Edited by John David Oct 2021
INTRODUCTION
During a rare and profound moment in the hall, Major Chadwick read aloud his meticulous notes from an earlier conversation with Sri Ramana Maharshi. In these pages, Bhagavan explains the nature of Samadhi and its different forms, providing deep insights that continue to illuminate the path for seekers.
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“In my opinion, Aham Sphurana, a Glimpse of Self Realisation, will become a Treasure Trove of Wisdom to the Seekers of Truth in general, and particularly to the devotees of Bhagavan.”
Swami Hamsananda – Athithi Ashram, Tiruvannamalai
“This collection is a profound offering for those who are inspired to deeper inquiry. I have read both volumes for myself and others. Many passages reveal freshly and intimately the gift that is Ramana Maharshi. This is a book to cherish.”
Gangaji
“Thanks for presenting the book. I went through the book and it is indeed a good read. As you have mentioned, certain portions are controversial. However, many portions on Self-enquiry (genuinely in Bhagavan’s words) are profound and helpful to the seekers. Pranams”
Sri Ramanacharana Tirtha Swami
(formerly Sri Nochur Venkataraman),
“An excellent book suitable for anyone serious about the spiritual life and committed to knowing profound and liberating realisations. The beauty of Ramana’s teachings shows in the unwavering directness with a remarkable clarity and simplicity. Meditate on the questions and responses. Listen inwardly beneath the mind’s activity.”
Christopher Titmuss
“Aham Sphurana is the most profound, subtle and practical version of Ramana Maharshi. When you read this book you realise just how diluted, vague and lacking are most of the books published in the name of this great sage of Arunachala.
It is not an easy new age read, it is the real deal with all its subtleties and intricacies. Our role is to develop a profound, sensitive and subtle mind and heart to understand and absorb these teachings.
The persons who wrote and published this book faced fierce objection from many people and are no less than warriors of spiritual truth.
Their devotion and respect to Ramana Maharshi made them fight this war and they deserve our appreciation and respect for making these rare teachings available to us.”
Noah
on www.openskypress.com and Amazon:
The pristine, pure mind of the Master that speaks through this profound volume is bound to bring us to an awakening into the most obvious yet hidden truth of our own existence.
Pravrajika Divyanandaprana
Bhagavan called Chadwick to his side and said something to him. Chadwick exited the Hall and presently returned with a notebook, from which he read out as follows notes he had made from an early conversation with Bhagavan.
Chad.: I asked my master if He would mind giving me a detailed explanation concerning the term Samadhi, and its various kinds. The Lord Ramana graciously assented and sweetly spoke the following words:
B.: The meaning of the word Samadhi is generally given as Union with Reality, but it is not so. Samadhi means the State of non-differentiation from Reality or THAT-WHICH-IS. The following are its kinds:
Likewise, according to Bhagavan. “I”-thought and its objectifying tendency were two factors that prevented ego from merging into Self–crush one of them totally, and that was enough–Guru’s Grace like friction-action of debris that gradually reduces the speed of the body and gradually alters the course of its orbit so that it will eventually surely gravitate toward Sun–devotional path snapped ego’s brain, the objectifying tendency–investigation path snapped ego’s heart, the “I”-thought–these two are aspects of same ego–killing one would kill the other and kill the ego–some aspirants ask I am ready for liberation why am I yet to be liberated–it shows they are not ready at all–the truly ready aspirant has no sankalpa or volition left to make any such communication, for the extent of his self-surrender is total.
What is surrender. To surrender is to cease to have any cares, leaving it to the Lord to do as he likes with you–the truly surrendered one asks nothing because he feels no need, no desire–he does not even want non-existence of misery, much less aspire for release from samsara–Jnani is always in samadhi whether body moves about or is stationary or is dead–Jnani cannot see his body–there is only one thing that He can do and know and that is to BE the Self–people say so-and-so is a Jnani–from the Jnani’s own point of view this has no meaning–nothing in him to manufacture the assertion I am a Jnani–there is simply no one there localised in terms of that body.
