Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya!
Experience the spiritual journey of a lifetime at the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram, nestled at the foot of the majestic Arunachala mountain in Tiruvannamalai. This is the home of the revered Indian Hindu sage, Ramana Maharshi, who was born in 1879 and passed away in 1950. Today, Ramana Maharshi is celebrated as one of the most prominent representatives of the Advaita-Vedanta philosophy, and people from all around the world come to his Ashram to seek guidance and inspiration to understand the highest purpose of life.
In light of the pandemic and the Covid-19 virus, we have produced this video to bring you a glimpse of life at the Sri Ramanasramam. From devotion and prayer to witnessing the generous social services performed by the devotees of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, this video will take you on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. Witness hundreds of sadhus lined up for the daily meal and observe the power of faith and spiritualism in this unique environment.
Come to this extraordinary spiritual journey at the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram.
Since 1922, Sri Ramana Maharshi has been revered by devotees from all around the world. The ashram he founded at the foot of the sacred Aruṇāchala Mountain in Tamil Nadu continues the tradition of feeding thousands of Sadhus and poor people today.
Maharshi main metaphysical theme was understanding the essential “Self”, which he summarized in the inquiry “Who Am I?” Even today, devotees follow his words and practice the thought-stopping inquiry “To whom did this thought arise?” to subdue their minds and pursue a life of spiritual meditation.
Born in the village of Tiruccuḻi, near Madurai in the state of Tamiḻ Nādu, Ramana Maharshi had a life-changing experience when he was sixteen years old. This profound spiritual experience inspired him to visit the Hindu sacred Aruṇāchala Mountain, where he spent the rest of his life in a state of mystical meditation and attracted a large following of devotees. His central metaphysical theme was understanding the essential “Self,” and he summarized it in the question, “Who Am I?”
Ramana Maharshi believed that the only way to still the mind was to ask the inquiry, “Who am I?” He taught that when other thoughts arise, one should enquire, “To whom did they arise?” and then ask, “Who am I?” Following this technique will help the mind to refocus on its source, and through repeated practice, the power of the mind to abide in its true nature will increase.
Ramana's central metaphysical theme was the concept of understanding the essential “Self,” often summarized in the question, “Who Am I?” He encouraged spiritual seekers to use this inquiry to understand the truth of their being, saying: “The mind will subside only using the inquiry 'Who am I?' The thought 'Who am I?', destroying all other thoughts, will itself finally be destroyed like the stick used for stirring the funeral pyre. If other thoughts arise, one should enquire, without attempting to complete them, 'To whom did they arise?' It will be known 'To me.' If one then enquires, 'Who am I?', the mind will return to its source. By repeatedly practicing thus, the power of the mind to abide in its source is attained.”
The following article about THE MEANING OF JAPA (MANTRAS), originally appeared in the November 2003 issue of "Yoga International".
"Mantra recitation, which is called Japa (“muttering”) in Sanskrit, has been an important aspect of Yoga practice since Vedic times. It consists of repeating the same mantra, composed of a single syllable (e.g., om) or a string of mantric sounds (e.g., om Namah Shivaya). As Patanjali reminds us, the yogic path is propelled by practice and dispassion, and significantly, the Sanskrit term for practice-abhyasa-means “repetition.” Through repetition, we create either positive or negative habit patterns.
Mantra Japa produces positive mental tracks, helping us to gradually overcome spiritual darkness. It is a powerful technique for focusing on the mind and harnessing the body/mind’s subtle energies to complete the yogic path of self-transformation. As stated in the concluding chapter of the Kularnava Tantra: “Japa is so-called because it removes the sin accumulated in thousands of lives and because it reveals the Supreme Deity.” The greatest “sin,” of course, is ignorance of our own true nature.
Mantras have transformative power. They protect the mind by calling upon and awakening Transcendental Energy. Japa can be practiced aloud, by whispering, or mentally. Mental recitation is said to be the most powerful, but beginners are sometimes taught to audibly voice the mantra or alternate between loud and whispered recitation. Hearing the mantric sound gives the brain helpful feedback for staying mindful and focused."
We hope you will enjoy this presentation.
ARTNETWORKTV Team