The Unreality of the Individual 'I'

In September 2021 I chatted with Simon Rilling, a German podcaster who hosts video interviews with various spiritual figures. Being very new to Bhagavan's teachings, he wanted clarifications on various aspects of what Sri Ramana had to say about the Self and the means by which it could be discovered.
Simon's podcast can be found here:
simonrilling.com/podcast​
His version of the conversation, with German subtitles, is available on KZbin:
• Enlightenment & Self R...
www.davidgodman.org

[@mimicnature-naturalwayoffa3972]

Anyone, How is Mr. David Godman, I do not see any newly posted videos...hope he is doing well! Thanks.

[@ENGLISHROOM022]

Just like Srirama Krishna Paramahamsa had M( Mahendra nath Gupta) to document him, Guru Ramana had opted to appoint David Godman all the way away from England ,to document him. The greatness of Godman is that though his name puns on divinity he never pretends to be any Godman , himself. But see what an extraordinary man this British interpreter of our sole sage is! How patiently, genuinely, clearly he explains the Master's teaching in absolutely human terms. Anyone else in his place would have opted to keep quiet and to himself the great treasure he had inherited from the master. But Godman Sir is never tired of communicating the message for the benefit of devotees of Bhagavan. He is the chosen one,no doubt. I personally met him a few years back at Tiruvannamalai and was quite humbled by the great interpreter's simplicity and humility. We believe that Bhagavan spoke through Kavyakanta Ganapati Muni ( as the poet himself attested) Bhagavan radiates through Godman's words. Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@sjain8111]

Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya

[@frankiboots]

Between David Godman and Michael James, the message of Bagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi is coming through clearly 🙏🙏🙏 Om namo Bhagavate sri Arunachala Ramanaya 🙏🙏🙏

[@1rocknroy]

I agree.

[@ENGLISHROOM022]

@@frankiboots certainly. I will be a stupid if I afford to forget M. James sir's name. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@ENGLISHROOM022]

@@sjain8111 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@guitarvorous]

David Godman's compilation "Be As You Are" is one of the best books on Ramana Maharshi's teaching! God bless him!

[@zarth1982]

É um livro maravilhoso!

[@drewh7797]

I'm about halfway through reading this :)

[@mortalclown3812]

It's the book that's gone further in my understanding than any other...thus far.

[@asherg8163]

Thank you - just listening to David discuss the teachings with such lucidity awakens on to a silent emanation. This must have been Ramana’s teaching as I am not connected to this path, but I return to these videos when I need to reaccess the silence. Only these videos get me there. I pray that David lives a long life. Many years ago these videos saved me when everything had left me. Salaam.

[@janny474]

I can't believe David godman is alive and I just found him 🙏

[@KDVprasad7]

I am so happy to have two posts in two days from David Godman on his own channel. I have been scourging all possible KZbin channels for his recordings. Absolute treasure trove. Please keep doing this. 🙏🙏🙏

[@lenakrupinski6303]

I will need to get this book!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏 Thank you 💙🙏💙

[@yoya4766]

@@lenakrupinski6303 that's why he's got the channel. Commercialing. The product the guru is without patent or copyright. David '''GODMAN''' is a fake.

[@Da_Xman]

Extremely sincere and intelligent interview. Simon Rilling "pitched" the perfect questions and David Godman knocked every pitch out of the ballpark, across the street and onto the rooftops of the next block...thanks LOADS! ✨👋♥️👍✨

[@Herkimerdiamond]

The book “Be as you are” is the best book I have ever read about Ramana’s teachings. Powerful book indeed. Everything well explained and beautiful resume of self inquiry 🙏 thank you David 🙏

[@zarth1982]

Gosto muito desse livro também. De todos, o melhor.

[@Nrgheal]

Wait until you read 'Guru Vachaka Kovai' (The Garland of the Guru's Sayings). It is the most authoritative collection of Ramana Maharshi's spoken teachings, having been not only approved bu Bagawan, but edited and re-written by him. It is life-changing.

[@NarenLumpkin]

Have you read ‘Guru vochaka govi?❤❤❤

[@NarenLumpkin]

I meant to write “guru vochaka govi’.❤❤❤

[@MokshagnaKanya]

According to bhagavan,how to attain moksha? In which book he told about moksha?? Plzz reply 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ozgursenturk11-11]

“Having never left the house you are looking for the way home.”😍🙏🤗 Nisargadatta Maharaj

[@garypuckettmuse]

Nisargadarra Maharaj is my beloved teacher. Do you know about the wonderful readings of his I Am That on youtube by Phil Philms? The series of excerpts with the image of Niz with the photo of Ramana behind him are fantastic. May all beings be Free.

