The Spirit of Insight & Awakening
During the mid-1980s, a small organization was formed to distribute the written works of the great contemporary sage, Sri Ramana Maharshi. This tiny organization, known as Ramana Publications, soon began to publish a small newsletter. The newsletter was known as Pathways, and it complimented the printed books by containing teachings, reminiscences, stories, dialogues, and personal observations. Pathways soon began to grow, and after just two years we published our first book under the Ramana Publications imprint: For Those with Little Dust, by Arthur Osborne.
By the early 1990s, we decided to add to the Ramana Publications booklist by offering a much greater number of Eastern and Western spiritual titles. This was the beginning of the Inner Directions Catalog, which contained-especially during the early years-many unique, hard to find books.
Inner Directions Journal
As the book catalog began to grow, we also wanted to continue to publish Pathways, but in a more comprehensive format. It was decided to restructure Inner Directions as a nonprofit organization to serve as a vehicle for future activities. In 1995, as the successor to Pathways, the Inner Directions Journal was launched. With author and philosopher Dr. Robert Powell as the founding Editor, this quarterly magazine presented original articles, interviews, insights, poetry, dialogues, and reviews. The Journal was very well received. In fact, it was nominated three years in a row by the Utne Reader: twice for "Best new periodical in its class," and finally for "Outstanding graphic design." Due to regular funding challenges, the Journal was printed in several different formats over the years, until 2004, when the last print edition was published. The production costs were simply too high for a publication that had a wonderfully dedicated readership, but not enough seed financing to move beyond its limited circulation.
Throughout the 1990s, Inner Directions continued to publish new titles, including a Western edition of the classic book, Talks with Ramana Maharshi. We also began production on several original video titles under the guidance of Academy Award-Winning director, Bertram W. Salzman.
Inner Directions Gathering
In 1998, as part of a fundraising effort, we held the first Inner Directions Gathering in La Jolla, California. The initial Gathering began as an experiment, which, unexpectedly, would end up being repeated annually for seven consecutive years. Each Gathering built upon the previous event, creating a unique forum for the expression of nondual wisdom. Some of our presenters included: Douglas Harding, Byron Katie, Eckhart Tolle, Ram Dass, A.H. Almaas, Adyashanti, Coleman Barks, Catherine Ingram, Rabbi Rami Shapiro, Lama Surya Das, and many others. The "Gatherings" became a much-loved annual event that was attended by people throughout the world.
Moving Forward . . . Together
With the advent of the Online Journal, much of the original content now joins regularly posted new additions-all in the spirit of the original publication. This new online presence brings Inner Directions full circle. It is our hope that, with your support, Inner Directions Online will serve as a dynamic catalyst to bring light, hope, and spiritual insight to those who are thirsty to bathe in the waters of their own immortality.
