Guest guest Posted August 1, 2007 Report Share Posted August 1, 2007 Richard, I wish you and your wife all the best in this big and important transition. It sounds like despite the difficulties of making a decision like this, you have an inner certainty and clarity about it and you are doing the very thing that is right for you. We would love to hear from you hear still, when you can write.Best,JillOn Aug 1, 2007, at 5:21 PM, Richard Clarke wrote:Dear Group,It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai.When I think of this change from the point of view as this individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of my family than my family. From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of why I want to make this move. There is one more reason for the move – I can afford to retire now this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days on what is much more important than working for a living. If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move and the days with Arunachala. If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these. Not two,Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2007 Report Share Posted August 1, 2007 Dear Group, It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai. When I think of this change from the point of view as this individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of my family than my family. From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of why I want to make this move. There is one more reason for the move – I can afford to retire now this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days on what is much more important than working for a living. If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move and the days with Arunachala. If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these, especially of wonderful teachers of Advaita that might be available in the area. Not two, Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2007 Report Share Posted August 2, 2007 Richard : How fortunate you and your wife are to spend your retirement years in the peaceful surroundings of Thiruvannamalai - this has been my retirement dream for Years and i don't know how and when i am going to fulfill my heart's desires ! However i had the fortune of spending some days at the Ramanshram a few years back and i had the most wonderful experience ! i luved doing the'Giri valam' on foot but i could not make it to the finish line ! i luved attending the 'aarti;' for Lord Arunchaleshwera and his Divine consort , Apita kuchammbaal ! The priest there garlanded me - a gestiure i cherish to this day - Yes ! What could be more ecstatic than being married to the Lord - a jivatma uniting with the paramatma in blissful union! The time that i spent in the meditation hall of the Ramanshram left a very vivid impression on me - in that infinite Silence , i realized that Sri Ramana bhagwan was present giving his silent upadesha! Be still - 'summa iru' in tamizh! but Richard , one thing i must warn you - be prepared for the 'love' bites from the 'mosquitos' at night in the ashram ! Apart from the nuisance value of these nocturnal visitors , they also carry the 'malaria' bug - something hard to deal with in hot warm climates! Also be prepared to have four iddlis ( rice cakes ) with chilli powder and a coffee for breakfast every single day ! No variation to this menu! if you need some fancy breakfast , you need to go to the nearby hotels ! Of course , the liquor shops are also there along with non-vegetarian restaurants in this 'spiritual' township! This only goes to prove that in the midst of 'temptation, how one can be 'sattwic' ( pure and uncorrupted ) by focussing on the Divine self! i am sure you will also find internet cafes everywhere and they are your connection to the rest of the world! Richard , don't give up writing - in fact , you should maintain a jouurnal where you can note down all your experiences and may be publish a book ! You will definitely love the 'serene' atmosphere in the Ashram and would love the company of the Ashram Monkeys ( they love to steal the ladies handbags but which they throw away after scanning them for food items) and the flirtatious Peacock which follows you around ! You would love the Cow shed where you can even see Lakshmi's ( Sri Ramana's Cow) granddaughter - she is quite a charmer with her MOTHERLY DEMEANOR! here is hoping you and your wife will have a 'wonderful' stay and enjoy your well earned retirement in the company of like minded devotees of Sri Ramana bhagwan! Btw , the bookshop in the ashram is well stocked and is a booklovers' paradise! Now they sell T-shirtas and Ramana memorobilia also ! May i leave you with this famous Ramana quote " Realization consists only in getting rid of the false idea that one is not realized " with love and regards to you and yours ! ps - btw , you may want to pick up a book on Conversational Tamizh ! + advaitin , " Richard Clarke " <richard wrote: > > Dear Group, > > It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in > Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process > of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material > possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2007 Report Share Posted August 2, 2007 dear shri.richard, welcome to india. i extend an invitation to visit me in chennai on transit to thiruvannamalai.pl.feel free for any assistance since i live close to airport about 20 minutes drive. in fact i just returned from thiruvannamalai couple of days back after a long standung wish to visit the temple and ashrams there. baskarans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2007 Report Share Posted August 2, 2007 Hi Richard, I love Arunachala and I feel your move is really beutiful There are a lot of informations about tiruvannamaai and Arunachala in a news letter and a blog made by meenakshi ammal, you can ask hin also informations abou were to stay, were to purchase land ( but I think foreigners are not allowed to do it) www.arunachalasamudra.org www.arunachalagrace.blogspot.com Few friends of mine went there last winter and there are a lot of satsangs going on with different awakened ones, it's really an intense place were to be. Marifa - Richard Clarke Wednesday, August 01, 2007 11:21 PM Moving to Tiruvannamalai Dear