Venkataraman Mahasamadhi.

[Guest guest]

On Wednesday, December 26, in Tiruvannamalai T. N. Venkataraman had

Mahasamadhi.

 

Venkataraman was Sri Ramana Maharshi's nephew. I have been told that

during Venkataraman's childhood Ramana would bathe him and care for

him in other ways. Venkataraman lived his life dedicated to Sri

Ramana. I understand that he was responsible for much of the building

of the present-day ashram. He was president of Ramanasramam for many

years. He was, I think, 94 years old. Since he stepped down from an

active role in managing Ramanasramam, he has always been present. He

lived on the grounds, and was usually seen, sitting in a chair in the

main hall, next to the entrance into Mother's shrine, during the

nightly chants. If approached, he would usually respond with a pranam

and would say, " Arunachala. " The last time I had such interaction with

him was last week.

 

A puja for Venkataraman was held in the afternoon of Thursday,

December 27th. Venkataraman was then installed into his Samadhi, upon

which there will be a shrine built. The Samadhi of Venkataraman is

near the small building of Sri Ramana's Mahasamadhi.

 

I have created a folder in the Photo section, and have added a few

pictures that I took. If there are others that have photos of

Venkataraman or of this day they would like to add, please do so. If

anyone wants a CD of the photos I took, please let me know.

 

Venkataraman's Mahasamadhi in a way marks a passage. There are few of

the Maharshi's old-time devotees remaining in the body. As far as I

understand, only one remains, I understand.

 

The blessing and Grace Venkataraman received from Sri Ramana are

incalculable. Venkataraman then spent his life passing this Grace onto

the world and the present generation. His son, V. S. Manu, and nephew,

V. S. Ramanan, presently manage the ashram and are supporting the

enormous growth worldwide of interest in Sri Ramana. The next

generation is now preparing for their role. There is much gratitude

that is due to this family for their dedication to the precious work

of maintaining Sri Ramanasramam and continuing the daily program for

all visitors from all over the world, and supporting the

ever-increasing interest in Sri Ramana by effort in many areas, such

as the wealth of books that continue to be published by Ramanasramam.

 

 

Richard Clarke

[Guest guest]

I have read this incident involving Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Shri Venkitaraman, the nephew of Shri Ramana Maharishi. Shri Venkitaraman once visited Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj. He was received in the room where Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj used for gatherings of his devotees and to answer questions from them. There were no furniture, only cotton cushions were provided for people to sit on. When Shri Venkitaraman entered the room, Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj collected all the cushions in the room and made a pile of them by stacking one over the other. Then he made Shri Venkitaraman sit on top of the pile of cushions. Once Venkitaraman was seated Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj prostrated on the floor doing a Sashtanga Pranam in front of him. Then Shri Nisargadatta got up and told that this pranam is for your uncle Shri Ramana Maharishi. Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj also offered Shri Venkitaraman, that if he remains three weeks with him, he will give

shri Venkitaraman "Enlightenment" and he will become a Jnani like Shri Ramana Maharishi. Shri Venkitaraman politely declined this offer. Years later Shri Venkitaraman confessed to a friend that this was the greatest blunder he had committed in his life. Asked why he declined Shri Venkitaraman says that he felt Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj was not serious, but only joking !! Destiny is inscrutable !! Regards VenugopalRichard Clarke <richard wrote: On Wednesday, December 26, in Tiruvannamalai T. N. Venkataraman hadMahasamadhi. Venkataraman was Sri Ramana Maharshi's nephew. I have been told thatduring

Venkataraman's childhood Ramana would bathe him and care forhim in other ways. Venkataraman lived his life dedicated to SriRamana. I understand that he was responsible for much of the buildingof the present-day ashram. He was president of Ramanasramam for manyyears. He was, I think, 94 years old. Since he stepped down from anactive role in managing Ramanasramam, he has always been present. Helived on the grounds, and was usually seen, sitting in a chair in themain hall, next to the entrance into Mother's shrine, during thenightly chants. If approached, he would usually respond with a pranamand would say, "Arunachala." The last time I had such interaction withhim was last week. A puja for Venkataraman was held in the afternoon of Thursday,December 27th. Venkataraman was then installed into his Samadhi, uponwhich there will be a shrine built. The Samadhi of Venkataraman isnear the small building of Sri

Ramana's Mahasamadhi. I have created a folder in the Photo section, and have added a fewpictures that I took. If there are others that have photos ofVenkataraman or of this day they would like to add, please do so. Ifanyone wants a CD of the photos I took, please let me know. Venkataraman's Mahasamadhi in a way marks a passage. There are few ofthe Maharshi's old-time devotees remaining in the body. As far as Iunderstand, only one remains, I understand. The blessing and Grace Venkataraman received from Sri Ramana areincalculable. Venkataraman then spent his life passing this Grace ontothe world and the present generation. His son, V. S. Manu, and nephew,V. S. Ramanan, presently manage the ashram and are supporting theenormous growth worldwide of interest in Sri Ramana. The nextgeneration is now preparing for their role. There is much gratitudethat is due to this family for their dedication to the

precious workof maintaining Sri Ramanasramam and continuing the daily program forall visitors from all over the world, and supporting theever-increasing interest in Sri Ramana by effort in many areas, suchas the wealth of books that continue to be published by Ramanasramam. Richard Clarke

5, 50, 500, 5000 - Store N number of mails in your inbox.

[Guest guest]

What a wonderful and beautiful sharing Richard. Thank you for letting

us know of T.N. Venkataraman's Mahasamadhi. Your words from

Ramanasramam are much appreciated and looked forward to.

 

Namaste and love to all

Harsha

 

 

, " Richard Clarke " <richard

wrote:

>

> On Wednesday, December 26, in Tiruvannamalai T. N. Venkataraman had

> Mahasamadhi.

>

> Venkataraman was Sri Ramana Maharshi's nephew. I have been told that

> during Venkataraman's childhood Ramana would bathe him and care for

> him in other ways. Venkataraman lived his life dedicated to Sri

> Ramana. I understand that he was responsible for much of the

building

> of the present-day ashram. He was president of Ramanasramam for many

> years. He was, I think, 94 years old. Since he stepped down from an

> active role in managing Ramanasramam, he has always been present. He

> lived on the grounds, and was usually seen, sitting in a chair in

the

> main hall, next to the entrance into Mother's shrine, during the

> nightly chants. If approached, he would usually respond with a

pranam

> and would say, " Arunachala. " The last time I had such interaction

with

> him was last week.

>

> A puja for Venkataraman was held in the afternoon of Thursday,

> December 27th. Venkataraman was then installed into his Samadhi,

upon

> which there will be a shrine built. The Samadhi of Venkataraman is

> near the small building of Sri Ramana's Mahasamadhi.

>

> I have created a folder in the Photo section, and have added a few

> pictures that I took. If there are others that have photos of

> Venkataraman or of this day they would like to add, please do so. If

> anyone wants a CD of the photos I took, please let me know.

>

> Venkataraman's Mahasamadhi in a way marks a passage. There are few

of

> the Maharshi's old-time devotees remaining in the body. As far as I

> understand, only one remains, I understand.

>

> The blessing and Grace Venkataraman received from Sri Ramana are

> incalculable. Venkataraman then spent his life passing this Grace

onto

> the world and the present generation. His son, V. S. Manu, and

nephew,

> V. S. Ramanan, presently manage the ashram and are supporting the

> enormous growth worldwide of interest in Sri Ramana. The next

> generation is now preparing for their role. There is much gratitude

> that is due to this family for their dedication to the precious work

> of maintaining Sri Ramanasramam and continuing the daily program for

> all visitors from all over the world, and supporting the

> ever-increasing interest in Sri Ramana by effort in many areas, such

> as the wealth of books that continue to be published by

Ramanasramam.

>

>

> Richard Clarke

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Venugopal,

 

This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana

devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The story that

you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could be

wrong. Can you provide a reference for it?

 

Namaste and love to all

Harsha

 

 

 

, Venugopal AK <akvenugopal

wrote:

>

> I have read this incident involving Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and

Shri Venkitaraman, the nephew of Shri Ramana Maharishi.

> Shri Venkitaraman once visited Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj. He was

received in the room where Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj used for

gatherings of his devotees and to answer questions from them. There

were no furniture, only cotton cushions were provided for people to

sit on. When Shri Venkitaraman entered the room, Shri Nisargadatta

Maharaj collected all the cushions in the room and made a pile of

them by stacking one over the other. Then he made Shri Venkitaraman

sit on top of the pile of cushions. Once Venkitaraman was seated Shri

Nisargadatta Maharaj prostrated on the floor doing a Sashtanga Pranam

in front of him. Then Shri Nisargadatta got up and told that this

pranam is for your uncle Shri Ramana Maharishi.

> Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj also offered Shri Venkitaraman, that if

he remains three weeks with him, he will give shri

Venkitaraman " Enlightenment " and he will become a Jnani like Shri

Ramana Maharishi. Shri Venkitaraman politely declined this offer.

Years later Shri Venkitaraman confessed to a friend that this was the

greatest blunder he had committed in his life. Asked why he declined

Shri Venkitaraman says that he felt Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj was not

serious, but only joking !! Destiny is inscrutable !!

> Regards

> Venugopal

>

> Richard Clarke <richard wrote:

> On Wednesday, December 26, in Tiruvannamalai T. N.

Venkataraman had

> Mahasamadhi.

