Sri Ramana Teachings (Sri Ramana Center of Houston)

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 12th February 2022 Michael James first discussed in detail the meaning and implications of verse 3 of Appaḷa Pāṭṭu, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Appaḷa Pāṭṭu verse 3.

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After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this episode.

While answering these questions Michael discusses the meaning and implications of various passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Appaḷa Pāṭṭu, Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Upadēśa Undiyār and Nāṉ Ār?.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-02-12b Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael James answers questions on Appaḷa Pāṭṭu verse 3, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 14th August 2022 Michael James the meaning and implications of verses 21 and 22 of Upadēśa Sāraḥ:

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Upadēśa Sāraḥ verse 21:

इदम हंपदाऽ भिख्य मन्वहम् । अहमि लीनकेऽ प्यलय सत्तया ॥ २१ ॥

idama haṁpadā’ bhikhya manvaham ahami līnakē’ pyalaya sattayā

पदच्छेद: इदम् अहम् पद अभिख्यम् अन्वहम् अहमि लीनके अपि अलय सत्तया.

Padacchēda (word-separation): idam aham pada abhikhyam anvaham ahami līnakē api alaya sattayā.

English translation: This is what the word ‘I’ always refers to, being undissolvable existence even when ‘I’ is dissolved.

Explanatory paraphrase: This [the heart, our real nature, which shines forth spontaneously as ‘I am I’ when ego is annihilated] is what the word ‘I’ always refers to, [because we remain] as undissolvable existence even [in sleep] when ‘I’ [ego] is dissolved.

Upadēśa Sāraḥ verse 22:

विग्र हेन्द्रिय प्राण धीतमः । नाह मेकस त्तज्ज डंह्यसत् ॥ २२ ॥

vigra hēndriya prāṇa dhītamaḥ nāha mēkasa ttajja ḍaṁhyasat

पदच्छेद: विग्रह इन्द्रिय प्राण धी तमः न अहम् एक सत् तत् जडम् हि असत्.

Padacchēda (word-separation): vigraha indriya prāṇa dhī tamaḥ na aham ēka sat tat jaḍam hi asat.

English translation: Body, mind, life, intellect and darkness are not I, the one existence, because that is non-aware and non-existent.

Explanatory paraphrase: [The five sheaths, namely] the physical body, life, mind, intellect and darkness [the ānandamaya kōśa, the cittam or will, which is internal darkness in the form of the dense fog of viṣaya-vāsanās, inclinations or desires to seek happiness in things other than oneself] are not I, the one sat [what actually exists] [and cit, what is actually aware], because that [the body consisting of these five sheaths] is jaḍa [non-aware or insentient] and asat [non-existent or unreal].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-08-14 Ramana Kendra, Delhi: Michael James discusses Upadēśa Sāraḥ verses 21 and 22, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 11th June 2022 Michael James discusses verse 6 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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ஈன்றிடு மன்னையிற் பெரிதருள் புரிவோ       யிதுவோ வுனதரு ளருணாசலா

īṉḏṟiḍu maṉṉaiyiṟ peridaruḷ purivō       yiduvō vuṉadaru ḷaruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: ஈன்றிடும் அன்னையில் பெரிது அருள் புரிவோய், இதுவோ உனது அருள் அருணாசலா?

Padacchēdam (word-separation): īṉḏṟiḍum aṉṉaiyil peridu aruḷ purivōy, iduvō uṉadu aruḷ aruṇācalā?

English translation: Arunachala, you who bestow kindness greater than the mother who gave birth, is this your kindness?

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, you who bestow aruḷ [grace, love, kindness and compassion] greater than [that given by] the mother who gave birth [to one], is this your aruḷ?

Alternative meaning [when இதுவோ (iduvō) is split as ‘இது ஓ’ (idu ō), ‘this, oh’ or ‘ah, such’]: Arunachala, you who bestow aruḷ greater than [that given by] the mother who gave birth [to one], ah, such is your aruḷ!

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-06-11a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 6, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 6 Q&A.

Following the book launch in August 2023 of Ramana Maharshi's Forty Verses on What Is, a compilation of the writings and talks of Michael James on Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Michael and Sandra have started a series of talks in which Michael explains the essential import of these verses and all of Ramana's teachings in 8 key points -- 8 talks (videos). 

Part 2a about the 2nd key point "what we actually are is just pure existence-awareness (sat-cit), which is what always shines as our own being, our fundamental awareness ‘I am’, and which is the infinite fullness of perfect happiness (ānanda)" can be watched here: https://youtu.be/R3JCUQylJcM

In this video (part 2b) Michael answers (more) questions related to Ramana's teachings. 

FREE SAMPLE OF THE BOOK: You can find the 8 key points in the introduction that Michael wrote to this book (pp. xxxi-xxxii), which is also part of the 108-page free sample that you can download here.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 4th November 2023, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verse 9.

The following is Michael's translation of this verse:

அகக்கம லத்தே யமல வசல

வகமுருவ மாகு மறிவே — தகத்தை

யகற்றிடுவ தாலவ் வகமா மறிவே

யகவீ டளிப்ப தறி.

ahakkama lattē yamala vacala

vahamuruva māhu maṟivē — dahattai

yahaṯṟiḍuva dālav vahamā maṟivē

yahavī ḍaḷippa daṟi.

பதச்சேதம்: அக கமலத்தே அமல அசல அகம் உருவம் ஆகும் அறிவு ஏது, அகத்தை அகற்றிடுவதால் அவ் அகம் ஆம் அறிவே, அக வீடு அளிப்பது. அறி.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): aha-kamalattē amala acala aham-uruvam āhum aṟivu ēdu, ahattai ahaṯṟiḍuvadāl a-vv-aham ām aṟivē aha-vīḍu aḷippadu. aṟi.

அன்வயம்: அறிவு ஏது அக கமலத்தே அமல அசல அகம் உருவம் ஆகும், அவ் அகம் ஆம் அறிவே அகத்தை அகற்றிடுவதால் அக வீடு அளிப்பது. அறி.

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): aṟivu ēdu aha-kamalattē amala acala aham-uruvam āhum, a-vv-aham ām aṟivē ahattai ahaṯṟiḍuvadāl aha-vīḍu aḷippadu. aṟi.

English translation: What awareness is the blemishless, motionless ‘I’-form in the heart-lotus, only that awareness, which is ‘I’, will give inner liberation by removing ‘I’. Know.

