Ramana Maharshi Devotee Venkateswara Sarma Shares His Experiences

A. Venkateswara Sarma and Smt. Sala SRI VENKATESWARA SARMA, a native of Keelapasalai Village, Ramnad Dt., is an old devotee of Sri Bhagavan,who along with his wife, Smt. Sala, equally devoted to Sri Bhagavan, lived in Sri Ramana Nagar. Both are closely related to Sri Bhagavan.

For over a decade he studied the Kavya (poetical literature in Sanskrit) gaining mastery in the same and also became an adept in the science of astrology by training he had for years at Vidyalaya in Kerala. In his early days while staying at Kandanur,
he had a remarkable experience.

He saw the portrait of Sri Bhagavan in his majestic standing posture with a penetrating look which not merely seemed but was really felt as directed only to him and which thrilled his whole being. This experience provoked a great urge to have Sri Bhagavan’s darshan immediately.

He started the very next day and arrived at Tiruvannamalai,his luggage consisting of a panchangam (almanac) in one hand and an umbrella in the other. That was in 1920. He climbed up the hill to Skandashram, and recognising Sri Bhagavan who was seated then under a nelli tree he hastened to prostrate at his feet, spontaneously reciting in a state of ecstatic inspiration the first sloka of Sri Dakshinamurthi Ashtakam.

“Look, look at the visitor who has come — Subbu’s son, is it not?” So exclaimed
Sri Bhagavan, turning to his mother who was there.

The mother gave him a hearty welcome and made him feel at home.Delighted by the stay with Sri Bhagavan that night, he was guided to perform giripradakshina (circumambulation of Holy Arunachala) next day.

He expressed an ardent desire to stay with Sri Bhagavan for good and pleaded that he did not want to marry but wished to remain with him and serve him and do pujas. The mother would have none of it, he had duties to perform, she reminded him and an uncle’s daughter awaited marriage with him.

He was then 22 years old.Sri Bhagavan consoled him, “What does it matter if you do puja or get married or whether you are here or elsewhere?” And so he left! Since then Sri Sarma was coming to Sri Bhagavan from time to time, often staying for a month or two and benefitting by Sri Bhagavan’s utterances and his silent influence with devotion and piety.

Though a successful astrologer by profession, especially in the branch of prasna (astrological forecasting on the basis of the exact time of the client’s question), Sri Venkateswara Sarma felt the futility of leading a bread-earning life and hence came to Sri Ramanasramam in 1939, along with his wife, and lived with Sri Bhagavan’s sister’s family.

In 1946 they took up abode at Adi Annamalai, four miles away from the Ashram on the circumambulation path, after duly informing Sri Bhagavan.They went round the hill daily and sometimes twice a day and thus had darshan of Sri Bhagavan on the way.

Sri Sarma compiled a short history of Sri Bhagavan’s life consisting of 120 slokas in Sanskrit, known as Ramana Charitamrutasaram, which Sri Bhagavan graciously perused and corrected.

He also composed songs in Tamil and presented them to Sri Bhagavan, who used to correct them only sparingly. Such corrections were not only grammatical in content but also vitally enriched them with spiritual depth.

For instance, in the following verse: “Those who are caught in the mouth of a great tiger are certain to die in this world;but all those, caught in the glance (drishti) of the great tiger adorning the slopes of Arunachala, known as great Ramana,get merged with natural ease in the eternal happiness,discarding fear of even the Lord of Death,” Sri Bhagavan put in the word with natural ease ‘(iyal) in the place of daily’
(nidham) of Sri Sarma’s!

Since 1948, he settled with his wife and only son in Tiruvannamalai town. The son passed away four years later.Both parents feel they survived that shock only by Bhagavan’s Grace.

They continued to render service at the Shrines of Sri Bhagavan and the Mother, assisting in the daily routine — perhaps as a fulfilment of his former sankalpa (desire) to do puja to Sri Bhagavan! He felt: “Sri Bhagavan is ever present in my mind and heart, in jagrat and swapna and his manifest Grace only is sustaining us in
all circumstances and at all times!”

Source: The Silent Power Selections from The Mountain Path and The Call Divine

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Bhaja Govindam by Sri Shankaracharya

I request readers to view and listen Pravachanam By Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami in telugu.

There are totally 8 Volumes and in each volume there are totally 8 videos.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=BhajaGovindam+Volume1&aq=f

Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says Bhaja Govindam is also called Moha Mudgara.

Mudgara in sanskrit means hammer.

So it is hammer that strikes at the illusion.so to conclude Bhaja Govindam will help us to eradicate ignorance.

The first twelve slokas are called dwadasa manjarika sthotram as the first 12 verses are told at a time.

Because the first 13 verses are meant only for the old man who even at the age of 80 yrs is keen to study sanskrit grammer and not interested in devotion in god.

The first 13 are told by Adi Shankara to the old man.while Adi Sankara recited the first 13 verses disciples who are there with him inspired by their guru and wrote each verse by themselves.So the next 14 verses are written by the 14 disciples who are there nearby.So the next 14 are called Chaturdasa manjarika sthotram.

Disciples then shown the verses to Adi Sankara and he was impressed and he himself wrote another 4 verses blesssing them.

TEXT 1

bhajagovindam bhajagovindam
govindam bhajamuudhamate
sampraapte sannihite kaale
nahi nahi rakshati dukrijnkarane

Worship Govinda, Worship Govinda, Worship Govinda. Oh fool! Rules of Grammar will not save you at the time of your death.

Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says Govinda in telugu means "vakkulachee pondagaligee vaadu" means by learning/understanding vedas attain govinda.

We recite govinda 2 times because govinda was written 2 times in Vishnu Sahasranamam.

He says donot have raga dvesa regarding house,food etc by saying i want only icecream,house in hyd central etc.

He says cloth jeans is not the means for liberation.

My Spritual Friend Udai Garu wants to share his views

Anyways, Govinda can be understood in other ways as well.The one who lifted Govardhana Giri to save people from the wrath of Indra.

"Indra" represents "Manas" or "Mind" .

The one to whom we surrender to detach from mind is God! Govinda ... Consciousness.

As Such its not even peace of mind. Peace of mind is like making Indra happy. Self surrender is not even peace of mind! ITs remaining as Consciousness. Remaining with Govinda.

"Bhaja" means to "Share". The name of God is shared. How we share is, by sharing the vision.


TEXT 2

mudha jahiihi dhanaagamatrishhnaam
kuru sadbuddhim manasi vitrishhnaam
yallabhase nijakarmopaattam
vittam tena vinodaya chittam

Oh fool! Give up your thirst to amass wealth, devote your mind to thoughts to the Real. Be content with what comes through actions already performed in the past.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says Desire for wealth is most dangerous.