>

> Venkataraman was Sri Ramana Maharshi's nephew. I have been told that

> during Venkataraman's childhood Ramana would bathe him and care for

> him in other ways. Venkataraman lived his life dedicated to Sri

> Ramana. I understand that he was responsible for much of the

building

> of the present-day ashram. He was president of Ramanasramam for many

> years. He was, I think, 94 years old. Since he stepped down from an

> active role in managing Ramanasramam, he has always been present. He

> lived on the grounds, and was usually seen, sitting in a chair in

the

> main hall, next to the entrance into Mother's shrine, during the

> nightly chants. If approached, he would usually respond with a

pranam

> and would say, " Arunachala. " The last time I had such interaction

with

> him was last week.

>

> A puja for Venkataraman was held in the afternoon of Thursday,

> December 27th. Venkataraman was then installed into his Samadhi,

upon

> which there will be a shrine built. The Samadhi of Venkataraman is

> near the small building of Sri Ramana's Mahasamadhi.

>

> I have created a folder in the Photo section, and have added a few

> pictures that I took. If there are others that have photos of

> Venkataraman or of this day they would like to add, please do so. If

> anyone wants a CD of the photos I took, please let me know.

>

> Venkataraman's Mahasamadhi in a way marks a passage. There are few

of

> the Maharshi's old-time devotees remaining in the body. As far as I

> understand, only one remains, I understand.

>

> The blessing and Grace Venkataraman received from Sri Ramana are

> incalculable. Venkataraman then spent his life passing this Grace

onto

> the world and the present generation. His son, V. S. Manu, and

nephew,

> V. S. Ramanan, presently manage the ashram and are supporting the

> enormous growth worldwide of interest in Sri Ramana. The next

> generation is now preparing for their role. There is much gratitude

> that is due to this family for their dedication to the precious work

> of maintaining Sri Ramanasramam and continuing the daily program for

> all visitors from all over the world, and supporting the

> ever-increasing interest in Sri Ramana by effort in many areas, such

> as the wealth of books that continue to be published by

Ramanasramam.

>

> Richard Clarke

 

> 5, 50, 500, 5000 - Store N number of mails in your inbox. Click

here.

>

[Guest guest]

Yes: Here is the link http://davidgodman.org/interviews/nis2.shtml harshaimtm wrote: Dear Venugopal,This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The story that you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could be wrong. Can you provide a reference for it? Namaste and love to allHarsha---

In , Venugopal AK <akvenugopal wrote:>> I have read this incident involving Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Shri Venkitaraman, the nephew of Shri Ramana Maharishi.> Shri Venkitaraman once visited Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj. He was received in the room where Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj used for gatherings of his devotees and to answer questions from them. There were no furniture, only cotton cushions were provided for people to sit on. When Shri Venkitaraman entered the room, Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj collected all the cushions in the room and made a pile of them by stacking one over the other. Then he made Shri Venkitaraman sit on top of the pile of cushions. Once Venkitaraman was seated Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj prostrated on the floor doing a Sashtanga Pranam in front of him. Then Shri Nisargadatta got

up and told that this pranam is for your uncle Shri Ramana Maharishi.> Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj also offered Shri Venkitaraman, that if he remains three weeks with him, he will give shri Venkitaraman "Enlightenment" and he will become a Jnani like Shri Ramana Maharishi. Shri Venkitaraman politely declined this offer. Years later Shri Venkitaraman confessed to a friend that this was the greatest blunder he had committed in his life. Asked why he declined Shri Venkitaraman says that he felt Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj was not serious, but only joking !! Destiny is inscrutable !!> Regards> Venugopal> > Richard Clarke <richard wrote:> On Wednesday, December 26, in Tiruvannamalai T. N. Venkataraman had> Mahasamadhi. > > Venkataraman was Sri Ramana Maharshi's nephew. I have been told that> during Venkataraman's childhood Ramana would bathe him and care

for> him in other ways. Venkataraman lived his life dedicated to Sri> Ramana. I understand that he was responsible for much of the building> of the present-day ashram. He was president of Ramanasramam for many> years. He was, I think, 94 years old. Since he stepped down from an> active role in managing Ramanasramam, he has always been present. He> lived on the grounds, and was usually seen, sitting in a chair in the> main hall, next to the entrance into Mother's shrine, during the> nightly chants. If approached, he would usually respond with a pranam> and would say, "Arunachala." The last time I had such interaction with> him was last week. > > A puja for Venkataraman was held in the afternoon of Thursday,> December 27th. Venkataraman was then installed into his Samadhi, upon> which there will be a shrine built. The Samadhi of Venkataraman is>

near the small building of Sri Ramana's Mahasamadhi. > > I have created a folder in the Photo section, and have added a few> pictures that I took. If there are others that have photos of> Venkataraman or of this day they would like to add, please do so. If> anyone wants a CD of the photos I took, please let me know. > > Venkataraman's Mahasamadhi in a way marks a passage. There are few of> the Maharshi's old-time devotees remaining in the body. As far as I> understand, only one remains, I understand. > > The blessing and Grace Venkataraman received from Sri Ramana are> incalculable. Venkataraman then spent his life passing this Grace onto> the world and the present generation. His son, V. S. Manu, and nephew,> V. S. Ramanan, presently manage the ashram and are supporting the> enormous growth worldwide of interest in Sri Ramana. The next>

generation is now preparing for their role. There is much gratitude> that is due to this family for their dedication to the precious work> of maintaining Sri Ramanasramam and continuing the daily program for> all visitors from all over the world, and supporting the> ever-increasing interest in Sri Ramana by effort in many areas, such> as the wealth of books that continue to be published by Ramanasramam. > > Richard Clarke> > > > > > > > 5, 50, 500, 5000 - Store N number of mails in your inbox. >

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

Dear Harshaji and Venugopalji,

 

Harshaji, Venugopal's attribution is to the interview given by David

Godman which I have pasted below about Sri Nisargadatta the episode

involves Shri V Ganesan the grand nephew Bhagavan of Sri Ramana

Maharishi.

 

 

Harriet: What was Maharaj's attitude to Ramana Maharshi and his

teachings? Did you ever discuss Bhagavan's teachings with him?

 

David: He had enormous respect for both his attainment and his

teachings. He once told me that one of the few regrets of his life

was that he never met him in person. He did come to the ashram in

the early 1960s with a group of his Marathi devotees. They were all

on a South Indian pilgrimage tour and Ramanasramam was one of the

places he visited.

 

With regard to the teachings he once told me, 'I agree with

everything that Ramana Maharshi said, with the exception of this

business of the heart-centre being on the right side of the chest. I

have never had that experience myself.'

 

I discussed various aspects of Bhagavan's teachings with him and

always found his answers to be very illuminating.

 

He asked me once, 'Have you understood Ramana Maharshi's

teachings?'

 

Since I knew he meant 'Had I actually experienced the truth of

them?', I replied, 'The more I listen to Maharaj, the more I

understand what Bhagavan is trying to tell me'.

 

I felt that this was true at both the theoretical and experiential

levels. His explanations broadened and deepened my intellectual

understanding of Bhagavan's teachings and his presence also gave me

experiential glimpses of the truth that they were all pointing

towards.

 

I have to mention Ganesan's visit here. V. Ganesan is the

grandnephew of Ramana Maharshi and in the 1970s he was the de facto

manager of Ramanasramam. Nowadays, his elder brother Sundaram is in

charge. Ganesan came to visit Maharaj for the first time in the late

1970s. As soon as he arrived Maharaj stood up and began to collect

cushions. He made a big pile of them and made Ganesan sit on top of

the heap. Then, much to everyone's amazement, Maharaj cleared a

space on the floor and did a full-length prostration to him.

 

When he stood up, he told Ganesan, 'I never had a chance to

prostrate to your great-uncle Ramana Maharshi, so I am prostrating

to you instead. This is my prostration to him.'

 

Warm regards

 

srinivas

 

, " harshaimtm "

wrote:

>

> Dear Venugopal,

>

> This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana

> devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The story

that

> you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could be

> wrong. Can you provide a reference for it?

>

> Namaste and love to all

> Harsha

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Harshaji,

 

Sorry I had left out the rest of the interview where Sri Maharaj had

actually made such an offer to Shri V Ganesan.

 

Warm regards

 

Srinivas

 

Harriet: That's an extraordinary story! Were you there that day?

 

 

 

David: Yes, I was sitting just a few feet away. But the truly

extraordinary thing for me was what happened next. Maharaj and

Ganesan chatted for a while, about what I can't remember.

 

Then Maharaj made an astonishing offer: 'If you stay here with me

for two weeks, I guarantee you will leave in the same state as your

great-uncle Ramana Maharshi.'

 

Ganesan left that day and didn't come back. I couldn't believe he

had turned down an offer like that. If someone of the stature of

Maharaj had made an offer like that to me, I would have immediately

nailed myself to the floor. Nothing would have induced me to go away

before the time was up.

 

When I returned to Ramanasramam I asked Ganesan why he hadn't

stayed.

 

'I didn't think he was serious,' he replied. 'I just thought he was

joking.'

 

It was during this visit that Maharaj asked Ganesan to start giving

talks in Ramanasramam. 'I have been to Ramanasramam,' he said, 'and

you have wonderful facilities there. Many pilgrims come, but no one

is giving them any teachings. It is a sacred and holy place but

people are leaving it and coming here because no one is teaching

there. Why should they have to travel a thousand miles to sit in

this crowded room when you have such a great place? You need to

start giving talks there. You need to start explaining what Ramana

Maharshi's teachings are.'

