Sources, origins and references

skandashram-arunachala-web

Original Teachers

Jnana yoga is the original timeless practice of spiritual knowledge rooted in the Upanishads. This is the source of vedanta, further extended and drawn out through the additional texts of vedanta philosophy and practice sustaining a monastic tradition and lineage that has been in place for millennia. These profound reality teachings have in modern times been refreshed and restated through the prominent influence of Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj who are both well known to todays seekers. This can be seen as a popular renaissance of ancient teaching in modern times.

Living in South India at the same time these two remarkable teachers never met but they have left a potent legacy which thrives today and which can be built upon by modern practitioners who are drawn to this unique spiritual current. Both men have different individual stories, both were radically different in their human characteristics and approach, for much of his life Ramana hardly spoke whilst Nisargadatta didn’t stop speaking!

During his lifetime a large ashram and following built itself around Ramana who became very well known whereas Nisargadatta’s situation was more humble and understated. None the less the core which expresses through their different styles but consistent teachings is common, is timeless and is the very essence of the poem of the ages.The teaching of Vedanta and the Atma Vichara practice which YogaLiving models and promotes can only exist through the power and influence of Ramana alongside the commentary and contribution of Nisargadatta’s interpretation. Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi is acknowledged here as the root of the awakening that has taken place and all the subsequent expression that flows from it. The following links point those interested to further information and suggest key books that can be studied

ramana-maharshi-01_small

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi 1879-1950

The Ramana Maharshi ashram website

The associated reference website

Suggested reading

The collected works of Sri Ramana Maharshi ISBN 81-88018-06-6

Be as you are by David Godman ISBN 0140190627

nisagadartta_small

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj 1897-1981

Suggested reading

I am That ISBN 0893860220

Numerous other sites on yoga, Vedanta and associated subjects can easily be found by searching the internet. However too much surfing can confuse and bewilder. One hour of practice is worth 1000 hours of study and theory. One hour of satsang is worth 100 years of avoidance. The two teachers highlighted above are solid and sound original sources. YogaLiving does not deviate from that which inspired them and that which continues to inspire us.

YogaLiving Resources

balls monty!