He wonders why in telugu language we compare money with stone like we say "edo naalugu rallu venakesukundamani".

Also greed for money is no ending as we say if i have say 50 croes i will be happy even though at the present moment we can always be happy but we keep on postpone it.

He says us to think for a moment how a sanyasi feels confident,brave,bold even though he leaves his family,money,relatives and all his attachments but on the otherwide we householders though we have required money,children,father,mother but yet wont feel happy and secured and keeps complaining for one thing or other.

TEXT 3

naariistanabhara naabhiidesham
drishhtvaa maagaamohaavesham
etanmaamsaavasaadi vikaaram
manasi vichintaya vaaram vaaram

Do not get drowned in delusion by going wild with passions and lust by seeing a woman's navel and chest. Bodies are flesh, fat and blood. Do not fail to remember this again and again in your mind.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says householder duty is that wife and husband aim should be for moksha.Our body without skin is nothing but blood,flesh and fat.

Dana,Daya,Dharmam are good if they go hand-in-hand with atma-jnana.

TEXT 4

naliniidalagata jalamatitaralam
tadvajjiivitamatishayachapalam
viddhi vyaadhyabhimaanagrastam
lokam shokahatam cha samastam

Uncertain is the life of man as rain drops on a lotus leaf. Know that the whole world remains a prey to disease, ego and grief.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says if we are really our body then we should get satisfaction if body needs get fulfilled.But in deep sleep there is no body/world/mind but we exist.

So we are not the body.In dream we imagine another body and we imagine them to be real.

Only just because we imagine "we are the body" we establish relations and have a family etc and go deep in illusion.

so we are sat-chit-ananda.

TEXT 5

yaavadvittopaarjana saktah
staavannija parivaaro raktah
pashchaajjiivati jarjara dehe
vaartaam koapi na prichchhati gehe

So long as a man is fit and able to support his family, see the affection all those around him show. But no one at home cares to even have a word with him when his body totters due to old age.

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says we can take a snap/photo of the flower but the smell of the flower cannot be taken in the photo.Similarly we can live together with other humans but cannot know what is there in their mind.

Human beings buy dead hen,fish and other animals to eat but humans never sell dead body of other humans.For mrudangam instrutment animal skin is used.

TEXT 6

yaavatpavano nivasati dehe
taavatprichchhati kushalam gehe
gatavati vaayau dehaapaaye
bhaaryaa bibhyati tasminkaaye

When one is alive, his family members enquire kindly about his welfare. But when the soul departs from the body, even his wife runs away in fear of the corpse.

TEXT 7

baalastaavatkriidaasaktah
tarunastaavattaruniisaktah
vriddhastaavachchintaasaktah
pare brahmani koapi na saktah

Childhood is lost in play. Youth is lost by attachment to woman. Old age passes away by thinking over many past things. Alas! Hardly is there anyone who yearns to be lost in Parabrahman.

TEXT 8

kaate kaantaa kaste putrah
samsaaro.ayamatiiva vichitrah
kasya tvam kah kuta aayaatah
tattvam chintaya tadiha bhraatah

Who is your wife? Who is your son? Strange is this samsara. Of whom are you? Where have you come from? Brother, ponder over these truths.

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says adi sankara in 1st verse told "O Fool" but here in verse 8 adi sankara kindly says kindly "brother".

He said bhagavad gita was told by Lord Krishna who was a samsari and who listened was Arjuna who was a samsari and who has written bhagavad gita vyasa was also a samsari.

So here lesson is not to think that we should not have samsaram but to understand it is not real.Samsara is related to mind but not to wife,children.

TEXT 9

satsangatve nissngatvam
nissangatve nirmohatvam
nirmohatve nishchalatattvam
nishcalatattve jiivanmuktih

From Satsanga comes non-attachment, from non-attachment comes freedom from delusion, which leads to self-settledness. From self-settledness comes Jivan Mukti(liberation).

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says peace of mind cannot be attained by mere money only.

TEXT 10

vayasigate kah kaamavikaarah
shushhke niire kah kaasaarah
kshiinevitte kah parivaarah
gyaate tattve kah samsaarah

What good is lust when youth has fled? What use is a lake which has no water? Where are the relatives when wealth is gone? Where is samsara (the continuaiton of birth and death) when the Truth is known?

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says lust will be there at max for 3-4 years in our life.

In Srisailam it is called Dholi Darshanam because according to puranas kumari-swami left his father and mother and came to srisailam and his father/mother came there to see their son and because they are in huge affection so they does not care for formalities like cleaning their feet as they want to see their son ASAP.

It also means in Srisailam god is waiting for us(devotees) to visit him and does not care for formalities as we are his sons/daughters.

There are so many good activities(charity,teaching,sanyasam...) which can be done in our life but we must think what is good for us.Example: There are so many channels in TV today but with help of remote we usually keep channel which we like best.

TEXT 11

maa kuru dhana jana yauvana garvam
harati nimeshhaatkaalah sarvam
maayaamayamidamakhilaM hitvaa
brahmapadaM tvaM pravisha viditvaa

Do not boast of wealth, friends, and youth. Each one of these are destroyed within a minute. Free yourself from the illusion of the world of Maya and attain the timeless Truth.

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami In Volume4 Part9 has sung a beautiful song on Chandra Bhagavan(Moon) comparing moon with Lord Krishna.

TEXT 12

dinayaaminyau saayam praatah
shishiravasantau punaraayaatah
kaalah kriidati gachchhatyaayuh
tadapi na mujncatyaashaavaayuh

Daylight and darkness, dusk and dawn, winter and spring time come and go. Time plays and life ebbs(A gradual decline) away. But the storm of desire never leaves.

Moreover in Bhagavad Gita it is written

Ch2 Text 70

A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires--that enter like rivers into the ocean which is ever being filled but is always still--can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says we all came here in this world for a short visa.

TEXT 13

dvaadashamajnjarikaabhirasheshhah
kathito vaiyaakaranasyaishhah
upadesho bhuudvidyaanipunaih
shriimachchhankarabhagavachchharanarih

This bouquet of twelve verses was imparted to a grammarian by the all-knowing Shankara, adored as the bhagavadpada.

TEXT 14

kaate kaantaa dhana gatachintaa
vaatula kim tava naasti niyantaa
trijagati sajjanasam gatiraikaa
bhavati bhavaarnavatarane naukaa

Oh mad man! Why this engrossment in thoughts of wealth? Is there no one to guide you? There is only one thing in three worlds that can save you from the ocean of samsara. Get into that boat of satsangha (knowledge of the Truth) quickly.

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says Sanyasis are of 3 types

a) Kapata sanyasa
b) Original sanyasa
c) Sanyasi who has failed to live as perfect sanyasi.