 

Ganesan was unwilling to follow that advice either, or at least not

at the time. There is a strong tradition that no one is allowed to

teach in Ramanasramam. Ramana Maharshi is still the teacher there

and no one is allowed to replace him. It is not just a question of

having a new Guru there; the ashram management does not even

encourage anyone to publicly explain what Ramana Maharshi's

teachings mean. Ganesan didn't want to rock the boat and incur the

ire of his family and the devotees who might object, so he kept

quiet. It is only in the last few years that he has started

teaching, but he is doing it in his own house, rather than in the

ashram itself. The ashram is still very much a teacher-free zone.

 

I talked to Ganesan recently about Maharaj and he told me a nice

story about a Frenchwoman whom to he took there.

 

'When I started to visit Maharaj some of Bhagavan's devotees

criticized me for abandoning Bhagavan and going to another Guru.

Many of them seemed to think that going to see Maharaj indicated

that I didn't have sufficient faith in Bhagavan and his teachings. I

didn't see it that way. I have visited many great saints, and I

never felt that I was abandoning Bhagavan or being disrespectful to

him by going on these trips. A Frenchwoman, Edith Deri, was one of

the women who complained in this way. We were in Bombay together and

I somehow convinced her to accompany me on a visit to Maharaj. She

came very reluctantly and seemed determined not to enjoy the visit.

 

'When we arrived Maharaj asked her if she had any questions. She

said that she hadn't.

 

' " So why have you come to see me? " he asked.

 

" I have nothing to say, " she replied. " I don't want to talk while I

am here. "

 

" But you must say something, " said Maharaj. " Talk about anything you

want to. Just say something. "

 

If I say something, you will then give some reply, and everyone will

then applaud because you have given such a wonderful answer. I don't

want to give you the opportunity to show off. "

 

'It was a very rude answer, but Maharaj didn't show any sign of

annoyance.

 

'Instead, he replied, " Water doesn't care whether it is quenching

thirst or not " .

 

'And then he repeated the sentence, very slowly and with emphasis.

He often repeated himself like this when he had something important

to say.

 

'Edith told me later that this one sentence completely destroyed her

skepticism and her negativity. The words stopped her mind, blew away

her determination to be a spoilsport, and put her into a state of

peace and silence that lasted for long after her visit.'

[Guest guest]

harshaimtm wrote: Dear Harsha, I realised few things about this group in the last few months that I was a member here. In India, for most people, out of this world and miraculous things are an integral part of spiritual advancement. We believe a Samarth guru can give enlightenment just by a look or a word or a touch. Testimony

to this fact regarding this fact is available from several people. I know this group do not approve of things like miracles. I have no quarrel with that. To each according to his needs. For a true seeker, humility is a very essential quality. And humility brings an open mind. Prejudice always prevents progress in matters spiritual. One can be skeptical about the materialisations by Satya Sai Baba, calling them sleight of hand tricks. But not about the miraculous happenings near Shri Ramana Maharishi, Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj, Shri shirdi Sai Baba etc. I have read about Shri Ramana maharishi's nephew and Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj from the site of David Godman. Godman is his family name, not an adopted name, just synchronicity. Before ending , the then chief of Indian space Research Center, Dr.Kasturi Rangan, visited the Tirupati temple and submitted a silver replica of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle before the first launch. One

can look askance at this. But "there are more things in heaven and earth than written in your books, Horatio !!". From : http://davidgodman.org/interviews/nis2.shtml Harriet: What was Maharaj's attitude to Ramana Maharshi and his teachings? Did you ever discuss Bhagavan's teachings with him? David: He had enormous respect for both his attainment and his teachings. He once told me that one of the few regrets of his life was that he never met him in person. He did come to the ashram in the early 1960s with a group of his Marathi devotees. They were all on a South Indian pilgrimage tour and Ramanasramam was one of the places he visited.

With regard to the teachings he once told me, 'I agree with everything that Ramana Maharshi said, with the exception of this business of the heart-centre being on the right side of the chest. I have never had that experience myself.' I discussed various aspects of Bhagavan's teachings with him and always found his answers to be very illuminating. He asked me once, 'Have you understood Ramana Maharshi's teachings?' Since I knew he meant 'Had I actually experienced the truth of them?', I replied, 'The more I listen to Maharaj, the more I understand what Bhagavan is trying to tell me'. I felt that this was true at both the theoretical and experiential levels. His explanations broadened and deepened my

intellectual understanding of Bhagavan's teachings and his presence also gave me experiential glimpses of the truth that they were all pointing towards. I have to mention Ganesan's visit here. V. Ganesan is the grandnephew of Ramana Maharshi and in the 1970s he was the de facto manager of Ramanasramam. Nowadays, his elder brother Sundaram is in charge. Ganesan came to visit Maharaj for the first time in the late 1970s. As soon as he arrived Maharaj stood up and began to collect cushions. He made a big pile of them and made Ganesan sit on top of the heap. Then, much to everyone's amazement, Maharaj cleared a space on the floor and did a full-length prostration to him. When he stood up, he told Ganesan, 'I never had a chance to prostrate to your great-uncle Ramana Maharshi, so I am prostrating to you instead. This is my prostration to

him.' Harriet: That's an extraordinary story! Were you there that day? David: Yes, I was sitting just a few feet away. But the truly extraordinary thing for me was what happened next. Maharaj and Ganesan chatted for a while, about what I can't remember. Then Maharaj made an astonishing offer: 'If you stay here with me for two weeks, I guarantee you will leave in the same state as your great-uncle Ramana Maharshi.' Ganesan left that day and didn't come back. I couldn't believe he had turned down an offer like that. If someone of the stature of Maharaj had made an offer like that to me, I would have immediately nailed myself to the floor. Nothing would

have induced me to go away before the time was up. When I returned to Ramanasramam I asked Ganesan why he hadn't stayed. 'I didn't think he was serious,' he replied. 'I just thought he was joking.' It was during this visit that Maharaj asked Ganesan to start giving talks in Ramanasramam. 'I have been to Ramanasramam,' he said, 'and you have wonderful facilities there. Many pilgrims come, but no one is giving them any teachings. It is a sacred and holy place but people are leaving it and coming here because no one is teaching there. Why should they have to travel a thousand miles to sit in this crowded room when you have such a great place? You need to start giving talks there. You need to start explaining what Ramana Maharshi's teachings are.' Ganesan was unwilling to follow that advice either, or at least not at the time. There is a strong tradition that no one is allowed to teach in Ramanasramam. Ramana Maharshi is still the teacher there and no one is allowed to replace him. It is not just a question of having a new Guru there; the ashram management does not even encourage anyone to publicly explain what Ramana Maharshi's teachings mean. Ganesan didn't want to rock the boat and incur the ire of his family and the devotees who might object, so he kept quiet. It is only in the last few years that he has started teaching, but he is doing it in his own house, rather than in the ashram itself. The ashram is still very much a teacher-free zone. I talked to Ganesan recently about Maharaj and he told me a nice story about a Frenchwoman whom to he took there. 'When I started to visit Maharaj some of Bhagavan's devotees criticized me for abandoning Bhagavan and going to another Guru. Many of them seemed to think that going to see Maharaj indicated that I didn't have sufficient faith in Bhagavan and his teachings. I didn't see it that way. I have visited many great saints, and I never felt that I was abandoning Bhagavan or being disrespectful to him by going on these trips. A Frenchwoman, Edith Deri, was one of the women who complained in this way. We were in Bombay together and I somehow convinced her to accompany me on a visit to Maharaj. She came very reluctantly and seemed determined not to enjoy the visit. 'When we arrived Maharaj asked her if she had any questions. She said that she hadn't. '"So why have you come to see me?" he asked. '"I have nothing to say," she replied. "I don't want to talk while I am here." '"But you must say something," said Maharaj. "Talk about anything you want to. Just say something." '"If I say something, you will then give some reply, and everyone will then applaud because you have given such a wonderful answer. I don't want to give you the opportunity to show off." 'It was a very rude answer, but Maharaj didn't show any sign of annoyance. 'Instead, he replied, "Water doesn't care whether it is quenching thirst or not". 'And then he repeated the sentence, very slowly and with

emphasis. He often repeated himself like this when he had something important to say. 'Edith told me later that this one sentence completely destroyed her skepticism and her negativity. The words stopped her mind, blew away her determination to be a spoilsport, and put her into a state of peace and silence that lasted for long after her visit.' Harriet: I have read on many occasions that Ramana Maharshi preferred to teach in silence. I never get that impression with Nisargadatta Maharaj. Did people ever get a chance to sit in silence with him? Dear Venugopal,This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The story that you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could be wrong. Can you provide

a reference for it? Namaste and love to allHarsha , Venugopal AK <akvenugopal wrote: .

