The Heart of Awareness

“This is an extraordinarily fine rendering of the Ashtavakra Gita, a book of unadorned compassion. As water wears away stone, so these profoundly simple truths wear away illusion.”
—Ram Dass

“Byrom’s exquisitely clean and untroubled rendering of this spiritual classic irresistibly invites us to listen for what cannot be heard and to search for what cannot be seen.”
—Jacob Needleman, author of The Heart of Philosophy and Lost Christianity

“There have been English translations of the Ashtavakra Gita before; this is not only new and elegant but also the first to capture the spirit of the original in its freshness and directness. I warmly recommend it.”
—J. L. Brockington, Senior Lecturer in Sanskrit, Edinburgh University

“Thomas Byrom’s understanding and direct experience of the pure nature of awareness (as outlined in his wonderful introduction) shines through beautifully in this clear, direct, and concise translation of this masterful, timeless Song of Realisation. It flows deeply and smoothly like a clear mountain stream, guiding the reader to a reawakening to their true Nature.”
—Samaneri Jayasāra

Thomas Byrom (1941–1991), PhD, was educated at Oxford and Harvard. He was formerly a fellow of St. Catherine’s College and Exeter College, Oxford, where he taught Old English and modern literature. His best-selling translation of the Dhammapada was first published in 1976.

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