Explanatory paraphrase: What awareness exists [and shines] in the heart-lotus as the blemishless [immaculate or pure] and motionless [hence immutable] ‘I’-form [the svarūpa or real nature of ‘I’, meaning ‘I’ as it actually is], only that awareness, which is ‘I’ [namely ātma-svarūpa, the real nature of oneself], will give inner liberation [or liberation, which is ‘I’] by removing [expelling or banishing] ‘I’ [namely ego, the spurious ‘I’ that rises and subsides]. Know [this by investigating this pure and motionless awareness that shines eternally as ‘I’ without ever rising or subsiding].

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 11th February 2023 Michael James first discussed the meaning and deep implications of verse 21 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 21.

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After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this episode.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-02-11b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 21, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

During the international celebration of Bhagavan Ramana’s 72nd Aradhana (anniversary of the day he left his body) organised by Arunachala Ashrama, New York, on 8th May 2022 Michael James discusses his teaching that bhakti is the mother of jñāna.

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While discussing this Michael also discusses various other passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Upadēśa Undiyār, Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Śrī Aruṇācala Aṣṭakam, Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, Śrī Aruṇācala Pañcaratnam, Nāṉ Ār?, Śrī Aruṇācala Padigam, Āṉma-Viddai and Aruṇācalaramaṇaṉ.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-05-08 Sri Ramana Aradhana: Bhagavan’s teaching: ‘Bhakti is the mother of jñāna’, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 7th May 2022 Michael James discusses verse 2 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu:

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மும்முதலை யெம்மதமு முற்கொள்ளு மோர்முதலே மும்முதலாய் நிற்குமென்று மும்முதலு — மும்முதலே யென்னலகங் கார மிருக்குமட்டே யான்கெட்டுத் தன்னிலையி னிற்ற றலை.

mummudalai yemmatamu muṟkoḷḷu mōrmudalē mummudalāy niṟkumeṉḏṟu mummudalu — mummudalē yeṉṉalahaṅ kāra mirukkumaṭṭē yāṉkeṭṭut taṉṉilaiyi ṉiṯṟa ṯalai.

பதச்சேதம்: மும் முதலை எம் மதமும் முன் கொள்ளும். ‘ஓர் முதலே மும் முதலாய் நிற்கும்’, ‘என்றும் மும் முதலும் மும் முதலே’ என்னல் அகங்காரம் இருக்கும் மட்டே. யான் கெட்டு, தன் நிலையில் நிற்றல் தலை.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): mum mudalai e-m-matamum muṉ koḷḷum. ‘ōr mudalē mum mudalāy niṟkum’, ‘eṉḏṟum mum mudalum mum mudalē’ eṉṉal ahaṅkāram irukkum maṭṭē. yāṉ keṭṭu, taṉ nilaiyil niṯṟal talai.

English translation: Each religion initially accepts three fundamentals. Contending ‘Only one fundamental stands as three fundamentals’, ‘Three fundamentals are always actually three fundamentals’, is only so long as ego exists. ‘I’ perishing, standing in the state of oneself is best.

Explanatory paraphrase: Each religion [or theistic system of belief] initially accepts three fundamentals [namely the soul, world and God]. Contending that only one fundamental stands as [these] three fundamentals or that [these] three fundamentals are always actually three fundamentals is [possible] only so long as ego exists. [As a result of] ‘I’ [ego] perishing [or being destroyed], standing in the [real] state of oneself is best.

While discussing the meaning and implications of this verse and answering questions about it Michael also discusses various other passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Nāṉ Ār? and Upadēśa Undiyār.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-05-07 Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verse 2, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 24th September 2022 Michael James discusses verse 13 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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ஓங்கா ரப்பொரு ளொப்புயர் வில்லோ       யுனையா ரறிவா ரருணாசலா

ōṅkā rapporu ḷoppuyar villō       yuṉaiyā raṟivā raruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: ஓங்கார பொருள், ஒப்பு உயர்வு இல்லோய், உனை யார் அறிவார் அருணாசலா?

Padacchēdam (word-separation): ōṅkāra poruḷ, oppu uyarvu illōy, uṉai yār aṟivār aruṇācalā?

English translation: Arunachala, substance of ōṁkāra, you for whom there is not equal or superior, who can know you?

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, [inner and ultimate] substance [reality, import or referent] of ōṁkāra [the sacred syllable ōm], you for whom there is not [anything or anyone] equal [or similar] or superior, who [other than yourself] can know you [as you actually are]?

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-09-24a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 13, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 13 Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting of the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 26th February 2022 Michael James discusses the meaning and implications of verse 4 of Appaḷa Pāṭṭu:

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மோனமுத் ரையாகு முடிவில்லாப் பாத்ரத்தில் ஞானாக்னி யாற்காயு நற்பிரம்ம நெய்யதி னானது வாகவே நாளும் பொரித்துத் தானே தானாக புஜிக்கத் தன்மய —      (அப்)

mōṉamud raiyāhu muḍivillāp pātrattil ñāṉāgṉi yāṯkāyu naṯbiramma neyyadi ṉāṉadu vāhavē nāḷum porittut tāṉē tāṉāha bhujikkat taṉmaya —      (ap)

பதச்சேதம்: மோன முத்ரை ஆகும் முடிவில்லா பாத்ரத்தில் ஞான அக்னியால் காயும் நல் பிரம்ம நெய் அதில் ‘நான் அது’ ஆகவே நாளும் பொரித்து, ‘தானே தான்’ ஆக புஜிக்க, தன்மய (அப்பளம் இட்டு பாரு...)

Padacchēdam (word-separation): mōṉa mudrai āhum muḍivillā pātrattil ñāṉa agṉiyāl kāyum nal biramma ney adil ‘nāṉ adu’ āhavē nāḷum porittu, ‘tāṉē tāṉ’ āha bhujikka, taṉmaya (appaḷam iṭṭu pāru; …)

English translation: To experience as ‘oneself alone is oneself’, in that, the excellent ghee of brahman, which is heated by the fire of jñāna in the infinite pan, which is mauna-mudrā, constantly frying as ‘I am that’, (making appaḷam) composed of that, (see; …)

Explanatory paraphrase: [In order] to experience [ātma-svarūpa, the real nature of oneself] as ‘oneself alone is oneself’ [‘myself alone is myself’ or ‘I alone am I’], in that, the excellent ghee [or pure clarified butter] of brahman, which is heated by jñānāgni [the fire of jñāna or pure awareness] in the infinite pan, which is mauna-mudrā [the sign that is silence, namely the infinite space of silence, which is the sign that inwardly reveals the real nature of oneself as ‘I am just I’], constantly frying [the dry wafers of appaḷam dough prepared in the manner described in the previous three verses in accordance with the unique language of silence described in the anupallavi] as ‘I am that [namely brahman, the pure awareness that always shines as I]’, (making) tanmaya (appaḷam [appaḷam composed of tat, ‘that’, namely brahman], see; eating it, put an end to your desire.)