TEXT 15

jatilo mundii lujnchhitakeshah
kaashhaayaambarabahukritaveshhah
pashyannapi cana pashyati muudhah
udaranimittam bahukritaveshhah

There are many who go with matted locks, many who have clean shaven heads, many whose hairs have been plucked out; some are clothed in saffron, yet others in various colors --- all just for a livelihood. Seeing truth revealed before them, still the foolish ones see it not.

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says Rotti Kashayam means "Otti Kashayam" as today we sanyasis are fake and only put kashaya simply for food.

TEXT 16

angam galitam palitam mundam
dashanavihiinam jatam tundam
vriddho yaati grihiitvaa dandam
tadapi na mujncatyaashaapindam

Strength has left the old man's body; his head has become bald, his gums toothless and leaning on crutches. Even then the attachment is strong and he clings firmly to fruitless hope.

TEXT 17

agre vahnih prishhthebhaanuh
raatrau chubukasamarpitajaanuh
karatalabhikshastarutalavaasah
tadapi na mujncatyaashaapaashah

Behold there lies the man who sits warming up his body with the fire in front and the sun at the back; at night he curls up the body to keep out of the cold; he eats his beggar's food from the bowl of his hand and sleeps beneath the tree. Still in his heart, he is a wretched puppet at the hands of passions.

TEXT 18

kurute gangaasaagaragamanam
vrataparipaalanamathavaa daanam
gyaanavihinah sarvamatena
muktim na bhajati janmashatena

One may go to the Ganga, observe fasts, and give away riches in charity! Yet, devoid of jnana, nothing can give mukthi even at the end of a hundred births.

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says with karma we cannot get liberation as karma and ignorance are not enemies but only friends.

We do social service or any good karma(action) hoping to get liberation(self-realisation) but not knowing that self-realisation is nothing but we should eradicate ignorance in us.

TEXT 19

sura mandira taru muula nivaasah
shayyaa bhuutala majinam vaasah
sarva parigraha bhoga tyaagah
kasya sukham na karoti viraagah

Take your residence in a temple or below a tree, wear the deerskin for the dress, and sleep with mother earth as your bed. Give up all attachments and renounce all comforts. Blessed with such vairagya, could any fail to be content?

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says true happiness lies in independence. Dependence is misery.

TEXT 20

yogarato vaabhogaratovaa
sangarato vaa sangaviihinah
yasya brahmani ramate chittam
nandati nandati nandatyeva

One may take delight in yoga or bhoga, may have attachment or detachment. But only he whose mind steadily delights in Brahman enjoys bliss, no one else.

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says jnanis mind always will be in brahman whatever work they do.That is the reason some jnanis like swami vivekananda think to teach others but few jnanis like ramana maharshi think it is better to be silent rather than teaching in public places.

TEXT 21

bhagavad giitaa kijnchidadhiitaa
gangaa jalalava kanikaapiitaa
sakridapi yena muraari samarchaa
kriyate tasya yamena na charchaa

Let a man read but a little from the Bhagavad-Gita, drink just a drop of water from the Ganga, worship Murari (Krishna) just once. He then will have no altercation with Yama (the lord of death).

Note:Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says Ganga is not only river but jnana also.Once Akbar asked birlal which is the best river and birbal said Yamuna.Then akbar was astonished and asked why not ganga.Then birbal said because lord krishna was there in yamuna so yamuna river is sacred and best and moreover ganga is not a river but jnana.

TEXT 22

punarapi jananam punarapi maranam
punarapi jananii jathare shayanam
iha samsaare bahudustaare
kripayaa apaare paahi muraare

Born again, death again, birth again to stay in the mother's womb! It is indeed hard to cross this boundless ocean of samsara. Oh Murari! Redeem me through Thy mercy.

Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says there is one upanishad called garba Upanishad which is used for infant who is about to come from mother's womb.This Upanishad explains in detail about the conception and growth of a child in the mother’s womb.

More details in the below website

http://www.vedarahasya.net/garbha.htm

Everyone has fear about death and it is the highest fear humans have in their life.


TEXT 23

rathyaa charpata virachita kanthah
punyaapunya vivarjita panthah
yogii yoganiyojita chitto
ramate baalonmattavadeva

There is no shortage of clothing for a monk so long as there are rags cast off the road. Freed from vice and virtue, onward he wanders. One who lives in communion with God enjoys bliss, pure and uncontaminated, like a child and as someone intoxicated.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says Here rags means torn clothes(raggu ante bonta type) found on the road side.

Adults do every action by thinking what gain he will get.Example: before opening any bank account we will ask what benefits we will get etc.

He says in light lien Picchi leni padi mandi "Picchi" gurinchi pichhigaa matladatamee "Pichhi".

TEXT 24

kastvam ko.aham kuta aayaatah
kaa me jananii ko me taatah
iti paribhaavaya sarvamasaaram
vishvam tyaktvaa svapna vichaaram

Who are you? Who am I? From where do I come? Who is my mother, who is my father? Ponder thus, look at everything as essence-less and give up the world as an idle dream.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says when we give some advice to anyone if he likes that advice he tells that from where did you get this wonderful thought sir. So it is clear that mind is responsible for all our thoughts. So we are existence-consciousness-bliss.

Please read this below related article

http://prashantaboutindia.blogspot.com/2010/03/story-of-two-pots-as-told-by-swami.html

TEXT 25

tvayi mayi chaanyatraiko vishhnuh
vyartham kupyasi mayyasahishhnuh
bhava samachittah sarvatra tvam
vaajnchhasyachiraadyadi vishhnutvam

In me, in you and in everything, none but the same Vishnu dwells. Your anger and impatience is meaningless. If you wish to attain the quality of Vishnu soon, have Sama Bhaava always.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says annamacharya clearly belongs to Advaita Vedanta tradition.His devotional song "Brahmee Vokkati.." clearly shows the advaita vedanta essence.In deep sleep everyone is same and there is no world

Prasanth Jalasutram Commentary:

These days our generation are seeking instant results.because we have instant coffee,ATMs,microwaves etc we are becoming impatient these days and seeking instant results.

Our companion which is there always with us is mind only.Even our wife,children are all relative and will not be with us always.

TEXT 26

shatrau mitre putre bandhau
maa kuru yatnam vigrahasandhau
sarvasminnapi pashyaatmaanam
sarvatrotsrija bhedaagyaanam

Do not waste your efforts to win the love of or to fight against friend and foe, children and relatives. See yourself in everyone and give up all feelings of duality completely.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says our love,hatred in our friends and enemies are there in our mind only and not in them.

He says it is suggested to live in friendship with everyone in life but not to select few friends.

