Author: Andrew Taggart
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Atma-vichara Vs. Other Sadhanas
Ramana Maharshi is making some bold yet also reasonable claims. The first is that Self-inquiry (atma-vichara) is the most direct means to Self-realization. The second is that, unlike other spiritual practices (sadhanas), it provides us with “the only raft” (Be As You Are, p. 55, my italics). Let’s see whether we can make sense of…
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When All Samskaras Have Been Given Up…
In Be as You Are: The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, Ramana Maharshi states, “[W]e have simply to throw out all the age-long samskaras [innate tendencies] which are inside us. When all of them have been given up, the Self will shine alone” (p. 15). A samskara is an ego-self tendency. Any form of reactivity (for instance, anger or…
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Theism And Panentheism
A couple of days ago, I went to my book shelf to see what I might like to read next. I grabbed The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as well as an unassuming book entitled The English Mystical Tradition by David Knowles, a Benedictine monk, Catholic priest, and historian until his death in 1974. I remember…
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The Poignancy Of Barrenness And Death
I didn’t see them and something felt deeply, unmistakably wrong. Two nights ago, while on a walking meditation in the backyard, Alexandra and I stopped to remark upon what appeared to be the flapping of a small wing. Alexandra also swears that she recalls hearing squawking or squeaking. Maybe we also imagined a small mouth…
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Ayam Atma Brahma
To be sure, The Upanishads, shimmering in beauty and draped in mystery, are known for their arresting formula, but the muscular directness gives to this one the feel of the highest koan: “ayam atma brahma.” That is, “The Self is Brahman.” I suggest that this formula has “the feel of the highest koan” just because…
Andrew Taggart, Ph.D. 