[@ozgursenturk11-11]

@@garypuckettmuse yeah I came across with his channel and also read the book in Turkish. By the way there is no beings and if there was they would be already free❤🙏

[@garypuckettmuse]

@@ozgursenturk11-11 how literal.

[@z00mnyanavira64]

David Godman is so direct. I will watch this video again i think. Inspires. I have book of Ramana in my room. One of two books i saved after i became homeless few years past I took Ramana into my backpack and left so much behind. I was not homeless for long. yet experiencing being alone and having no home is very disturbing, even if for short time. I used to go to buddhist temple in that time. In monastery's library was Ramana's picture.

[@AtommHD]

Thank you for your devotion and work on bringing us these amazing teachings. Sri Ramana as inspired me... I Appreciate you David

[@rahuls4863]

Aum. Really grateful that someone really close to Shri. Ramana Maharshi is sharing the wisdom, concepts and knowledge to all for free. This is very valuable for many thousands of true seekers because there is no doubt of authenticity. Thank you for taking these efforts for these benefit of all of us 🙏

[@LawrenceGreco]

This is the most valuable teaching, very similar to the Anattā doctrine of the Buddha!

[@sandycarter5300]

Absolutely awesome! It wipes away all the mythologies, all cherished beliefs, all fiction, so there doesn't need to be any more doubt, confusion, or uncertainty. Because it is the unvarnished Truth, it doesn't have to pander to the fiction of individualities.

[@Kryptoz]

Thank you David for sharing and preserving your knowledge and giving us hope.

[@jele9435]

spent lot of nights listening to david ... again and again ... thank u david godman, thank u

[@vwrabbit4life]

This conversation was enlightening . pure bliss thank you guys and Sri for this transmission. It comes directly through you David. words cannot describe just thank you

[@Doors_of_janua]

Nice interview, good questions. Thank you

[@jadeglouglou]

"They will subside.... everything you think important, will not anymore.."

[@aap444]

Thanks a ton for taking David Goodman's session.

[@miroslavcaslavsky8761]

David thank you very much ♥ for subtitles in my language that you added for this video ! 🙏🙏🙏

[@aptembe]

Wow ! Superb clarity. The only video you need on the topic. Thank you David

[@torushyperbolid7968]

Very nice conversation. Thank you both.

[@user-rj8pp1qq2n]

Thank you both so much for this amazing interview! 🙏 The last part where Simón asked his personal questions also helped me a lot because they were questions that I asked myself during the interview, for which I am very grateful that you included them in this video! Thank you very much David for keeping Ramana's teachings accessible to all. Much love 💜

[@rram4772]

Te questions put by SR are very meaningful and I had similar questions. Thank you v.much Simon and thank you v.much David for the insightful answers.

[@noahachrem]

I was riding my bike the other day., and realized I was not in control of my body, everything was happening without anyone making it happen. Who you think you are as the controller of a body is an illusion. You are the awareness of the happening

[@garypuckettmuse]

Alan Watts wrote to his mother "I'm not sure if I am doing it, or if it is doing me."

[@anandanabila8439]

💚💚💚🙏

[@sandycarter5300]

The clarity is exquisite... deeply satisfying. It feels liberating when illusory, dualistic concepts ( prevalent with contemporary spiritual teachers) are cleanly wiped away. Such a relief!

[@lousialb8962]

Rupert Spira is also masterful at this

[@anamikamehta4472]

I love to know the teachings of Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharshi - A true sage of India. Bliss which he was experiencing can be clearly seen in his eyes. His teachings should be translated in all the Indian and foreign languages.

[@passionbonsai88]

Feel blessed that i found this channel 🙏

[@malaselvarajah5398]

This is such an insightful capture of Bhagawan Ramanas essential core teaching , the questions are very real and David's answers come with such clarity and understanding . Really enjoyed listening thankyou for sharing 😊 ❤🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@margott.244]

Great conversation , thank you 🙏🥰

[@sil3948]

Many thanks for this. Nice talk!

[@shirdisaibabagermany]

Thank you for this extraordinary Video.

