In Quest of God (50 Years on the Direct Path of Ramana Maharshi)

This is an introduction to the legendary 20th century Indian sage, Ramana Maharshi, told through the personal voice of Sharon Maas’ own 50-year spiritual journey following his teachings. This book introduces Ramana to Western readers in a relatable and personal format.

The April/May 2025 edition of Hinduism Today featured Ramana on its cover because he’s recognized in Hindu/Vedantic circles as of that very rare stature of Maha-rishi—Great Sage. He was the most significant 20th century figure in the Vedantic tradition, and has gained prominence in recent decades. Popular teachers today such as Eckhart Tolle mention or quote him to validate their own teaching. In his lifetime (1878-1950), Ramana was a mentor of Mahatma Gandhi, who regularly corresponded with him and occasionally sent his followers to the ashram to recharge their flagging batteries; and C.J. Jung referred to him as the “whitest spot” in all of India.

At 22, Maas left her home in Guyana, South America, for a remote ashram in South Indian where she immersed in Ramana’s teachings, before returning to the West to consolidate the spiritual with the material world.

In Quest of God is a memoir by a westerner that reflects on the practical application of Ramana’s teachings both in India and the West, yet without watering them down, and putting them into a digestible and personal form. It is illustrated with many anecdotes from Ramana’s life and of his close disciples, with examples from the author’s life and that of people she has known.