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Dear Sri srinivas Rao, Thanks for your letter. I have read about this incident some three years back. Before writing to satsang i googled to find the source but failed to do so. After reading Sri Harsha's note i again searched and found the source and have posted a reply. Since in my inbox last came e-mail is stored first at the top, i read Harsh's letter first and answered. In my memory only Shri Raman maharishi's nephew who was Manager of Shri Ramanashram at that time, remained. Also how Shri Nisargadatta offered Moksha to him. I have spend 39 years of my

working life in laboratories doing advanced science. With humility i will say that i have working knowledge of science and also its limitations. I myself have many miraculous experiences in my life by the blessings of Sai Baba of Shirdi. I go there 3 to 4 times a year on pilgrimage there. One may argue, based on rationalism, why go there, when God is every where. In going on a pilgrimage, you are expressing your faith in action, and this action will reinforce your faith - A Virtous Cycle. Once again my sincere thanks. With love and regards Venugopal"A. Srinivas Rao" <profsrinivasrao wrote: Dear Harshaji and Venugopalji,Harshaji, Venugopal's attribution is to the interview given by David Godman which I have pasted below about Sri Nisargadatta the episode involves Shri V Ganesan the grand nephew Bhagavan of Sri Ramana Maharishi. Harriet: What was Maharaj's attitude to Ramana Maharshi and his teachings? Did you ever discuss Bhagavan's teachings with him? David: He had enormous respect for both his attainment and his teachings. He once told me that one of the few regrets of his life was that he never met him in person. He did come to the ashram in the early 1960s with a group of his Marathi devotees. They were all on a South Indian pilgrimage tour and

Ramanasramam was one of the places he visited. With regard to the teachings he once told me, 'I agree with everything that Ramana Maharshi said, with the exception of this business of the heart-centre being on the right side of the chest. I have never had that experience myself.' I discussed various aspects of Bhagavan's teachings with him and always found his answers to be very illuminating. He asked me once, 'Have you understood Ramana Maharshi's teachings?' Since I knew he meant 'Had I actually experienced the truth of them?', I replied, 'The more I listen to Maharaj, the more I understand what Bhagavan is trying to tell me'. I felt that this was true at both the theoretical and experiential levels. His explanations broadened and deepened my intellectual understanding of Bhagavan's teachings and his presence also gave me experiential glimpses of the truth that they were all pointing

towards. I have to mention Ganesan's visit here. V. Ganesan is the grandnephew of Ramana Maharshi and in the 1970s he was the de facto manager of Ramanasramam. Nowadays, his elder brother Sundaram is in charge. Ganesan came to visit Maharaj for the first time in the late 1970s. As soon as he arrived Maharaj stood up and began to collect cushions. He made a big pile of them and made Ganesan sit on top of the heap. Then, much to everyone's amazement, Maharaj cleared a space on the floor and did a full-length prostration to him. When he stood up, he told Ganesan, 'I never had a chance to prostrate to your great-uncle Ramana Maharshi, so I am prostrating to you instead. This is my prostration to him.' Warm regardssrinivas , "harshaimtm" wrote:>> Dear

Venugopal,> > This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana > devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The story that > you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could be > wrong. Can you provide a reference for it? > > Namaste and love to all> Harsha> > >

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Dear nisheet, Many thanks. I read your letter after answering Harsha and Srinivasa Rao." If one has faith, no proof is required. If one do not have faith, no amount of proof will suffice". To remove any misunderstanding, let me state that I have the highest Bakthi for Shri Ramana Maharishi. I consider him to be an Avatar. Problem is, some of the Shri Ramana Maharishi's devotees, want to operate from an exclusively intellectual level, which in my humble opinion is not a desirable

quality. Doubting Thomas's will always say "Show me the Hole". One step ahead, if they are shown the hole, they will say, this is some magic trick. I am not being judgemental here - simply stating a fact of life. With regards Venugopalnn

<nisheet2000 wrote: Yes: Here is the link http://davidgodman.org/interviews/nis2.shtml harshaimtm <harsha (AT) (DOT) com> wrote: Dear Venugopal,This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The story that you

have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could be wrong. Can you provide a reference for it? Namaste and love to allHarsha , Venugopal AK <akvenugopal wrote:>> I have read this incident involving Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Shri Venkitaraman, the nephew of Shri Ramana Maharishi.> Shri Venkitaraman once visited Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj. He was received in the room where Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj used for gatherings of his devotees and to answer questions from them. There were no furniture, only cotton cushions were provided for people to sit on. When Shri Venkitaraman entered the room, Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj collected all the cushions in the room and made a pile of them by stacking one over the other. Then he made Shri Venkitaraman sit on top of the pile of

cushions. Once Venkitaraman was seated Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj prostrated on the floor doing a Sashtanga Pranam in front of him. Then Shri Nisargadatta got up and told that this pranam is for your uncle Shri Ramana Maharishi.> Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj also offered Shri Venkitaraman, that if he remains three weeks with him, he will give shri Venkitaraman "Enlightenment" and he will become a Jnani like Shri Ramana Maharishi. Shri Venkitaraman politely declined this offer. Years later Shri Venkitaraman confessed to a friend that this was the greatest blunder he had committed in his life. Asked why he declined Shri Venkitaraman says that he felt Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj was not serious, but only joking !! Destiny is inscrutable !!> Regards> Venugopal> > Richard Clarke <richard wrote:> On Wednesday, December 26, in Tiruvannamalai T. N. Venkataraman had> Mahasamadhi.

> > Venkataraman was Sri Ramana Maharshi's nephew. I have been told that> during Venkataraman's childhood Ramana would bathe him and care for> him in other ways. Venkataraman lived his life dedicated to Sri> Ramana. I understand that he was responsible for much of the building> of the present-day ashram. He was president of Ramanasramam for many> years. He was, I think, 94 years old. Since he stepped down from an> active role in managing Ramanasramam, he has always been present. He> lived on the grounds, and was usually seen, sitting in a chair in the> main hall, next to the entrance into Mother's shrine, during the> nightly chants. If approached, he would usually respond with a pranam> and would say, "Arunachala." The last time I had such interaction with> him was last week. > > A puja for Venkataraman was held in the afternoon of

Thursday,> December 27th. Venkataraman was then installed into his Samadhi, upon> which there will be a shrine built. The Samadhi of Venkataraman is> near the small building of Sri Ramana's Mahasamadhi. > > I have created a folder in the Photo section, and have added a few> pictures that I took. If there are others that have photos of> Venkataraman or of this day they would like to add, please do so. If> anyone wants a CD of the photos I took, please let me know. > > Venkataraman's Mahasamadhi in a way marks a passage. There are few of> the Maharshi's old-time devotees remaining in the body. As far as I> understand, only one remains, I understand. > > The blessing and Grace Venkataraman received from Sri Ramana are> incalculable. Venkataraman then spent his life passing this Grace onto> the world and the present generation. His son, V. S. Manu,

and nephew,> V. S. Ramanan, presently manage the ashram and are supporting the> enormous growth worldwide of interest in Sri Ramana. The next> generation is now preparing for their role. There is much gratitude> that is due to this family for their dedication to the precious work> of maintaining Sri Ramanasramam and continuing the daily program for> all visitors from all over the world, and supporting the> ever-increasing interest in Sri Ramana by effort in many areas, such> as the wealth of books that continue to be published by Ramanasramam. > > Richard Clarke> > > > > > > > 5, 50, 500, 5000 - Store N number of mails in your inbox. > Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

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The link given below does not support the statement that T.N.

Venkatraman, Sri Ramana's nephew, was offered " enlightenment " by

Nisargadatta Maharaj and then later " regretted " not taking

Nisargadatta Maharaj up on in it.

 

Since this is a Sri Ramana list, I would very much appreciate if the

list members would take care to be accurate in their statements about

the Sage of Arunachala and his devotees.

 

Namaste and love to all

Harsha

 

 

 

 

, nn <nisheet2000 wrote:

>

> Yes: Here is the link

>

> http://davidgodman.org/interviews/nis2.shtml

>

>

> harshaimtm wrote:

> Dear Venugopal,

>

> This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana

> devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The story

that

> you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could be

> wrong. Can you provide a reference for it?

>

> Namaste and love to all

> Harsha

>

> , Venugopal AK <akvenugopal@>

> wrote:

> >

> > I have read this incident involving Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and

> Shri Venkitaraman, the nephew of Shri Ramana Maharishi.

> > Shri Venkitaraman once visited Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj. He was

> received in the room where Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj used for

> gatherings of his devotees and to answer questions from them. There

> were no furniture, only cotton cushions were provided for people to

> sit on. When Shri Venkitaraman entered the room, Shri Nisargadatta

> Maharaj collected all the cushions in the room and made a pile of

> them by stacking one over the other. Then he made Shri Venkitaraman

> sit on top of the pile of cushions. Once Venkitaraman was seated

Shri

> Nisargadatta Maharaj prostrated on the floor doing a Sashtanga

Pranam

> in front of him. Then Shri Nisargadatta got up and told that this

> pranam is for your uncle Shri Ramana Maharishi.

> > Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj also offered Shri Venkitaraman, that if

> he remains three weeks with him, he will give shri

> Venkitaraman " Enlightenment " and he will become a Jnani like Shri

> Ramana Maharishi. Shri Venkitaraman politely declined this offer.

> Years later Shri Venkitaraman confessed to a friend that this was

the

> greatest blunder he had committed in his life. Asked why he

declined

> Shri Venkitaraman says that he felt Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj was

not

> serious, but only joking !! Destiny is inscrutable !!

> > Regards

> > Venugopal

> >

> > Richard Clarke <richard@> wrote:

> > On Wednesday, December 26, in Tiruvannamalai T. N.

> Venkataraman had

> > Mahasamadhi.

