Ramana Disciple Ganapati Muni #4

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It may be noted that the first part of the instruction is in line with what was

given earlier by Ramana to Bambhiram Seshier and Sivaprakasam Pillai in

1900-1902, the now famous 'Who am 'I'?' enquiry. However, the second part is

new and in a sense equally revolutionary. For, a vast number of seekers are

initiated into mantras. Their faith in the efficacy of these mantras is deep

rooted as the Muni's was then. Ramana draws them gently, yet firmly, to the path

of self-enquiry by turning their attention to the source of the mantra sound.

Thus source consciousness would be awakened.

 

What was the state of the Muni on that eventful day? He was desperately thirsty

for knowing the secret underlying the scriptures. His utter humility is also

seen from his remark "though learned, I am ignorant". This fact is heightened if

one remembers that a large number of seekers at that time considered the Muni to

be their Guru. His scriptural learning and tapasya had made him ripe and ready.

What was lacking was the Sadguru's grace to light the fire of knowledge. The

Self-realized knower of truth, Ramana, provided this. It was his grace which

revealed the truth to the Muni.

 

The Muni remarks that a new chapter had opened up not only for himself but

Ramana as well. For eleven years since his arrival at Arunachala in 1896, Ramana

had remained silent and had not spoken except to this faithful attendant

Palaniswami. True. he had given instructions to his mother, Bambhiram Seshier

and Sivaprakasam Pillai. But it was on sand or slate or paper. Ramana's Very

first oral instructions were only to the Muni. As a result, Ramana became more

openly available to seekers of truth. He has assumed the role earmarked for him,

as the universal teacher whose teachings are most appropriate for this age. The

world was not to be denied the soft and ambrosial voice of Ramana. What an epoch

making breaking of silence it has been.

 

To be continued from "Timeless in Time" by Natarajan