[@shanti9040]

The Interviewer asked very good questions, very sensitive , well done... Thank You 👏✨🎆

[@riccardoc1711]

Excellent video of the Self asking the question to the Self about the Self! Eternal gratefulness Dears

[@bpotter9769]

Great interview 👍 thank you very much ✨🙏 David thank you so much for your clarity and no nonsense - to the point - explanations ! Wonderful 💫🙏👍🤗🌺

[@skyofhoney7]

Thank you. Great talk. ❤️

[@BakiSmaki27]

Excellent interview. Great questions! 🙏

[@magma9138]

Thank you! Blessings All 🙏

[@aliiscott1346]

Something to find and open to in all this information . Many thanks. It all helps.

[@luckyadeloye3452]

Thank you for this!

[@1rocknroy]

This was a good conversation. Both did a good job. Thank you.

[@georgekollad3606]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

What a great conversation

[@jonjennings13]

this is great. So clarifying

[@stone8man]

For me it was just the memory and the taste of being truly happy at times when i was a child, and linking that to Ramanas mention of the self location at the right side of the chest that got me going with self inquiry

[@Superfit01]

Thank you for this video 🙏

[@hauntedhose]

The expression on Ramana’s face in the photograph is priceless! I bet he could laugh at anything….😅 Even David talking about him 😂

[@notavailable708]

Your insights are a blessing sir 🙏🏼 Please use a better mic from next time if it’s possible. I hope this teachings are preserved and Reach many people.

[@shivsivaram9872]

Good to see you in the channel Beautiful presentation Namo Ramana🌺🙏🌹

[@dave3076]

Thank you. Here's to enlightened laughter.

[@michaelashe5265]

Great interview

[@hypeogaming8600]

David is GOLD!!

[@NarenLumpkin]

Begin with Nanyar as the question.❤❤❤

[@sandycarter5300]

Wow! It just doesn't get any better than this! This is Perfection....and the very best part is that it literally dispenses with all of the current fiction that is so popular now, in which there is an attempt to make two selves, an infinite and a finite self, the claim being that they are both somehow legitimate and necessary. The underlying belief is that a finite self definitely exists and is progressing to something.

[@martinwagner7361]

We all start from that very same underlying belief Sandy.....😉

[@lousialb8962]

Rupert Spira is clear and concise in addressing these notions and many other concepts that (seem to) veil Truth.

[@DanielSquires]

*Such a cool video!*

[@beamoflightongaia7856]

A lot of love to you

[@kcpanchasara5967]

🙏 understanding deep understanding and clarity

[@sureshmanicketh]

David Godman dedicated entire life to Ramana Maharshi. He is truly a GODMAN .

[@yoya4766]

Do me a favour. The guy is capitalising nothing more. If he was genuine he wouldn't need to broadcast and write books, could live contendly. But no the greedy bugger wants it all, to be known as some 'expert'. To begin owning rights that aren't his. Sorry to burst your bubble, these assholes are very convincing.

[@iamnobody108]

David let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the almighty wherein you became the instrument for the opening and channel to all the knowledge I gained on Ramana Maharishiji. Your videos and books led me to many visits to the ashram. And now on my journey to discovering who am I ? Thank you for being the perfect instrument 🙏🏻

[@michaeldillon3113]

Thank you for this 🙏. I don't think that Sri Ramana was one of the greatest spiritual teachers of the 20th century ... I think He is the ever present Sat Cit Ananda not limited by time or place .The words of Christ " before Abraham was - I Am "come to mind with regard to Sri Ramana ..🕉️

[@Alephkilo]

Well Said..🙏

[@jadeglouglou]

Thank you for this interview,

[@hs0022]

“They haven’t transcended the experienced”. This is the most vital takeaway. 40:17

[@grntvjn4452]

David, Please do some more videos on Nisargadatta. He seems wonderful. Also, I'd love to hear you do some material on Neem Karoli Baba. His miracles are amazing. I can point you towards 2 specific ones. Lastly, you might want to clarify on a video the different effectiveness of the 3 similar enquiry thoughts -I -I am -Who am I? They all feel slightly different to me. The first seens the most mature. The second seems like a false sense of premature omnipotence. The third seems like a more beginner's approach, useful but cumbersome. Love your work!

