unMind - the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi

Epizode

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  elephant's stick 03.08.2025 8min

  the monkey mind will keep doing what it does, how do we gain peace of mind then?
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  Observation :: Practice 01.09.2024 6min

  years and years of conditioning makes it hard not to give in to the incessant, unending string of thoughts. But one has to keep on trying. Be at it. Here's how to 'try'.
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  Flight from the shadow 03.05.2024 1min

  Stay.
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  Reading from The Ramayana - Guha's story 30.01.2024 19min

  Guha, the forest king, narrates the story of his obsession with kicking Shiva's statue. This is a wonderful lesson on the power of constant, obstinate seeking.
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  The beauty of Lord Rama Pt 1 21.01.2024 14min

  Ramayana is by far my favorite story of all time and a story that has touched me like no other. Lord Rama's forbearance and selflessness in spite of severe travails and suffering is impossible to emulate but an inspiration that has touched the hearts of millions. I'd like to talk a little about this story, his character and his life in the coming episodes.
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  The sound of ONE hand clapping pt2 21.12.2023 5min

  So here's the answer you were not looking for
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  The sound of ONE hand clapping part 1 07.12.2023 4min

  Zen koans are magic. We begin with one that's commonly known - the sound of one hand clapping. Let's figure this one out together.
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  Reading from the Gita - Chapter 2: The Yoga of Knowledge 13.05.2023 34min

  I read from the Bhagavad Gita (the Song of God). I digress too, there is some Kipling and a seminal punk band called Television.
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  Seeker, beware: A word of warning 30.01.2022 7min

  When you know, then you don't. Be wary of the thought that you know the truth and all the other thoughts that are birthed when this thought gets firmly set.
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  The empty boat - readings from The Way of Chuang Tzu 12.12.2021 21min

  Who can free himself from achievement, And from fame, descend and be lost, Amid the masses of men? He will flow like Tao, unseen. ~ Chuang Tzu (The Empty ⛵)
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  Readings from The Way of Chuang Tzu (part 1) 06.11.2021 14min

  Chuang Tzu, a Taoist monk, lived in ancient China about 2500 years ago. His teachings are funny, insightful and potent. I would like to read and comment on a few of his writings in the coming episodes starting with this one.
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  Heart Sutra (beyond wisdom to truth aka the perfection of wisdom) - a reading and commentary 19.05.2021 29min

  The Heart Sutra is one of the most popular Buddhist sutras. It is short, just 250 words or so, but supremely potent. Even one reading of this classic can empty your mind of all its 'wisdom' and reveal the truth in a flash. In this episode I read the sutra and also comment at a few places. I recommend you read and re-read it everyday. Here's a link to an accessible translation -https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/heartsutra.html
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  Faith Mind Sutra - a reading 14.05.2021 42min

  Today, I read the Faith Mind Sutra (from here - http://www.mendosa.com/way.html). Written by Seng-ts'an, Third Chinese Patriarch, this is a seminal and powerful introduction to non-duality that demystifies The Way and makes it accessible for all.
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  Hold no opinions 09.05.2021 13min

  The mind's preferences and opinions are the key reason it is difficult to turn it inward. Watch out for this pattern and you'll find yourself more at peace. I read excerpts (relevant to this mind pattern) from the Tao Te Ching and the Faith Mind Sutra (both these texts are highly recommended for students of non-duality).
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  Finding the Way (to 😊) 01.05.2021 18min

  What is true seeking? And how do you know if it's the right path that you're on?
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  Who am I? (a reading of Sri Ramana Maharshi's powerful teachings) 24.04.2021 47min

  In this episode, I talk about Sri Ramana Maharshi's seminal work on enlightenment and the spiritual quest. 'Who am I?' is a set of questions and answers that succinctly and beautifully surmise Maharshi's teachings. I read through the entire text (about 11 pages). It's the longest episode in this podcast. My request: just listen, don't try too hard to understand. Some things resonate with who you really are, and not necessarily with the mind. And yes, don't forget to read 'Who am I?', it's available for a free download and can also be bought (hard copy) from the Asram website.
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  Don't give up, you'll get there. 24.03.2021 14min

  Persistence with practice, patience and an intense desire for awakening are the three things needed to succeed on the spiritual path. Two Zen stories illustrate why this pursuit needs much more than just reading a few good books.
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  The mad, mad monk and the moon 22.03.2021 8min

  I found another Zen story about the Moon that I'd like to share. This one is about laughter and emptiness -- it's no coincidence that many enlightened people laugh loudly and quite often.
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  Chiyono's broken bucket reflects Maharshi's moon 21.03.2021 22min

  There are striking similarities in the teachings of Zen buddhism and the advaita teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. I found a beautiful story that talks about the practice of zazen and I was immediately struck with not only the teachings being exactly what self-enquiry is, but also the use of the metaphor (that of the moon and the bucket with its reflection in it) being exactly the same.  Talking about the moon, I found another story, about a monk Ryokan and the thief that couldn't steal the moon. This one always makes me teary eyed.
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  The Buddha state of mind 01.03.2021 9min

  Being enlightened isn't about having a superpower, it's about being at peace always. The story of Zen master Hakuin perfectly illustrates the Buddha state of mind (the enlightened state).