While discussing this verse Michael discusses the meaning and implications of various other passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Appaḷa Pāṭṭu, Upadēśa Undiyār, Āṉma-Viddai and Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-02-26a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael James discusses Appaḷa Pāṭṭu verse 4, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing this fourth verse of Appaḷa Pāṭṭu Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Appaḷa Pāṭṭu verse 4 Q&A.

In this video filmed in Kensington Gardens on 23rd May 2023 Michael answers the following questions asked by Geetha:

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"You defined grace beautifully in one of your talks the other day when you said ‘grace is the act of attention being pulled inwards’. This is sometimes very perceptive and sometimes not. How does one open oneself up to grace so as to be pulled inwards constantly? Or is this happening all the time, and we are sometimes aware of it and at other times not?"

and:

"How can one develop sufficient love to turn within so that one prioritises self-attention over everything else?"

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In an online meeting with Hyderabad Ramana Centre, Michael James discusses Aruṇācala Tattuvam and Dīpa-Darśaṉa Tattuvam:

புத்தியகங் காரம் புலம்பெய்த வோங்கு

மத்தியித யந்தான் மறையவனு மாலு நத்தவறி யாது நலங்குலைய வன்னார் மத்தியொளி ரண்ணா மலையினது மெய்யே. buddhiyahaṅ kāram pulambeyda vōṅgu maddhiyida yandāṉ maṟaiyavaṉu mālu nattavaṟi yādu nalaṅgulaiya vaṉṉār maddhiyoḷi raṇṇā malaiyiṉadu meyyē. பதச்சேதம்: புத்தி அகங்காரம் புலம்பு எய்த ஓங்கும் மத்தி இதயம் தான் மறையவனும் மாலும் நத்த அறியாது நலம் குலைய அன்னார் மத்தி ஒளிர் அண்ணாமலையினது மெய்யே. Padacchēdam (word-separation): buddhi ahaṅkāram pulambu eyda ōṅgum maddhi idayam tāṉ maṟaiyavaṉum mālum natta aṟiyādu nalam gulaiya aṉṉār maddhi oḷir aṇṇāmalaiyiṉadu meyyē. அன்வயம்: மறையவனும் மாலும் நத்த அறியாது நலம் குலைய அன்னார் மத்தி ஒளிர் அண்ணாமலையினது மெய்யே புத்தி அகங்காரம் புலம்பு எய்த ஓங்கும் மத்தி இதயம் தான். Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): maṟaiyavaṉum mālum natta aṟiyādu nalam gulaiya aṉṉār maddhi oḷir aṇṇāmalaiyiṉadu meyyē buddhi ahaṅkāram pulambu eyda ōṅgum maddhi idayam tāṉ. English translation: Oneself, the heart, the centre, which surges when intellect and ego suffer anguish, is the actual reality of Aṇṇāmalai, which shone between them, Brahmā and Viṣṇu, when pride was deflated, not knowing as desired. Explanatory paraphrase: The actual reality [truth, tattva, import or signification] of Aṇṇāmalai [Aruṇācala], which shone [forth as a column of light] between them, Brahmā and Viṣṇu, when [their] pride was deflated [or for (their) pride to be deflated or destroyed] [because of their] not knowing [or perceiving its top or bottom] as [they] desired, is oneself, the heart, the centre, which surges [ascends, rises high or is exalted] when intellect and ego suffer anguish [despairing because of their not being able to know their real nature, and thereby becoming humble and willing to subside and surrender]. இத்தனுவே நானா மெனுமதியை நீத்தப் புத்தியித யத்தே பொருந்தியக நோக்கா லத்துவித மாமெய் யகச்சுடர்காண் கைபூ மத்தியெனு மண்ணா மலைச்சுடர்காண் மெய்யே. ittaṉuvē nāṉā meṉumatiyai nīttap buddhiyida yattē porundiyaha nōkkā ladduvita māmey ahaccuḍarkāṇ gaibhū maddhiyeṉu maṇṇā malaiccuḍarkāṇ meyyē. பதச்சேதம்: ‘இத் தனுவே நான் ஆம்’ எனும் மதியை நீத்து, அப் புத்தி இதயத்தே பொருந்தி அகநோக்கால், அத்துவிதம் ஆம் மெய் அகச்சுடர் காண்கை பூ மத்தி எனும் அண்ணாமலை சுடர் காண் மெய்யே. Padacchēdam (word-separation): ‘i-t-taṉuvē nāṉ ām’ eṉum matiyai nīttu, a-b-buddhi idayattē porundi aha-nōkkāl, adduvitam ām mey aha-c-cuḍar kāṇgai bhū maddhi eṉum aṇṇāmalai cuḍar kāṇ meyyē. அன்வயம்: பூ மத்தி எனும் அண்ணாமலை சுடர் காண் மெய்யே அகநோக்கால் ‘இத் தனுவே நான் ஆம்’ எனும் மதியை நீத்து, அப் புத்தி இதயத்தே பொருந்தி, அத்துவிதம் ஆம் மெய் அகச்சுடர் காண்கை. Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): bhū maddhi eṉum aṇṇāmalai cuḍar kāṇ meyyē aha-nōkkāl ‘i-t-taṉuvē nāṉ ām’ eṉum matiyai nīttu, a-b-buddhi idayattē porundi, adduvitam ām mey aha-c-cuḍar kāṇgai. English translation: Giving up the mind called ‘this body alone is I’, that mind subsiding in the heart by self-attentiveness, seeing the light of ‘I’, the non-dual reality, is the actual reality of seeing the light of Aṇṇāmalai, which is called the centre of the world. Explanatory paraphrase: The actual reality [truth, tattva, import or signification] of seeing the light [on] Aṇṇāmalai, which is called the centre of the world, is seeing the light of ‘I’ [or heart-light], the non-dual reality, having given up the mati [mind, which is always aware of itself as] ‘this body alone is I’, [and] that buddhi [mind or dēhātma-buddhi, the false awareness that a body is oneself] having subsided [and merged] in the heart by aha-nōkku [inward look, looking inside, looking at ‘I’ or self-attentiveness].

The video version of this episode can be seen on YouTube and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened on the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from MediaFire.

Books by Sri Sadhu Om and Michael James that are currently available on Amazon:

By Sri Sadhu Om:

► The Path of Sri Ramana (English)

By Michael James:

► Happiness and Art of Being (English) 

► Lyckan och Varandets Konst (Swedish) 

► Anma-Viddai (English)

Above books are also available in other regional Amazon marketplaces worldwide.

Śrī Ramaṇa Varuhai is a 360-verse poetical work composed by Sri Sadhu Om when he was anguishly longing to see Bhagavan Ramana in form after Bhagavan left his body in 1950. Selections from the book 'The Path of Sri Ramana' 2023 Ed., a free video copy of which is available here .

