Ramana Ashram New Library

Right-click on photographs to view enlargement

Work on two major ashram building projects have recently commenced. One project is the renovation of the Morvi Guest House compound, and to read my recent posting check out this link here.

The other major Ramana Ashram project is the construction of a new Ramana Ashram library or, as it is now titled, Sri Ramana Granthalaya, which is being constructed between the dining hall and the back wall adjacent to the lower slopes of Arunachala.

On my recent visit to the Ashram on my way to check out the current state of construction of the new library, I observed several beautiful Langur monkeys. Until a couple of years ago this quiet, reclusive monkey was more generally viewed on the south east slope of the Hill, most particularly in the areas around Coral Hill and Pachaiamman Temple.

But now due to human influence and lack of habitat due to construction in their once favoured areas, many Langurs have moved into the Ramana Nagar area and can be easily spotted around Ramana Ashram.

Langur Monkey

Thus far the Langur and more commonly seen Bonnet Macaque monkey seem to be adjusting to sharing a common space. To see more of the Bonnet Macaque view links here and here.

Bonnet Macaque Monkey

As well as viewing lots of monkeys on my recent visit to the Ashram, also noticed the ubiquitous peacock on the Ashram grounds. Links here and here.

Peacock

Noticed that for security purposes the back wall of the Ashram has been significantly raised.







The below photograph is looking towards the main forecourt of the Ashram with my back to the new construction.







A Ramana Ashram Bulletin explains the renovation of the Morvi Guest House thus:

“It will play an important role in enhancing the spiritual learning in the ashram with its multifunctional space. The ashram intends to utilise the space for the propagation of Bhagavan’s teachings, meditation and a concert space for various cultural activities.














The Granthalaya is designed with a large water court that will promote a feeling of calmness. It unfolds into a circular court flanked by a free flowing space and an open-to-sky courtyard that can be used as a multifunctional arena. There is a peripheral ramp surrounding the building suitable for both the young and the elderly that leads to the first floor facilities of the library.







At the upper level, there is the large radially organized library space with sky lights that houses some 20,000 volumes of books. The glass dome, an oculus atop the central court brings in ample diffused natural light for reading which conserve energy. The Granthalaya works out to be 2000 sq. ft. in area along with an office space. The scheduled date for completion of the Granthalaya is on the 15th December, 2011.”


my own opinion is I really like the current Ramana Ashram Library and that . . . a glass dome on upper floor sounds HOT . . .






The last photograph of this series is looking towards Arunachala from the main forecourt of the Ashram, in front of the offices. The new library will be located in front of the trees at the back of the photograph.

The Importance of Peace

Sri Nannagaru is expected to visit Arunachala this coming week. He will be staying at his Ashram in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, a mile west of Ramana Ashram. You can find out more about him by visiting his website at this link.

Sri Nannagaru who hails from Jinnuru, West Godvari District, Andhra Pradesh, attributes his realisation to the grace of Arunachala-Ramana when many years ago whilst staying at Arunachala he attained realisation.

Nowadays, Swamiji visits Arunachala about four times a year and is generally accompanied by many of his devotees from Andhra. This visit he is expected on the 11th and will stay approximately 7 days.

During his visits, he invariably spends time at Ramana Ashram and the below photograph is of a previous visit and depicts Swamiji with devotees in the Ramana Ashram meditation room (which is the room that Ramana lived in for many years).

The Importance of Peace

"Peace is essential. Peace is above power, peace is above money – peace is above anything related to the world. All the luxuries and advantages that can be acquired in the world are not equal to the grace of peace.

It is essential, not only to everybody, to every religion, to every part of the world – but to all humanity. Without peace one is not able to progress in any aspect of life. For the ease of the body, one requires comfort, but the mind’s requirement for ease – is peace. If an individual doesn’t have peace, he will experience unrest and disturbance.

Peace and happiness of the individual also contributes to a peaceful society. Without peace there is waste of money and energy. If you wish to progress in any field whether; spiritual, educational, or commercial you must have peace as the basis. Without peace one is not able to grow in one’s spiritual life – peace is above all that can be acquired in the material world.

If you want peace you have to come out of ignorance. If you want peace you have to come out of wrong identification. If you want peace you have to come out of wrong thinking. If you want peace you have to come out of wrong habits. If you want peace you have to come out of wrong behaviour. One cannot buy peace in the market, one has to grow peace in the heart and to experience it in the mind."