He says enemies are 2 types

a) sahetika (who are enemies with reason)
b) nirhetika enemies (who are enemies without reason maybe because of jealousy)

He says dvaitam means agnanam(ignorance).

He says whenever we are idle and have no work then try to do japa,imagine so that mind will not sit idle.

Otherwise

TEXT 27

kaamam krodham lobham moham
tyaktvaa atmaanam bhaavaya ko aham
aatmagyaana vihiinaa muudhaah
te pachyante narakaniguudhaah

Give up lust, anger, infatuation, and greed. Ponder over your real nature. Fools are they who are blind to the Self. Cast into hell they suffer there endlessly.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says We will get angry with one who does not agree with our desires.

Example: In our childhood we used to get angry with our father/mother who does not agree when we say that i want to go to movie.

Similarly mother-in-law will be angry with daughter-in-law because she wants love of our son to continue which got discontinued once her son got married.

He suggests to renounce kama,krodha,anger and be happy.

TEXT 28

geyam giitaa naama sahasram
dhyeyam shriipati ruupamajasram
neyam sajjana sange chittam
deyam diinajanaaya cha vittam

Regularly recite from the Bhagavad-Gita, meditate on Vishnu in your heart, and chant His thousand glories. Take delight to be with the noble and the holy. Distribute your wealth in charity to the poor and the needy.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says

"
nadi(river) loo prayanam chesee vadiki kavali yeeta
jivita prayanam chesee vadiki kavali gita
"

Money if donated for devotional purposes is good.that is the reason why lakshmi devi is shown trying to press gently legs of lord vishnu.

Essence is lakshmi devi(money) is also dependent on lord vishnu who is sitting in adi shesha.

TEXT 29

sukhatah kriyate raamaabhogah
pashchaaddhanta shariire rogah
yadyapi loke maranam sharanam
tadapi na mujnchati paapaacharanam

He who yields to lust for pleasure leaves his body a prey to disease. Though death brings an end to everything, man does not give up the sinful path.

TEXT 30

arthamanartham bhaavaya nityam
naastitatah sukhaleshah satyam
putraadapi dhana bhaajaam bhiitih
sarvatraishhaa vihiaa riitih

Wealth is not welfare, truly there is no joy in it. Reflect thus at all times. A rich man fears even his own son. This is the way of wealth everywhere.

Note: This is my wife's favourite verse.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says Even kamsa in Mahabharata has jailed his father Ugrasena.

TEXT 31

praanaayaamam pratyaahaaram
nityaanitya vivekavichaaram
jaapyasameta samaadhividhaanam
kurvavadhaanam mahadavadhaanam

Regulate the pranas (life airs within), remain unaffected by external influences and discriminate between the real and the fleeting. Chant the holy name of God and silence the turbulent mind. Perform these with care, with extreme care.

Note: Sri Sundara Chaitanya Swami says praanaayaamam is helpful for the longevity of the body but it should not be the only aim of our life.

pratyaahaaram means as said in bhagavad gita we need to withdraw our senses from sense objects just as turtoise draws its limbs from its shell.

TEXT 32

gurucharanaambuja nirbhara bhakatah
samsaaraadachiraadbhava muktah
sendriyamaanasa niyamaadevam
drakshyasi nija hridayastham devam

Oh devotee of the lotus feet of the Guru! May thou be soon free from Samsara. Through disciplined senses and controlled mind, thou shalt come to experience the indwelling Lord of your heart!

TEXT 33

muudhah kashchana vaiyaakarano
dukrijnkaranaadhyayana dhurinah
shriimachchhamkara bhagavachchhishhyai
bodhita aasichchhodhitakaranah

Thus was a silly grammarian lost in rules cleansed of his narrow vision and shown the Light by Shankara's apostles.

TEXT 34

bhajagovindam bhajagovindam
govindam bhajamuudhamate
naamasmaranaadanyamupaayam
nahi pashyaamo bhavatarane

Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, Oh fool! Other than chanting the Lord's names, there is no other way to cross the life's ocean.

Source: http://www.stephen-knapp.com/bhaja_govindam.htm

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The Secret of Eternal Youth From the Spiritual Discourses of Param Pujya Sant Shri Asaramji Bapu

First of all, let us understand the meaning of Brahmacharya.

'Yajnavalkya Samhita' states:

"Brahmacharya is abstaining from all kinds of Maithuna or sexual enjoyment forever, in all places and in all conditions- physically, mentally and verbally."

The great sage Vyasa said:

'To abandon the pleasure gained through the sexual organs by restraint is defined as celibacy."

Lord Siva said to Goddess Parvati,

"O Parvati! What is there on this earth which cannot be accomplished if one has control over his sexual fluid?" That is, all powers reside at the divine feet of the Enlightened Urdhvareta (one who is able to sublimate his sexual energy through the practice of yoga). In fact, Siddhis (divine powers) become his facile servants. Such a Sadhaka can attain Self-Realisation within a short span of time. Even the gods (deities) have attained immortality through Brahmacharya".

"The gods have conquered death by Brahmacharya and penance. Indra, the King of gods, has attained a still higher status, through the self-discipline of Brahmacharya." (Atharva veda: 1. 5. 19)


Preservation of semen gives life

Semen is found in a subtle state in all the cells of the body. Just as the buttermilk is thinned after the butter is removed, so also, semen is thinned by its wastage. The more the wastage of semen, the more the body deteriorates and weakens. The preservation of semen is the secret of good health and longevity, and of all success in the physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual planes. He who has even a little bit of Brahmacharya will tide over a crisis of any disease very easily. One who follows Brahmacharya strictly is usually not afflicted by any disease. That is why, in scriptures, it is said:

"Death is hastened by letting out semen from the body. Life is saved and prolonged by preserving it. Semen is the real vitality in men. It is the hidden treasure in man."

"There is no doubt that people die prematurely by letting the semen out of the body; knowing this, the Yogi should always preserve semen and lead a life of strict celibacy." - Siva Samhita

How is semen formed?

According to Ayurveda, from the digested food chyle is formed. Out of chyle comes blood. Out of blood comes flesh. Out of flesh comes fat. Out of fat comes bone. Out of bone comes marrow. Out of marrow comes semen. Conversion of Dhatu at every step takes a period of five days. Thus semen is the last Dhatu that is formed out of food. It takes approximately 30 days and 4 hours to complete this cycle. Scientists believe that an intake of 32 kgs. Of food produces 800 Gms. of blood, which in turn forms only 20 Gms. of semen. Now, you can see how precious the semen is!