The wise sadhaka does not decide to quit the household–nor does he decide to move into the jungle–he silently surrenders his faculty of volition to the Higher Power and is meekly led by it wherever it takes him, jungle or household, heaven or hell–since he has already freed himself from the body-am-I idea, he would not think, “I am being taken somewhere.”–what is bakthi–unselfish love for God is called bakthi–unselfish love is not for the sake of acquisition of material possessions, nor for attainment of heavenly realms, nor for attainment of salvation, nor for breaking free from the wheel of births-and-deaths, nor for fulfilment of altruistic or philanthropic motives concerning upliftment of Humanity–unselfish love is not even accompanied by the hope or expectation of being loved in return; it has nothing to ask–unselfish love simply knows to love, that is all–the earnest baktha is not affected by the presence or absence of all or any of the worlds.
His own apparent existence is an inexplicable embarrassment for him, for to him everything is the Lord’s–his will becomes entirely non-existent, the Lord’s will taking its place–that is the love Job in the Bible had for God, that the gopis had for krishna, that karna had for duryodana, love that knows to love only–if you are able to cultivate this kind of mad, all-consuming love for God, the resultant intoxication will ensure that worries about employment, means-of-livelihood, etc., etc., are kept well away from your mind–the truly surrendered one has no hopes or expectations as to what he wants the future to be; whatever happens, he accepts the same as the will of his Lord; indeed, he sees only the Lord Himself in all the objects and events that he experiences in the jagrat and swapna states–you can never make him experience pain, because the moment his body feels distress, he tells himself, “It pleases the Lord to cause one of his possessions to undergo such-and-such sensations; who are we to question His will and why would we need to bother ourselves with the propriety of His decisions?
It is for us to meekly submit to Him, and, keeping quiet, leave the rest to Him; that is all.” cultivate this attitude and then no worry can touch you–you were not born by reason of your own volition; remain unconcerned, indifferent and disentangled also from everything that follows birth; this is the true renunciation–remaining as One with the Heart is neither a goal to be reached nor can it meaningfully be the object of any ambition or aspiration; it is the natural state of one and all; to remain as this pure undifferentiated Being, in which the faculty of otherness-causing differentiation is dead, and in which there are no concepts, is no accomplishment: it is THAT with which you are identical; it is you; YOU ARE THAT–what is liberation–complete bondage to God is known as liberation.
Major Chadwick from England is a long standing senior devotee of the Maharshi. He arrived a year before me and was fortunate enough to stay at the ashram right till the Master’s death. What you see above are the original notes made by Major Chadwick directly from the Sage’s words.
On this occasion, the gentleman was requested by Bhagavan only to read those portions of his notes that dealt with the topic of Samadhi. Accordingly he did so, reading out ad-lib sentences from the notes you find enclosed above. Since he spoke quickly, I had difficulty following him. Since I wanted the information, I later approached the gentleman and explained that I had failed to properly follow what he had read in the Hall, and that if I might read his notes I would be glad to do so. He accordingly consented and handed over to me a sheaf of papers, and I quickly copied out the notes contained in them.
I was so enchanted by Bhagavan’s words that I copied all of the notes the Major had made as contained in the said sheets, and not merely the portions pertaining to Samadhi. I have faithfully reproduced those very notes here, though they certainly extend beyond the scope of the conversations that took place at the Hall on this date, since I am confident the gentle reader will welcome any opportunity not to miss the Master’s words.
Whilst compiling this manuscript I wondered if I might convert these short hints into sentences; then I decided against it because I myself was not present when these statements were made by the Sage, and therefore, in the interest of preservation of authenticity, it struck me that it might be a better idea to leave them in their original, terse, pithy form.
I do not think any of the Master’s devotees would encounter any difficulty in ingesting, digesting, and assimilating these quick, incisive bites of wisdom.
Root out ego directly, persevere endlessly despite obstacles, and realise you never left the summit of pure Being.
