The last words exchanged between Bhagavan and Sri Annamalai Swamy form a very moving account of how a guru attempts to break the discples attachment to his form. Some excerpts:
"If one has no faith in God one will commit a lot of sins and be miserable. But you, you are a mature devotee. When the mind has attained maturity, in that mature state, if one thinks that one is separate from God, one will fall into the same state as an atheist who has no belief in God."
I left the ashram and never went back again, Although my room is only about 200 yards from the ashram gate, I have not visited the ashram once since that fateful day in the 1940's.
Though Bhagavan has asked me not to come to the ashram any more, I still thought that I had the freedom to talk to Him when He visited Palakottu. Bhagavan disabused me of this notion shortly afterwards, when I went to see Him while He was walking on the hill.
He turned to me and said, "You are happier than I. What you had to give, you have given. What I had to give I have given. Why are you still coming to me?"
These were His last words to me. I obeyed his instructions and never approached Him again.
Bhagavan had once told me: "Do not cling to the form of the Guru for this will perish; do not cling to His feet for His attendants will stop you. The true Bhagavan resides in your Heart as your true Self. This is who I truly am."
9 comments:
i was informed by by certain source that Annamalai Swami was forced out the ashram and his life made miserable by the Brahmans as he was of a so called low cast...When he expired in he funeral was attended by five devotees and non of the brahmans would veer touch his body...Why is it that only these so-called Brahmans are buried within the walls of the Ashram?
Dear Loganathan
Thanks for reading this blog. From the books I have read, Bhagavan himself asked Annamalai Swami to leave and stay at the Sadhu Colony and spend his time in self-enquiry. Every afternoon he would visit Annamalai Swamy. I have not heard about his funeral. However, Sri Annamalai has been buried right behind the Samadhi Hall. I admit it is not along with the other samadhis, never game this a thought.
From what I know Bhagavan himself had to face these issues -- of people wanting separate eating areas for Brahmins and non-Brahmins. Also Sri Annamalai was not permitted by the Brahmins to enter the kitchen.
Such is the irony -- people who have relinquished everything and come to a sage are still holding onto their beliefs.
The path of self-enquiry is the direct and fastest way out of suffering.
It will not make any difference to Ramana, to Annamalai where their bodies were buried. Those for whom there is a difference should yet continue on their enquiry to know their real selves.
I am a layperson. I have changed my mind about visiting the ashram when all these hateful news of caste is still practised at such a supposedly holy place. What is this silly talk of Brahmins at such a sanctified place anyway? Hypocrites.
I am a layperson. I have changed my mind about visiting the ashram when all these hateful news of caste is still practised at such a supposedly holy place. What is this silly talk of Brahmins at such a sanctified place anyway? Hypocrites.
These are old practices that Bhagavan tried to remove. Today, there is no caste distinction at the ashram (at least I hope not). When you visit the Ashram you are visiting Bhagavan, and He never believed in any distinction. He loved humans, animals and trees alike.
I have spent many hours at Sri Annamalai Swamy's samadhi, it is a beautiful, tranquil place. I hold him in the highest regard.
It is tough to discard misconceptions that we have been brought up with and are ingrained into us. We should not judge people who believe in caste severely. Hopefully, these practices and beliefs will die out in a generation or two.
Dear Madswamy, let not petty trivial stuff prevent you from going to the Ashram. Dont worry about anyone. just sit by the Samadhi of the enlightened Guru. it does help. Or if you find him in your heart as your self then nothing to worry, you dont have to go anywhere for that matter. Profound peace to all - luv - Prasanna Venkatesh
Sorry readers, but the cross-linked web versions of all the books had to be removed on request by the Ashram. Please check the ashram website for the books (they are free).
Thank yoou Prasanna for your kind words. You are right, just keep my side of the street clean.
Post a Comment