> >

> > Venkataraman was Sri Ramana Maharshi's nephew. I have been told

that

> > during Venkataraman's childhood Ramana would bathe him and care

for

> > him in other ways. Venkataraman lived his life dedicated to Sri

> > Ramana. I understand that he was responsible for much of the

> building

> > of the present-day ashram. He was president of Ramanasramam for

many

> > years. He was, I think, 94 years old. Since he stepped down from

an

> > active role in managing Ramanasramam, he has always been present.

He

> > lived on the grounds, and was usually seen, sitting in a chair in

> the

> > main hall, next to the entrance into Mother's shrine, during the

> > nightly chants. If approached, he would usually respond with a

> pranam

> > and would say, " Arunachala. " The last time I had such interaction

> with

> > him was last week.

> >

> > A puja for Venkataraman was held in the afternoon of Thursday,

> > December 27th. Venkataraman was then installed into his Samadhi,

> upon

> > which there will be a shrine built. The Samadhi of Venkataraman is

> > near the small building of Sri Ramana's Mahasamadhi.

> >

> > I have created a folder in the Photo section, and have added a few

> > pictures that I took. If there are others that have photos of

> > Venkataraman or of this day they would like to add, please do so.

If

> > anyone wants a CD of the photos I took, please let me know.

> >

> > Venkataraman's Mahasamadhi in a way marks a passage. There are

few

> of

> > the Maharshi's old-time devotees remaining in the body. As far as

I

> > understand, only one remains, I understand.

> >

> > The blessing and Grace Venkataraman received from Sri Ramana are

> > incalculable. Venkataraman then spent his life passing this Grace

> onto

> > the world and the present generation. His son, V. S. Manu, and

> nephew,

> > V. S. Ramanan, presently manage the ashram and are supporting the

> > enormous growth worldwide of interest in Sri Ramana. The next

> > generation is now preparing for their role. There is much

gratitude

> > that is due to this family for their dedication to the precious

work

> > of maintaining Sri Ramanasramam and continuing the daily program

for

> > all visitors from all over the world, and supporting the

> > ever-increasing interest in Sri Ramana by effort in many areas,

such

> > as the wealth of books that continue to be published by

> Ramanasramam.

> >

> > Richard Clarke

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > 5, 50, 500, 5000 - Store N number of mails in your inbox. Click

> here.

> >

 

> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with

Search.

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Srinivas-Ji:

 

T.N. Venkatraman and Ganesan are two different individuals. The

statement made about T.N. Venkatraman appeared to me to be not

credible and that is why I questioned it. Indeed, it has now been

brought out that the main character in the story was Ganesan and not

T.N. Venkatraman. The need to take care in such things seems very

evident to me but perhaps not so to others.

 

Namaste and love to all

Harsha

 

, " A. Srinivas Rao "

<profsrinivasrao wrote:

>

> Dear Harshaji and Venugopalji,

>

> Harshaji, Venugopal's attribution is to the interview given by

David

> Godman which I have pasted below about Sri Nisargadatta the episode

> involves Shri V Ganesan the grand nephew Bhagavan of Sri Ramana

> Maharishi.

>

>

> Harriet: What was Maharaj's attitude to Ramana Maharshi and his

> teachings? Did you ever discuss Bhagavan's teachings with him?

>

> David: He had enormous respect for both his attainment and his

> teachings. He once told me that one of the few regrets of his life

> was that he never met him in person. He did come to the ashram in

> the early 1960s with a group of his Marathi devotees. They were all

> on a South Indian pilgrimage tour and Ramanasramam was one of the

> places he visited.

>

> With regard to the teachings he once told me, 'I agree with

> everything that Ramana Maharshi said, with the exception of this

> business of the heart-centre being on the right side of the chest.

I

> have never had that experience myself.'

>

> I discussed various aspects of Bhagavan's teachings with him and

> always found his answers to be very illuminating.

>

> He asked me once, 'Have you understood Ramana Maharshi's

> teachings?'

>

> Since I knew he meant 'Had I actually experienced the truth of

> them?', I replied, 'The more I listen to Maharaj, the more I

> understand what Bhagavan is trying to tell me'.

>

> I felt that this was true at both the theoretical and experiential

> levels. His explanations broadened and deepened my intellectual

> understanding of Bhagavan's teachings and his presence also gave me

> experiential glimpses of the truth that they were all pointing

> towards.

>

> I have to mention Ganesan's visit here. V. Ganesan is the

> grandnephew of Ramana Maharshi and in the 1970s he was the de facto

> manager of Ramanasramam. Nowadays, his elder brother Sundaram is in

> charge. Ganesan came to visit Maharaj for the first time in the

late

> 1970s. As soon as he arrived Maharaj stood up and began to collect

> cushions. He made a big pile of them and made Ganesan sit on top of

> the heap. Then, much to everyone's amazement, Maharaj cleared a

> space on the floor and did a full-length prostration to him.

>

> When he stood up, he told Ganesan, 'I never had a chance to

> prostrate to your great-uncle Ramana Maharshi, so I am prostrating

> to you instead. This is my prostration to him.'

>

> Warm regards

>

> srinivas

>

> , " harshaimtm " <harsha@>

> wrote:

> >

> > Dear Venugopal,

> >

> > This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri

Ramana

> > devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The story

> that

> > you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could be

> > wrong. Can you provide a reference for it?

> >

> > Namaste and love to all

> > Harsha

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Venugopal-Ji,

 

It does not matter much what you have realized about the group. Have

you understood Sri Ramana's teaching?

 

Love to all

Harsha

 

 

 

, Venugopal AK <akvenugopal

wrote:

>

>

>

> harshaimtm wrote: Dear Harsha,

> I realised few things about this

group in the last few months that I was a member here.

[Guest guest]

Dear Venugopal-Ji:

 

This is not an issue of faith and proof and operating from an

intellectual level and so forth.

 

You made an inaccurate statement about a prominent Ramana devotee who

understood the teachings of the Sage of Arunachala intimately. You

did this on a list devoted to Sri Ramana.

 

As already pointed out T.N. Venkatramana and Ganesan are two

different people.

 

Namaste and love to all

Harsha

 

 

, Venugopal AK <akvenugopal

wrote:

>

> Dear nisheet,

> Many thanks. I read your letter after

answering Harsha and Srinivasa Rao. " If one has faith, no proof is

required. If one do not have faith, no amount of proof will suffice " .

> To remove any misunderstanding, let me

state that I have the highest Bakthi for Shri Ramana Maharishi. I

consider him to be an Avatar.

> Problem is, some of the Shri Ramana

Maharishi's devotees, want to operate from an exclusively

intellectual level, which in my humble opinion is not a desirable

quality. Doubting Thomas's will always say " Show me the Hole " . One

step ahead, if they are shown the hole, they will say, this is some

magic trick. I am not being judgemental here - simply stating a fact

of life.

> With

regards

>

Venugopal

>

> nn <nisheet2000 wrote:

> Yes: Here is the link

>

> http://davidgodman.org/interviews/nis2.shtml

>

>

> harshaimtm wrote:

> Dear Venugopal,

>

> This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana

> devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The story

that

> you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could be

> wrong. Can you provide a reference for it?

>

> Namaste and love to all

> Harsha

>

> , Venugopal AK <akvenugopal@>

> wrote:

> >

> > I have read this incident involving Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and

> Shri Venkitaraman, the nephew of Shri Ramana Maharishi.

> > Shri Venkitaraman once visited Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj. He was

> received in the room where Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj used for

> gatherings of his devotees and to answer questions from them. There

> were no furniture, only cotton cushions were provided for people to

> sit on. When Shri Venkitaraman entered the room, Shri Nisargadatta

> Maharaj collected all the cushions in the room and made a pile of

> them by stacking one over the other. Then he made Shri Venkitaraman

> sit on top of the pile of cushions. Once Venkitaraman was seated

Shri

> Nisargadatta Maharaj prostrated on the floor doing a Sashtanga

Pranam

> in front of him. Then Shri Nisargadatta got up and told that this

> pranam is for your uncle Shri Ramana Maharishi.

> > Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj also offered Shri Venkitaraman, that if

> he remains three weeks with him, he will give shri

> Venkitaraman " Enlightenment " and he will become a Jnani like Shri

> Ramana Maharishi. Shri Venkitaraman politely declined this offer.

> Years later Shri Venkitaraman confessed to a friend that this was

the

> greatest blunder he had committed in his life. Asked why he

declined

> Shri Venkitaraman says that he felt Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj was

not

> serious, but only joking !! Destiny is inscrutable !!

> > Regards

> > Venugopal

> >

> > Richard Clarke <richard@> wrote:

> > On Wednesday, December 26, in Tiruvannamalai T. N.

> Venkataraman had

> > Mahasamadhi.

> >

> > Venkataraman was Sri Ramana Maharshi's nephew. I have been told

that

> > during Venkataraman's childhood Ramana would bathe him and care

for

> > him in other ways. Venkataraman lived his life dedicated to Sri

> > Ramana. I understand that he was responsible for much of the

> building

> > of the present-day ashram. He was president of Ramanasramam for

many

> > years. He was, I think, 94 years old. Since he stepped down from

an

> > active role in managing Ramanasramam, he has always been present.

He

> > lived on the grounds, and was usually seen, sitting in a chair in

> the

> > main hall, next to the entrance into Mother's shrine, during the

> > nightly chants. If approached, he would usually respond with a

> pranam

> > and would say, " Arunachala. " The last time I had such interaction

> with

> > him was last week.

