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The Ribhu Gita
Is there a book while reading which, the reader feels increasingly drawn towards his own Self even if it is very first spiritual book that he reads? The book which now you are holding in your hand is certainly one such.
- GenresSpirituality
738 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 3, 2026
I just finished the unabridged Ribu Gita.
Some of this review is recycled from my earlier review of the abridged Essence of Ribhu Gita text (with some new additions and modifications).
The Ribhu Gita is a core Advaita text, often referenced by teachers like Ramana Maharshi). The Ribu Gita is part of the Sivarahasya Purana.
Roughly translated this equates to: (1) Shiva (Śiva) as in the Hindu the deity Shiva; (2) Rahasya (रहस्य);“secret,” “mystery,” or “esoteric teaching”; (3) Purana (पुराण); “ancient narrative,” “sacred lore,” or “mythic history”.
Or the ‘sacred esoteric teachings and lore of Lord Shiva’ and his devotees.’
Something like that.
Anyway.
The Ribhu Gita is a compilation of other older, shorter texts. Most scholars date the compilation (in its current form) at around:10th to 14th century CE
The full text is a comprised of 1,924 verses, which total to around 350pp (depending on the translation).
The text is a translation of verses e.g. mantras, and slokas (metrical verse, usually in Sanskrit, used to convey teachings, stories, or philosophical ideas) that are part of an oral tradition (or more specifically, an orally transmitted spiritual practice), which are intended to be recited and heard, not read. As such, they are very repetitive (as are almost all sacred texts from this time and tradition). Similarly to how contemporary music lyrics seem oddly repetitive when read (as opposed to heard in context).
Given that.
If the reader is (a) an experienced practitioner, or (b) at minimum aware of the historical and cultural context.
The reading of the text (including the repetition and the iterative formalism) can function as a spiritual practice, in that it can kind of exhaust your linear logical thinking process, and elicit an experiential transmission of the deeper wisdom contained in the DNA of the text.
NETI-NETI
Neti Neti (Sanskrit: नेति नेति) is a method of inquiry that is central to Advita.
It’s a method of negation used to discover what you truly are—not by defining it, but by eliminating everything you are not.
You systematically observe and discard identification with: The body → “I am not this”; Thoughts → “Not this”; Emotions → “Not this”; Roles, identity, memory → “Not this”.
What remains is not a self “object” but rather a deeply experienced pure beingawareness referred to in the Vedic traditions as Brahman or the capital S “Self” (the authentic seat of being that is already always prior to egoic identity).
The Ribu Gita enacts Neto-Neti as a practice of constant/comprehensive negation - via negativa (“not this, not this”) and affirmation (“I am That”) to dissolve conceptual thinking and stabilize non-dual recognition. As such, reading/encountering the full text is more of a contemplative practice/process, that an intellectual experience/exercise.
In (very brief) summary.
The Ribu Gita can be distilled into a radically simple, uncompromising non-dual teaching: There is only the Self—formless, infinite awareness—and you are That.
To reiterate, by Self, they do not mean what we conventionally mean by “self”.
In this instance, Self/Brahman refers to what Buddhist would call “no self.”
And by “you” they don’t mean that you that you conventionally experience.
That you that you ordinarily call you (and me too), the ego (or I thought, or Aham Kara in Advia speak), doesn’t get enlightened.
What they mean by Self is the sense of being that always already is, prior to, during and after any and all thoughts, feelings and sensations.
Non-dual awareness.
Consciousness.
Turia (in Advia language).
Bodi Chita (in some Buddhist traditions).
And “you” are “that”
IMPORTANTLY:
Given that non-dual awareness is always already is, prior to, during and after any and all thoughts, feelings and sensations.
You can’t “seek” it without losing it.
It is not an it.
It is who you always already are.
It’s what you always already have.
As such.
The search IS the suffering.
In the words of Peter Crone (who I know literally nothing about, except for the fact that he’s extremely telegenic, and quotable af).
“The essence of where we’re looking from, is what we’re looking for.”
From my perspective, when it comes to summarizing the Ribu Gita (and all Advita texts and teachings) this is as succinct as it gets.
We can never “find” what we’re ultimately looking for, because it’s the essence of where we’re looking “from”.
Like looking for a mask you’re wearing.
