Who is Ann Shaw?
Ann Shaw aka Annji Ma is a senior disciple of Sri Ramakant Maharaj , the editor of his books and is also an author. She continues to spread the teachings of her beloved Master and intitiate sincere seekers into the Inchegiri Sampradaya, according to Sri Ramakant Maharaj’s expressed wishes in 2018. Jai Guru!
Ann Shaw 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 practised 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, such as Theology, Mysticism and Comparative Religion. Indian Philosophy captivated her, and in particular, Advaita Vedanta. Ann graduated from Edinburgh University's School of Divinity with an MA in 1980. Little did she know then, that her chosen studies, coupled with work experience in the publishing field – and a course in journalism – would all serve her well in the future. When, many years later, Shri Ramakant Maharaj instructed Ann to produce the book "Selfless Self", she was well equipped with the necessary skills.
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. A few years later, during 2013-2014, she spent nearly six months in Nashik, India, with her husband, Charles, 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 to be with her Master for a few more months in 2018. 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 eight languages. She also edited Maharaj’s books, "Be With You", (2016) and "Ultimate Truth", (2018).
Her book "Timeless Years with Shri Ramakant Maharaj 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. "Timeless Years "is also available in Spanish and is currently being translated into French.
"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. "Who Am I?" is available in Spanish and Hebrew. It is currently being translated into French and Chinese and will also be published in Japanese.
As well as writing books, she has been invited to travel abroad to spread the teachings.
In January 2025, she attended the Inauguration of the “Shri Ramakant Maharaj Ashram” in Mauritius.
She has recently returned in June 2025, from Shanghai, China, where she was invited to teach and initiate a group of seekers.
July 2025
The Arati to Annji Ma, composed by Anvita Aai, sung by Rahul & Swapna Pandav. Jai Guru!
March 2025
Publication of "Who Am I? Q & A"
The Q & A’s in this book will help remove the noisy clutter of concepts, doubts and fears, clearing the space that will bring you closer to Reality, closer to finding the wordless answer to “Who am I?”
Who Am I? Q & A is divided into two parts. Part One covers general questions about Advaita Vedanta/Non-Duality. Part Two introduces readers to the (little known in the West), “Inchegiri Navnath Sampradaya Lineage” and addresses questions about Advaita Vedanta, in the context of this lineage. Ann Shaw’s final Teacher and Master, Ramakant Maharaj, is part of this lineage headed by Bhausaheb Maharaj. Other great Masters include Nisargadatta Maharaj and Ranjit Maharaj, along with their Master, Siddharameshwar Maharaj. Here, readers are introduced to the mystical/alchemical relationship between the Guru and disciple via Guru Bhakti, the practices of Naam Mantra recitation and Devotion After Liberation.
October 2022
Ann Shaw Interviewed on the Quest for Well-being podcast - Click Here to Listen
To read the text of the interview click here
April 2022
Publication of "Who Am I?"
Offered and Blessed on Nisargadatta Maharaj's
125th Jayanthi (Birthday) Anniversary Celebrations
Foreword- Shri Ramakant Maharaj
"Now is the time for the world to hear this Knowledge! I want you, Ann, to write another book, this time with the title, WHO AM I? Keep it simple and straightforward without any references and confusing Indian terms. It is my wish that this simple, powerful knowledge reach many more seekers, far and wide.
I want you to write this book in a popular style, for westerners, in particular. You know the culture. You know better. Use modern language with references to today’s fast lifestyle, a society consumed by the internet and mobile phone culture! Frame the Knowledge in a contemporary way, so that the ordinary person, will be able to understand it! Make it light and fun!
Now is the time for the world to hear this Knowledge. Now is the time! This Knowledge is not the property of this “Sampradaya” (Traditional Lineage). It is “Universal Knowledge”! Make WHO AM I? simple and attractive, so that it becomes popular. This Knowledge is for everyone. We have to help others come out of suffering. We have to put an end to their suffering! It is our duty to show them how to wake up from the dream, and be free!
While we must never force this Knowledge on anyone, at the very least, we can try to make people aware! By presenting them with an alternative viewpoint, or a different way of perceiving themselves and the world, we can help bring them out of the illusion, and free them from suffering! All we can do is plant the seed, and then let the rest happen spontaneously. Whether they accept it or not, that’s up to them. We cannot force them! So, go ahead! Go ahead!"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1999357817
March 2022
Publication of "Timeless Years With Shri Ramakant Maharaj 2012 - 2022"
Foreword- Anvita Sawant
"It is my immense pleasure to say a few words about the new book Timeless Years with Shri Ramakant Maharaj.
Both Charles and Ann are blessed disciples who had the opportunity to spend quality time with Maharaj. Their dedication and devotion to Shri Maharaj has been simply exemplary. Maharaj had a lot of respect for the profound work both Charles and Ann put in to spread the ultimate truth to the broader society through the release of his book Selfless Self.
In 2018, when Ann brought the Bible form of Selfless Self, he was very delighted. He also requested Ann to “proofread” Ultimate Truth, such was his confidence in Ann's understanding of his teachings.
This book is straight from the heart and shows the love and dedication of Ann for Shri Maharaj. Maharaj used to say that the Sadguru graces his disciples to become like him. That grace is surely conferred on Ann."
August 2015
Publication of "Selfless Self: Talks with Shri Ramakant Maharaj"
SELFLESS SELF is a companion to 'I AM THAT'. This tangibly powerful, life-transforming book addresses the ultimate questions of "Who am I? Why am I here? What is the purpose of existence?" Never before has truth been revealed in such a simple, piercing and Direct Way. Herein is a road map for Self-discovery that will, if followed, take the reader on a route to infinity, eternity and majesty, as yet unknown to the seeker. It is a One way ticket with no way back, unless of course you are happy to enter another dream. This book reveals the story of the reader, the story of Oneness. It is a universal story, a 'spiritography', and it is your story. Just read it, and see! All that is needed is acceptance and then, slowly silently, permanently Reality will be awakened. A timeless classic.
https://www.amazon.com/Selfless-Self-Ramakant-Maharaj/dp/0995473439