If a man leads a life of celibacy even in householder's life and has copulation for the sake of progeny only, he can bring forth healthy, intelligent, strong, beautiful and self-sacrificing children. Higher forms of animals do have the sex impulse, but it becomes active only during the mating season; and thus they maintain health. Man, with his boasted intellect, has to learn lessons from birds and animals. Even animals have more self-control than men. It is only the so-called man who has degraded himself much by indulgence. At the heat of sexual excitement, he repeats the same ignoble act again and again. Man only violates the laws of nature and consequently suffers from innumerable diseases. He has degenerated to a level far lower than that of animals in this respect.

Lack of self-control gives rise to diseases. The western world has suffered moral and ethical degradation by following the Freudian psychology. It is clearly observed in statistical data. Population of India is three times that of U.S.A. Yet, consumption of drugs in U.S.A. is 10 times that in India. In New York City, a ten-year study, Mental Health in metropolis, claimed that approximately 80 per cent of adults showed some symptoms of Mental illness, with one in four actually impaired.

(Srole, Leo, Langer, Thomas, et al, Mental health in Metropolis, The midtown Manhatton Study.)

Freudian psychoanalysts failed to give any solution to the problem of suppressing desires. So the people alarmed of getting mental disorders, continued to satisfy their desires even by illegal means. This in turn increased the incidence of crimes.

On an average one case of rape is recorded per six seconds and about 2 million cases of pre-marietal pregnancy are recorded every year in U.S.A. Teenage pregnancy is a burning problem of U.S.A. Pre-marital sex is common in U.S. because they advocate free sex. As a result of that they compare the sexual gratification after marriage with the previous pre-marital experiences and when they find it less, they ask for divorce.

About 65% of marriages result in divorce. As they have violated the nature's law of self-control, they suffer from sexually transmitted diseases. The most horrible is AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which is spreading like an epidemic. The family life is disturbed by internal conflicts, dissatisfaction and rage. The social life is full of chaos, terror, insecurity and arrogance. This is not caused by poverty or lack of materials.

The U.S. has 4 % of the world's population. They have made provisions for 40 % of the global material productions (like cars, TVs etc.). Yet the criminal tendency is so high that one case of burglary is recorded per ten seconds. There are 425 prisoners per one lakh population whereas there are only 23 prisoners per one lakh population in Indian jails. In U.S.A. 14 million cases of crime were recorded by the police department during the year 1992. This is because the people under the influence of Freudian psychology try to satisfy all desires (not only sexual). The social life is degraded. Unchecked criminal tendencies lead to chaos, terror and insecurity.

In the present-day world, unfortunately, many people read pornographic literature, view sexy films on television and in theatres, view blue films in privacy, as a result we see all around us, the number of physical, mental and moral wrecks increasing every day. Many a times such people indulge in unnatural sex. Masturbation or homosexual tendency lead them to wastage of seminal energy many times a weak. They may discharge seminal energy in bad dreams or wet dreams. Due to excessive loss of semen, enlargement of testes and sometimes pain in the testes develops. The evil after-effects that follow the loss of seminal energy are dangerous. Persons are physically, mentally and morally debilitated.

The body and the mind refuse to work energetically, because the semen is not used up in the body to form Ojas that give vibrant health, strong will power and sound mind. Later on, such people develop impotency for the testices cannot produce semen with normal sperm count. Life for him loses all zest, zeal and charm. He becomes a victim of a number of diseases like anaemia, loss of memory, gloominess, palpitation of heart, pain in the back, loins, head and joints, weak kidneys, fickle mindedness, enlargement of testes, pain in the testes, debility, nervous breakdown, restlessness of mind, lack of thinking power, etc. He goes through hellish suffering. The scripture declares emphatically,

'Atharva Veda' declares:

"I have abandoned the lust that wastes my seminal energy. I throw away those sexual desires forever as they destroy my strength, intelligence and health. I will never become a victim of sexual desires' "

But what happens to one who does not lead the life of celibacy. 'Atharva Veda' says,

"The lust is the cause of diseases, dire diseases. It is the cause of death, fatal death. It makes one walk with tottering steps. It causes mental debility and retardation. It destroys health, vitality and physical well being. It burns all the Dhaatus (viz.chyle, blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow and semen). It pollutes the purity of mind."

Alcoholic drinks (liquor), tobacco (chewing), cigarettes stimulate passion.

In Quran Sherifs Allaah Pak Trikol Roshal's Sipard, it is written:"O believers, this wine and gambling, and these arrows you use for divination, are all acts of Satan, so keep away from them. You may haply prosper.

Ramakrishna Param Hamsa said, "Whenever you see a beautiful woman, and if evil thoughts crop up in your mind, visualise the 'World Mother' (Jagadamba) in her. She is a manifestation of 'World Mother'. That is why she is so beautiful. She is Divine mother blessing me with her Darshana. Entertain this Bhava (attitude), evil thoughts will die.

When Governor of Kalyana, Bahlol Khan was defeated by Major General of Shivaji's army, the latter presented a beautiful Begum to Shivaji. Strict celibate Shivaji looked at her with reverence, and said, "If I have to become beautiful, I will take birth through your womb, mother." Saying this he scolded his Major and ordered him to send her with full honour to her husband.Shivaji was a strict celibate because he was a disciple of a mighty saint Samartha Ramadasa.

For protecting the semen, it is essential to wear always a strip of cloth (Langoti or Kaupin or loin cloth) over the private part, for there will be no night emission and growth of inflammation or any other disease of the testicles. This will help you in keeping up Brahmacharya.

Immoral songs produce a bad, deep impression in the mind.Aspirants should run away from places where vicious songs, poems, vulgar film songs, pop music or disco songs are sung or played on radio, transistor or cassette player.

Our great martyrs Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh and Vir Savarkar were inspired by patriotic literature to dedicate and sacrifice their lives for the liberation of India. Therefore, the glory of good literature is beyond words. There are so many great inspiring spiritual books reflecting the glory of Indian civilization viz, 'Yoga-Vagistha Maha Ramayan', 'Shrimad Bhdgavadgita', 'Upanishads', 'Daas Bodh', 'Vivek Chudamani', 'Sukhmani', publications of Shri Ramakrishna mission, books by Swami Ramatirtha, etc etc.

Make study of such literatures an indispensable part of your daily routine. Books that deal with love stories exciting passion and pornographic literatures should be either thrown into dustbin or reduced to ashes. You should strictly avoid these and give them not to others for reading. Reading of spiritual literature is of immense value in observing Brahmacharya.

Always read a spiritual book in the morning after taking bath (and before going to job) and at night just before retiring to bed. The pure, sublime-elevating thoughts of the book will displace the evil (passionate) thoughts of your mind and you will not become a victim of sexual thoughts and fantasies.

"Semen is brightness, strength and (Self) Atma." -(Satapath brahman).

Grandsire Bhishma and the great Abhimanyu

There were two great battles, which took place during the war of Mahabharat. One is of grandsire Bhisma and the other of Abhimanyu.

