In a world filled with noise and distractions, the quest for self-discovery often takes a backseat. We are so engrossed in our roles, responsibilities, and the external aspects of life that we rarely pause to explore the profound questions within.

The recently released book ‘I AM Ashish to “I AM” by Dr. Anil Joshi, and presented in an interview style with Sri Ashish, traces a transformative journey of Self-Realization, taking readers from the surface-level identity of “I am Ashish” to the deeper understanding of “I AM.”

A Path Beyond Egotistical Desires

Ashish was a successful, driven, and ambitious entrepreneur, seeking material rewards in the external world. However, as he delved deeper into his own consciousness through meditation and self-inquiry, he began to question the nature of reality and the self.

Through years of dedicated meditation, and study of ancient spiritual texts and Eastern philosophies, Ashish underwent a profound inner transformation. He came to understand that the self, as conventionally perceived, is a construct of the mind, and that true Self-Realization goes beyond the limitations of ego and identity.

This inner exploration led Ashish to a profound shift in perspective. He realized that true fulfillment and contentment could not be found in the external achievements he had once sought. Instead, he turned his focus inward, embarking on a spiritual journey that would ultimately lead him to the realization of his true Self.

Get ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.

His journey culminated in the profound understanding that he is not just Ashish, but an interconnected part of the universal consciousness.

Today, Ashish serves as a spiritual guide, helping others on their own journeys of self-discovery and Self-Realization. His learnings and teachings emphasize the importance of surrender, self-inquiry, meditation and the dissolution of the ego as pathways to realizing one’s true nature.

 

The Illusion of Identity

The book begins by challenging the very notion of identity. It invites readers to question the labels, roles, and masks they wear in their daily lives. We often define ourselves by our names, professions, relationships, and accomplishments, but are these external facets truly who we are?

Through the insightful interview with Sri Ashish, readers are encouraged to confront the fundamental question: Who are we beyond these roles and labels?

Non-dualism says there is only one Reality or Self. All of us are this Self but we do not know it because of all of the external noise, objects, and experiences that we perceive through our senses in the physical world. When the mind is still and removed from the external world, this Self is revealed to us as pure awareness.

 

Four Principals that Help You Lead an Anxiety-Free Life

The teachings on Self-Realization from revered Hindu Sage, Ramana Maharshi, offer four fundamental principles that, while easy to understand, can be challenging to practice. Sri Ashish, drawing from personal experience, asserts that adhering to these principles can lead to a life free from anxiety, filled with peace and perpetual bliss.

 

1. Minimize or Eliminate Desires: The first principle involves minimizing or even eliminating desires. This means detaching oneself from both the work done to fulfill desires and the outcomes expected from that work. The stronger the desire, the deeper the attachment, leading to volatile emotional responses to outcomes. Wisdom, therefore, encourages non-attachment and equanimity.

 

2. Non-Attachment: The second principle extends to non-attachment to thoughts, feelings, work, family, and friends. Attachment results in fluctuating emotions and hinders inner serenity and happiness. Non-attachment doesn’t mean indifference but involves working sincerely without being attached to outcomes, accepting both good and bad results.

 

3. Complete Surrender: The third principle revolves around complete surrender to the Self. By recognizing that the Self predetermines actions and results, one can eliminate anxiety and fear related to work and outcomes. It involves accepting everything in life without analyzing or labeling it as good or bad.

 

4. Constant Self-Inquiry: Ramana Maharshi’s recommended practice of constant Self-inquiry forms the fourth principle. By repeatedly asking, “Who am I?” one redirects the mind inwards, gradually eliminating external thoughts and actions. This process leads to the experience of complete silence and nothingness, revealing the individual “I” as an illusion and unveiling a profound awareness of the Universal Self.

These four principles work harmoniously to uncover the state of Sat-Chit-Ananda, characterized by permanent bliss, peace, and an unchanging reality. By following these principles, individuals can unlock the magic within and illuminate their true, unchanging, and eternal selves.

 

The Ultimate Revelation: “I AM”

As readers progress through the book, they are gently guided toward the ultimate revelation: “I AM.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of self-realization. It signifies a shift from identifying with the egoic self to recognizing the boundless consciousness that transcends individuality.

“I AM” signifies a state of pure being, devoid of attachments, desires, and limitations. It is the recognition of our intrinsic connection to the universe, a realization that transcends words and concepts.

 

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

“I AM Ashish to I AM” offers readers a profound and transformative journey within themselves. It challenges conventional notions of identity and invites readers to embark on a path of self-discovery. Through Self-Realization, individuals can peel away the layers of conditioning and uncover their true essence: the eternal “I AM.”

Even as you continue to live in this physical world, achieving your desires, this book will help you maintain an inner peace and happiness that are central to non-dualism.

The hope is that as you close the final pages of this book, you carry with you the wisdom that Self-Realization is not a distant goal but a journey of unveiling the eternal truth within.

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About Sri Ashish

Sri Ashish’s transformation journey began in 2015 following a personal trauma. In a moment of desperation, he earnestly prayed for guidance, which led him to discover “SRF” and the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. This encounter marked the start of his spiritual awakening, during which he immersed himself in numerous sacred texts and recognized the profound purpose of life — realizing the Self.

A pivotal turning point occurred when Sri Ashish was introduced to Ramana Maharshi and his Self-Inquiry method, becoming his guiding light. In 2020, he visited Ramana’s ashram and began practicing Self-Inquiry and Surrender, ultimately experiencing the state of “shoonya (nothingness)” in 2021 — his original state of being, known as Sat-Chit-Ananda. Previously, he had been solely focused on material success and had no interest in spirituality. His transformation serves as an inspiring testament to the possibility of spiritual growth and self-realization, offering a simple and accessible path to all seekers.

 

About Anil Joshi

Anil Joshi is the founder and CEO of IntelliH, a virtual care and remote patient monitoring firm that helps physicians and nurses deliver health care through its digital health platform. Prior to starting IntelliH, Anil was a professor at Harvard University’s School of Dental Medicine and taught epidemiology, medical informatics, and biostatistics.

Since his college days, Anil has been a practitioner of meditation and an ardent follower of Swami Vivekananda. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali have guided his spiritual interests. Discovering the ancient wisdom hidden in spiritual texts or in the minds of yogis brings joy to his heart. Inspired by Sri Ashish, this book was written as an expression of that joy. Anil believes that spiritual mysticism has a perfect repeatable method which remains to be explained by science.