A free copy of the Tamil book of Ramana Varuhai can be accessed here . A full English translation is currently not available.

Music: Pond5

This video was originally presented in the 2023 International Advent Day Celebrations.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 10th September 2022 Michael James first discussed the meaning and deep implications of verse 12 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 12.

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After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this video.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-09-10b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 12, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 12 Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 2nd April 2022 Michael James discusses verse 1 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu:

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நாமுலகங் காண்டலா னானாவாஞ் சத்தியுள வோர்முதலை யொப்ப லொருதலையே — நாமவுருச் சித்திரமும் பார்ப்பானுஞ் சேர்படமு மாரொளியு மத்தனையுந் தானா மவன்.

nāmulahaṅ kāṇḍalā ṉāṉāvāñ cattiyuḷa vōrmudalai yoppa lorutalaiyē — nāmavuruc cittiramum pārppāṉuñ cērpaḍamu māroḷiyu mattaṉaiyun tāṉā mavaṉ.

பதச்சேதம்: நாம் உலகம் காண்டலால், நானா ஆம் சத்தி உள ஓர் முதலை ஒப்பல் ஒருதலையே. நாம உரு சித்திரமும், பார்ப்பானும், சேர்படமும், ஆர் ஒளியும் — அத்தனையும் தான் ஆம் அவன்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): nām ulaham kāṇḍalāl, nāṉā ām śatti uḷa ōr mudalai oppal orutalaiyē. nāma uru cittiramum, pārppāṉum, sērpaḍamum, ār oḷiyum — attaṉaiyum tāṉ ām avaṉ.

English translation: Because we see the world, accepting one fundamental that has a power that becomes many is certainly the one best option. The picture of names and forms, the one who sees, the cohesive screen, and the pervading light – all these are he, who is oneself.

Explanatory paraphrase: Because we [as ego] see the world, accepting one mudal [first thing, origin, source, base or fundamental reality] that has a power that becomes many [appearances, namely ourself as ego, the seer or perceiver, and all the manifold phenomena that constitute this or any other world that we may see or perceive] is certainly the one best option. The picture of names and forms [namely the world and whatever other phenomena appear in the mind], the one who sees [this picture] [namely ego], the cohesive screen [namely the mind as the background on which it appears], and the pervading light [namely the mind as the reflected light of awareness, which is what illumines its appearance] — all these are he [the one original thing], who is oneself [one’s real nature].

While discussing the meaning and implications of this verse and answering questions about it Michael also discusses various other passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Vicāra Saṅgraham section 1.1, Guru Vācaka Kōvai, Nāṉ Ār?, Śrī Aruṇācala Aṣṭakam verse 6 and verse 7, Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 27, Śrī Aruṇācala Pañcaratnam verse 1 and Upadēśa Undiyār.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-04-02 Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verse 1, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 14th September 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

During the international celebration of Bhagavan Ramana’s 74th Aradhana (anniversary of the day he left his body) organised by Arunachala Ashrama, New York, on 14th April 2024 Michael James discusses what the real 'seeing' or 'knowing' of God is.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with Ernesto, Carlos and José of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 1st February 2023, Michael James is first asked, ‘We think that happiness lies in objects and because of that belief we constantly allow ourself to be swayed by our vasanas, which are basically tendencies that result in efforts in the form of actions to maximize happiness and minimize suffering in our life. How can we be firmly convinced that this is not so while at the same time we are still perceiving ourself as a body? Do we inevitably have to live in this duality of conviction on a mental level that there is no happiness outside while on an experiential level we still believe we see happiness out there?’, so he answers this and several other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-02-01b Yo Soy Tu Mismo: How can we be firmly convinced that happiness lies only within?, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In an online meeting with the Chicago Ramana devotees on 26th January 2025, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can be watched as video on YouTube. A more compressed audio copy in Opus format can be downloaded from MediaFire. Ad-free videos on the original writings of Bhagavan Ramana with explanations by Michael James, and songs of Sri Sadhu Om with English translations can be accessed on our Vimeo video channel.

Books by Sri Sadhu Om and Michael James that are currently available on Amazon:

By Sri Sadhu Om:

► The Path of Sri Ramana (English)

By Michael James:

► Happiness and Art of Being (English) 

► Lyckan och Varandets Konst (Swedish) 

► Anma-Viddai (English)

Above books are also available in other regional Amazon marketplaces worldwide.

In a Zoom meeting with Ernesto, Carlos and José of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 5th October 2022, Michael James discusses the nature of salvation and answers related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-10-05b Yo Soy Tu Mismo: What is salvation?, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 14th May 2022 Michael James discusses verse 4 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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ஆருக் காவெனை யாண்டனை யகற்றிடி       லகிலம் பழித்திடு மருணாசலா

āruk kāveṉai yāṇḍaṉai yahaṯṟiḍi       lakhilam baṙittiḍu maruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: ஆருக்கா எனை ஆண்டனை? அகற்றிடில் அகிலம் பழித்திடும் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): ārukkā eṉai āṇḍaṉai? ahaṯṟiḍil akhilam paṙittiḍum aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, for whom did you take charge of me? If you reject, the whole world will blame.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, for whom [or for whose sake] did you take charge of me? If you reject [banish or abandon] [me], the whole world will blame [ridicule or revile] [you].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-05-14a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 4, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 4 Q&A.

In an online meeting on 5th January 2023 to celebrate the 143rd Jayanti of Bhagavan Ramana, Michael discusses an important teaching given by Bhagavan, namely ‘Bhakti is the mother of jñāna’, meaning that love or devotion is what gives birth to true knowledge, which is awareness of ourself as we actually are.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-05 Hyderabad Ramana Jayanti: Michael James discusses ‘Bhakti is the mother of jñāna’, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 21th June 2023, Michael James was asked about "pride, arrogance and spiritual envy and the effects they have on the sadhaka along the path'’, so he answers this and several other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video here, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded here.  

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 3rd September 2022 Michael James discusses verse 6 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu:

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உலகைம் புலன்க ளுருவேறன் றவ்வைம் புலனைம் பொறிக்குப் புலனா — முலகைமன மொன்றைம் பொறிவாயா லோர்ந்திடுத லான்மனத்தை யன்றியுல குண்டோ வறை.

ulahaim pulaṉga ḷuruvēṟaṉ ḏṟavvaim pulaṉaim poṟikkup pulaṉā — mulahaimaṉa moṉḏṟaim poṟivāyā lōrndiḍuda lāṉmaṉattai yaṉḏṟiyula kuṇḍō vaṟai.