[@srichakrahubli]

Thank you

[@MrADTNZ]

Thank you David. Would like to.meet you one day

[@ArunKumar-sc5pk]

அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி தனிப்பெரும் கருணை அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி எல்லா உயிர்களும் இன்புற்று வாழ்க கொல்லா விரதம் குவலையம்யெல்லாம் ஓங்குக நல்லோர் நினைத்து நலம் பெருக நன்று நினைத்து வாழ்க இழைந்து நன்றிகள் 🙏

[@angelajanebowes]

Thank you ❤

[@anoopind001]

Excellent

[@imaginaryuniverse632]

I say best to act as though we have free will just in case we do. I also say, just because Life is an illusion doesn't mean we shouldn't live. 🙏

[@martinwagner7361]

Life hardly is an illusion, mind hijacking Life is....and quite a persisting one....

[@imaginaryuniverse632]

@@martinwagner7361 Yes you are correct. The world is the illusion. Life is the Truth. 🙏

[@nikhileshchitnis]

Thank you 🙏 arunachala siva

[@12kvisions]

just amazing - on both parts - interviwer and interviewee - moderatd by Ramana perhaps? i like to think so : )

[@gireeshneroth7127]

Consciousness is living an illusion it weaves out of itself in a mind posture...

[@jddr555]

Wow!❤️

[@meta2011]

Namaste

[@jenn1967jenn1967]

beyond perception ungraspable projection ego’s last release

[@simonhough]

i looked up the home of this enlightenment group here in London and found out that it is just across the road from me that was really strange

[@arunachalasiva5850]

🙏🏻

[@GeorJiadvaita]

Namaskar David, in a few days, Holy Arunachala will be "crowned" with the fire pillar of Kartigai Deepam. Did Bhagavan celebrate these festivals ? What were his views regarding bhakti applied to saguna brahman worship ? Thank you

[@MohdNisar-zm6bo]

🕉️ नमः भगवते श्री रमणाय 🙏🙏🙏

[@srichakrahubli]

Namah only once

[@MohdNisar-zm6bo]

@@srichakrahubli thank you my Friend 🙏🙏🙏

[@shilpamurdeshwar5788]

Abhyasena means Practice n thus Practice makes perfect,I find it difficult to see "who i am" but yes one day it will be revealed.

[@NondualityChannel]

🙏

[@realmsofsilence]

Beyond perception

[@marianod7605]

David can I ask you... Did Ramana repeat some mantra? I know some followers repeat Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya, but I want to know if this a NEW mantra, post Ramana maybe? Did Ramana use some antique mantra? Thanks.

[@awakenotwoke7949]

I'dl ove to hear the explanation of the obvious contradiction of not seeing any difference between jivas and them needing no help from you, and the feeding of the multitudes first.

[@belovedabstract3568]

there's no audio on the early videos of david in his office

[@jwennermark]

❤

[@ianhorn8543]

I bought one of his books and couldn't understand that either. Give me simple Christianity anytime!

[@SrikanthIyerTheMariner]

All faiths ultimately point to the same universal truth ..Jesus said 'My Father and I are one' implying that at man's core lies God ...I believe we have to get past our egos to see the divine in ourselves and others

[@SrikanthIyerTheMariner]

@@James-cz7bl True ... Not all of us can be true non-dualists -- but we can love a personal God of our Choice - Jesus or Krishna or Allah -- and believe that the same God is at the core of every other human .. and make it our life's mission to serve everyone with the same love we feel. Start with close friends and family -- extend it to your coworkers and to your work itself .. and maybe one day - we will turn into a mystic who is perpetually drunk on love of the Divine.

[@SrikanthIyerTheMariner]

@@James-cz7bl I love listening to Swami Chidbrahmananda .. A monk of the Ramakrishna Order --- Who started out as a Christian minister -- was lost for a while , found Advaita Vedanta and then finally rediscovered the Bible -- He often quotes Hafiz --- He is not a KZbin super star - but I find his bhakti approach to the Divine so much more relatable ... I think you will love him

[@lioninvesting4676]

David when are you coming to Melbourne ?

[@hs0022]

23:46 is where the steps are given.

[@notavailable708]

Sir how can we leave or send questions to him?

[@emailsurabhi]

Namaste. Are you in Thiruvanamalai presently? I understand that you might be here .