Awakening to non-dual awareness is not about seeking.
It’s about ceasing, and seeing through the weave of the thick tapestry of mind generated content (Chita Vritti), such that the illusion of ego identity is fundamentally and enduringly dissolute.
CORE INSIGHTS OF THE RIBU GITA:
Only pure consciousness (Brahman/ the Self) is real: Everything else—world, body, mind, individuality—is an appearance within it.
You are always/already the absolute:
There is no separate “person” who becomes enlightened.
You are, and have always been, thformless, infinite awareness.
The world is not ultimately real: All phenomena (thoughts, objects, time, causation) are appearances—like a dream. They have no independent existence apart from consciousness.
The mind IS the illusion: Identification with the body-mind produces the illusion of separation. When this identification dissolves, only the Self remains.
No practice is ultimately required:
From the highest standpoint, there is nothing to do, attain, or change.
Practice exists only within the illusion—truth is ever-present.
Abide as “I am Brahman”: The text repeatedly instructs the seeker to affirm and recognize: “I am the Absolute, I am pure awareness”.
Liberation is recognizing what already is: Realization is not a transformation, but a recognition—a shift from misidentification to clarity.
5/5 Starts ⭐️
Some of this review is recycled from my earlier review of the abridged Essence of Ribhu Gita text (with some new additions and modifications).
The Ribhu Gita is a core Advaita text, often referenced by teachers like Ramana Maharshi). The Ribu Gita is part of the Sivarahasya Purana.
Roughly translated this equates to: (1) Shiva (Śiva) as in the Hindu the deity Shiva; (2) Rahasya (रहस्य);“secret,” “mystery,” or “esoteric teaching”; (3) Purana (पुराण); “ancient narrative,” “sacred lore,” or “mythic history”.
Or the ‘sacred esoteric teachings and lore of Lord Shiva’ and his devotees.’
Something like that.
Anyway.
The Ribhu Gita is a compilation of other older, shorter texts. Most scholars date the compilation (in its current form) at around:10th to 14th century CE
The full text is a comprised of 1,924 verses, which total to around 350pp (depending on the translation).
The text is a translation of verses e.g. mantras, and slokas (metrical verse, usually in Sanskrit, used to convey teachings, stories, or philosophical ideas) that are part of an oral tradition (or more specifically, an orally transmitted spiritual practice), which are intended to be recited and heard, not read. As such, they are very repetitive (as are almost all sacred texts from this time and tradition). Similarly to how contemporary music lyrics seem oddly repetitive when read (as opposed to heard in context).
Given that.
If the reader is (a) an experienced practitioner, or (b) at minimum aware of the historical and cultural context.
The reading of the text (including the repetition and the iterative formalism) can function as a spiritual practice, in that it can kind of exhaust your linear logical thinking process, and elicit an experiential transmission of the deeper wisdom contained in the DNA of the text.
NETI-NETI
Neti Neti (Sanskrit: नेति नेति) is a method of inquiry that is central to Advita.
It’s a method of negation used to discover what you truly are—not by defining it, but by eliminating everything you are not.
You systematically observe and discard identification with: The body → “I am not this”; Thoughts → “Not this”; Emotions → “Not this”; Roles, identity, memory → “Not this”.
What remains is not a self “object” but rather a deeply experienced pure beingawareness referred to in the Vedic traditions as Brahman or the capital S “Self” (the authentic seat of being that is already always prior to egoic identity).
The Ribu Gita enacts Neto-Neti as a practice of constant/comprehensive negation - via negativa (“not this, not this”) and affirmation (“I am That”) to dissolve conceptual thinking and stabilize non-dual recognition. As such, reading/encountering the full text is more of a contemplative practice/process, that an intellectual experience/exercise.
In (very brief) summary.
The Ribu Gita can be distilled into a radically simple, uncompromising non-dual teaching: There is only the Self—formless, infinite awareness—and you are That.
To reiterate, by Self, they do not mean what we conventionally mean by “self”.
In this instance, Self/Brahman refers to what Buddhist would call “no self.”
And by “you” they don’t mean that you that you conventionally experience.
That you that you ordinarily call you (and me too), the ego (or I thought, or Aham Kara in Advia speak), doesn’t get enlightened.
What they mean by Self is the sense of being that always already is, prior to, during and after any and all thoughts, feelings and sensations.