பதச்சேதம்: உலகு ஐம் புலன்கள் உரு; வேறு அன்று. அவ் ஐம் புலன் ஐம் பொறிக்கு புலன் ஆம். உலகை மனம் ஒன்று ஐம் பொறிவாயால் ஓர்ந்திடுதலால், மனத்தை அன்றி உலகு உண்டோ? அறை.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): ulahu aim pulaṉgaḷ uru; vēṟu aṉḏṟu. a-vv-aim pulaṉ aim poṟikku pulaṉ ām. ulahai maṉam oṉḏṟu aim poṟi-vāyāl ōrndiḍudalāl, maṉattai aṉḏṟi ulahu uṇḍō? aṟai.

அன்வயம்: உலகு ஐம் புலன்கள் உரு; வேறு அன்று. அவ் ஐம் புலன் ஐம் பொறிக்கு புலன் ஆம். மனம் ஒன்று உலகை ஐம் பொறிவாயால் ஓர்ந்திடுதலால், மனத்தை அன்றி உலகு உண்டோ? அறை.

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): ulahu aim pulaṉgaḷ uru; vēṟu aṉḏṟu. a-vv-aim pulaṉ aim poṟikku pulaṉ ām. maṉam oṉḏṟu ulahai aim poṟi-vāyāl ōrndiḍudalāl, maṉattai aṉḏṟi ulahu uṇḍō? aṟai.

English translation: The world is a form of five sense-impressions, not anything else. Those five sense-impressions are impressions to the five sense organs. Since the mind alone perceives the world by way of the five sense organs, is there a world besides the mind? Say.

Explanatory paraphrase: The world is a form [composed] of five [kinds of] sense-impressions [sights, sounds, tastes, smells and tactile sensations], not anything else. Those five [kinds of] sense-impressions are impressions [respective] to the five sense organs. Since the mind alone [or since one thing, the mind] perceives the world by way of the five sense organs, is there [any] world besides [excluding, if not for, apart from, other than or without] the mind? Say.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-09-03 Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verse 6, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 6th September 2023, Michael James was asked to discuss the tenth and eleventh paragraphs of Nan Ar?

Paragraph 10: https://www.happinessofbeing.com/nan_yar.html#para10

Paragraph 11: https://www.happinessofbeing.com/nan_yar.html#para11

----more----This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 29th July 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 7th September 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verses 18 and 19.

The translation of verse 18 by Michael can be found here: https://blog.sriramanateachings.org/2024/05/ulladu-narpadu-anubandham-tamil-text.html#una18

The translation of verse 19 by Michael can be found here:  https://blog.sriramanateachings.org/2024/05/ulladu-narpadu-anubandham-tamil-text.html#una19

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with Bill and Sonia on 21st January 2023 Michael answers questions about the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, and explains that self-investigation is the culmination of the path of surrender.

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While explaining this, he discusses verses 24, 25 and 26 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu. 

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-21 Self-investigation is the culmination of the path of surrender, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with Ernesto, Carlos and José of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 2nd November 2022, Michael James is first asked, ‘How can the conviction that all this is a dream be developed more powerfully (apart from the practice of self-inquiry itself)?’, so he answers this and several other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-11-02b Yo Soy Tu Mismo: Everything is impermanent and hence unreal, except ourself as ‘I am’, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) on 6th March 2022 Michael discusses the fourteenth paragraph of Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?) and answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender:

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During this meeting Michael discusses the meaning and implications of various passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Nāṉ Ār?, Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu and Guru Vācaka Kōvai.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-03-06 San Diego Ramana Satsang: Michael James discusses Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?) paragraph 14, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

Michael answers the following questions in this video:

1. Since the ego exists by grasping a form, is it OK to allow it to grasp the form of Ramana?

2. You have said that by investigating the ego it will run away. Then who is the investigator?

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

Michael answers the following question in this video: At what point are we ego? Is ego false identification as being the body. So is it a sense that we are the body, and that ‘sense’ we call ‘I’ and this ‘I sense as the body’ is called ego?

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) on 7th April 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) on 12th June 2022 Michael answers questions about how to practise self-investigation and other related topics.

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During this meeting Michael discusses the meaning and implications of various passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Nāṉ Ār?, Śrī Aruṇācala Aṣṭakam, Upadēśa Undiyār and Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-06-12 San Diego Ramana Satsang: Michael James discusses how to practise self-investigation, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 26th March 2022 Michael James first discussed various meanings and deep implications of verse 1 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode.

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After discussing this verse, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this episode.

While answering these questions Michael discusses the meaning and implications of various passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, Upadēśa Undiyār, Nāṉ Ār?, Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu and Āṉma-Viddai.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-03-26b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 1, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In an online meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 2nd November 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verses 23 and 24:

Verse 23:

அதுவேமுக் கியவிதய மதன்கண்ணிவ்

     வகிலமுமே யமர்ந்தி ருக்கு

மதுவாடி யெப்பொருட்கு மெல்லாச்செல்

     வங்கட்கு மதுவே யில்ல

மதனாலே யனைத்துயிர்க்கு மறிவதுவே

     யிதயமென வறைய லாகுஞ்

சிதையாநிற் குங்கற்போற் சடவுடலி

     னவயவத்தோர் சிறுகூ றன்றால்.

aduvēmuk khiyavidaya madaṉgaṇṇiv

     vakhilamumē yamarndi rukku

maduvāḍi yepporuṭku mellāccel

     vaṅgaṭku maduvē yilla

madaṉālē yaṉaittuyirkku maṟivaduvē

     yidayameṉa vaṟaiya lāhuñ

cidaiyāniṯ kuṅgaṯpōṯ jaḍavuḍali

     ṉavayavattōr siṟukū ṟaṉḏṟāl.

பதச்சேதம்: அதுவே முக்கிய இதயம். அதன்கண் இவ் அகிலமுமே அமர்ந்து இருக்கும். அது ஆடி எப் பொருட்கும். எல்லா செல்வங்கட்கும் அதுவே இல்லம். அதனாலே, அனைத்து உயிர்க்கும் அறிவு அதுவே இதயம் என அறையல் ஆகும். சிதையாநிற்கும் கல் போல் சட உடலின் அவயவத்து ஓர் சிறு கூறு அன்று; ஆல்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): aduvē mukkhiya idayam. adaṉgaṇ i-vv-akhilamumē amarndu irukkum. adu āḍi e-p-poruṭkum. ellā selvaṅgaṭkum aduvē illam. adaṉālē, aṉaittu uyirkkum aṟivu aduvē idayam eṉa aṟaiyal āhum. sidaiyāniṯkum kal pōl jaḍa uḍaliṉ avayavattu ōr siṟu kūṟu aṉḏṟu; āl.

English translation: That alone is the principal heart. In it this entire universe is residing. It is the mirror for all things whatsoever. It alone is the home for all riches. Therefore it, the awareness for all sentient beings, is what is declared as the heart. It is not a small portion in part of the perishable, stone-like insentient body.

Explanatory paraphrase: That alone is the principal [first, foremost, primary and preeminent] heart. In it this entire universe is residing. It is the mirror for all things whatsoever [the mirror in which each and every thing appears]. It alone is the home for all [spiritual] riches [everything of real value]. Therefore it, [which is] the awareness [the original and fundamental awareness, ‘I am’] for all sentient beings, is what is declared as the [real] heart. It is not a small portion in part of the perishable, stone-like insentient body [the body, which is perishable (or mortal) and insentient like a stone].

Verse 24:

ஆதலினா லறிவுமய மாஞ்சுத்த

     விதயத்தே யகத்தைச் சேர்க்குஞ்

சாதனையால் வாதனைக ளொடுவாயு

     வொடுக்கமுமே சாருந் தானே.

ādaliṉā laṟivumaya māñśuddha

     vidayattē yahattaic cērkkuñ

sādhaṉaiyāl vādaṉaiga ḷoḍuvāyu

     voḍukkamumē sārun tāṉē.

பதச்சேதம்: ஆதலினால், அறிவுமயம் ஆம் சுத்த இதயத்தே அகத்தை சேர்க்கும் சாதனையால், வாதனைகளோடு வாயு ஒடுக்கமுமே சாரும் தானே.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): ādaliṉāl, aṟivumayam ām śuddha idayattē ahattai sērkkum sādhaṉaiyāl, vādaṉaigaḷoḍu vāyu oḍukkamumē sārum tāṉē.

English translation: Therefore by the means of fixing the mind in the pure heart, which is composed of awareness, complete dissolution of breath along with inclinations will be achieved automatically.

Explanatory paraphrase: Therefore by the sādhana [means or steady and persistent practice] of fixing the mind [attention] in the pure heart, which is composed of awareness [the clear, infinite and eternal awareness ‘I am’], complete [and hence permanent] dissolution [or cessation] of vāyu [breath, prāṇa or life] along with vāsanās [inclinations, namely viṣaya-vāsanās, inclinations to seek happiness in anything other than oneself] will be achieved automatically [or spontaneously]. This episode can also be watched in ad-free video format on our Vimeo channel or on our YouTube channel. compressed audio in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from MediaFire .

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 7th October 2023, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verse 8

The following is Michael's translation of this verse:

இதயமாங் குகையி னாப்ப ணேகமாம் பிரம்ம மாத்ர மதுவக மகமா நேரே யவிர்ந்திடு மான்மா வாக விதயமே சார்வாய் தன்னை யெண்ணியா ழலது வாயு வதனுட னாழ்ம னத்தா லான்மாவி னிட்ட னாவாய்.   idayamāṅ guhaiyi ṉāppa ṇēkamām biramma mātra maduvaha mahamā nērē yavirndiḍu māṉmā vāha vidayamē sārvāy taṉṉai yeṇṇiyā ṙaladu vāyu vadaṉuḍa ṉāṙma ṉattā lāṉmāvi ṉiṭṭa ṉāvāy.   பதச்சேதம்: இதயம் ஆம் குகையின் நாப்பண் ஏகம் ஆம் பிரம்மம் மாத்ரம் அது ‘அகம் அகம்’ ஆ நேரே அவிர்ந்திடும் ஆன்மாவாக. இதயமே சார்வாய், தன்னை எண்ணி ஆழ் அலது வாயு அதன் உடன் ஆழ் மனத்தால்; ஆன்மாவில் நிட்டன் ஆவாய்.   Padacchēdam (word-separation): idayam ām guhaiyiṉ nāppaṇ ēkam ām birammam mātram adu ‘aham aham’ ā nērē avirndiḍum āṉmā-v-āha. idayamē sārvāy, taṉṉai eṇṇi āṙ aladu vāyu adaṉ uḍaṉ āṙ maṉattāl; āṉmāvil niṭṭaṉ āvāy.   அன்வயம்: இதயம் ஆம் குகையின் நாப்பண் ஏகம் ஆம் பிரம்மம் மாத்ரம் அது ‘அகம் அகம்’ ஆ ஆன்மாவாக நேரே அவிர்ந்திடும். தன்னை எண்ணி ஆழ் அலது வாயு அதன் உடன் ஆழ் மனத்தால் இதயமே சார்வாய்; ஆன்மாவில் நிட்டன் ஆவாய்.   Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): idayam ām guhaiyiṉ nāppaṇ ēkam ām birammam mātram adu ‘aham aham’ ā āṉmā-v-āha nērē avirndiḍum. taṉṉai eṇṇi āṙ aladu vāyu adaṉ uḍaṉ āṙ maṉattāl idayamē sārvāy; āṉmāvil niṭṭaṉ āvāy.   English translation: In the centre of the cave that is the heart brahman, which is the one, alone shines directly as oneself as ‘I am I’. May you reach the heart by the mind that sinks investigating itself or that sinks with the breath; may you be one fixed in yourself.    Explanatory paraphrase: In the centre of the cave that is the heart brahman, which is the one [the only one that actually exists, and hence the one without a second], alone shines directly as oneself as ‘I am I’ [that is, as awareness of oneself as oneself alone]. May you reach [take refuge in, unite with or merge in] the heart by the mind that sinks [or subsides] [deep within] investigating itself or that sinks with the [sinking] breath; [and] may you [thereby] be one fixed in yourself.

And the Sanskrit original is:

हृदय कुहर मध्ये केवलं ब्रह्म मात्रं ह्यहमह मिति साक्षा दात्मरू पेण भाति। हृदि विश मनसास्वं चिन्वता मज्जता वा पवन चलन रोधा दात्मनिष्ठो भव त्वम्॥   hṛdaya kuhara madhyē kēvalaṁ brahma mātraṁ hyahamaha miti sākṣā dātmarū pēṇa bhāti hṛdi viśa manasāsvaṁ cinvatā majja tāvā pavana calana rōdhā dātmaniṣṭhō bhava tvam.   पदच्छेद: हृदय कुहर मध्ये केवलम् ब्रह्म मात्रम् हि ‘अहम् अहम्’ इति साक्षात् आत्म रूपेण भाति. हृदि विश मनसा स्वम् चिन्वता मज्जता वा पवन चलन रोधात्, आत्म निष्ठः भव त्वम्.   Padacchēda (word-separation): hṛdaya kuhara madhyē kēvalam brahma mātram hi ‘aham aham’ iti sākṣāt ātma rūpēṇa bhāti. hṛdi viśa manasā svam cinvatā majjatā vā pavana calana rōdhāt, ātma niṣṭhaḥ bhava tvam.   English translation: In the centre of the heart-cave solitarily brahman alone shines clearly in the form of oneself as ‘I am I’. Entering the heart by the mind sinking investigating itself or by restraining the movement of the breath, may you be fixed in yourself.   Explanatory paraphrase: In the centre of the heart-cave solitarily brahman alone shines clearly [directly or immediately] in the form of oneself as ‘I am I’ [that is, as awareness of oneself as oneself alone]. Entering the heart by the mind sinking [deep within] investigating itself or by restraining the movement of the breath, may you be fixed in yourself.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here. 