[@ramcool82]

Hi David, if you can answer the question I have please? What's the future of India? Did Maharshi hinted talked about upcoming times, difficulties and how to handle them. What we need to do in this age of insecurity and terror? What is the future of this world now

[@govindatimilsina9530]

♥️♥️🎄🎄

[@beki1377]

I am looking for the truth and my growths… learning, practicing as good as I can… but what question to me always arise here and then is: The universe - the nature makes no mistakes… why we are so deluded as humans and why is it not so obvious who we really are??? it seems to me sometimes actually I am good as I am - made from nature/universe… why do I have „to work“ on this to find and realise my true self?? any ideas?? some people says it’s our task in the whole to increase our awakening from the world… is that made by the universe?? like every animals has its meaning and its intelligent and perfect as they are - they actually haven’t to change… would be interested to some comments Thank you for this super warmhearted and kind interview. No question is a stupid question and David answered all with so much respect. Great to see and also talk to the people who are very new to this. Thank you 🙏🏻❤️🕉

[@James-cz7bl]

You say, “the universe/nature makes no mistakes”. That is not what Bhagavan is teaching. The universe and “nature” is not real, therefore it doesn't do anything, any perception of an universe or nature is an illusion. Your other question, “why is it not obvious who we really are?” Because firstly, we are not interested in that what we truly are (instead we are interested in all kinds of things), and secondly, we confuse our body and mind for that what we are. And that is caused by vasanas, habits accumulated over a course of Millions of life times. For Self there is nothing to be done. For the imaginary ego however, it needs to transcend the illusion of its own existence. That what we truly are is not complaining nor suffering. That is only the ego/mind. As soon as we get rid of the mind then that what we are will shine without effort. Of course that will take awhile. Millions of lifetimes of habits do not go away in one single lifetime of efforts of being mentally silent.

[@beki1377]

@@James-cz7bl thank you… i mean the divine… the higher self… all just different names… if i think about animals, plants… they have this incredible intelligence like our body… but this is all outside… right? I haven’t found my true self… still in the process 😅 thank you for giving me this hint 🙏🏻

[@beki1377]

@@James-cz7bl Thank you for your answer and time - this helps alot 🙏🏻 Some people teaching our soul which i think is equal to the true self looks for different experiences in every lifetime and I can imagine this is to get closer and closer to the true awakening…!?

[@James-cz7bl]

@@beki1377 Okay, so you equal the terms “universe/nature” with that what the Hindus call Self. Back then to the original question, “why are we so deluded as humans?” since Self is perfect. Yes, Self is perfect but Self did not “create” humans (something imperfect). That what we (the individual or mind or ego) see and perceive is not real. In order to understand that I'd suggest to study Bhagavan's text “Nan Yar” or “Who am I” where he describes in one of the verses what we really are in listing what we are not. That alone won't answer all questions but it is a start. The idea that we have been “learning” in all these [past] and [future] lifetimes in order to finally have a true awakening is not quite correct. That assumes that we need to gain or learn something what is not what Bhagavan taught. In order to grasp that one needs to be more familiar with Bhagavan's teachings. The true Self cannot be found since we are it already right here, right now. But we ignore it and are busy to be an individual with all kinds of interests, one of them [the seemingly more spiritual one] is to get awakened. We are so busy to “do” that we overlook our true nature what has never changed. That may sound all quite puzzling, it usually takes some time to sink in 🙏🏻

[@beki1377]

@@James-cz7bl Thanks for your reply. I cannot agree and follow your answer. The world and Universe exist - is all energy and maybe one consciousness… we in our duality perceive it in different ways which is an illusion. because trillions and more versions of what exists exist. So what do you do? For the true self nothing is to be done - ok but If I carry on my body i need to eat and drink etc… so I accept the duslistic world but try not to be attached to it which is not always possible for me. Many people here give answers like they are already enlightened… we are all on the same path but on different stages. I try my best i can… also for understanding and getting it deeply into my heart

[@macarius8802]

A "key to the exit door"... watch this character (the 'I' thought). Om Namo Bhagavate.

[@maheshseshadri490]

🙏🙏🙏👍

[@Flying_Dutchman66]

Dear David, Question: Is there a need of external Shakti transferred from the Guru to the Aspirant in order to 'break the line between the mind and the heart.' In Spirit and Truth and Love, From Amsterdam, Jeroen

[@suethompson6497]

🌼🌺🌼🌺🙏🏼

[@TheBorderlined]

🙏🙏🙏

[@jthepickle7]

the drop and the ocean meet