Ann Shaw's search began in the late 1960's and has continued throughout her life. At university in the UK, she studied Theology, Philosophy and Comparative Religion, Sanskrit, and specialized in Indian Philosophy and Religion. Over the decades, she practised meditation, Self-enquiry, contemplation and went on solitary retreats. She immersed herself in a wide variety of spiritual literature from east and west. This included the mystics, teachers and masters such as St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, S�ren Kierkegaard, Patanjali, Ramana Maharshi, Paramahansa Yogananda, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Joel Goldsmith, Lao Tzu and Taoism, Rumi and Sufism, D. T. Suzuki and Zen, et al. Further on down the 'illusory' road, the teachings of Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj brought the search to an end. When she eventually visited Nisargadatta's disciple, Shri Ramakant Maharaj, she knew for certain, that she had reached the destination! A background in publishing and writing in various genres also prepared her for the task of compiling Selfless Self. The 'Spontaneous Direct Knowledge' flowing from Shri Ramakant Maharaj coupled with diligence and understanding on the part of the editor, have together produced a power-packed, spiritual classic. In her own words: "I was completely absorbed in the unfolding of this book and was guided throughout by both the living Master, Shri Ramakant Maharaj, and by (my) Inner Master - 'Selfless Self'. "This is an instruction manual through which the Master guides, pushes, and draws the reader towards Spontaneous Self-Realization. Selfless Self: Talks with Shri Ramakant Maharaj is the highest knowledge delivered in plain, simple language. These pragmatic teachings are aided by a methodical presentation to enable the fullest absorption of Ultimate Truth". Shri Ramakant Maharaj (b. 08 July 1941), is a direct disciple of the late Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj (d. 08 September 1981), and spent 19 years with him. He is an Indian spiritual teacher of Advaita, Nonduality, and a Guru, belonging to the Inchegiri branch of the Navnath Sampradaya. He offers initiation to this Sampradaya. Ramakant Sawant was brought up in rural Phondaghat, Gadgesakhal Wadi. In 1965, he attended the prestigious establishment of Elphinstone College, Bombay, at the behest of Nisargadatta Maharaj. Following this, he graduated from Bombay University in 1972, (M.A in History and Politics). In 1976, he obtained his LLB qualification, from Siddhartha Law College, Bombay. He worked in banking, in the Legal Department, from 1970 until his retirement as Manager in 2000. He is married to Anvita Sawant, also a long-standing disciple of Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj. They have two sons. In 1962, Ramakant Maharaj was introduced by relatives to his future Guru, Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj. After spending a few months with the Master, he took the Naam Mantra, the Guru Mantra on 2nd October, 1962. From then on he attended faithfully, and listened to Nisargadatta Maharaj's discourses regularly. He was present at his Master's Mahasamadhi on 8th September 1981. During the last decade or so, at Ranjit Ashram in Nashik Road, (Nashik, Maharashtra), Shri Ramakant Maharaj has been introducing students, disciples and devotees from around the world to these teachings and, on occasion, initiating them into the Inchegiri Navnath Sampradaya Lineage. About his life, Maharaj says, "I know my past and where I have come from. I am a miracle. All thanks to my Master, Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj".
Alan Jacobs, President Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: "Ann Shaw has done truly remarkable work in editing this great spiritually encyclopaedic work recording the Teachings of the Self Realised Sage and Jnani, Sri Ramakant Maharaj, successor to the esteemed Jnani Nisargadatta Maharaj. In 402 pages, Sri Ramakant explores every aspect of the necessary Spiritual Practices or Sadhanas, which are needed for the ardent aspirant to achieve Self Realisation. In this important book questions are put to the Sage and then lucid answers are given which are precisely appropriate to the question. In this book the earnest aspirant will surely find the question and answer appropriate to his or her need. In reading the whole book he or she will find all that is essential for him or her to form their own synthesis, and proceed on their great journey towards Enlightenment. This is truly a great book and a worthy successor to the much celebrated 'I AM THAT', Talks given by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sri Ramakant's own Master." John Wheeler, Author and Teacher of Non-Duality, California: "Everything is there for Self-Realization. The content is pure gold." Ricky James, Manager, Watkins Books, London: "'Selfless Self' will - without doubt - become a 'Direct Way' classic. If you have a copy of 'I Am That' by Nisargadatta Maharaj on your shelf then this more than deserves a place next to it. The author (Shri Ramakant Maharaj), spent 19 years in 'physical proximity' with his Guru and these talks have not been filtered through a translator as they were spoken in English. Written by Selfless Self for Selfless Self. Page after page, this book hits you straight between the eyes." Timothy Conway, Author and Teacher of 'Advaita spirituality', California: "A beautiful book emerging within the Divine Dream."
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