Following the book launch in August 2023 of Ramana Maharshi's Forty Verses on What Is, a compilation of the writings and talks of Michael James on Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Michael and Sandra are starting a series of talks in which Michael explains the essential import of these verses and all of Ramana's teachings in 8 key points -- 8 talks (videos), starting the first talk with the first point: what actually exists is only ourself as we actually are. After explaining the first point, Michael answers questions related to Ramana's teachings.

FREE SAMPLE OF THE BOOK: You can find the 8 key points in the introduction that Michael wrote to this book (pp. xxxi-xxxii), which is also part of the 108-page free sample that you can download here.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) on 4th February 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

Some of the questions he answered were:

1. During my atma vichara practice I feel like I go through many days of serene calm, then my mind will suddenly grow agitated, latching onto this and that for days on end… Is this normal?

Also during these periods of serenity wild things in the world (almost comical things they are so unexpected) will arise as though trying to pull me back… is this my mind manifesting tests, or opportunities for growth?

2. Michael, there is an author Michael Langford who has provided a unique means of turning within.  Michael, you have commented on this in a blogpost.

Langford basically has the person shut his eyes and focus on their everyday, ordinary awareness.  If thoughts arise, one is to simply let them pass and try to notice awareness watching awareness.

As I recall you commented positively on this approach.  Could you please expand on your thoughts regarding this approach.  Is this akin to comments by Sadhu Om in the Path of Sri Ramana where he uses the analogy of the reflected light from a broken shard of mirror in a dark room that leads one to the pervading light of the sun?

3. At the conclusion of answer 11 of Nan Yar is the following:

Thus, when the mind stays in the Heart, the 'I' which is the source of all thoughts will go, and the Self which ever exists will shine. Whatever one does, one should do without the egoity "I". If one acts in that way, all will appear as of the nature of Siva (God).

Isn’t the apparent ego the apparent doer? If there is no ego, is there also no doer? Who is the one acting in that case?

4. In the little 40 page "Manual", Nan Yar, Bhagavan, in verse 11, sets out in precisely the way of realising oneself. Some pundits have pronounced this as containing the ultimate guide for Self-enquiry.

I find it amazing that there are libraries full of conversations and instructions which veer away from this central guide.

That little manual, Nan Yar, states "The thought 'Who Am I' will destroy all other thoughts and like the stick used for stirring the burning pyre it will itself in the end get destroyed. Then there will arise Self-realisation”.

I have been hooked onto verse 11 only, for many years. Is this narrow-mindedness?

5. Within the philosophical context of Advaita Vedanta the Ego is the dreamer, not the universal self. So when the ego is dreaming and then awakens, the dream characters were not real. 

Advaita Vedanta argues that the Waking state is similar to the Dream state in that in both cases the (illusory) Ego was projecting itself into multiplicity in both. 

This is where I get confused. The one Ego projects a dream world and a waking world by the power of Maya so how can each character in the projections of the one Ego experience their independent existence when, according to Advaita Vedanta all is One - ēkam ēva advitiyam?

Or perhaps put another way:   You wrote in your amazing book Ramana Maharshi’s Forty Verses on What is: “So long as we are aware of any phenomena or forms other than ourself, we have risen and are standing as ego and we are thereby nourishing the ego. To make it subside back into its source, to starve the ego, we need to give up being aware of anything other than ourself and be aware of ourself alone.”

Who is the “We” and “ourself?

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 17th June 2023 Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, Maṅgalam (benedictory verse):

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எதன்கண்ணே நிலையாகி யிருந்திடுமிவ் வுலகமெலா மெதன தெல்லா மெதனின்றிவ் வனைத்துலகு மெழுமோமற் றிவையாவு மெதன்பொ ருட்டா மெதனாலிவ் வையமெலா மெழுந்திடுமிவ் வெல்லாமு மெதுவே யாகு மதுதானே யுளபொருளாஞ் சத்தியமா மச்சொருப மகத்தில் வைப்பாம்.

edaṉkaṇṇē nilaiyāhi yirundiḍumiv vulahamelā  medaṉa dellā medaṉiṉḏṟiv vaṉaittulahu meṙumōmaṯ ṟivaiyāvu  medaṉpo ruṭṭā medaṉāliv vaiyamelā meṙundiḍumiv vellāmu  meduvē yāhu madudāṉē yuḷaporuḷāñ sattiyamā maccorupa  mahattil vaippām.

பதச்சேதம்: எதன்கண்ணே நிலையாகி இருந்திடும் இவ் உலகம் எலாம், எதனது எல்லாம், எதனின்று இவ் அனைத்து உலகும் எழுமோ, மற்று இவை யாவும் எதன் பொருட்டு ஆம், எதனால் இவ் வையம் எலாம் எழுந்திடும், இவ் எல்லாமும் எதுவோ ஆகும், அது தானே உள பொருள் ஆம். சத்தியம் ஆம் அச் சொருபம் அகத்தில் வைப்பாம் [அல்லது: வைப்பு ஆம்].

Padacchēdam (word-separation): edaṉkaṇṇē nilaiyāhi irundiḍum i-vv-ulaham elām, edaṉadu ellām, edaṉiṉḏṟu i-vv-aṉaittu ulahum eṙumō, maṯṟu ivai yāvum edaṉ poruṭṭu ām, edaṉāl i-v-vaiyam elām eṙundiḍum, i-vv-ellāmum eduvō āhum, adu tāṉē uḷa-poruḷ ām. sattiyam ām a-c-sorupam ahattil vaippām [alladu: vaippu ām].

English translation: In what all this world steadily exists, of what all are, from what this entire world arises, as well as for what all these are, by what all this world arises, whatever this all is, that itself is the existing substance. Let us hold that svarūpa, which is real, in the heart.