[Sri Nannagaru]

Mantra and the Flame

Tara Dhatu is an organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting humanity through the sacred arts. It was formed at the request of His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche, an accomplished Tibetan Buddhist master who had witnessed the Dance of the “21 Praises of Tara”, which was choreographed by one of his students (Prema Dasara). He asked that an organisation be established to protect the dance’s integrity as a Vehicle of Liberation.

The Artistic Director of Tara Dhatu is Anahata Iradah and its spiritual director is Prema Dasara. It was through a pilgrimage to South India that the two met J Jayaraman. As well as Librarian of Ramana Library (Tiruvannamalai), J Jayaraman is also an acclaimed writer and musician and a permanent resident of Ramana Ashram well known to many visitors to Tiruvannamalai.

The organisation of Tara Dhatu teaches groups (all over the world) working closely with Tibetan Buddhism and using Tibetan Buddhist methods of mind training. The work is participatory and not performance-orientated and is about achieving the human potential through prayer, ritual and meditation.

click on schedule to enlarge and read

The above is the Brazilian schedule of ‘The Mantra and the Flame,’ facilitated by Anahata Iradah and Prema Dasara of Tara Dhatu, with J Jayaraman participating as a special guest from Tiruvannamalai, India.

It is hoped that sometime in the near future the Tara Dhatu organisation will revisit India and Arunachala with their dance programmes. To view their current schedule check their link here.

Navaratri Pujas

To keep track of the wonderful daily pujas undertaken at Ramana Ashram throughout the whole of Navaratri Festival, check out the official Ashram site at this link, where they have photographs and videos of each day's puja.

Navaratri
Navaratri is celebrated in the lunar month of Ashvina (September-October). Hindus observe the Festival in a wide variety of ways, depending on their region, local history and family influences. Some see it as a way to commune with their own feminine divinity. A widespread practice honours the Goddess in every woman by inviting young girls to the family's home, feeding them and offering new clothes. During the Festival, women also perform tapas and selfless acts. Families in Tamil Nadu traditionally prepare in their homes a kolu, an exhibition of small dolls, figurines and small artifacts on a stepped, decorated shelf. At least one murti of Shakti must be present, as well as wooden figurines of a boy and a girl together to invoke auspicious marriages.

The Navaratri festival or 'nine day festival' becomes 'ten days festival' with the addition of the last day, Vijaya-dasami (day of victory) its culmination. This year the dates of the Festival are September 30th to October 9th. On all these ten days, Mother Mahisasura-mardini (Durga) is worshipped. According to the narrative from the Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana, the form of Durga was created as a warrior goddess to fight a demon. The demon's father Rambha, king of the demons, once fell in love with a water buffalo, and Mahisha Asura (the demon Mahisha) was born out of this union. He is therefore able to change between human and buffalo form at will (Mahisha means "buffalo"). Through intense prayers to Brahma, Mahishasura was given the boon that he could not be defeated by man or god. He unleashed a reign of terror on earth, heaven and the nether worlds which met its end when he fought and lost against the Goddess Durga.

In South India the Goddess is worshipped in three forms. During the first three nights, Durga is revered, then Lakshmi on the fourth, fifth and sixth nights, and finally Saraswati until the ninth night. Durga ("invincible" in Sanskrit) is the epitome of strength, courage and ferocity. Her devotees approach Her, sometimes with difficult penances, for those qualities and for the protection she Bestows.

A more gentle worship is observed for Lakshmi also called Annapurna "Giver of food," Lakshmi is the Goddess of abundance, wealth and comfort. She is the ever-giving mother, worshipped for well being and prosperity. A traditional way of invoking Her is chanting the Sri Suktam. In Her honour, food is prepared and offered to neighbours and all who visit, thus strengthening community ties. On the full moon night following Navaratri, it is believed Lakshmi Herself visits each home and replenishes family wealth.

The last three days of Navaratri, exalt Saraswati, the form of Shakti personifying wisdom, arts and beauty. Her name literally means "flowing one", a reference to thoughts, words, music and the Saraswati River. Mystically Saraswati is believed to be the keeper of the powerful Gayatri Mantra, which is chanted during the festival to invoke Her supreme blessings. Devotees meditate for days on this mantra alone, as it is considered the door to divine wisdom.

