— "You were taught how to think, what to think, how to be and act, etc. This programming concealed your real identity. Inevitably, over time, one layer, after another, of your "make-up", in the form of thoughts, concepts and imagination, succeeded in obscuring your true identity. In time, you forgot about your innocent and spontaneous nature; you forgot about your Essence.
Becoming aware of the add-ons or superimpositions to one's original nature is the first step. Undoing and freeing oneself from all the add-ons is the next step.
We are not separate individuals, but formless, Spontaneous Presence, all part of the same Essence. The crux of the subject matter is that we are essentially Spirit Beings. We have always existed, and we will always exist. Our identification with the body-form has kept us ignorant, deluding us into thinking that we are unique individuals. We perceive ourselves as different from each other when it is only the body-form and pseudo-identity that differ."
Valeria interviews Ann Shaw — The author of "Who Am I ?"
Ann has been fascinated with the ultimate questions of "Who am I?" "Where have I come from?" for as long as she can remember. She spent many periods in solitude and reflection, looking for answers. She practiced meditation, Self-enquiry, contemplation and also attended various solitary retreats.
Finding out the meaning of life became the most crucial topic. Driven by a fiery determination and in hot pursuit of answers, Ann immersed herself in a wide variety of spiritual literature from east and west. This included the mystics, teachers and masters of varied traditions, including Ramana Maharshi, Paramahansa Yogananda, Joel Goldsmith, Buddhism, Taoism, Rumi and Sufism, etc.
Her interest and passion led her to the academic study of the subjects close to her heart, namely, psychology, theology, mysticism, comparative religion, etc.
Armed with intellectual knowledge and graced with several spiritual/mystical experiences, the search continued with a vengeance. The journey had its highs and lows - with long periods "in the desert", until, at last, further down the illusory road, what she was looking for, found her!
The teachings of Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and his Master, Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj, freed Ann from the illusory "I", thus bringing her search to an end. In 2013-2014, she spent nearly six months in Nashik, India, with her husband, in the presence of Nisargadatta's successor, Shri Ramakant Maharaj, absorbing the teachings and undergoing the various simple, yet, powerful, practices. She had reached her destination! They remained in close contact with Maharaj over the years, while continuing to spread the teachings across the globe and enabling seekers to visit Maharaj in Nashik.
Auspiciously, Ann returned to Nashik for a few more months in 2018, to be with her Master. Shri Ramakant Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi in August 31st.
Ann is the editor of Selfless Self, (hailed as a spiritual classic), on the teachings of Shri Ramakant Maharaj, which was published in 2015, and has since been translated into six languages. She also edited Maharaj's books, Be With You, (2016) and Ultimate Truth, (2018).
Her book Timeless Years with Shri Ramakant Mahararj 2012 – 2022 by Ann & Charles Shaw was published on March 1st 2022. It is a fascinating story of their time in India with their Master and offers a unique and profound insight into Maharaj's life and the Guru-disciple or Teacher-student relationship.
Who Am I? published on April 11 2022, offers answers to anyone searching for a greater understanding of who we are and why we are here. And not only that, its uplifting, vibrational wisdom enables a true experience of the Self.
This self-help book contains practical guidance and techniques on how to know yourself, put an end to suffering and find lasting happiness and peace. Who Am I? is a refreshing read that crosses all barriers. Not limited by any belief system, philosophy, religion, spirituality, or genre, it speaks to us all.
As well as continuing to write books, she teaches Naam Mantra meditation, as she was instructed to do, by Shri Ramakant Maharaj
To learn more about Ann Shaw and her work, please visit: whoamibook.co.uk and annshaw.space
— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.