Group,It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai.When I think of this change from the point of view as this individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of my family than my family. From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of why I want to make this move. There is one more reason for the move – I can afford to retire now this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days on what is much more important than working for a living. If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move and the days with Arunachala. If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these. Not two,Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2007 Report Share Posted August 2, 2007 advaitin , " Richard Clarke " <richard wrote: > > Dear Group, > > It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in > Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process > of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material > possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. > > When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction > to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this > could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another > trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our > children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai. > > When I think of this change from the point of view as this > individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and > feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. > > The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given > me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of > my family than my family. > > From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want > at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self Namaste Richard, I wish you well and hope you have your residency visas in order. A friend of mine didn't and ended up in jail in Delhi for a couple of weeks for overstaying.Had to get the consulate involved and everything. I don't fully understand why you need to leave your family and grandchildren etc to go and live by a mountain.Does this not cause them pain? I'm sure that even Ramana would have had something to say about that, and did many times re similar circumstances. For as Vivekananda says what we looking for is within ourselves all the time. However if this is your stage of development and sadhana, I wish you well and hope you find the truth within and not in places or mountains and such. Things could be worse you could have moved to mexico or panama I suppose. You will still be searching and still in a reduced material world, however it may be your karma to do such............Blessings Hu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 Dear Hu, The move seems the right move. We will travel back to the US probably every year and can see everyone at that time. It is time, I feel, to look past the children and into the Self, and Tiruvannamalai seems a very good place to do this. I certainly do understand that one does not have to go some other place to find the Self. What would be closer at all times? And I will have what is a small pension, not enough to live on the the US, but fine for life there. We do not have resident visas. I have not been able to find out how to get them. So for now we plan to leave every six months until we get them. Thank you for your message and thoughts. Not two, Richard advaitin , " hupa_ramdas " <hupa_ram> wrote: > > advaitin , " Richard Clarke " <richard@> wrote: > > > > Dear Group, > > > > It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in > > Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process > > of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material > > possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. > > > > When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong > reaction > > to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought > this > > could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another > > trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our > > children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai. > > > > When I think of this change from the point of view as this > > individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and > > feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. > > > > The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given > > me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more > of > > my family than my family. > > > > From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I > want > > at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the > Self > > Namaste Richard, > > I wish you well and hope you have your residency visas in order. A > friend of mine didn't and ended up in jail in Delhi for a couple of > weeks for overstaying.Had to get the consulate involved and > everything. > > I don't fully understand why you need to leave your family and > grandchildren etc to go and live by a mountain.Does this not cause > them pain? > > I'm sure that even Ramana would have had something to say about that, > and did many times re similar circumstances. For as Vivekananda says > what we looking for is within ourselves all the time. > > However if this is your stage of development and sadhana, I wish you > well and hope you find the truth within and not in places or > mountains and such. Things could be worse you could have moved to > mexico or panama I suppose. > You will still be searching and still in a reduced material world, > however it may be your karma to do such............Blessings Hu. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 Nameste Emanuele, Thank you for the email and for the urls. I think I may have seen some videos by meenskshi at YouTube. Yes, there is something very special about Arunachala and Tiruvannamalai. I don't think foreigners are allowed to buy land. I thought likely we would just find someplace to rent. We stand in the Grace of Ramana. Not two, Richard , " Emanuele De Benedetti " <e.debenedetti wrote: > > Hi Richard, > > I love Arunachala and I feel your move is really beutiful > > There are a lot of informations about tiruvannamaai and Arunachala > in a news letter and a blog made by meenakshi ammal, > you can ask hin also informations abou were to stay, > were to purchase land ( but I think foreigners are not allowed to do it) > > www.arunachalasamudra.org > www.arunachalagrace.blogspot.com > > Few friends of mine went there last winter > and there are a lot of satsangs going on with different awakened ones, > it's really an intense place were to be. > > Marifa > > > - > Richard Clarke > > Wednesday, August 01, 2007 11:21 PM > Moving to Tiruvannamalai > > > Dear Group, > > It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in > Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process > of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material > possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. > > When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction > to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this > could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another > trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our > children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai. > > When I think of this change from the point of view as this > individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and > feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. > > The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given > me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of > my family than my family. > > From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want > at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self > that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of > Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I > first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of > why I want to make this move. > > There is one more reason for the move - I can afford to retire now > this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked > for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days > on what is much more important than working for a living. > > If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move > and the days with Arunachala. > > If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these. > > Not two, > Richard > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 Dear Richard Definitely it is a right move. Congratulations.The very idea of moving to tiruvannamala is itself due to grace. . Although many say that one does not have to go to some other plaqce to find the Self, from my experience distractions are less there and the fact that I went there for a specific purpose kept me in the spiritual mood compared to other places of normal living. The place has special significance for all seekers. I feel as if I am in heaven whenever I enter Ashram Premises. Destiny also plays its role. Although I am supposed to be living in that town by now, destiny delayed it. Hope to see you there in December glad to meet you at SAT in April. regards Ramana Sarma On 8/2/07, Richard Clarke <richard wrote: > > Dear Hu, > > The move seems the right move. We will travel back to the US probably > every year and can see everyone at that time. It is time, I feel, to > look past the children and into the Self, and Tiruvannamalai seems a > very good place to do this. I certainly do understand that one does > not have to go some other place to find the Self. What would be > closer at all times? > > And I will have what is a small pension, not enough to live on the > the US, but fine for life there. > > We do not have resident visas. I have not been able to find out how > to get them. So for now we plan to leave every six months until we > get them. > > Thank you for your message and thoughts. > > Not two, > Richard > > advaitin <advaitin%40>, > " hupa_ramdas " <hupa_ram> > wrote: > > > > advaitin <advaitin%40>, " Richard > Clarke " <richard@> wrote: > > > > > > Dear Group, > > > > > > It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in > > > Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the > process > > > of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material > > > possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. > > > > > > When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong > > reaction > > > to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought > > this > > > could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another > > > trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our > > > children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai. > > > > > > When I think of this change from the point of view as this > > > individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, > and > > > feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. > > > > > > The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has > given > > > me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is > more > > of > > > my family than my family. > > > > > > From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I > > want > > > at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the > > Self > > > > Namaste Richard, > > > > I wish you well and hope you have your residency visas in order. A > > friend of mine didn't and ended up in jail in Delhi for a couple of > > weeks for overstaying.Had to get the consulate involved and > > everything. > > > > I don't fully understand why you need to leave your family and > > grandchildren etc to go and live by a mountain.Does this not cause > > them pain? > > > > I'm sure that even Ramana would have had something to say about > that, > > and did many times re similar circumstances. For as Vivekananda > says > > what we looking for is within ourselves all the time. > > > > However if this is your stage of development and sadhana, I wish > you > > well and hope you find the truth within and not in places or > > mountains and such. Things could be worse you could have moved to > > mexico or panama I suppose. > > You will still be searching and still in a reduced material world, > > however it may be your karma to do such............Blessings Hu. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 advaitin , " vrsarma podury " <rpodury wrote: > > Dear Richard > > Definitely it is a right move. Congratulations.The very idea of moving to > tiruvannamala is itself due to grace. . Although many say that one does not > have to go to some other plaqce to find the Self, from my experience > distractions are less there and the fact that I went there for a specific > purpose kept me in the spiritual mood compared to other places of normal > living. The place has special significance for all seekers. I feel as if I > am in heaven whenever I enter Ashram Premises. Destiny also plays its role. > Although I am supposed to be living in that town by now, destiny delayed it. > Hope to see you there in December > > glad to meet you at SAT in April. > > regards > > Ramana Sarma Namaste RS. Feeling one is in heaven, spiritual mood etc are all manifestations of the mind, externally, one is supposed to overcome. What is the point of reinforcing them? Unless one is on the path of Bhakti?..Hu Again if Richard believes this is necessary for his sadhana then very well........Hu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 We all wish Richard well but these messages really ought to be sent privately. Best wishes, Dennis <http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=15939/grpspId=1705075991/msgId=3 6739/stime=1186160842/nc1=4507179/nc2=3848571/nc3=3848582> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 Dear Dennis and Group, I certainly did not mean to be any bother to members of this group. Should anyone want to comment or dialog with me, they are welcome to send email to richard Sorry for anything that caused off-subject messages in this group. Not two, richard advaitin , " Dennis Waite " <dwaite wrote: > > We all wish Richard well but these messages really ought to be sent > privately. > > Best wishes, > Dennis > <http://geo./serv? s=97359714/grpId=15939/grpspId=1705075991/msgId=3 > 6739/stime=1186160842/nc1=4507179/nc2=3848571/nc3=3848582> > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 Dear Hu What you said is correct at certain level. It all depends on the stage of the seeker in the process of sadhana.. Probably my using the word heaven may not be appropriate as what I meant was a state of subdued mind –a state where worldly thoughts stop bothering. For a person like me who is still distracted by Television and other distractions, places like Tiruvannamalai helped overcoming distractions. Ramana always mentioned that place had no significance when people were sad to leave him, When people mentioned his case of moving to Arunachala and staying there permanently he simply mentioned that it was his destiny. He did not discourage if some came and settled in ashram. Ultimately it is one's destiny. Personally I feel that path of self inquiry and bhakthi are not mutually exclusive. While following self inquiry brought significant changes and prompted me to follow further, I am at times seized with intense devotion to Ramana taking me to inexplicable states. It is a state which is not cultivated consciously but just happens. There was a time when I felt whether there was any contradiction. When I mentioned this to Sri Balaramareddy who had lived many years in the Ashram close to Ramana he stated that it was ok. He brought to my notice the incident when tears flowed from eyes of Ramana when a photo of Krishna was shown to him. Mind may not be able to express such states. regards RS On 8/3/07, hupa_ramdas <hupa_ram> wrote: > > advaitin <advaitin%40>, " vrsarma > podury " <rpodury wrote: > > > > Dear Richard > > > > Definitely it is a right move. Congratulations.The very idea of > moving to > > tiruvannamala is itself due to grace. . Although many say that one > does not > > have to go to some other plaqce to find the Self, from my experience > > distractions are less there and the fact that I went there for a > specific > > purpose kept me in the spiritual mood compared to other places of > normal > > living. The place has special significance for all seekers. I feel > as if I > > am in heaven whenever I enter Ashram Premises. Destiny also plays > its role. > > Although I am supposed to be living in that town by now, destiny > delayed it. > > Hope to see you there in December > > > > glad to meet you at SAT in April. > > > > regards > > > > Ramana Sarma > > Namaste RS. > > Feeling one is in heaven, spiritual mood etc are all manifestations > of the mind, externally, one is supposed to overcome. What is the > point of reinforcing them? Unless one is on the path of Bhakti?..Hu > > Again if Richard believes this is necessary for his sadhana then very > well........Hu > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2007 Report Share Posted August 4, 2007 Hi, I would love you to post from time time. I am new in this group, although feel old. I have enjoyed reading your posts. To keep reading, being absorbed in the teachings is a blessing. Blessed move to India. Thanks to others & the beautiful messages and pictures. a poem The Beloved. Falling deeper and deeper in love with the Beloved, Silence... Beyond wanting, Beyond words... Home... Om... Love Soul , " Richard Clarke " <richard wrote: > > Nameste Emanuele, > > Thank you for the email and for the urls. I think I may have seen > some videos by meenskshi at YouTube. > > Yes, there is something very special about Arunachala and > Tiruvannamalai. > > I don't think foreigners are allowed to buy land. I thought likely we > would just find someplace to rent. > > We stand in the Grace of Ramana. > > Not two, > Richard > > , " Emanuele De Benedetti " > <e.debenedetti@> wrote: > > > > Hi Richard, > > > > I love Arunachala and I feel your move is really beutiful > > > > There are a lot of informations about tiruvannamaai and Arunachala > > in a news letter and a blog made by meenakshi ammal, > > you can ask hin also informations abou were to stay, > > were to purchase land ( but I think foreigners are not allowed to > do it) > > > > www.arunachalasamudra.org > > www.arunachalagrace.blogspot.com > > > > Few friends of mine went there last winter > > and there are a lot of satsangs going on with different awakened > ones, > > it's really an intense place were to be. > > > > Marifa > > > > > > - > > Richard Clarke > > > > Wednesday, August 01, 2007 11:21 PM > > Moving to Tiruvannamalai > > > > > > Dear Group, > > > > It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in > > Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the > process > > of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material > > possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. > > > > When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong > reaction > > to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought > this > > could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another > > trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our > > children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai. > > > > When I think of this change from the point of view as this > > individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, > and > > feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. > > > > The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has > given > > me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is > more of > > my family than my family. > > > > From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I > want > > at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the > Self > > that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video > of > > Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I > > first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded > of > > why I want to make this move. > > > > There is one more reason for the move - I can afford to retire > now > > this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have > worked > > for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these > days > > on what is much more important than working for a living. > > > > If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the > move > > and the days with Arunachala. > > > > If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these. > > > > Not two, > > Richard > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2007 Report Share Posted August 4, 2007 Dear Richard, I live in Bangalore which is about 4-5 hours away from thiruvanamalai. Please feel free to mail me for any help that you may need in India. I am very happy that you have been able to take this big decision in your life and will be glad to be of assistance. Regards, Arunachaladasa (means 'servant of arunachala') On 8/2/07, Richard Clarke <richard wrote: Dear Group,It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai.When I think of this change from the point of view as this individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of my family than my family. From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of why I want to make this move. There is one more reason for the move – I can afford to retire now this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days on what is much more important than working for a living. If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move and the days with Arunachala. If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these. Not two,Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2007 Report Share Posted August 5, 2007 Hi Everyone, For some reason, some of the messages have been tagged spam by and are thus late coming to the list. I am currently out of town at the AOM conference so there may be some delay in getting messages wrongly tagged as spam out quickly. Thanks for your understanding. Namaste Harsha , Jill Eggers <eggersj wrote: > > Richard, I wish you and your wife all the best in this big and > important transition. It sounds like despite the difficulties of > making a decision like this, you have an inner certainty and clarity > about it and you are doing the very thing that is right for you. We > would love to hear from you hear still, when you can write. > > Best, > > Jill > On Aug 1, 2007, at 5:21 PM, Richard Clarke wrote: > > > Dear Group, > > > > It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in > > Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process > > of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material > > possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. > > > > When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction > > to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this > > could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another > > trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our > > children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai. > > > > When I think of this change from the point of view as this > > individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and > > feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. > > > > The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given > > me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of > > my family than my family. > > > > From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want > > at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self > > that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of > > Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I > > first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of > > why I want to make this move. > > > > There is one more reason for the move – I can afford to retire now > > this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked > > for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days > > on what is much more important than working for a living. > > > > If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move > > and the days with Arunachala. > > > > If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these. > > > > Not two, > > Richard > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2007 Report Share Posted August 5, 2007 Dear Richard rereading your message now i felt a deep bond with you. Let me congratulate you and your dear wife for your decision. In my humble opinion due to my intense experience in this life i feel that you have chosen the only way authentic to you. That does not mean that your adventure must be a socalled success. This is up to the SELF alone. But it must be tried in order to experience what has to be experienced. Like in this person own life i accept fullheartedly the truth of the following, which i "learned" thru Sri Ramana Maharshi and in my own experience. what is not allowed to happen will not happen what mus happen will happen whatever you want, wish, hope for, are afraid of.... the only freedom we really have is to decide from moment to moment with what we identify with the outside reality or with the only reality that is the inward shining SELF so again michael wishes you from the bottom of his heart all the best on the next pinnacle of your lifes journey you and your wife are blessed! Nothing more important than to live an authentic life - especially when GD allows us this by being free of having to work for living in Ramana michael - harshaimtm Sunday, August 05, 2007 3:16 PM Re: Moving to Tiruvannamalai Hi Everyone,For some reason, some of the messages have been tagged spam by and are thus late coming to the list.I am currently out of town at the AOM conference so there may be some delay in getting messages wrongly tagged as spam out quickly.Thanks for your understanding.NamasteHarsha , Jill Eggers <eggersj wrote:>> Richard, I wish you and your wife all the best in this big and > important transition. It sounds like despite the difficulties of > making a decision like this, you have an inner certainty and clarity > about it and you are doing the very thing that is right for you. We > would love to hear from you hear still, when you can write.