A Personal Religion of Your Own

by Ramesh S. Balsekar

Remain relaxed in Consciousness. In any situation, do whatever you feel you should do without any regrets about the past, without any complaints in the present, without any expectations for the future, and, importantly, without blaming and condemning anyone for anything -- neither yourself nor the other . This will enable you to live your life, constantly connected to the Source, and will give you happiness through peace of SUKHA-SHANTI. This will be your personal Sukha-Shanti.

83 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2013

About the author

Ramesh S. Balsekar was a disciple of the late Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, a renowned Advaita master. From early childhood, Balsekar was drawn to Advaita, a nondual teaching, particularly the teachings of Ramana Maharshi and Wei Wu Wei. He wrote more than 20 books, was president of the Bank of India, and received guests daily in his home in Mumbai until shortly before his death.

Balsekar taught from the tradition of Advaita Vedanta nondualism. His teaching begins with the idea of an ultimate Source, Brahman, from which creation arises. Once creation has arisen, the world and life operate mechanistically according to both Divine and natural laws. While people believe that they are actually doing things and making choices, free will is in fact an illusion. All that happens is caused by this one source, and the actual identity of this source is pure Consciousness, which is incapable of choosing or doing.

Reviews

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating interview with Balsekar, a Indian man who was born in 1917, studied economics in London and went on to became the president of the Bank of India. He followed the teachings of Maharshi (which I came across recently) and practised asana when he was younger. His teachings are hard to get a full grip on but are so comforting in a way and his theme is a direct follow on from something I realised myself this year: that life is best when just taking a step back and watching it unfold (my “realisation”) - Balsekar states more strongly that “you are not the doer” (and life happens through you) as all our thoughts are a result of genetics and conditioning over which we had and have no control, and actions result from thoughts. Steven Hawkins also stated we had no free will, stating not God as the source (like in Balsekar’s teaching) but the laws of physics are controlling life. Sounds like one and the same.
I will reread this again next year and see how it feels!

[Dmitry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear pointer, one of the best Rameshs books

I like that the book is short yet it has all the points clearly explained. These books are a diamond

[Sudarshan Bindal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The teachings of my great master, in a nutshell!!!

[James Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of wisdom here

Maybe this book is not for the layman, as it is difficult to understand at points. However, it is difficult only because it is complex. If one spends the necessary time with the text, all the points are clearly understood. This, along with Confusion No More, have influenced my life incredibly.