Swami Ramanananda Saraswati

Swami Ramanananda Saraswati (Sri T. N. Venkataraman) On December 26th, 2007 Swami Ramanananda Saraswati (Sri T. N. Venkataraman), former president of Sri Ramanasramam, died peacefully at the Ashram. Swami Ramanananda was Assistant Manager of Ramana Ashram from 1938 to 1950 and its President until 1994 when he took sannyasa and gave over the managing of the Ashram to his eldest son, Sri V. S. Ramanan. 

I previously made a posting on Swami Ramananda (Sri T.N. Venkataraman) at the time of his death, which was a beautiful excerpt from The Silent Power entitled "The Fortunate Boy". I recently read a short narrative on the life of Sri Venkataraman which is quite interesting in that it mentions little known details of the Ashram during Bhagavan’s life. Below is an abridged version of that narrative which first appeared in the ‘1974 Souvenir, Venkatoo’. 

“T. N. Venkataraman (nickname Venkatoo) was born on May 26, 1914 son of Sri Ramana’s younger brother, Nagasundaram Iyer. When Venkataraman was two years old, his mother Mangalam died and his father, Nagasundaram Iyer, went to Arunachala where he took sannyasa under the name of Sri Niranjanananda Swami. The child Venkatoo was brought to Tiruvannamalai on visits two or three times a year to see Sri Bhagavan who was then living in Skandashram. Because women were not allowed to stay in Skandashram, Bhagavan himself took responsibility for the child. On such occasions Sri Ramana would put Venkatoo to sleep, and in the mornings bathe the child and help him brush teeth in the morning! 

At the end of 1938, the course of Venkatoo’s life changed when at that time he received a letter from the Ramana Ashram summoning him to Tiruvannamalai for good. On arriving he worked in the office, assisting Sri Niranjanananda Swami, the Sarvadhikari, whom he was to succeed as President in 1953. 

Sri Bhagavan had always shown love and interest in Venkatoo. When Sri Seshadri Swami’s body was interred, Sri Bhagavan asked Venkatoo to join him and others in placing vibhuthi (sacred ash) on the samadhi pit. When Gandhiji visited Madras in 1946, Venkatoo wanted to go and meet the Mahatma and it was Sri Ramana’s encouragement that led to Venkataraman spending time with the Mahatma.

Sri Ramana with Venkatoo

Sri Bhagavan gave a general power of attorney to Sri Niranjanananda Swami, who became the Ashram Agent and Sarvadhikari. In the legal proceedings that followed, Bhagavan had to make a deposition, and on that basis, the Court declared the Ashram to be Private Property. To avoid similar troubles in future, devotees drew up a Will under which the Ashram was to be maintained as a spiritual center and its management vested in the Sarvadhikari and, after him, Sri Venkataraman and his descendants. 

For the installation of the Sri Chakra Meru and the Kumbhabhishekam of Mother’s Shrine (Sri Mathrubhuteswara Temple) Sri Venkataraman officiated in all the rituals on behalf of Sri Bhagavan and the Ashram. Again, when Sri Bhagavan attained Nirvana on April 14, 1950, the ceremonial acts of bathing, puja and burial on the following day were all performed by Sri Venkataraman.

Swami Ramanananda Saraswati

Sri T. N. Venkataraman played, an active role in both the ritual observances and practical administration of the Ashram. After the samadhi of Sri Niranjanananda Swami, he had to go to Court and obtain a certificate of succession to administer the Ashram. In March, 1954 the Court declared that Sri T. N. Venkataraman was entitled to manage the properties under the Will of the Maharshi. When he took over the management, the Ashram was heavily in debt. Venkataraman retrieved it from this position and built up capital and property. Even a casual visitor to the Ashram can notice the substantial improvements; the number of new residential buildings, the facilities now available and the smoothness and efficiency of the whole administration. 

In spite of such preoccupations and administrative worries, Venkatoo always managed to keep cheerful. His dealings with devotees and Ashram inmates were characterized by warm affection and thoughtful concern. The devotees, in their turn, held him in loving esteem and regarded him like a brother or father. At home he was very simple. His children called him ‘Anna’ (elder brother). The family could not have a comfortable life till after the eldest son had gotten a job; but, in spite of the hardships, he gave all his children higher education. Likewise he discharged in full his duty towards elders in the family. 