> > Best,> > Jill> On Aug 1, 2007, at 5:21 PM, Richard Clarke wrote:> > > Dear Group,> >> > It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in> > Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process> > of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material> > possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends.> >> > When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction> > to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this> > could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another> > trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our> > children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai.> >> > When I think of this change from the point of view as this> > individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and> > feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move.> >> > The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given> > me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of> > my family than my family.> >> > From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want> > at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self> > that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of> > Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I> > first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of> > why I want to make this move.> >> > There is one more reason for the move – I can afford to retire now> > this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked> > for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days> > on what is much more important than working for a living.> >> > If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move> > and the days with Arunachala.> >> > If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these.> >> > Not two,> > Richard> >> >> >> Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.2/931 - Release 01/08/2007 16.53 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2007 Report Share Posted August 5, 2007 Dear Micheal, Thank you for the good wishes. Whether the trip is a so-called success depends on an egoic point of view. Real success is the abandonment of this view. We are share the bond of, and Grace of, the Truth. What bond is deeper? Not two, Richard , " Michael Bindel " <michael.bindel wrote: > > Dear Richard > > rereading your message now i felt a deep bond with you. > Let me congratulate you and your dear wife for your decision. In my humble opinion due to my intense experience in this life i feel that you have chosen the only way authentic to you. > That does not mean that your adventure must be a socalled success. This is up to the SELF alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 Richardji, Best wishes to you and your family and my sincere prayers for your more comfortable transfer to tvm.I appreciate and admire the strength you have in taking this tough emotional decission in your life.new country,new culture,new people great change! Let bhagawan guide you for a smooth transition. vijay Saturday, August 04, 2007 12:05 PM Subject: Re: Moving to Tiruvannamalai Dear Richard, I live in Bangalore which is about 4-5 hours away from thiruvanamalai. Please feel free to mail me for any help that you may need in India. I am very happy that you have been able to take this big decision in your life and will be glad to be of assistance. Regards, Arunachaladasa (means 'servant of arunachala') On 8/2/07, Richard Clarke <richard (AT) infinitepie (DOT) net> wrote: Dear Group,It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai.When I think of this change from the point of view as this individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of my family than my family. From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of why I want to make this move. There is one more reason for the move – I can afford to retire now this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days on what is much more important than working for a living. If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move and the days with Arunachala. If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these. Not two,Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 Vanakkam Richard, Sandhosham! AnbudanRichard Clarke <richard wrote: Dear Micheal,Thank you for the good wishes.Whether the trip is a so-called success depends on an egoic point of view. Real success is the abandonment of this view. We are share the bond of, and Grace of, the Truth. What bond is deeper?Not two,Richard , "Michael Bindel" <michael.bindel wrote:>> Dear Richard> > rereading your message now i felt a deep bond with you.> Let me congratulate you and your dear wife for your decision. In my humble opinion due to my intense experience in this life i feel that you have chosen the only way authentic to you.> That does not mean that your adventure must be a socalled success. This is up to the SELF alone.TAT TVAM ASI ... Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.Visit the Auto Green Center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 Vanakkam Ritesh, Sandhosham! AnbudanRitesh Mehta <arunachaladasa wrote: Dear Richard, I live in Bangalore which is about 4-5 hours away from thiruvanamalai. Please feel free to mail me for any help that you may need in India. I am very happy that you have been able to take this big decision in your life and will be glad to be of assistance. Regards, Arunachaladasa (means 'servant of arunachala') On 8/2/07, Richard Clarke <richard (AT) infinitepie (DOT) net> wrote: Dear Group,It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai.When I think of this change from the point of view as this individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of my family than my family. From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of why I want to make this move. There is one more reason for the move – I can afford to retire now this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days on what is much more important than working for a living. If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move and the days with Arunachala. If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these. Not two,Richard TAT TVAM ASI ... Building a website is a piece of cake. Small Business gives you all the tools to get online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 --- Dear Richard, Really happy for you. Indeed it is a big move but Bhagavan is always with you to guide you. I will be very happy to receive posts from you from Thiruvannamalai. All the very best. With Regards Devi In , " Richard Clarke " <richard wrote: > > Dear Group, > > It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in > Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process > of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material > possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. > > When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction > to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this > could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another > trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our > children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai. > > When I think of this change from the point of view as this > individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and > feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. > > The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given > me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of > my family than my family. > > From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want > at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self > that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of > Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I > first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of > why I want to make this move. > > There is one more reason for the move � I can afford to retire now > this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked > for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days > on what is much more important than working for a living. > > If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move > and the days with Arunachala. > > If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these. > > Not two, > Richard > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 Richard: Of course we all laugh at the fact that you think you are " moving " .... Best, Bob , " Richard Clarke " <richard wrote: > > Dear Group, > > It looks like my wife and I will leave the US to live in > Tiruvannamalai in late November of this year. We are in the process > of ending our jobs, getting rid of a life-time of material > possessions, and saying goodbye to family and friends. > > When we first visited Ramanasramam in 2003, I felt a strong reaction > to Arunachala, felt attracted to this holy mountain, and thought this > could be a place where we could live. I confirmed this in another > trip two years later. So now we are going to leave the USA, our > children and grandchildren, and relocate to Tiruvannamalai. > > When I think of this change from the point of view as this > individual, I understand how great a change it will really be, and > feel some trepidation. It is a BIG move. > > The other concern I have is leaving my teacher, Nome, who has given > me so much through the years, and the sangha at SAT, which is more of > my family than my family. > > From the spiritual side, I am very drawn to this change. What I want > at this time of this life is to be able to focus within, on the Self > that I am, to know it as it is. This morning, looking at a video of > Arunachala on YouTube, I found myself in tears (like I was when I > first came into the old hall at Ramanasramam). So I am reminded of > why I want to make this move. > > There is one more reason for the move – I can afford to retire now > this way. Otherwise I do not really know when I can. I have worked > for 45 years. This is enough. I need to spend the rest of these days > on what is much more important than working for a living. > > If the group wants, I will post, from time to time, about the move > and the days with Arunachala. > > If any have recommendations for us, I would appreciate these. > > Not two, > Richard > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 Dear Richard agreed LOVE I S I AM WHO I AM in Ramana michael - mango tree Monday, August 06, 2007 5:22 AM Re: Moving to Tiruvannamalai Vanakkam Richard, Sandhosham! AnbudanRichard Clarke <richard (AT) infinitepie (DOT) net> wrote: Dear Micheal,Thank you for the good wishes.Whether the trip is a so-called success depends on an egoic point of view. Real success is the abandonment of this view. We are share the bond of, and Grace of, the Truth. What bond is deeper?Not two,Richard , "Michael Bindel" <michael.bindel wrote:>> Dear Richard> > rereading your message now i felt a deep bond with you.> Let me congratulate you and your dear wife for your decision. In my humble opinion d ue to my intense experience in this life i feel that you have chosen the only way authentic to you.> That does not mean that your adventure must be a socalled success. This is up to the SELF alone.TAT TVAM ASI ... Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.Visit the Auto Green Center. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.2/931 - Release 01/08/2007 16.53 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 Dear Bob, The body moves. Am I the body? Now two, Richard , " stockscience " <levinson wrote: > > Richard: > Of course we all laugh at the fact that you think you > are " moving " .... > > Best, > Bob > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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