (and that of other advaita gurus) to you in the way I understand them. I often use stories (and Zen koans) to illustrate a point; you'll also find references to Hindu, Zen and Buddhist spiritual treatises.
Buy the unMind book - www.amazon.in/unMind-Graphic-Self-realization-Siddharth-Tripathi-ebook/dp/B08FH7NDN2/
Visit the unMind blog: unmind.substack.com
This is my attempt to get his teachings (and that of other advaita gurus) to you in the way I understand them. I often use stories (and Zen koans) to illustrate a point; you'll also find references to Hindu, Zen and Buddhist spiritual treatises.
Buy the unMind book - www.amazon.in/unMind-Graphic-Self-realization-Siddharth-Tripathi-ebook/dp/B08FH7NDN2/
Visit the unMind blog: unmind.substack.com
unMind - the teachings of Sri Ramana MaharshiDec 12, 2021
00:00
21:37
Reading from The Ramayana - Guha's story
Guha, the forest king, narrates the story of his obsession with kicking Shiva's statue. This is a wonderful lesson on the power of constant, obstinate seeking.
Jan 30, 202419:58
The beauty of Lord Rama Pt 1
Ramayana is by far my favorite story of all time and a story that has touched me like no other. Lord Rama's forbearance and selflessness in spite of severe travails and suffering is impossible to emulate but an inspiration that has touched the hearts of millions. I'd like to talk a little about this story, his character and his life in the coming episodes.
Jan 21, 202414:29
The sound of ONE hand clapping pt2
So here's the answer you were not looking for
Dec 21, 202305:42
The sound of ONE hand clapping part 1
Zen koans are magic. We begin with one that's commonly known - the sound of one hand clapping. Let's figure this one out together.
Dec 07, 202304:17
Reading from the Gita - Chapter 2: The Yoga of Knowledge
I read from the Bhagavad Gita (the Song of God). I digress too, there is some Kipling and a seminal punk band called Television.
May 13, 202334:59
Seeker, beware: A word of warning
When you know, then you don't. Be wary of the thought that you know the truth and all the other thoughts that are birthed when this thought gets firmly set.
Jan 30, 202207:25
The empty boat - readings from The Way of Chuang Tzu
Who can free himself from achievement, And from fame, descend and be lost, Amid the masses of men? He will flow like Tao, unseen. ~ Chuang Tzu (The Empty ⛵)
Dec 12, 202121:37
Readings from The Way of Chuang Tzu (part 1)
Chuang Tzu, a Taoist monk, lived in ancient China about 2500 years ago. His teachings are funny, insightful and potent. I would like to read and comment on a few of his writings in the coming episodes starting with this one.
Nov 06, 202114:25
Heart Sutra (beyond wisdom to truth aka the perfection of wisdom) - a reading and commentary
The Heart Sutra is one of the most popular Buddhist sutras. It is short, just 250 words or so, but supremely potent. Even one reading of this classic can empty your mind of all its 'wisdom' and reveal the truth in a flash. In this episode I read the sutra and also comment at a few places. I recommend you read and re-read it everyday. Here's a link to an accessible translation -https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/heartsutra.html
May 19, 202129:32
Faith Mind Sutra - a reading
Today, I read the Faith Mind Sutra (from here - http://www.mendosa.com/way.html). Written by Seng-ts'an, Third Chinese Patriarch, this is a seminal and powerful introduction to non-duality that demystifies The Way and makes it accessible for all.
May 14, 202142:56
Hold no opinions
The mind's preferences and opinions are the key reason it is difficult to turn it inward. Watch out for this pattern and you'll find yourself more at peace. I read excerpts (relevant to this mind pattern) from the Tao Te Ching and the Faith Mind Sutra (both these texts are highly recommended for students of non-duality).
May 09, 202113:05
Finding the Way (to 😊)
What is true seeking? And how do you know if it's the right path that you're on?
May 01, 202118:19
Who am I? (a reading of Sri Ramana Maharshi's powerful teachings)
In this episode, I talk about Sri Ramana Maharshi's seminal work on enlightenment and the spiritual quest. 'Who am I?' is a set of questions and answers that succinctly and beautifully surmise Maharshi's teachings. I read through the entire text (about 11 pages). It's the longest episode in this podcast. My request: just listen, don't try too hard to understand. Some things resonate with who you really are, and not necessarily with the mind. And yes, don't forget to read 'Who am I?', it's available for a free download and can also be bought (hard copy) from the Asram website.
Apr 24, 202147:08
Don't give up, you'll get there.
Persistence with practice, patience and an intense desire for awakening are the three things needed to succeed on the spiritual path. Two Zen stories illustrate why this pursuit needs much more than just reading a few good books.
Mar 24, 202114:51
The mad, mad monk and the moon
I found another Zen story about the Moon that I'd like to share. This one is about laughter and emptiness -- it's no coincidence that many enlightened people laugh loudly and quite often.
Mar 22, 202108:10
Chiyono's broken bucket reflects Maharshi's moon
There are striking similarities in the teachings of Zen buddhism and the advaita teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. I found a beautiful story that talks about the practice of zazen and I was immediately struck with not only the teachings being exactly what self-enquiry is, but also the use of the metaphor (that of the moon and the bucket with its reflection in it) being exactly the same.
Talking about the moon, I found another story, about a monk Ryokan and the thief that couldn't steal the moon. This one always makes me teary eyed.
Talking about the moon, I found another story, about a monk Ryokan and the thief that couldn't steal the moon. This one always makes me teary eyed.
Mar 21, 202122:60
The Buddha state of mind
Being enlightened isn't about having a superpower, it's about being at peace always. The story of Zen master Hakuin perfectly illustrates the Buddha state of mind (the enlightened state).
Mar 01, 202109:40
Everything is an illusion
You must have heard someone say 'Its all maya' or 'this world is an illusion'. What does that even mean? Don't I have that important meeting next week? Aren't my wife and kids real?
Feb 27, 202116:58
A fundamental change in how you view the world
Maharshi's teachings when practiced dismantle your preset conditioning and offer you a perspective that leads to peace of mind and happiness. Since a fundamental change in outlook is needed, Advaita as a practice is challenging and difficult.
Feb 03, 202108:39
Self-enquiry: Notes on the practice
Important notes on the practice of Self-enquiry and why one should persist with it inspite of initial obstacles. Also, a gentle reminder not to judge your thoughts.
Jan 26, 202113:40
Ramana Maharshi's practice of Self-enquiry
This is the only practice that the Maharshi recommended. It's super effective and a surefire way to Self-realisation. I've tried to simplify the practice for you while retaining it's essence and explaining the logic.
Jan 17, 202112:23
Accept and BE Fearless
Why we shouldn't bother about the Netflix actors who are so worried about losing what they have or not getting what they want.
Dec 23, 202005:30
Acceptance & Fearlessness
Once there is true understanding, there is complete acceptance (it is what it is) and absolute fearlessness (who is it who's afraid?).
Dec 14, 202010:23
Humility & Compassion
Once you understand and realise that we are all one, that we are all that one pure consciousness; you can then see the logic of humility and compassion. The feeling that "I" am different from the "other" is an ego generated illusion that leads us to feel superior or inferior to others -- let go of that and be humble because wherever you've reached is not because of you and wherever you'll go is not because of you either. And if we are all one pure consciousness, then can pure compassion for the insect and the cow and the cashier at the supermarket be far behind? You'll feel it too once you know the truth.
Oct 24, 202011:48
You are always pure
Let's talk about about our true identity (our true Self) that needs to be realised to attain complete peace of mind.
Oct 15, 202019:08
Recap: the Ego (the 'I') is a concept
A quick summary of what we have learnt till now and the question that arises from this learning.
Sep 30, 202012:23
The making of a true seeker
Are you window shopping or are you desperately (and truly) seeking.
Sep 19, 202010:34
Do you know your next thought?
One of the key reasons we are not at peace is that we believe we are acting / doing. Let's get to to the bottom of this false conditioning.
Sep 04, 202017:25
July 31, 2020
Jul 31, 202000:60
Ship of Theseus
We talk about an ancient Greek thought experiment to explore the concept of identify (the "I").
Jul 20, 202018:10
Woman on the riverbank
The ego-sense or the "I" has always escaped scrutiny. We simply never think about who we truly are, do we? Here I explore the idea of the "I" and how we are looking in the wrong direction when we describe who we are.
Jul 17, 202018:34
Goose in a bottle
It's all in the mind. Everyone says that. But what does that really mean? A Zen story can help in explaining this a little more.
Jul 16, 202016:29