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. In India, she met the rare Jnani, Ramakant Maharaj, a direct disciple of Nisargadatta Maharaj.

Finding out the meaning of life was always the most crucial topic. Before travelling to India to meet her final teacher, she practised meditation, Self-enquiry, contemplation and also attended various solitary retreats. 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. Ann graduated from Edinburgh University's School of Divinity with an MA in 1980.

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? is Ann Shaw’s most recent publication.

As well as continuing to write books, she teaches Naam Mantra meditation, as she was instructed to do, by Shri Ramakant Maharaj.