All his children married except Sri Ganesan, the second son, who used to work as the Managing Editor of the Mountain Path and also assisted his father in running the Ashram. With the blessings and presiding guidance of Sri Bhagavan, the gracious good wishes of elder devotees and willing cooperation from fellow workers, Sri Venkataraman cheerfully carried on the management to the satisfaction of all concerned. Understanding his limitations throughout his life helped him to be submissive without being timid, and flexible without being infirm. His achievements include completing Sri Bhagavan’s Samadhi, its Kumbhabhishekam in 1967, the opening of the Ashram Auditorium/Meditation Hall in 1970, and the renovation of Sri Mathrubhuteswara Temple (in 1967) and also bringing out many books on and by Sri Ramana. 

Anxious to keep the Ashram as it was in the days of Sri Bhagavan, he maintained the kitchen and quality of food that used to be served to the devotees. When once, there was a suggestion that in view of rising costs the kitchen might be closed and a canteen opened outside the Ashram, he became furious and said: ‘I will never allow it to happen. For, I remember vividly how Sri Bhagavan was reading a newspaper article on Him and read aloud appreciatively the passage, ‘There are two fires in Ramanasramam: one is Sri Bhagavan Himself and the other is the kitchen fire. They both will never cease to kindle the heart of any devotee visiting the Ashram!’ And so, I know how much Sri Bhagavan wanted the kitchen to be kept up and the devotees served good food.’”

Origin of Ramanashram

After the death of Sri Ramana’s mother, Alagammal on May 19th, 1922, it was decided to move her body from Skandashram to the foot of Arunachala as it is prohibited to cremate or bury a body on the Hill.

As to the decision to create a samadhi for his Mother Alagammal, Ramana declared:

“As there is no distinction in liberation and knowledge, a woman also liberated when alive should not be consigned to flames. Her body is verily a temple of God.”

Outside Mathrubuteswara Shrine

Consequently the body was interred in samadhi, and is now known as the Mathrubuteswara Shrine. The photograph above is taken from the adjacent Pali Thirtham, outside the Mathrubuteswara Shrine.

“After Mother’s* death I used to come now and then to the Samadhi and return to Skandasramam. One day about six months after Mother’s death, I went there on one such visit and after sitting there for some time, wanted to get up and go back. However something told me I should not go back but stay on there. It was as if my legs refused to get up. And I stayed on. That is how this Asramam began. Who knew then that all this would grow up?”

[Sri Ramana Maharshi]

* his own mother Alagammal

Durga's Silver Dress

Here is the Ganesha idol at the Mother's Shrine at Ramana Ashram today.

And here is a very special statue of Durga, which is a big favourite for alot of devotees

And in close up.

A devotee is arranging to have a silver dress and ornaments made for the Goddess, and in this respect a couple of gents have travelled from Salem in order to take a wax impression of the idol. Below in one cauldron is a large quantity of pure beeswax and in the other cauldron, lots of hot water.

The wax is slowly softening up in the hot water.

And now it is being crushed, kneaded and further softened.

An Ashram priest already cleaned and washed the idol and now one of the Brahmin experts from Salem is covering the idol with the softened wax.

Its now completely covered, including the buffalo head underneath Durga's feet which was visible in the second photograph of this series.

After a short time the wax has hardened enough to give a good impression for the experts and they gently take the covering off the idol and examine it carefully. They are satisfied with the impression and after taking several smaller individual impressions of Mother's hand etc., they leave to return to their place and within 40 days will return with the silver dress and ornaments.

To get an idea of what the silver dress and ornaments will look like, I am posting the gold dress recently made for Sri Rajarajeshwari at one of my favourite Mother Temples at Arunachala i.e. Sri Rajarajeshwari Koil, located off the GiriValam roadway just before Adi Annamalai. She looks absolutely exquisite. Just hope Sri Durga ends up with an equally gorgeous dress, albeit a silver one.

Click on this photograph for enlargement

Cow Lakshmi Puja Photos

As mentioned in my own posting, there was a Puja at the shrine of Cow Lakshmi on Monday morning, July 14, which is her Samadhi Day by the Hindu Calendar. To view the official Ramana Ashram photographs of the function click here and to watch the video of the puja go to this link here.

