Out of the dark almost unknowable history of man, somewhere in India, a long, long time ago came the old Indian religious texts. They are older than any other books on this earth. And they are still as relevant as ever.

Why is this? It’s because passed down through the millennia came the nondual tradition, which is also known as the ancient Indian Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Somehow this rare corner of Indian thought survived the arguments of the Hindu dvaitists and in the 20th century, was revived with a fury by the most remarkable sage of recent memory: Ramana Maharshi. He was no preacher. Everyone merely found their way to him, drawn in by his love and perfect peace.

Because of the fact that he lived only less than a century ago, we have video and pictures and recordings of his words. He didn’t speak for a long time but eventually graced his devotees by answering their spiritual questions of him. And since then, the Advaita Vedanta has seen somewhat of a resurgence and passage on into the West.

photo credit: wmaehr