Non-dual awareness.
Consciousness.
Turia (in Advia language).
Bodi Chita (in some Buddhist traditions).
And “you” are “that”
IMPORTANTLY:
Given that non-dual awareness is always already is, prior to, during and after any and all thoughts, feelings and sensations.
You can’t “seek” it without losing it.
It is not an it.
It is who you always already are.
It’s what you always already have.
As such.
The search IS the suffering.
In the words of Peter Crone (who I know literally nothing about, except for the fact that he’s extremely telegenic, and quotable af).
“The essence of where we’re looking from, is what we’re looking for.”
From my perspective, when it comes to summarizing the Ribu Gita (and all Advita texts and teachings) this is as succinct as it gets.
We can never “find” what we’re ultimately looking for, because it’s the essence of where we’re looking “from”.
Like looking for a mask you’re wearing.
Awakening to non-dual awareness is not about seeking.
It’s about ceasing, and seeing through the weave of the thick tapestry of mind generated content (Chita Vritti), such that the illusion of ego identity is fundamentally and enduringly dissolute.
CORE INSIGHTS OF THE RIBU GITA:
Only pure consciousness (Brahman/ the Self) is real: Everything else—world, body, mind, individuality—is an appearance within it.
You are always/already the absolute:
There is no separate “person” who becomes enlightened.
You are, and have always been, thformless, infinite awareness.
The world is not ultimately real: All phenomena (thoughts, objects, time, causation) are appearances—like a dream. They have no independent existence apart from consciousness.
The mind IS the illusion: Identification with the body-mind produces the illusion of separation. When this identification dissolves, only the Self remains.
No practice is ultimately required:
From the highest standpoint, there is nothing to do, attain, or change.
Practice exists only within the illusion—truth is ever-present.
Abide as “I am Brahman”: The text repeatedly instructs the seeker to affirm and recognize: “I am the Absolute, I am pure awareness”.
Liberation is recognizing what already is: Realization is not a transformation, but a recognition—a shift from misidentification to clarity.
5/5 Starts ⭐️
May 17, 2023
A priceless jewel for Advaitic reflection and meditation.
Sri Ramana Maharshi held this work in high esteem. He recommended its study, even if one did not have high literary qualifications so often thought necessary for the study of the scriptures. Even if one did not understand a single word of it, he recommended studying this book. He said that it does not matter if one does not understand, still it will be of great benefit.
This book does not go into any philosophical argument. It merely makes illuminating and simple statements, leaving the seeker of truth to reflect on them.
Anyone reflecting and contemplating on the content of this book will be lifted from illusion into the blazing light of knowledge.
This book, along with Ashtavakra Gita and Avadhuta Gita of Dattatreya, are the three most precious treasures for Advaitic reflection and meditation. Daily studying of these three books will definitely produce a wonderful transformation in a seeker.
Sri Ramana Maharshi held this work in high esteem. He recommended its study, even if one did not have high literary qualifications so often thought necessary for the study of the scriptures. Even if one did not understand a single word of it, he recommended studying this book. He said that it does not matter if one does not understand, still it will be of great benefit.
This book does not go into any philosophical argument. It merely makes illuminating and simple statements, leaving the seeker of truth to reflect on them.
Anyone reflecting and contemplating on the content of this book will be lifted from illusion into the blazing light of knowledge.
This book, along with Ashtavakra Gita and Avadhuta Gita of Dattatreya, are the three most precious treasures for Advaitic reflection and meditation. Daily studying of these three books will definitely produce a wonderful transformation in a seeker.
March 29, 2026
Extremely long and repetitive. 730 pages. And Zen-like in its contradictions re: Not this, not that. "All grasping is unreal. All that is grasped is unreal." I had to keep reminding myself to read it in the mindset of praise, chanting and devotion, not wisdom-seeking, otherwise I got quite impatient with it. I read and re-read most Advaita / Vedanta / Tantric wisdom books. Not this one; once was plenty. Short version: "I am only Being, the Self, Existence-Consciousness-Bliiss alone."
June 23, 2023
Extreme Advaita filled throughout the text. It is in the company of scriptures like Ashtavakra Gita and Mandukya Karika. Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi used to ask his devotees to regularly recite the text.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews