01/02/2025
Back in Tiruvannamalai💚 a town on the foothills of Arunachala, a small mountain, considered to be a physical manifestation of Shiva. This place has been attracting spiritual seekers for centuries or longer, with its magnetic-magical power. The most special places in this area are connected to Ramana Maharishi. Ramana Maharishi is one of the most profound yogis who lived in the 20th century. At the age of 16 he left his home to the Arunachala temple, and was absorbed for decades with the supreme consciousness, without movement, without food and water, while insects were feeding on his body. At first he gave teachings by silence, and only later he constructed the teachings of Self inquiry, which based on questioning ˋWho am I'.
The Ashram where Ramana lived in his last 20 years has such a special serene atmosphere. The road next to it is so loud and chaotic, but after you step 20 meters into the ashram you can feel a deep silence taking over you. Our favourite room in the ashram is the meditation hall, where Ramana slept in and gave Darshan (teachings). After only a few moments sitting there one can go so deep in the meditation process and we both felt the direct guidance of Sri Ramana Maharishi in our meditation. Other powerful places are Virupaksha cave, where Ramana was sitting for 17 years. The feeling of stillness and vibrations there was as if time didn't exist at this place.
The local people, and the visitors seemed to us to be so kind, welcoming and authentic seekers. When Ramana was close to death his devotees asked him why don't you heal yourself ? Begging him to do so. He replied "why are you so attached to this body ? Let it go. Where can I go? I am here ". And truly you can feel his presence so strong in this Ashram even if he left his body 75 years ago. One of my favourites quote of Ramana reflecting radical acceptance of life and one's own karma: "what is destined not to happen will not happen, try as you may. What is destined to happen will happen, do as you may to prevent it. this is certain. The best course of action, therefore, is to remain silent." We left the ashram with deep gratitude for the blessings of Ramana maharishi and Arunachala