A Mother's Love

Bonnet Macaque monkeys can be found throughout Tiruvannamalai District. The ones that frequent Tiruvannamalai and the outlying suburbs, are smart and socialised. They have little fear of people, but are wary of dogs in large groups. As they are so intelligent and opportunistic, its very important not to tempt them with interesting looking bags and packages. They also seem to relish nice shiny things like watches and glasses. I feel its a honour and blessing sharing this place with them.

These photographs were taken yesterday early morning at Ramana Ashram. Mothers having a chat while comparing notes on young infants. The Mums also seem to be having some kind of medical consultation!

Not only was this group sitting at the well, there were also a number of monkeys in the trees, wandering on the grounds and also peering from the roof of the Temple Shrine.

Dhal is sprinkled on the ground in front of the office every morning, an event the monkeys impatiently await for each day. Here one mother with youngster is making a grab of some dhal before the peacocks arrive.

The monkeys and peacocks have a interesting relationship in which they tolerate each other most of the time, but occasionally a skirmish breaks out between them.

And above a youngster exploring the world. He seems absolutely fearless.

Lakshmi the Cow

As mentioned in an earlier posting, I attended Cow Lakshmi's Ardhana function this morning at Ramana Ashram. It was a very sweet event, especially for those attendees who know something of the history of this cow.

In the below, the President of Ramana Ashram, Sri Sundaram is in front of a chair with a photograph of Bhagavan and Lakshmi.

After the short puja, I thought it would be nice to visit some of the 163 cows that live at the Ashram, some of who are Lakshmi's descendants. The below is of a lovely Rajasthan cow, who was waiting for some bananas to be passed through the gate.

These Rajasthan cows and bulls are exquisite, with skin like silk and a gentle, sweet disposition.

The next photograph are of Punitha's calves. Punitha, who is now deceased was a HUGE favourite with devotees and visitors. Lets hope the kids grow up to be as lovely as their Mum.

Lots of cows everywhere, and here an idyllic scene of several cows hanging out under some trees at the Gokulam.

On Mattu Pongal (Festival of the Cows) celebrated yearly in mid-January in Tamil Nadu, domestic animals are decorated and fed with Pongal. Below follows a narrative of a special Mattu Pongal in which Lakshmi played a prominent part. The narrative is particularly interesting because the writer tries to explain the unique connection Cow Lakshmi had with Sri Ramana Maharshi:

“In the Asramam also yesterday morning several varieties of sweetmeats were prepared and, with garlands made of those sweetmeats, puja to Nandi was performed by drawing ornamental lines with lime powder before the cowshed, by tying plantain trees around the pillars, by hanging garlands of green leaves, by bathing all the cows, by placing tilakam (vermilion marks) on their foreheads and garlands around their necks, and by feeding them with Pongal. Finally pujas was performed to the chanting of mantras and the breaking of coconuts.

Lakshmi is the queen amongst the cows, is she not? You must see her grandeur! Her forehead was smeared with turmeric powder, and adorned with Kumkum. Around her neck and horns were hung garlands made of roses and several other flowers, as also those made of edibles, and sweets, Besides these, garlands made out of bananas sugarcane pieces and coconut kernels, were put around her neck. Not satisfied with these, the person in charge of the animals brought from his own house another garland made out of some savoury preparation like murukku and placed it on the neck of Lakshmi. When Niranjananandaswami asked him what it was for, he replied with justifiable pride that that was his mamool (yearly custom) to do so. When I saw Lakshmi thus decorated like Kamadhenu, I was overjoyed and felt extremely happy.

Bhagavan, who went out at 9-45 a.m., came to the Gosala (cow-shed) at 10 a.m., to shower his blessings on his children there. While he sat on a chair by the side of Lakshmi, enjoying the sight of the beautiful decorations on her, the devotees gave arati with camphor, chanting Vedic hymns such as “Na Karmana” etc. Some devotees said that they would take a photo of Lakshmi. She was then led into the middle of the Gosala after asking the devotees who had gathered in to a big group, to step aside. Lakshmi stood there, tossing her head in a graceful manner. Bhagavan also got up, came, and stood by the side of Lakshmi, patting her head and body with his left hand, and when he said, “Steady, please, be steady”. Lakshmi slowly closed her eyes and remained absolutely quiet as if she was in a samadhi (trance). Sri Ramana then placed his right hand on her back, and with his walking stick in this left, stood in a dignified manner by the side of Lakshmi, when the photographer took two or three photos. One must see that sight to appreciate its grandeur fully.

