Who am I? for the Poorest One

May 19, 2008

" After I had been here a day or two Bhagavan asked somebody to give

me a copy of Who am I? and told me to read it. Here is contained the

essence of his teaching, though given by him as a youth of only 21 it

never needed to be changed. Bhagavan might talk all sorts of philosophy

and explain systems in answer to questions, but his teaching and

instruction for Sadhana was all contained in Who am I?. Everything else,

as far as he was concerned, was padding or expansion for those who were

not satisfied with the simplicity and straightforward explanation of

this little book. He had always insisted that the book should be sold so

cheaply that it was available to the poorest and originally it cost no

more than half an anna. This wonderful little book comprises one of the

first set of instructions given by Bhagavan in about I902 in writing as

he was not speaking at the time. They are direct from his own experience

and in no way influenced by his reading of various Upanishads and other

sacred writings which were afterwards brought to him to explain. " (A

Sadhu's Reminiscences of Ramana Maharshi, p.13-14).

Dear Harsha

You have written (Message #45655) " So what is the problem? And if

there is a problem, what is the solution? "

Perhaps I may answer with

A few notes:

*

When Michael purchased his first copy of `Who am I?' in the

Ashram bookstall, the cost was less than a rupee. A quick dip into his

library shows Truth Revealed (1950): 12 Annas or Two Shillings and

Threepence. A more recent pocket copy of Who am I? (2002) in Tamil cost

Rs.2/-, half a dime perhaps, and in the same year in English it

retailed at Rs.5/-, a little over a dime.

*

Now if we look at the cost of a retreat with SAT, where nome

purportedly `explains' Self-Inquiry, we see that in March we

would need to have paid $295.00. If we wished to add retreats in May

and in August, entitled `Self-Knowledge' and

`Self-Realization' each will cost another $295.00. So the set

thus far brings our bill to

*

$885.00, and if we wish to round it off in November, we can have, for

dessert, the

*

`Truth Revealed' Retreat for an extra $850.

That adds up to big bucks, to listen to man on a podium

`explaining' something which is already very clear, and to

expound on knowledge which a poor man, even in this day and age,

won't have to spend more than a dollar or two on.

Now I have have a big problem with that, Harsha, a problem when I (and

several others) see your list being used as a conduit for commercial

trade.

The writing is on the wall.

-Michael-

May 19, 2008

My Dearest Michael Cape-Meadows:

I embrace you as a brother devotee of Bhagavan Ramana and will ponder over

everything you said and other Bhagavan devotees have said to me privately

and publicly with care. I am already familiar with the issues you raise.

Give me more time because sometimes I don't know what to do. Other Sangha

members can reflect on what you have said as well. Meanwhile, I ask you to

keep in mind that devotees of Bhagavan can at times have somewhat different

views on things.

We have to rely on the collective wisdom of the Sangha. Let us see if we can

somehow reconcile on this issue.

Namaste and love to all

Harsha

On Behalf Of MIchael Cape-Meadows

Monday, May 19, 2008 10:16 AM

" Who am I? " for the Poorest One