Destiny and Grace, 1

[Guest guest]

This is an article by Major I.J. Taneja, The Moutain Path, Jan. 1969:

"Destiny and Grace", in which he described how he was drawn to Sri

Ramana step by step and his special experiences (s. part 2 and 3

following the next days). I think it may be of interest for some of

you.

Gabriele

 

"It was in 1946 that a friend told me in Bombay about Maharshi Ramana

who was considered to be the Lord personified. Something in me was

thereafter always reminding me to visit Bhagavan early, but on

account of the partition of India and the problems arising from

Independence I could not do so.

I first came to the Ashram in June 1949 and stayed for two days. I had

my own problems which I wanted to lay before Maharshi. But, as I had

been told that replies to problems came automatically to your mind

when you sat in His presence, I decided not to speak and remain

quiet. Replies to all problems came in one word 'Destiny'. Bhagavan

was speaking in Tamil to the ladies and there were smiles and happy

feelings all round. I asked a gentleman sitting next to me what

Bhagavan was saying, since I did not know Tamil. He said that it was

about 'Destiny'.

During my stay the word 'Destiny' came to my ears several times. I

purchased two small books from the Ashram bookstall and the first

word that I saw in them, to my surprise, was 'Destiny'. I thought

that if it was only a question of destiny what was the use of coming

here so far. Anyway I liked and remembered the look of Bhagavan which

he gave me as I entered the Hall and walked towards Him. During my

short stay I tried to sit always in the view of Bhagavan in the Hall

and during meals.

 

On my return I could feel that something had started working within

me. But my difficulties and worries increased manyfold. For eight

years I was in wilderness. In 1958 one day I was looking casually at

the books in a bookstall in Bombay V.T. Suddenly I noticed Bhagavan's

name and His photograph on a book written by Mr. Arthur Osborne. A

current passed through my body and I immediately purchased the book.

Thereafter my life began to be transformed. Bhagavan's active

assistance was now noticeable in all matters and samadhi became easy

and part of my daily routine. I visited the Ashram in 1959 and 1960

and stayed over a month each time. It now became clear that Sri

Arunachala was attracting me like a magnet and I was eager to come to

the Ashram again and again."

 

to be continued