> >

> > A puja for Venkataraman was held in the afternoon of Thursday,

> > December 27th. Venkataraman was then installed into his Samadhi,

> upon

> > which there will be a shrine built. The Samadhi of Venkataraman is

> > near the small building of Sri Ramana's Mahasamadhi.

> >

> > I have created a folder in the Photo section, and have added a few

> > pictures that I took. If there are others that have photos of

> > Venkataraman or of this day they would like to add, please do so.

If

> > anyone wants a CD of the photos I took, please let me know.

> >

> > Venkataraman's Mahasamadhi in a way marks a passage. There are

few

> of

> > the Maharshi's old-time devotees remaining in the body. As far as

I

> > understand, only one remains, I understand.

> >

> > The blessing and Grace Venkataraman received from Sri Ramana are

> > incalculable. Venkataraman then spent his life passing this Grace

> onto

> > the world and the present generation. His son, V. S. Manu, and

> nephew,

> > V. S. Ramanan, presently manage the ashram and are supporting the

> > enormous growth worldwide of interest in Sri Ramana. The next

> > generation is now preparing for their role. There is much

gratitude

> > that is due to this family for their dedication to the precious

work

> > of maintaining Sri Ramanasramam and continuing the daily program

for

> > all visitors from all over the world, and supporting the

> > ever-increasing interest in Sri Ramana by effort in many areas,

such

> > as the wealth of books that continue to be published by

> Ramanasramam.

> >

> > Richard Clarke

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > 5, 50, 500, 5000 - Store N number of mails in your inbox. Click

> here.

>

> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with

Search.

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[Guest guest]

Dear Harshaji,

 

 

Dear Harshaji,

 

With due respects to your discipline and care with which you hold

this forum as custodian I was surprised at the remark " This incident

that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana devotee or

anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. " I wonder why. I guess I

am a devotee of Sr Ramana, though a very superfulous one at that.

 

If your point is that Venugopal should be careful of references it

is well appreciated and the reference I have given suffices, as also

the mix up. But I am more intrigued by the fact that such a story

doesnt make sense to a Ramana devotee. If what you say is in order

not give an easy vent to a facile belief that exempts the seeker the

need for personal effort, I understand it. Is it that while Sri

Ramana was quite clear about the need for personal effort, such

narratives give rise to an idea that would pursuade a seeker to seek

the miraculous and or 'shaktipat' than concentrate on a discipline

of seeking the " self " ? I would submit that even where such episodes

are true what is never known is what preparedness the seeker was

when such a transmission was done as for instance the narrative of

Shri HWL Poonjaji.

 

P.S. Indeed in my little understanding it is seems that

enlightnement has no direct causal connection with effort and merely

raises the likelihood of its occurance.

 

 

However I see that there has been a lot of reactions to the post.

 

Warm regards

 

srinivas

 

 

, " harshaimtm "

wrote:

>

> Dear Srinivas-Ji:

>

> T.N. Venkatraman and Ganesan are two different individuals. The

> statement made about T.N. Venkatraman appeared to me to be not

> credible and that is why I questioned it. Indeed, it has now been

> brought out that the main character in the story was Ganesan and

not

> T.N. Venkatraman. The need to take care in such things seems very

> evident to me but perhaps not so to others.

>

> Namaste and love to all

> Harsha

>

> , " A. Srinivas Rao "

> <profsrinivasrao@> wrote:

> >

> > Dear Harshaji and Venugopalji,

> >

> > Harshaji, Venugopal's attribution is to the interview given by

> David

> > Godman which I have pasted below about Sri Nisargadatta the

episode

> > involves Shri V Ganesan the grand nephew Bhagavan of Sri Ramana

> > Maharishi.

> >

> >

> > Harriet: What was Maharaj's attitude to Ramana Maharshi and his

> > teachings? Did you ever discuss Bhagavan's teachings with him?

> >

> > David: He had enormous respect for both his attainment and his

> > teachings. He once told me that one of the few regrets of his

life

> > was that he never met him in person. He did come to the ashram

in

> > the early 1960s with a group of his Marathi devotees. They were

all

> > on a South Indian pilgrimage tour and Ramanasramam was one of

the

> > places he visited.

> >

> > With regard to the teachings he once told me, 'I agree with

> > everything that Ramana Maharshi said, with the exception of this

> > business of the heart-centre being on the right side of the

chest.

> I

> > have never had that experience myself.'

> >

> > I discussed various aspects of Bhagavan's teachings with him and

> > always found his answers to be very illuminating.

> >

> > He asked me once, 'Have you understood Ramana Maharshi's

> > teachings?'

> >

> > Since I knew he meant 'Had I actually experienced the truth of

> > them?', I replied, 'The more I listen to Maharaj, the more I

> > understand what Bhagavan is trying to tell me'.

> >

> > I felt that this was true at both the theoretical and

experiential

> > levels. His explanations broadened and deepened my intellectual

> > understanding of Bhagavan's teachings and his presence also gave

me

> > experiential glimpses of the truth that they were all pointing

> > towards.

> >

> > I have to mention Ganesan's visit here. V. Ganesan is the

> > grandnephew of Ramana Maharshi and in the 1970s he was the de

facto

> > manager of Ramanasramam. Nowadays, his elder brother Sundaram is

in

> > charge. Ganesan came to visit Maharaj for the first time in the

> late

> > 1970s. As soon as he arrived Maharaj stood up and began to

collect

> > cushions. He made a big pile of them and made Ganesan sit on top

of

> > the heap. Then, much to everyone's amazement, Maharaj cleared a

> > space on the floor and did a full-length prostration to him.

> >

> > When he stood up, he told Ganesan, 'I never had a chance to

> > prostrate to your great-uncle Ramana Maharshi, so I am

prostrating

> > to you instead. This is my prostration to him.'

> >

> > Warm regards

> >

> > srinivas

> >

> > , " harshaimtm " <harsha@>

> > wrote:

> > >

> > > Dear Venugopal,

> > >

> > > This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri

> Ramana

> > > devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The

story

> > that

> > > you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could

be

> > > wrong. Can you provide a reference for it?

> > >

> > > Namaste and love to all

> > > Harsha

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Sriniviasji and other sangha members:

 

I do tend to be very partial to Sri Ramana in my judgments and do not

view other modern gurus to be in the same class. Hence my bias comes

out and my apologies for hurting any feelings. Certainly, all

teachers contribute in their own way and help others.

 

Sri Ramana often talks about the Heart. Nisargadatta Maharaj says he

does not understand what Sri Ramana is saying on this matter of the

Heart. Many other writers also downplay the importance of the Heart

in Sri Ramana's teachings. Yet, Sri Ramana never tires of talking of

it whenever the subject comes up.

 

A mature devotee of Sri Ramana, who understands the depth of the

teachings of the Sage of Arunachala, who has an intimate knowledge of

the Heart, understands the nature of things and does not tend to look

anywhere other than where one is.

 

Even among Ramana devotees, there is bound to be differences in level

of spiritual maturity. So that is how things go. Usually, this is not

a big deal for me.

 

When Richard announced the Mahasamadhi of T.N. Venkatraman, I thanked

him for letting us know that this great devotee had left the body.

When this was followed by the inaccurate story of T.N. Venkatraman

and Nisargadatta Maharaj, there was a gut reaction on my part that it

was a wrong attribution about this great devotee and could not be

true. Therefore, I asked for further clarification and a reference.

 

In any case, my personal leaning is obvious and difficult to hide.

All teachers and teachings pale in comparison to the Sage of

Arunachala.

 

Namaste and love to all

Harsha

 

, " A. Srinivas Rao "

<profsrinivasrao wrote:

>

>

> Dear Harshaji,

>

>

> Dear Harshaji,

>

> With due respects to your discipline and care with which you hold

> this forum as custodian I was surprised at the remark " This

incident

> that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana devotee or

> anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. " I wonder why. I guess

I

> am a devotee of Sr Ramana, though a very superfulous one at that.

>

> If your point is that Venugopal should be careful of references it

> is well appreciated and the reference I have given suffices, as

also

> the mix up. But I am more intrigued by the fact that such a story

> doesnt make sense to a Ramana devotee. If what you say is in order

> not give an easy vent to a facile belief that exempts the seeker

the

> need for personal effort, I understand it. Is it that while Sri

> Ramana was quite clear about the need for personal effort, such

> narratives give rise to an idea that would pursuade a seeker to

seek

> the miraculous and or 'shaktipat' than concentrate on a discipline

> of seeking the " self " ? I would submit that even where such episodes

> are true what is never known is what preparedness the seeker was

> when such a transmission was done as for instance the narrative of

> Shri HWL Poonjaji.

>

> P.S. Indeed in my little understanding it is seems that

> enlightnement has no direct causal connection with effort and

merely

> raises the likelihood of its occurance.

>

>

> However I see that there has been a lot of reactions to the post.

>

> Warm regards

>

> srinivas

>

>

> , " harshaimtm " <harsha@>

> wrote:

> >

> > Dear Srinivas-Ji:

> >

> > T.N. Venkatraman and Ganesan are two different individuals. The

> > statement made about T.N. Venkatraman appeared to me to be not

> > credible and that is why I questioned it. Indeed, it has now been

> > brought out that the main character in the story was Ganesan and

> not

> > T.N. Venkatraman. The need to take care in such things seems very

> > evident to me but perhaps not so to others.