Bhagavan warns that mistaking emptiness for Jnana is a deadly trap, delaying true realization and making recovery a challenging path.
Realization is simply BEing as you ARE. Through persistent vichara, Grace shines forth until seeker and seeking both dissolve.
The Jnani’s silent presence works like a magnetic force, effortlessly turning ripe minds inward, leading to natural, thought-free peace.
Sabotage ends when we discard the ‘I’ that strives for Realisation, resting in pure Subjective Consciousness, free from identification.
Correct vichara is confirmed when Aham Sphurana shines forth spontaneously, unmistakably felt as direct experience of the Self.
Sex offers a taste of no-mind bliss, creating addiction as the ego craves this momentary experience of pure Being.
Only the complete, motiveless cessation of mental activity reveals the Self, showing the personal ‘I’ never truly existed.
Jnana is Bhakti: Pure, uncaused Love. Not practised, but revealed when thoughts dissolve, merging seeker and Love as One.
Aham Sphurana is a beacon leading to Sahaja, but only when left undisturbed and ego-free, allowing spontaneous abidance.
A touching reunion of childhood friends highlights Bhagavan’s humility, refusal of special gifts, and unconditional compassion for all.
Mrs. Piggot recounts her farewell to Bhagavan, highlighting his quiet knowing, grace, and teaching to live as the Self.
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Schopenhauer exposes life’s futility, but true renunciation and surrender arise from Grace, dissolving ego and revealing the Self.
Through a boy’s spinning top, Bhagavan reveals that prarabdha spins itself out naturally, beyond the Jnani’s identification.
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A vivid Ashram diary recounting the devoted, diverse lives of seekers, Bhagavan’s humour, Grace, and timeless wisdom in action.
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Through Grace, Love, and remembrance, illness was healed, fear dissolved, and an enduring devotion to Bhagavan and Hanuman remained.
Through Grace and surrender, one is lifted beyond samsara, like the monkey safe from the barking dog, untouched.
Mrs. Piggot recounts her serene visit with Sri Ramana Maharshi, describing the Sage’s profound silence, grace, and life-changing presence.
Through patient dialogue, Sri Ramana guides a seeker towards Self‑Realization, emphasizing grace, inquiry, inner silence, and simple vegetarianism.
Through a lifetime of hardships, rituals, and encounters with saints, the Aghori finds the grace of Ramana Maharshi, surrendering ego and discovering the peace of the Self.
A visitor finds peace and wisdom with Ramana Maharshi, experiences deep spiritual moments, and departs with profound gratitude and joy.
A devotee recounts a miraculous night with Ramana Maharshi and an Aghori, highlighting surrender, grace, and the path to Self-realisation.
A manager reports a slanderer’s misdeeds, but Bhagavan, serene and detached, laughs, accepting all as part of divine play.
The spiritual heart shines forth when effort and doing subside, thoughts dissolve, and natural stillness becomes the only state.
Self‑Realisation is not achieved by doing, effort, or thought, but by naturally subsiding into stillness beyond all mental activity.
Gajapathi Aiyyer’s Red Notebooks preserve Bhagavan’s profound teachings, offering timeless guidance for seekers, now published and accessible to all.
Bhagavan guides the Aghori’s death with serene grace, ensuring sacred release and merging the sadhu’s being with the Absolute.
Kaushika’s pride is humbled by a housewife and butcher, teaching that surrender and dutiful living lead to true realization.
Bhagavan compassionately scolds the manager for cruelty towards rats, teaching mercy and the value of every life, inspiring humility.
Bhagavan explains Jesus’ words as Advaitic teaching, guiding the seeker towards Self-Realization, surrender, and a still, inward-turned mind.
Ramana Maharshi explains that unconditional surrender means total letting go, making Self-Realization inevitable, beyond thoughts, conditions, or expectations.
Ramana Maharshi explains that renunciation burns tendencies, leading to effortless stillness and ultimate merging of the mind into the Heart.
