No mind, I am the self: The lives and teachings of Sri Lakshmana Swamy and Mathru Sri Sarada Paperback – January 1, 1986

David Godman's work provides intimate glimpses of the lives of two contemporary saints in the Ramana Maharshi tradition who are virtually unknown in the West. His work is always thorough yet accesible, well-written and beyond cant; his intervews are of the same high quality. It is always a pleasure to read anything David Godman has to say.

I you are a spiritual person or Hindu, this book explains everything you heard about but never understood before.I will read this book again and use it as a reference, forever.

Had to wait a while, but great price for this book.

Great product, reliable seller

This is a revised review as I received a comment that made me take another look at this book. These are realized sages, certainly Swamy, and if he vouched for Saradamma, she must be as well. I can relate to Swamy's private nature, and to some extent, Saradamma's playfulness. Some highlights of this book include Bhagavan's interactions with Swamy; enlightened sages just act like normal people around each other -- that is a beautiful message. This is a great account of how the bhakti path can ultimately lead to Realization, in Saradamma's case. There are a few issues that may seem that these sages are saying things at odds with Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. If you find this is so, I would suggest to just go straight to Bhagavan. But, I think given a closer look, they are really not saying something entirely different, but rather expressing things in a different way (which is the point -- enlightened teachers speak differently about their direct experience; I think that ultimately is for the benefit of seekers of different temperaments, so that is all good). Regarding the absolute necessity of having a living guru, if you read closer there is some wiggle room there, but generally and practically speaking, this is what they have found (and Bhagavan would typically agree). Regarding Saradamma's unusual behavior and playfulness early in her teaching career after her realization, I think this is fun. It is good to have jnanis who challenge our assumptions. If anything is unclear in this book, read Bhagavan who will likely clarify it for you. Also, they say that a jnani must have a body to help devotees; I think many people would disagree with this particular point, but perhaps it is practical, I don't know. Maharshi, on his deathbed, stated, "Where can I go? I am here." So, Bhagavan is certainly available to us, as the Self, which is ever-present. It made it seem that consciousness is dependent on a body, rather than that a body is dependent on Consciousness (though I do not believe that was their intention). It seemed a bit like if a jnani is dead (ie, his body), he or she is dead -- get over it and get a new (living) guru. That may be an unhelpful message for some people, not the least because I saw Godman on YouTube (Buddha at the Gas Pump interview) state that he is not even aware of a current living guru who would meet his (high, for most of us, though I agree with him typically) standards for a guru -- a Self-realized sage who permanently abides as the Self and has the power to transmit that Power to devotees. Another point is that Swamy and Saradamma state that a Guru's love is dependent on the love a devotee has for him or her -- the more surrendered and devoted to him or her, the more grace you will receive. This may seem like the guru is withholding love or grace from some devotees and giving it to others. First of all, this sounds like the Guru has a choice, which is not so. His or Her love flows naturally and at all times, as this love is the Self. So, again, if you look closely, this is not really what they are saying (though at times, it really does sound like Saradamma is, perhaps because of her bhakti background). Really, what they are saying is that devotees are able to receive that ever-flowing love to the degree to which they are surrendered or devoted -- the Grace is ever-present and does not vary (they do say this as well), but for a devotee to receive it, it is up to them, basically is what they are saying. There are a few other points that may stick out -- but I think that can be, mostly, smoothed over with a proper understanding or a closer look. As always, go back to the Maharshi if you have any questions, as he is the real source of all of this wisdom; that is, he is the Self, without question. He will clear your doubts if they persist. Thank you.

“NO MIND, I AM THE SELF” is an amazing book about the lives and teaching of two Jnanis. It is the product of a collaboration with David Godman and the Jnanis themselves!The book is well written and organized. I have read and referenced it many times. It provides invaluable guidance for the sincere seeker. The auto/biographical sections of the book were gleaned from multiple perspectives, providing an intimate look into the Jnanis’ lives.On a side note, Mr. Godman has had substantial direct contact with many of the Jnanis living in his time and the people in their orbit. In addition to writing several amazing books and articles, Mr. Godman spent many years as the librarian at the ashram where Ramana Maharshi lived. I have read several of his other writings and highly recommend them. I consider David to be THE authority and first stop when exploring the lives and teachings of Jnanis.

This man says in this book that one MUST have a LIVING GURU.....This is in DIRECT CONTRADICTION to Bhagavan and Ancient Scripture....Dattatreya had 24 Gurus that he described, including a Prostitute.....Read about it....According to Bhagavan Ramana,, " The House of MOKSHA in NOT ANYWHERE OUTSIDE.....It is within everyone.....Whoever has a strong desire to attain moksha is being pulled by the Guru who is within....The Guru who is on the outside raises his hand and pushes him inwards.....This does not necessarily mean one must HAVE a living guru or else there can be no liberation....NONSENSE....I humbly advise people to read these accounts with caution and their experience is NOT necessarily the end all of each and everyone striving on this planet even though they say things that make it sound that way....In my humble opinion, this man is strange especially this weird relationship with one GIRL all these years, being so reclusive....Only giving Darshan maybe once a year???? Just strange and attention seeking behavior if you asked me....Nisargadatta was open to all, smoked, was REAL, and did not care what people though about his outward life........Just shows a different perspective that people should take into consideration...