> >

> > Namaste and love to all

> > Harsha

> >

> > , " A. Srinivas Rao "

> > <profsrinivasrao@> wrote:

> > >

> > > Dear Harshaji and Venugopalji,

> > >

> > > Harshaji, Venugopal's attribution is to the interview given by

> > David

> > > Godman which I have pasted below about Sri Nisargadatta the

> episode

> > > involves Shri V Ganesan the grand nephew Bhagavan of Sri Ramana

> > > Maharishi.

> > >

> > >

> > > Harriet: What was Maharaj's attitude to Ramana Maharshi and his

> > > teachings? Did you ever discuss Bhagavan's teachings with him?

> > >

> > > David: He had enormous respect for both his attainment and his

> > > teachings. He once told me that one of the few regrets of his

> life

> > > was that he never met him in person. He did come to the ashram

> in

> > > the early 1960s with a group of his Marathi devotees. They were

> all

> > > on a South Indian pilgrimage tour and Ramanasramam was one of

> the

> > > places he visited.

> > >

> > > With regard to the teachings he once told me, 'I agree with

> > > everything that Ramana Maharshi said, with the exception of

this

> > > business of the heart-centre being on the right side of the

> chest.

> > I

> > > have never had that experience myself.'

> > >

> > > I discussed various aspects of Bhagavan's teachings with him

and

> > > always found his answers to be very illuminating.

> > >

> > > He asked me once, 'Have you understood Ramana Maharshi's

> > > teachings?'

> > >

> > > Since I knew he meant 'Had I actually experienced the truth of

> > > them?', I replied, 'The more I listen to Maharaj, the more I

> > > understand what Bhagavan is trying to tell me'.

> > >

> > > I felt that this was true at both the theoretical and

> experiential

> > > levels. His explanations broadened and deepened my intellectual

> > > understanding of Bhagavan's teachings and his presence also

gave

> me

> > > experiential glimpses of the truth that they were all pointing

> > > towards.

> > >

> > > I have to mention Ganesan's visit here. V. Ganesan is the

> > > grandnephew of Ramana Maharshi and in the 1970s he was the de

> facto

> > > manager of Ramanasramam. Nowadays, his elder brother Sundaram

is

> in

> > > charge. Ganesan came to visit Maharaj for the first time in the

> > late

> > > 1970s. As soon as he arrived Maharaj stood up and began to

> collect

> > > cushions. He made a big pile of them and made Ganesan sit on

top

> of

> > > the heap. Then, much to everyone's amazement, Maharaj cleared a

> > > space on the floor and did a full-length prostration to him.

> > >

> > > When he stood up, he told Ganesan, 'I never had a chance to

> > > prostrate to your great-uncle Ramana Maharshi, so I am

> prostrating

> > > to you instead. This is my prostration to him.'

> > >

> > > Warm regards

> > >

> > > srinivas

> > >

> > > , " harshaimtm " <harsha@>

> > > wrote:

> > > >

> > > > Dear Venugopal,

> > > >

> > > > This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri

> > Ramana

> > > > devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The

> story

> > > that

> > > > you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could

> be

> > > > wrong. Can you provide a reference for it?

> > > >

> > > > Namaste and love to all

> > > > Harsha

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

, " harshaimtm "

wrote:

>

> Dear Sriniviasji and other sangha members:

>

> I do tend to be very partial to Sri Ramana in my judgments and do

not

> view other modern gurus to be in the same class. Hence my bias

comes

> out and my apologies for hurting any feelings. Certainly, all

> teachers contribute in their own way and help others.

>

> Sri Ramana often talks about the Heart. Nisargadatta Maharaj says

he

> does not understand what Sri Ramana is saying on this matter of the

> Heart. Many other writers also downplay the importance of the Heart

> in Sri Ramana's teachings. Yet, Sri Ramana never tires of talking

of

> it whenever the subject comes up.

>

> A mature devotee of Sri Ramana, who understands the depth of the

> teachings of the Sage of Arunachala, who has an intimate knowledge

of

> the Heart, understands the nature of things and does not tend to

look

> anywhere other than where one is.

>

> Even among Ramana devotees, there is bound to be differences in

level

> of spiritual maturity. So that is how things go. Usually, this is

not

> a big deal for me.

 

Namaste,H,

 

As I have posted to Richard before, my own personal belief is that it

isn't necessary to got to one place to get liberation over another.

Richard apparently believes it does, so him getting involved in

rituals is no surprise either. That's his bag as we used to say in

the 60s.

Ramana talks about the heart for he is talking of beyond the mind,

the mind cannot liberate it is only a signpost.......

 

Realisint who am I? or the heart the jiva also realises nirguna

simultaneously unless they are a strong bhatka then it is off to the

Highest Loka which is one step beneath liberation or moksha.

 

The incident with Niz is really irrelevant.............Tony

[Guest guest]

Dear Harsha

 

thank you so much for your statement.

 

I was looking since my early childhood for TRUTH andAUTHENTICITY and found it in the Perennial Philosophy in its different "shades" and afterward is RAMANA

 

HIS LIFE is open for all of us to see and nothing is hidden....

Who knows others like HIM?

 

HIS incredible modesty and everything else HE radiates is a fountain of HAPPINESS HEALTH WISDOM LOVE in short of everything humans need if they really look for TRUTH

 

HIS authenticity is unbelievable but true

 

"nothing against others" no hurt meant for followers of others.....

 

b u t why not look for ROOTS instead fo "modern imitiatsions"

 

whereever we look we see that only AUTHENTICITY counts when looking for TRUTH

 

 

michael wishes all members of this esteemed Satsangh all the best for the "coming new year" - knowing that it depends not only on GRACE but on our own input and output to succeed to lift the curtain of NOKNOWLEDGE

 

 

in deep gratitude in RAMANA

 

 

 

 

michael bindel

 

 

 

-

harshaimtm

Sunday, December 30, 2007 4:22 PM

Re: Venkataraman Mahasamadhi.

 

 

Dear Sriniviasji and other sangha members:I do tend to be very partial to Sri Ramana in my judgments and do not view other modern gurus to be in the same class. Hence my bias comes out and my apologies for hurting any feelings. Certainly, all teachers contribute in their own way and help others. Sri Ramana often talks about the Heart. Nisargadatta Maharaj says he does not understand what Sri Ramana is saying on this matter of the Heart. Many other writers also downplay the importance of the Heart in Sri Ramana's teachings. Yet, Sri Ramana never tires of talking of it whenever the subject comes up. A mature devotee of Sri Ramana, who understands the depth of the teachings of the Sage of Arunachala, who has an intimate knowledge of the Heart, understands the nature of things and does not tend to look anywhere other than where one is.Even among Ramana devotees, there is bound to be differences in level of spiritual maturity. So that is how things go. Usually, this is not a big deal for me.When Richard announced the Mahasamadhi of T.N. Venkatraman, I thanked him for letting us know that this great devotee had left the body. When this was followed by the inaccurate story of T.N. Venkatraman and Nisargadatta Maharaj, there was a gut reaction on my part that it was a wrong attribution about this great devotee and could not be true. Therefore, I asked for further clarification and a reference. In any case, my personal leaning is obvious and difficult to hide. All teachers and teachings pale in comparison to the Sage of Arunachala.Namaste and love to allHarsha , "A. Srinivas Rao" <profsrinivasrao wrote:>> > Dear Harshaji,> > > Dear Harshaji,> > With due respects to your discipline and care with which you hold > this forum as custodian I was surprised at the remark "This incident > that you relate would not make sense to a Sri Ramana devotee or > anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. " I wonder why. I guess I > am a devotee of Sr Ramana, though a very superfulous one at that.> > If your point is that Venugopal should be careful of references it > is well appreciated and the reference I have given suffices, as also > the mix up. But I am more intrigued by the fact that such a story > doesnt make sense to a Ramana devotee. If what you say is in order > not give an easy vent to a facile belief that exempts the seeker the > need for personal effort, I understand it. Is it that while Sri > Ramana was quite clear about the need for personal effort, such > narratives give rise to an idea that would pursuade a seeker to seek > the miraculous and or 'shaktipat' than concentrate on a discipline > of seeking the "self"? I would submit that even where such episodes > are true what is never known is what preparedness the seeker was > when such a transmission was done as for instance the narrative of > Shri HWL Poonjaji. > > P.S. Indeed in my little understanding it is seems that > enlightnement has no direct causal connection with effort and merely > raises the likelihood of its occurance.> > > However I see that there has been a lot of reactions to the post.> > Warm regards> > srinivas> > > , "harshaimtm" <harsha@> > wrote:> >> > Dear Srinivas-Ji:> > > > T.N. Venkatraman and Ganesan are two different individuals. The > > statement made about T.N. Venkatraman appeared to me to be not > > credible and that is why I questioned it. Indeed, it has now been > > brought out that the main character in the story was Ganesan and > not > > T.N. Venkatraman. The need to take care in such things seems very > > evident to me but perhaps not so to others.> > > > Namaste and love to all> > Harsha> > > > , "A. Srinivas Rao" > > <profsrinivasrao@> wrote:> > >> > > Dear Harshaji and Venugopalji,> > > > > > Harshaji, Venugopal's attribution is to the interview given by > > David > > > Godman which I have pasted below about Sri Nisargadatta the > episode > > > involves Shri V Ganesan the grand nephew Bhagavan of Sri Ramana > > > Maharishi. > > > > > > > > > Harriet: What was Maharaj's attitude to Ramana Maharshi and his > > > teachings? Did you ever discuss Bhagavan's teachings with him? > > > > > > David: He had enormous respect for both his attainment and his > > > teachings. He once told me that one of the few regrets of his > life > > > was that he never met him in person. He did come to the ashram > in > > > the early 1960s with a group of his Marathi devotees. They were > all > > > on a South Indian pilgrimage tour and Ramanasramam was one of > the > > > places he visited. > > > > > > With regard to the teachings he once told me, 'I agree with > > > everything that Ramana Maharshi said, with the exception of this > > > business of the heart-centre being on the right side of the > chest. > > I > > > have never had that experience myself.' > > > > > > I discussed various aspects of Bhagavan's teachings with him and > > > always found his answers to be very illuminating. > > > > > > He asked me once, 'Have you understood Ramana Maharshi's > > > teachings?' > > > > > > Since I knew he meant 'Had I actually experienced the truth of > > > them?', I replied, 'The more I listen to Maharaj, the more I > > > understand what Bhagavan is trying to tell me'. > > > > > > I felt that this was true at both the theoretical and > experiential > > > levels. His explanations broadened and deepened my intellectual > > > understanding of Bhagavan's teachings and his presence also gave > me > > > experiential glimpses of the truth that they were all pointing > > > towards. > > > > > > I have to mention Ganesan's visit here. V. Ganesan is the > > > grandnephew of Ramana Maharshi and in the 1970s he was the de > facto > > > manager of Ramanasramam. Nowadays, his elder brother Sundaram is > in > > > charge. Ganesan came to visit Maharaj for the first time in the > > late > > > 1970s. As soon as he arrived Maharaj stood up and began to > collect > > > cushions. He made a big pile of them and made Ganesan sit on top > of > > > the heap. Then, much to everyone's amazement, Maharaj cleared a > > > space on the floor and did a full-length prostration to him. > > > > > > When he stood up, he told Ganesan, 'I never had a chance to > > > prostrate to your great-uncle Ramana Maharshi, so I am > prostrating > > > to you instead. This is my prostration to him.' > > > > > > Warm regards> > > > > > srinivas> > > > > > , "harshaimtm" <harsha@> > > > wrote:> > > >> > > > Dear Venugopal,> > > > > > > > This incident that you relate would not make sense to a Sri > > Ramana > > > > devotee or anyone who understands Ramana's teachings. The > story > > > that > > > > you have told does not appear credible to me at all. I could > be > > > > wrong. Can you provide a reference for it? > > > > > > > > Namaste and love to all> > > > Harsha> > > > > > > > > > > >> > >> >>