Bhisma was a Naisthika Brahmachari, i.e. life long celibate. Therefore he was a man of boundless power. Lord Krishna had taken a vow that during the war he would not wield any weapon. However, he was compelled to break his vow in the face of the allconquering and irresistible attack that Bhisma mounted on the army of Pandavas. Even Arjuna armed with celestial weapons could not combat Bhisma's onslaught and Lord Krishna was forced to take up a wheel of a chariot to protect Arjuna from the arrows showered by Bhisma. It was through the power of Brahmacharya (alone), that Bhisma could conquer death. When he was pierced by sharp arrows all over the body, his survival was impossible. Yet (god of) death could not snatch his life. Lying on the bed of arrows, he gave wonderful discourses on political, philosophical, religious, social and moral subjects to Yudhisthira. Bhisma waited for the beginning of auspicious Uttarayana. Then he willingly left his body.

The second battle was that of a charming and brilliant hero Abhimanyu. Arjuna's son, Abhimanyu fought single handed against the terrific strategy of Kauravas called Chakravyuha. Bhima, the chief of Pandava army, was left behind. Abhimanyu fought with commendable valour wielding a wheel of a chariot all alone amidst great warriors of Kauravas. But in the end he was killed because Abhimanyu sowed the seed of Pandava dynasty before proceeding to his last battle. He had passed the night before the great battle in the amorous company of his wife Uttara. Due to this act of infringement of Brahmacharya, he could not conquer death, unlike grandsire Bhisma.

An experiment done in U.S.A.

A scientific experiment was carried out in an American school of science. 30 students were given no food for a fixed period of time. It was observed that their libido subsided. But when they were given food, libido increased. This shows that fasting gives only a temporary benefit in observation of celibacy.

Techniques for Conservation of Seminal Energy

Tulsi (Basil) cures many diseases. Moreover, it helps in conservation of seminal energy. It improves power of memory. Leaf of Tulsi is an excellent herbal medicine. It restores imbalance of wind, bile and phelgm and thereby helps in cure of many ailments caused due to their imbalance. It is very useful in cases of blood disorders, cough, worm- infestation etc. It is good for cardiac disorders also."

Herbal aid to celibacy: One can make this Ayurvedic Churna, without much cost at home. Take dried Amalas (goose berries) the fruits of a tree Emblica Officinalis and grind them into powder. Ready-made Amala powder is available in the market also. Mix two parts of the Amala powder with one part of powdered rock-sugar. You may get this ready-made mixture from ashram also.

Mere thinking of a woman with sexual feelings causes a Sadhaka's downfall. Therefore, beware! Try to know the heart of the scriptures and saints and take its benefits by following it.

"These sexual propensities, though they are at first like ripple, acquire the proportions of a sea on account of a bad company. Whenever the mental image of a woman crops up in your mind with evil thoughts, repeat mentally "Om Durgaa Devyai Namah " and do mental prostrations." - Swami Vivananda

"A wise man should avoid married life as if it were a burning pit of live coals. From the contact comes sensation, from sensation thirst, from thirst clinging, by ceasing from that, the soul is delivered from all sinful existence." - Lord Buddha

Source: http://hariomgroup.net/hariombooks/satsang/English/TheSecretOfEternalYouth.htm

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Ramana Maharshi Discusses About The Nature Of Self (Atma Swarupa Tiran)

1) That which appears [whatever it may be], let it appear; that which disappears [whatever it may be],let it all disappear. What [loss or gain] is it to Self-knowledge?

That which remains after everything has entered and ceased to exist in the oneness
[kevalam] of Siva – who surges as the Whole [purnam] – alone is Self, one’s own nature.

2) The pure knowledge which shines forth [as the sphurana ‘I-I’] when that deceitful ego is scrutinized [through the enquiry ‘Who is this I?’] and destroyed,which the Upanishads praise as the glorious darshan of Siva’s dance and which is the true clarity of God’s Grace, alone is the form of Self.

3) Sages say that the state [or place] in which the thought ‘I’ [the ego] does not rise even in the least,alone is Silence [mouna] or Self [swarupa]. [That] silent Self alone is God; Self alone is the jiva; Self alone is this ancient world.

4) Knowing that whatever is known objectively as ‘this’ or ‘that’ is [nothing but] an imagination of the mind, if one remains still [summa irukka] in that which is neutral [i.e. if one remains merely as ‘I am’, the neutral consciousness which does not objectively know any second or third person], that reality which [then] shines forth alone is existence-consciousness [satchit],the supreme and great Self.

Sadhu Om: Sri Bhagavan here condemns the way in which scholars waste their time by reading,learning by heart, discussing and endlessly arguing about the details regarding how the universe is created from the five elements,regarding the functioning of the pranas, jnanendriyas,karmendriyas, nadis and so on in the body, regarding the various kinds of jivas, and regarding all the other innumerable such classifications given in the scriptures.

Since all these principles or tattvas are only second or third persons, the non-Self [anatma], one should not waste one’s time in scrutinizing them, but should instead scrutinize Self, the only real principle, through the enquiry ‘Who am I?’

Source: GURU VACHAKA KOVAI The Light of Supreme Truth or THE COLLECTION OF GURU’S SAYINGS translated from original Tamil By Sadhu Om and Michael James

Guru Vachaka Kovai is the biggest collection of Bhagavan’s spoken teachings that was thoroughly checked and revised by him during his lifetime. As such it has a unique place in the Ramana literature.

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Part I - Ramana Maharshi Devotee Sub-Registrar Narayana Iyer

Narayana Iyer was a devotee who came to scoff, but remained as a worshipper. Before he met Bhagavan he was an out and out sceptic with no religion in him. He considered sannyasins and sadhus to be impostors and parasites and felt that no one, however great, had the right to accept the homage of others. But a chance meeting with Bhagavan wrought a complete transformation in this doubting Thomas and turned him into a staunch devotee.

Dr Ramakrishna Iyer was his friend, philosopher and guide. Like Narayana Iyer, this doctor was also working in Chetpet. He was well acquainted with Bhagavan, being the son of Lakshmi Ammal of Tiruchuzhi, one of Bhagavan’s childhood playmates. He invited Narayana Iyer to go with him to Tiruvannamalai during the Deepam festival, and his invitation was accepted, even though Narayana Iyer disliked crowds and temple festivals had no attraction for him; he agreed on the condition that he would neither come inside the ashram nor prostrate to the swami if perchance he met him.