Ramana Maharshi explains that God is real only while ego exists; the Jnani rests as the Self, acting spontaneously, free.
Ramana Maharshi explains that you are pure awareness, not the body. The world is a mental projection of the Self.
Ramana Maharshi guides a seeker troubled by sex, guilt, and sin to overcome ego through the ‘Who am I?’ inquiry.
Recognise that all ideas of ego and identity are unreal, and by seeing this clearly, only the true Self remains.
The ego is like a goat caught in the tiger’s jaws of Grace, and no matter how long it struggles, its end — total annihilation — is certain.
Samadhi is the natural state where ego, thoughts, and effort dissolve, leaving only pure Being — the Self — revealed.
Realisation occurs when one surrenders completely, lets go of ego, embraces silence, and abides as the timeless, changeless Self.
Chadwick recounts a miracle New York visit, illustrating Grace beyond space, attachment, and the inward path to formlessness.
Ramana Maharshi teaches that regardless of destiny, ego’s illusions must be dissolved inwardly for true Self-Realization and freedom.
Ramana Maharshi explains that regardless of thoughts about the body, one must abide as the Self, allowing life to flow spontaneously.
The “I”-sense is not even remotely connected to anything physical. Being of the nature of consciousness, it emanates from the Self only.
Krishnamurti dissolves the Order of the Star, affirming truth is pathless and self‑discovered, beyond organizations, leaders, or authority.
Life does not question its own purpose. It has no questions to ask. It has no complaint to raise. It has no grudge to bear.
Ramana Maharshi explains that Guru’s Grace burns ego and mental habits, allowing total surrender and spontaneous Self-Realization to arise.
Through playful enquiry and timeless teaching, Ramana Maharshi guides a seeker from ego and fear to the Self’s silence.
Ramana Maharshi guides Chadwick and seekers to practice vichara, deep self-enquiry, until ego dissolves and the Self shines forth.
Meditation means sticking to one thought to the exclusion of every other. One particular thought keeps away all others.
Ramana Maharshi exposes the ego’s illusion, guiding seekers to drop belief in the personal self and rest as timeless Being.
Summa Iru means resting quietly, free from thought and activity, allowing the mind to dissolve and reveal natural peace.
Root out ego directly, persevere endlessly despite obstacles, and realise you never left the summit of pure Being.
Bhagavan warns that mistaking emptiness for Jnana is a deadly trap, delaying true realization and making recovery a challenging path.
Realization is simply BEing as you ARE. Through persistent vichara, Grace shines forth until seeker and seeking both dissolve.
The Jnani’s silent presence works like a magnetic force, effortlessly turning ripe minds inward, leading to natural, thought-free peace.
Sabotage ends when we discard the ‘I’ that strives for Realisation, resting in pure Subjective Consciousness, free from identification.
Correct vichara is confirmed when Aham Sphurana shines forth spontaneously, unmistakably felt as direct experience of the Self.
Sex offers a taste of no-mind bliss, creating addiction as the ego craves this momentary experience of pure Being.
Only the complete, motiveless cessation of mental activity reveals the Self, showing the personal ‘I’ never truly existed.
Jnana is Bhakti: Pure, uncaused Love. Not practised, but revealed when thoughts dissolve, merging seeker and Love as One.
Aham Sphurana is a beacon leading to Sahaja, but only when left undisturbed and ego-free, allowing spontaneous abidance.
Aham Sphurana
A Glimpse of Self Realisation
New Book about Sri Ramana Maharshi
On www.openskypress.com and Amazon:
“In my opinion, Aham Sphurana, a Glimpse of Self Realisation, will become a Treasure Trove of Wisdom to the Seekers of Truth in general, and particularly to the devotees of Bhagavan.”
Swami Hamsananda – Athithi Ashram, Tiruvannamalai
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John David International
Satsang Office
Email: office@johndavidsatsang.international
Tel.: +49 (0)2173 4099204
Mobil & Whatsapp:
+49 (0)178 2890814 (Indira)
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