The Maharshi and His Message

by Paul Brunton

This is the fourth revised edition of Conscious Immortality first published in 1983. It is a record of conversations and observations made by Paul Brunton and Munagala S. Venkataramiah, the compiler of Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi during the second half of the 1930s. Just over half the record in Conscious Immortality can also be found in Talks.Since Brunton’s notebook is a historical document, the ashram has reprinted the notebook adhering as closely as possible to its original format and style. The editing has been minimal. There is a wealth of instruction in the notebook and the devotees can gain immeasurably from this new edition.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, India

Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Paul Brunton was a British philosopher, researcher, mystic, and adventurer. He left a journalistic career to live among yogis, mystics, and holy men, and studied a wide variety of Eastern and Western esoteric teachings. With his entire life dedicated to the spiritual quest, Brunton felt charged with the task of communicating his knowledge and experiences in layperson's terms. He was one of the first persons to write accounts of what he learned about spirituality in the East, and his works have had a major influence on the spread of Eastern philosophy and mysticism to the West. Paul Brunton continued to write after his final publication in 1952, and a significant portion of his large archive of original writings was posthumously published by Larson Publications as "The Notebooks of Paul Brunton" (in 16 volumes). The entire archive will soon be housed at a university (2017) and available to read online (2019).

Reviews

[Felipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest dialogues I have ever read between a sage and a devotee. You have to see it for yourself. Enough said.

[Vignesh Narayanan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ramana wants to be inclusive and secular but ends up contradicting his own statements at many parts. Socially irresponsible. Subtle religious dogmatism with plenty of references to Gita, Krishna and Shiva. Beating around the bush about realizing the self, but it's pretty much detachment and renunciation of wordly pleasure. Slightly dangerous texts by the way it tries to keep the people in the dark by guiding them not to the path of knowledge, nor critical thinking, nor problem solving but to ignore and succum to the societal conditions without challenging it in any way. Complete opposite philosophy to what I believe and how I lead my life. Vivekananda - a better spiritual philosopher any day.

[Adrian Stratulat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually, at least in spirituality, it is hard to have a book induce you certain feelings that are only associated with the practicing of meditation techniques. But Ramana Maharshi's writing manages to do just so - it gives you glimpses of the "mental" states (they are not really mental, but direct perceptions of the Being) one can experience through practice and meditation.

[Priyanka yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful books I've read so far. While you are reading, it's like you are meditating and after you finish, the book leaves you in a trance. For anyone ready for the quest, a great book to start it with! Highly recommend it.

[Ambarish Nath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for spiritual seekers.

Very useful for spiritual seekers. Teachings of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi direct from the Maharshi. One feels that one can hear the great Master communicating.

[Soosaiya Anthreas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Brunton is advanced soul

This book summarised beautifully the teachings of Ramana Mahashri who also tells that Paul Brunton is an advanced soul and who approved P.B 's writing in two books: Secret Path and A Search in Secret India. Self-enquiry is stated to be more direct method to realise Self than other methods ( yoga or meditation). Jesus's word "Kingdom of Heaven is within You" means "Self-knowledge", says Ramana Mahashri.

[Alok · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for spiritual seekers. Ramana Maharishi answers questions related with the path of meditation which arise in the minds of seekers. This book would help you more if you are walking on the path of self-enquiry as taught by Ramana Maharishi, but it's also helpful if you are using some other meditation technique.

[Ganesh D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Read and insights for seekers

Covers some great questions that many spiritual seekers have. Sri Bhagavan’s put the focus right back on the Self and guidance in clearing the doubts.

[Clarence Waldemar Heinrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of the books I could find in English about Ramana Maharishi. This book has lots of interesting and enlightening information from Paul Brunton's notebook that didn't make it into his or any other books that I have read about Ramana.

[Swami Arunachalananda Puri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the material in the text is similar to 'Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi'. Some points in conversations which are not in 'Talks', are interesting.

[Hari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words of a realized spirit. You have to read it to Know. Its resonance cannot be overstated. I'm recommending myself to revisit the book as much as possible.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Conscious Immortality is the study of the non-dual wisdom of Ramana Maharashi. The book is divided into 21 interesting chapters in a question and answer format. The primary theme of the book is Ramana's "Self Enquiry Method" of self realization through the query "Who am I". This method is purported to be the quickest and most direct method of self realization. The greatest obstacle in this process is our own mind and ego which constantly focuses outward on external things rather than our inner consciousness. According to Ramana, the soul, mind, and ego are mere words and are not true entities of any kind. The only truth is "Consciousness" which has been our eternal birth right. The difficulty with this analysis is that "Self" and "God" are considered synonymous with one another and our real identity is considered "One" with the "Absolute". According to this non-dual philosophy, we are the infinite consciousness of "God". Other terms used are the "Self", "Absolute"; however, on a finite level, we share the ego, mind or individual consciousness of man. The book does not go into any depth the subject of creativity and does not explain how and why man does not know his true identity. "Conscious Immortality" is a provocative but very difficult book to rectify with some peoples' established beliefs especially if one comes from a Judaic Christian background. How we come to terms that we are the "Absolute" or "Self" is a difficult if not impossible concept to incorporate into one's belief system. When the relative part of ourselves engage in prayer, are we really praying to our higher "Selves"? Notwithstanding these challenges, this book is thought provoking and I would highly recommend it.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful.

When I finished reading it, I looked for awhile at the photo of the Maharshi in the front and felt like I got darshan. : )

I bet the rest of Paul Brunton's book is quite interesting as well. Good writing.

[chaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read and re-read is meditation by itself

[agnostic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excerpts from A Search in Secret India that relate to Ramana Maharshi. Worth reading for sure if you are interested in him.