Circumstances forced him to accompany his friend into the ashram. As they were coming inside, a person clad only in a white loin cloth, a towel on his shoulder, a kamandalu [water pot] in one hand and a walking stick in the other stopped in his walk in the opposite direction when he saw them. He spoke kindly to the doctor and enquired about his mother and brother. Though Iyer guessed that this must be the Maharshi, he did not look up, thinking that, after all, he was a complete stranger to him. On being introduced as the Sub-registrar of Chetpet, out of courtesy he looked up. Let us hear him now in his own words:

‘What a wonderful face and what a welcoming smile! Bewitching, fascinating and a powerful look too! In a moment I was at his feet on the gravel ground…. He is not bogus…. looks genuine…. but has he solved the mystery of life, of the universe that we see around us? If not, I withdraw my homage and go my way…. I tried to find out if he had written any books. I got a copy of Ulladu Narpadu [Reality in Forty Verses] in Tamil. It had just been published.’

As he tried to read the first stanza he was confounded and filled with dismay at the repeated use of the word ulladu, which seemed too closely packed. The pure language, embodying the essence of absolute reality, would drive even pundits of Tamil prosody to despair. Someone nearby said that the Maharshi himself would explain the forty verses that night. In anxious and eager suspense Narayana Iyer waited for the night.

A solemn stillness pervaded the air. There was absolute silence. The Maharshi read the first stanza. The mere reading of it made the meaning as clear as clarity itself. Stanza by stanza he read and explained in a voice so sweet and melodious, it seemed to come from a transcendent being.

The climax came when he said, after explaining a verse, ‘God cannot be seen with our eyes and known by our senses. This is what is meant by saying, “To see God is to be God”.’

It flashed upon Narayana Iyer instantly that if He whom all religions acclaim as God were to appear before him in flesh and blood, here He is. Successive waves of bliss flooding from within shook his frame. He went out to compose himself.

He says, ‘I came, he saw, he conquered’.

The spell was thus cast. Henceforth Bhagavan was his God. Bhagavan was the way and the support on the way as well.

To Narayana Iyer the content of Ulladu Narpadu became a vedic truth and its verses veritable mantras. He took to chanting them as japa. From then on nothing could stop him from frequenting the ashram.

His job entailed frequent transfers; he was successively posted to Arani, Polur, and Shankagiri (Salem) for varying periods. However, there was no let up in his regular visits. Never a Sunday passed without Narayana Iyer arriving at the ashram. He always had some delectable snacks with him which were prepared by his wife Lalitha Iyer, who believed that she was cooking delicacies for God. These were savoured by everyone as Bhagavan would never accept anything unless there was enough for all. Very often Iyer would bring omappodi, [a snack made of gram flour and spices] which Bhagavan appears to have been quite fond of, and occasionally he would bring other items in quantities that would suffice for all in the hall.

Once when Shantammal enquired of Bhagavan whether she could prepare some snacks in the ashram, Bhagavan replied, ‘Tomorrow is Sunday. Narayana Iyer will be arriving and will surely be bringing something to eat.’

Such was the certainty of his arrival and of the snacks that came with him.

In those days [the early thirties] the area surrounding the ashram was very bare, with no trees or shrubs. The Mother’s Temple was yet to be constructed. Anyone approaching the precincts of the ashram could be easily seen from the old hall. Once, between two successive weekend visits by Narayana Iyer, the ashram administration, feeling that Bhagavan needed some rest in the afternoon after lunch, imposed a restriction that no one would be allowed to disturb him between 12 noon and 2 p.m. Neither Bhagavan nor Narayana Iyer was aware of this new decree. The following Sunday afternoon, as usual, Iyer arrived with omappodi in hand. As he approached the hall those strategically positioned to deflect the would-be visitors until 2 pm, the new receiving hour, apprised him of the rule. Iyer, though still at a great distance from Bhagavan, made his customary prostration from where he was, retraced his steps and waited until the appointed hour.

At 2 p.m. he came before Bhagavan. Bhagavan had spied him on his arrival and noted his subsequent disappearance.

As soon as he entered the hall Bhagavan asked him, ‘Didn’t you come at 1 o’clock? I saw you arriving through the window and was expecting you to come to the hall at any moment. But you didn’t come. Did you have to go elsewhere?’

Narayana Iyer, who had no idea that Bhagavan was not supposed to know of the new arrangement, replied in all innocence, ‘My train arrived late and I could come only at 1 o’clock. I was informed that Bhagavan nowadays rests in the afternoons and is not to be disturbed until 2 p.m. That’s why I have only come in now.’

Bhagavan listened without any comment, other than his customary, ‘Oh! Is that so?’

The next day after lunch, instead of going into the hall, Bhagavan sat outside the hall. The attendant very hesitantly suggested that he go inside, as it was becoming very hot.

Bhagavan said, ‘Nobody is allowed to enter until 2 p.m. Is there also a rule that I should not sit here until two?’

Then Bhagavan, the very embodiment of compassion added, ‘People come from far-away places by various means, suffering innumerable hardships in order to get here. How can they be sure of the exact time of their arrival? When they come after all that trouble, how fair is it to deny them ready access?’

Hearing this, the management immediately revoked the new rule.

In due course, owing to the profound grace of Bhagavan, Narayana Iyer was posted to Tiruvannamalai itself. He was the first in a long line of devotees to have had the rare privilege of establishing a residence near the ashram in order to be in the holy presence of Bhagavan on a regular basis. His entire sadhana comprised of simply remaining with Bhagavan whenever possible, in the hall or in the kitchen, cutting vegetables, grinding chutney and preparing breakfast in the wee hours of the morning. On any given morning the trio of G. V. Subbaramayya, Kalyana Sundaram Iyer of the bookstall and Narayana Iyer, would be found with Bhagavan.

One year, due to an unusual spell of drought, the ashram faced severe water scarcity on the eve of Jayanthi. The devotees, organising themselves into a long chain, passed vessels filled with water from hand to hand from the Agasthya Teertham in Palakothu to the kitchen. Narayana Iyer very enthusiastically participated in this collective endeavour.

An extensive area of twenty grounds [one acre] was the site of Narayana Iyer’s residence where he grew a variety of fruit trees and fodder for his cow. Whatever wild creatures found in that area were left to themselves. Occasionally, he had snakes caught and released in isolated spots on the mountain.

Prior to constructing the house, Iyer took the plans to Bhagavan to have them blessed. After careful perusal Bhagavan observed, ‘The plan is all right, but where is the well?’

Though Iyer had a location in mind, it was not marked on the blueprint. This turned out to be a benediction as Bhagavan selected the site and marked the exact location. Later, one could see what a blessing it was; not only was the water as sweet as tender coconut water, but the well never ran dry and was thus a source of succour for the entire neighbourhood in times of severe drought.