Another photo was taken when Bhagavan was feeding her with his own hands fruits and sweetmeats. You can see the photos when you come here. I was reminded of Lord Krishna in Repalle when I saw the grand spectacle of Bhagavan standing in the midst of the cows in the Gosala. Not only this, in Brahma Vaivartha Purana it is stated that Krishna is the Paramatma, the Lord of the cow world, and that Radha is Prakriti. The theory in that Purana is that Radha and Madhava are Prakriti and Purusha – the inseparable pair. Standing with his body bent slightly to the left, and with his left hand on Lakshmi, and with the walking stick in his right hand, looking as if it was a flute, with a sparkling smile on the face like the foam on the waves of the ocean of ananda, with a compassionate look towards the group of devotees that had gathered along with the herd of cows, Sri Ramana, the embodiment of grace, it is no surprise of one were reminded of Lord Krishna Himself standing with crossed legs, resting on his toes and playing exquisitely on the flute. If that Krishna is Ramana, what are we to say of our Lakshmi who appears to have been completely oblivious of this world with her ears hanging down, with her eyes closed and enjoying transcendental bliss caused by the touch of Bhagavan’s hands on her body? Shall I say that she is the embodiment of Prakriti in the shape of Radha? Otherwise, how could she understand human language?

It is no exaggeration to say that we, with human eyes, saw in that congregation what is beyond human sight; a world of cows, and its overlord, Prakriti and Purusha. You would perhaps laugh at my foolish fantasies but take it from me, that sight was so lovely. Every year this worship of the cow is being performed, but this year Bhagavan gave us this blissful darshan by standing by the side of Lakshmi, because the devotees said that they would take a photo of Lakshmi. What a great day! I am writing to you, because I just could not contain my joy.”

[Letters from Sri Ramanasramam]

Cow Lakshmi Day

On Friday, the fifth of Ani, in the Year Sarvadhari (June 18th, 1948), the twelfth day of the waxing moon, under the asterism Visakha, the cow Lakshmi attained mukti. This year Cow Lakshmi Aradhana will be celebrated at Sri Ramana Ashram on July 14th and will be, as always a lovely function (there will be photographs posted at that time).

In the meantime here is a short narrative about Cow Lakshmi and her life at Ramana Ashram.

“The most favoured of all the animal devotees of Bhagavan was the cow Lakshmi. She was brought to the Ashram as a young calf together with her mother in 1926 by one Arunachala Pillai and presented to Sri Bhagavan. A devotee offering to look after the cow and calf, kept them at his place in town for about a year and then one day came to have darshan of Sri Bhagavan and brought them with him on a visit.

The calf seems to have been irresistibly attracted to Sri Bhagavan and to have noted the way to the Ashram because she returned alone next day and from then on came every morning and returned to town only in the evening. Later, when she came to live in the Ashram, she would still come to Ramana, going straight up to him and taking no notice of anyone else, and he would always have bananas or some other delicacy for her. For a long time she would come to the hall daily at lunch-time to accompany him to the dining-hall, and so punctually that if he had been occupied by anything and sat beyond the hour he would look at he clock when she came in and find that it was time.

Ramana Maharshi with Lakshmi

She bore a number of calves, at least three of them on Bhagavan’s Jayanthi (birthday). When a stone cow-house was built in the Ashram it was decided that Lakshmi should be the first to enter it on the day of its inauguration, but when the time came she could not be found; she had gone to lie by Sri Bhagavan and would not budge until he came too, so that he entered first and she behind him.

Not only was she uncommonly devoted to Bhagavan, but the Grace and kindness he showed her was quite exceptional. In later years, there were a number of cows and bulls at the Ashram but no other that formed such an attachment or elicited such Grace. Lakshmi’s descendants are still there.

On June 17th, 1948, Lakshmi fell ill and on the morning of the 18th it seemed that her end was near. At ten o’clock Bhagavan went to her. “Amma (Mother),” he said, “you want me to be near you?” He sat down beside her and took her head on his lap. He gazed into her eyes and placed his hand on her head as though giving her diksha (initiation) and also over her heart. Holding his cheek against hers, he caressed her. Satisfied that her heart was free from all vasanas (latent tendencies), he took leave of her. Lakshmi was conscious up the end; her eyes were calm. At eleven-thirty she left her body, quite peacefully.

Lakshmi statue at her Samadhi

She was buried in the Ashram compound with full funeral rites, beside the graves of a deer, a crow and a dog which Bhagavan had also caused to be buried there. A square stone was placed over her grave surmounted by a likeness of her. On the stone was engraved an epitaph that Bhagavan had written stating that she had attained Mukti (liberation).”

[Abridged from Ramana Maharshi and the Path of Self-Knowledge]

Mantra-Jam Sextet Concerts

Here at Tiruvannamalai over Pongal there will be 2 Concerts by

THE MANTRA-JAM SEXTET
Composed of
Vocals: J Jayaraman [ashram]
Slide Guitar: pt. Prakash Sontakke [Bangalore][www.prakashsontakke.com]
Electric Guitar: Bruce Lee Mani [Bangalore] [of www.ThermalAndAQuarter.com]
Electric Bass: Rzhude [Bangalore] [Thermal and a Quarter]
Jazz & Carnatic Percussion: Kartik Mani [Karnataka College of Percussion]
Tabla: Adarsh [Bangalore]

Concert-1 RAMANA ROCKS

An Unbroken East-West fusion-jam of
(i) mantras and
(ii) excerpts from Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi's Hymns to Arunachala [Monday chanting]
and Hymns to Ramana [Saturday chanting] and Hymns from Sankara [Friday chanting]
in Tamil and Sanskrit

on PONGAL DAY - Jan 15th, 2008
at The New Hall
Sri Ramanasramam
606603
Time: 8.15 to 9.15PM

***************************************************************

Concert-2
ARUNAI ROCKS

An unbroken unrehearsed East-West fusion-jam of
Vedic Mantras & Bhajans, and chants from various native traditions

on MAATTU PONGAL DAY - Jan 16th, 2008
at the
Open-air Amphitheatre
Hotel Arunai Anantha
NH-66, Tiruvannamalai
Time: 8.15pm onwards

Concert-2 ARUNAI ROCKS

Musician-ensemble
As above with:
special invitees including:
Kumar Ambayiram: didgeridoo
Uphaar: flute
and others...

All Are Welcome
'free-for-all'

Samadhi of Swami Ramananda

In an earlier posting, we wrote about the death of Swami Ramananda

To find out more about the Samadhi ceremony for Swami Ramananda held at Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram (including photographs) please check this link here:

Swami Ramananda (T.N.Venkatraman)

On Wednesday December 26th, 2007, Swami Ramananda died peacefully in the course of the evening. Swami Ramanananda previously known as Sri T.N. Venkatraman was responsible for much of the current development of Ramana Ashram. He succeeded his father Chinnaswami as President of the Ashram in 1953 and held that position till he took up sannyasa in 1994 and retired from his Ashram duties.

To find out more about Swami Ramananda (previously Sri T.N. Venkatraman) please read the following excerpt from The Silent Power (The Fortunate Boy):-


******************************

“Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi is well known to all as a great Saint. But only a few know of his philanthropy and humanitarianism. Still fewer are those who experienced his paternal and maternal affection.

Of all these one boy alone had the most enviable opportunity of sleeping with Bhagavan and enjoying such paternal treatment. One and only one had that golden privilege.

This was in 1920. Bhagavan had come to Skandasramam from the Virupaksha cave and a small batch of devotees had gathered round him. The greatness of the Saint echoed all over the world. Devotees from all parts of India were coming for his darshan. While males enjoyed the privilege of staying in the Asramam up the hill with Bhagavan the whole day, ladies were not allowed to remain there after sun-set.

Maharshi had a younger brother and sister, his elder brother having passed away prematurely. This younger brother Sri Nagasundaram Iyer who was working as a clerk in Tiruvengadu temple had a small son. Fortunately for Sri Ramanasramam to be and unfortunately for his family, he took sannyasa when his wife died leaving a two year old boy uncared for. When both the parents left this child an orphan, Maharshi's sister, popularly known as `Athai' (aunt), took charge of the child and brought him up with unstinted love, affection and care. It was not only because she had no issue of her own but also because this boy was the only descendant of their whole family.