 

 

Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.12/1202 - Release 29/12/2007 13.27

[Guest guest]

Hi Tony,

 

You are ascribing to me ideas and attitudes that I do not hold.

 

'> As I have posted to Richard before, my own personal belief is that

it isn't necessary to got to one place to get liberation over

another. Richard apparently believes it does'

 

I have never said this. You may have some heard it, but this may be

your interpretation rather than what I have said. I have said that I

have gone here since this is a place that supports spiritual practice,

and further is one that I can afford to live in on my retirement pension.

 

'so him getting involved in rituals is no surprise either.'

 

So you mean that if you were there you would not have paid you respect

for the gifts give by Venkataraman by your attendence?

 

Ramana recommended to seekers that the spend their time and effort

with their own spiritual practice and not concerning themselveds and

commenting on others. Perhaps that would be good for you as well.

 

Not two,

Richard

 

, " Tony OClery " <aoclery wrote:

>

> , " harshaimtm " <harsha@>

> wrote:

> >

> > Dear Sriniviasji and other sangha members:

> >

> > I do tend to be very partial to Sri Ramana in my judgments and do

> not

> > view other modern gurus to be in the same class. Hence my bias

> comes

> > out and my apologies for hurting any feelings. Certainly, all

> > teachers contribute in their own way and help others.

> >

> > Sri Ramana often talks about the Heart. Nisargadatta Maharaj says

> he

> > does not understand what Sri Ramana is saying on this matter of the

> > Heart. Many other writers also downplay the importance of the Heart

> > in Sri Ramana's teachings. Yet, Sri Ramana never tires of talking

> of

> > it whenever the subject comes up.

> >

> > A mature devotee of Sri Ramana, who understands the depth of the

> > teachings of the Sage of Arunachala, who has an intimate knowledge

> of

> > the Heart, understands the nature of things and does not tend to

> look

> > anywhere other than where one is.

> >

> > Even among Ramana devotees, there is bound to be differences in

> level

> > of spiritual maturity. So that is how things go. Usually, this is

> not

> > a big deal for me.

>

> Namaste,H,

>

> As I have posted to Richard before, my own personal belief is that it

> isn't necessary to got to one place to get liberation over another.

> Richard apparently believes it does, so him getting involved in

> rituals is no surprise either. That's his bag as we used to say in

> the 60s.

> Ramana talks about the heart for he is talking of beyond the mind,

> the mind cannot liberate it is only a signpost.......

>

> Realisint who am I? or the heart the jiva also realises nirguna

> simultaneously unless they are a strong bhatka then it is off to the

> Highest Loka which is one step beneath liberation or moksha.

>

> The incident with Niz is really irrelevant.............>

[Guest guest]

Dear Richard,

 

Thank you for your presence and many wonderful contributions over the

years. The list is starting its 10th year. For me, it is a great

privilege to have the company of Sri Ramana devotees like yourself.

 

Thank you.

 

Namaste and love to all

Harsha

 

 

 

 

, " Richard Clarke " <richard

wrote:

>

> Hi Tony,

>

> You are ascribing to me ideas and attitudes that I do not hold.

>

> '> As I have posted to Richard before, my own personal belief is that

> it isn't necessary to got to one place to get liberation over

> another. Richard apparently believes it does'

>

> I have never said this. You may have some heard it, but this may be

> your interpretation rather than what I have said. I have said that I

> have gone here since this is a place that supports spiritual practice,

> and further is one that I can afford to live in on my retirement

pension.

>

> 'so him getting involved in rituals is no surprise either.'

>

> So you mean that if you were there you would not have paid you respect

> for the gifts give by Venkataraman by your attendence?

>

> Ramana recommended to seekers that the spend their time and effort

> with their own spiritual practice and not concerning themselveds and

> commenting on others. Perhaps that would be good for you as well.

>

> Not two,

> Richard

>

> , " Tony OClery " aoclery@ wrote:

> >

> > , " harshaimtm " <harsha@>

> > wrote:

> > >

> > > Dear Sriniviasji and other sangha members:

> > >

> > > I do tend to be very partial to Sri Ramana in my judgments and do

> > not

> > > view other modern gurus to be in the same class. Hence my bias

> > comes

> > > out and my apologies for hurting any feelings. Certainly, all

> > > teachers contribute in their own way and help others.

> > >

> > > Sri Ramana often talks about the Heart. Nisargadatta Maharaj says

> > he

> > > does not understand what Sri Ramana is saying on this matter of

the

> > > Heart. Many other writers also downplay the importance of the

Heart

> > > in Sri Ramana's teachings. Yet, Sri Ramana never tires of talking

> > of

> > > it whenever the subject comes up.

> > >

> > > A mature devotee of Sri Ramana, who understands the depth of the

> > > teachings of the Sage of Arunachala, who has an intimate knowledge

> > of

> > > the Heart, understands the nature of things and does not tend to

> > look

> > > anywhere other than where one is.

> > >

> > > Even among Ramana devotees, there is bound to be differences in

> > level

> > > of spiritual maturity. So that is how things go. Usually, this is

> > not

> > > a big deal for me.

> >

> > Namaste,H,

> >

> > As I have posted to Richard before, my own personal belief is that

it

> > isn't necessary to got to one place to get liberation over another.

> > Richard apparently believes it does, so him getting involved in

> > rituals is no surprise either. That's his bag as we used to say in

> > the 60s.

> > Ramana talks about the heart for he is talking of beyond the mind,

> > the mind cannot liberate it is only a signpost.......

> >

> > Realisint who am I? or the heart the jiva also realises nirguna

> > simultaneously unless they are a strong bhatka then it is off to the

> > Highest Loka which is one step beneath liberation or moksha.

> >

> > The incident with Niz is really irrelevant.............> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Harsha,

 

It is a blessing for us all to have the sangha where we can share our

love for Sri Ramana and the Truth he shows us.

 

Thank you for making this possible.

 

In Arunachala,

 

Richard

 

, " harshaimtm " wrote:

>

> Dear Richard,

>

> Thank you for your presence and many wonderful contributions over the

> years. The list is starting its 10th year. For me, it is a great

> privilege to have the company of Sri Ramana devotees like yourself.

>

> Thank you.

>

> Namaste and love to all

> Harsha

[Guest guest]

harshaimtm wrote:

>

> Dear Sriniviasji and other sangha members:

>

> I do tend to be very partial to Sri Ramana in my judgments and do not

> view other modern gurus to be in the same class. Hence my bias comes

> out and my apologies for hurting any feelings. Certainly, all

> teachers contribute in their own way and help others.

 

 

Thanks Harsha.

 

What's your favorite color?

 

You're lucky SM wasn't a puppet.

 

What is the Perfect Manifestion of Holy Perfectness

IAMness in a dualistic, imperfect World of Suffering?

 

At some point,

One of Us schmucks has got to ask...

 

" What does it matter? "

 

(pun intended with respect to

matter/mass/gravity/time/space/limitation/preference)

 

 

Love YourSelf