His wife was a truly sattvic woman, given to dharmic ways and scrupulously adhering to the sastraic injunctions pertaining to a housewife. She shared her husband’s ways and views completely. Though born in a rich family, she had no pretensions or airs about her. Simple, carefree and unattached, she ran the household with a contented mind and to the satisfaction of the entire family, making optimum use of the resources available to her. The children, like the mother, were an uncomplaining lot and were content in doing what they were told to do by their father.

Iyer’s one passion was to chant Ulladu Narpadu unceasingly. Neither conventional vedic duties nor extravagant ritualistic observances had any attraction for him. The constant chanting of Ulladu Narpadu was all the religious observance known to him. It would start right from the morning.

Dyed in brahminical custom, Narayana Iyer looked forward to his invigorating cup of morning coffee. The person who milked the cow used to turn up at 5.00 a.m., announcing his arrival by ringing his bicycle bell. Iyer, who would invariably be chanting Ulladu Narpadu loudly, would open the gate for him. The day would, therefore, begin with Ulladu Narpadu, a routine so predictable and punctual, the neighbour opposite him, an Andhra lady, remarked that she could safely set her clock by his recitation in the morning. His chanting continued throughout the day while he watered the plants or gave the cow a bath.

If ever he were to hear a voice raised in argument among the children, he would simply raise his voice and chant even louder. It was a wonder to see the children immediately quietened, as if the mesmerising spell of this powerful mantra made them aware of Bhagavan’s very presence.

Kanakammal stayed in Iyer’s compound, occupying a small cottage for nearly ten years. He looked upon me as his own daughter. He always made himself aware of my requirements when he procured groceries for his own household and would always meet my needs.

Narayana Iyer and Venkataratnam used to narrate to Kanakammal whatever transpired in the hall during the nights and on days when Kanakammal was unable to attend.

Subsequently Iyer was posted to Polur, but he did not move his residence from Tiruvannamalai. Instead, he cycled to the station, left his cycle there, took the train to Polur and again cycled to his office from there. His return in the evening was by the same route, but like an arrow he would speed his way directly to the ashram in order to be with Bhagavan. He was like a calf rushing to its mother. By then it would usually be 9:00 p.m.

One evening, as Iyer came from the station, Bhagavan enquired whether he had eaten his dinner.

‘Not yet Bhagavan.’

Bhagavan, compassion incarnate, was filled with concern and said, ‘It is already so late. Poor Lalitha will be waiting for you. Just think how late it will be for her to go to bed after serving you dinner, eating herself and then completing the domestic chores. From now on go home first, have your dinner and then come to the ashram.’

Thus ordered by Bhagavan, and also moved by his compassion, Iyer reached his house and exclaimed to his wife, ‘How fortunate you are to be so graciously remembered by Bhagavan, despite remaining within the house. From now on I will have my dinner straight away when I come home from the station. Please have it ready then.’

Sri Bhagavan had his head shaved once a month on the full moon day. Natesan was the barber who used to do this service. Bhagavan sat on a stool and Natesan would stand and shave him. Once Sri Bhagavan suggested to Natesan in all seriousness that it would be more comfortable for the barber to sit on the stool while he himself would sit on the floor!

It was past 8.30 one night when I came to the Ashram on one of my visits. Everyone had retired to rest after the night meal. I went to the office. Chinnaswamy was sitting in his place talking to some Ashramites. When he saw me enter he said, “Narayana Iyer, don’t go near Sri Bhagavan’s couch.He is resting on the veranda near the well. He had a fracture of his collar bone and a plaster has been put on it. He should not be disturbed. Prostrate at a distance and come away noiselessly.” I was shocked to hear the news. If any other reason had been given it could have restrained me, but the mention of a ‘fracture’ made me eager and anxious to see Sri Bhagavan.
I went on tiptoe and prostrated quietly. He evidently saw me and said, “Narayana Iyer, come, sit by my side on the couch.Only then can I see you and talk. Otherwise the bandage they have put might be disturbed and there might be pain.” Implicitly I obeyed when he said this, notwithstanding my fear of Chinnaswamy’s reaction if he should happen to see me there. He said, “I was going up the steps. A dog was chasing a squirrel. I barred its way by putting my walking stick in front of it. The stick slipped and I fell down and got hurt on the collar bone. They say it is a fracture and the native bone-setter of the village, an old devotee, was sent for. He has put this bandage with some green leaves and black gram paste and I am enjoined not to move lest it be disturbed.”

He narrated the incident as though it was someone else’s body that was injured and was suffering!

As Bhagavan’s mahanirvana approached, Narayana Iyer never moved away from the vicinity of Bhagavan. He was a witness to all that went on during those precious last days. At that time Bhagavan’s water pot [kamandalu] and walking stick were in his room as he could not use them anymore. Iyer sensed that several people had secret designs on them, wanting to take them away and preserve them as private, sacred relics. After the mahasamadhi of Bhagavan, abhishekam, alankaram and arathi were performed and the holy body was taken in procession in a small ratha around the Mother’s Temple. Iyer took this opportune moment, picked up the walking stick and kamandalu, and slowly walked ahead of the ratha up to the samadhi chamber where Bhagavan’s body would be enshrined. A small hand spun cloth bag encasing Bhagavan’s earthly frame was filled with vibhuti and camphor according to scriptural procedure. It was then reverently lowered into the samadhi chamber. Iyer himself descended into the chamber and placed Bhagavan’s walking stick and kamandalu on either side of the body. The samadhi pit was then slowly filled in. Anyone who nurtured hopes of acquiring Bhagavan’s meagre possessions as relics was disappointed.

In the aftermath of Bhagavan’s mahanirvana Iyer did not give up his earlier routine of having Bhagavan’s darshan daily. He had darshan of Bhagavan at the samadhi shrine and continued to visit the old hall. The Iyers stayed on in Tiruvannamalai, as did Chadwick who, for a time, took up residence in the Iyer compound in a small thatched-roof cottage until he was invited by the ashram management to move back there again. Iyer and Chadwick were spiritual companions, their uniting bond being the love and devotion they both had for Bhagavan.

Later, when all their children had settled in Madras, the Iyers, who were beginning to feel their age, also moved there to be near their children and grandchildren.

Narayana Iyer and his wife were grihasta asrama [householders] and followed that dharma meticulously. Yet mentally both had donned ochre robes. Their lives, the way they lived, was a penance [tapas] that required no other spiritual practice. Wherever Iyer went, his continued recitation of Ulladu Narpadu made the air around him vibrant with the holy presence of Bhagavan, compelling an inner response from all.

Sources:

1) http://sri-ramana-maharshi.blogspot.com/2008/07/remembering-sub-registrar-narayana-iyer.html
2) Surpassing Love and Grace Book

Readers interested are requested to read Final Part also

http://prashantaboutindia.blogspot.com/2010/02/final-part-ramana-maharshi-devotee-sub.html

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