This lad was taken twice or thrice a year to Tiruvannamalai to see Bhagavan and his father (of the poorvasrama), henceforth known as Sri Niranjanananda Swami, by Athai and her husband,who were living in the far South. They were provided with a house near the hill at Tiruvannamalai. Every morning Athai would go up the hill and return to town in the evening, leaving the boy behind at Skandasramam.

When at first Athai hesitated to do this fearing to cause any kind of inconvenience to the much loved boy, Bhagavan said that he would be well under his protection. In the night the boy would eat from the sacred hands of Bhagavan and Bhagavan would make him lie down beside him, cover him with a blanket and lull him to sleep. He bestowed on him all care that any sincere mother is capable of. Early in the morning he would take the boy to the spring, clean his teeth with powder, and wash his face. Athai would rush up in the morning. Bhagavan with the lad seated on a culvert would tell the child, "There comes your Athai. See in what hurry she runs up to see you." As soon as she came up, Bhagavan would tell her, "Take your boy, see, he is safe and sound."

This abundant affection for the boy did not in any way prevent Maharshi from being strict with him. The following incident makes it clear that Bhagavan gave the boy a practical lesson which till now he has not forgotten.

At Skandasramam lived a monkey named Nondi, which was the pet of all. Maharshi had ordered that whatever food was served to his followers should also be served to the monkey, and in case it was absent elsewhere, then its share should be kept separate for its return. In such a case, the food would be kept near a window inside the cave and the shutter closed but not bolted. This was the custom.

On one of his periodical visits to the Asramam one day, the boy had enjoyed the sweet dishes served to the devotees. He had a little more than the usual share. The monkey being absent, its share was kept near the closed window. The boy, having had his share, went up to the window and began to eat out of the monkey's as well. Suddenly, the monkey came and opened the window only to see the boy eating its share. It gave the boy a blow on his cheek. Shocked and terrified, the boy cried out and devotees tried to console him. Bhagavan came to the spot, understood the situation and told the boy: "You deserve it. Why did you want his (monkey's) share. You have had enough already.

You ought to have been contented with that." Instead of appeasing the beloved child, Bhagavan put him right. The boy became silent and heeded Bhagavan's words.

"Do not touch the property of others. Be content with what you have. Share equally what you have. Divide it with one and all around you. Help the needy. Be not blind when a wrong is committed before you. Correct it if possible, or at least speak out for the right." These are some of the golden truths the young boy was able to grasp from the words of the Maharshi that day.

That blessed boy is Swami Ramanananda (Sri T.N.Venkataraman, former president of Sri Ramanasramam)."

U.S. College Visit

St. Olaf a liberal arts College of the Lutheran Church located in Northfield, Minnesota, USA., is comprised of some 3,000 students representing 45 US States and 18 foreign countries. It is a College that inspires students to act on intellectual and ethical ideas to better the world at home and abroad. The students’ time in India is concentrated on lectures, discussions and field trips to facilitate a better understanding of the history, traditions and contemporary practices of religious expression in this country.

For the last 39 years St. Olaf College has offered a Global Semester comprising a five-month academic program offering five courses in different parts of the world. This year’s group of 28 students, 2 supervising faculty members and their teenage son are undertaking a global trip taking the group on visits to Switzerland (the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva), Egypt, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, China and South Korea.

Arrival of the student group to Quo Vadis

The travelling group, currently in the midst of its India Trip, was hosted by Quo Vadis Interfaith Dialogue Center and the Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC) on October 18th and 19th at Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. On the first day of their visit the students performed Arunachala Girivalam on four brightly decorated bullock carts, lunched at ALC Lebanon Compound, visited Arunachaleswarar Temple where a special puja was performed on their behalf, toured Ramana Ashram and enjoyed a cultural programme and dinner at the newly inaugurated Quo Vadis Inter Faith Dialogue Center. On Friday, 19th October, the group participated in a walking meditation on Arunachala Hill before leaving Tiruvannamalai for a short visit to the ALC at Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. After the group’s Tamil Nadu itinerary is complete they will return to resume their study course at the Ecumenical Christian Centre, Bangalore (Whitfield).

The students on the girivalam bullock ride through Tiruvannamalai

After India, the group head towards Thailand for a week’s vacation before continuing their Global Semester in Hong Kong, mainland China and Korea before returning to the U.S. around January 25th, 2008.