Explanatory paraphrase: In what all this world [seemingly] steadily exists, of what [or whose] all are, from what this entire world arises [appears or originates], also for what [or because of what] all these are, by what all this world arises [appears or originates], [and] whatever this all is, that itself is uḷḷa-poruḷ [the existing substance or sat-vastu, the one and only substance that actually exists]. Let us [always] hold [keep, cherish or meditate on] that svarūpa [our own real nature], which [alone] is real, in the heart. [Or: That svarūpa, which is real, is the [great] treasure [of divine grace] [that always exists] in [our] heart.]

This episode can also be watched as a video here, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In an online meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 25th January 2025, Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Navamaṇimālai verse 6.

This episode can be watched as a video on YouTube. A more compressed audio copy in Opus format can be downloaded from MediaFire. Ad-free videos on the original writings of Bhagavan Ramana with explanations by Michael James can be accessed on our Vimeo video channel.

Books by Sri Sadhu Om and Michael James that are currently available on Amazon:

By Sri Sadhu Om:

► The Path of Sri Ramana (English)

By Michael James:

► Happiness and Art of Being (English) 

► Lyckan och Varandets Konst (Swedish) 

► Anma-Viddai (English)

Above books are also available in other regional Amazon marketplaces worldwide.

In a Zoom meeting with Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 9th July 2023 Michael James concludes to discuss the meaning and implications of verse 2 of Āṉ𝘮𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘪.

Verse 2: https://happinessofbeing.blogspot.com/2023/05/anma-viddai-verse-2-thought-i-am-this.html

ஊனா ருடலிதுவே நானா மெனுநினைவே நானா நினைவுகள்சே ரோர்நா ரெனுமதனா னானா ரிடமெதென்றுட் போனா னினைவுகள்போய் நானா னெனக்குகையுட் டானாய்த் திகழுமான்ம — ஞானமே; இதுவே மோனமே; ஏக வானமே; இன்பத் தானமே. (ஐயே)

Padacchēdam (word-separation): ‘ūṉ ār uḍal iduvē nāṉ ām’ eṉum niṉaivē nāṉā niṉaivugaḷ sēr ōr nār eṉum adaṉāl, nāṉ ār iḍam edu eṉḏṟu uḷ pōṉāl, niṉaivugaḷ pōy, ‘nāṉ nāṉ’ eṉa guhai uḷ tāṉāy tikaṙum āṉma-ñāṉamē. iduvē mōṉamē, ēka vāṉamē, iṉba-tāṉamē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

English translation: Since the thought ‘this, the body composed of flesh, itself is I’ alone is the one thread on which the various thoughts are strung, if one goes within thus: what is the place from which I spread out, thoughts ceasing, in the cave ātma-jñāna alone will shine spontaneously as ‘I am I’. This alone is silence, the one space, the abode of bliss. (Ah, extremely easy, ...)

Explanatory paraphrase: Since the thought ‘this, the body composed of flesh, itself is I’ alone is the one thread on which [all] the various thoughts are strung, if one goes within [investigating] what is the place from which I spread out [or: who am I, what is [my] place], [all] thoughts [including the root thought, ‘I am this body’] will cease [or depart], and in the cave [of one’s heart] ātma-jñāna [pure self-awareness] alone will shine spontaneously [or as oneself] as ‘I am I’ [that is, as awareness of oneself as oneself alone]. This alone is silence, the one space [of pure awareness], the abode of bliss. ([Therefore] ah, extremely easy, ātma-vidyā, ah, extremely easy!).

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In an online meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 1st March 2025, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham verse 28. 

This episode can be watched as a video, ad-free on Vimeo or with ads on YouTube. A compressed audio copy in Opus format can be downloaded from MediaFire. 

Books by Sri Sadhu Om and Michael James that are currently available on Amazon:

By Sri Sadhu Om:

► The Path of Sri Ramana (English)

By Michael James:

► Happiness and Art of Being (English) 

► Lyckan och Varandets Konst (Swedish) 

► Anma-Viddai (English)

Above books are also available in other regional Amazon marketplaces worldwide.

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) on 4th June 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded here.  

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 2nd November 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verses 21 and 22.

The translation of verse 21 by Michael can be found here: https://blog.sriramanateachings.org/2024/05/ulladu-narpadu-anubandham-tamil-text.html#una21

The translation of verse 22 byMichael can be found here: https://blog.sriramanateachings.org/2024/05/ulladu-narpadu-anubandham-tamil-text.html#una22

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 9th December 2023, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

The first question Michael answered was:

I have a question about the attitude (bhavana) one should hold when conducting self-investigation. There are 2 different ideas I can read in Bhagwan's teachings: 

The first being "Investigating the Self as I" or "Who am I" or "What am I" or "I am I". The second is "God is I" or "Bhagwan is shining as I" or "I am Brahman"

They both lead to attention on the self, but the feeling is subtly different. The first one is more analytical, and driven by a curiosity. The second one devotional, and is driven by a longing to be one with Bhagwan. I understand that these ultimately the same path, but to me these carry subtly different perfumes. Can you comment in this, please?

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

Following the book launch in August 2023 of Ramana Maharshi's Forty Verses on What Is, a compilation of the writings and talks of Michael James on Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Michael and Sandra have started a series of talks in which Michael explains the essential import of these verses and all of Ramana's teachings in 8 key points -- 8 talks (videos). This is the fourth talk with the fourth point: since ego is an erroneous awareness of ourself, it can be eradicated only by correct awareness of ourself, which means awareness of ourself as we actually are. After explaining this point, Michael answers questions related to Ramana's teachings. 

FREE SAMPLE OF THE BOOK: You can find the 8 key points in the introduction that Michael wrote to this book (pp. xxxi-xxxii), which is also part of the 108-page free sample that you can download here: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZbcyp0ZeohBWWHhHf8gs7k3TN2vMz02WIBy

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

New Home page SriRamanaTeachings.org https://www.sriramanateachings.org/

Introduction to Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu: https://blog.sriramanateachings.org/2024/09/introduction-to-ulladu-narpadu.html

Pure intransitive awareness alone is real consciousness and what actually exists https://blog.sriramanateachings.org/2024/09/pure-intransitive-awareness-alone-is.html

Is there any such thing as a ‘self-realised’ person? https://blog.sriramanateachings.org/2014/11/is-there-any-such-thing-as-self.html#yarjnani

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 3rd Februari 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verse 11.

The following is Michael's translation of this verse:

பிறந்த தெவன்றன் பிரம்மமூ லத்தே பிறந்ததெவ ணானென்று பேணிப் — பிறந்தா னவனே பிறந்தா னவனிதமு னீச னவனவன வன்றினமு நாடு.   piṟanda devaṉḏṟaṉ birammamū lattē piṟandadeva ṇāṉeṉḏṟu pēṇip — piṟandā ṉavaṉē piṟandā ṉavaṉitamu ṉīśa ṉavaṉavaṉa vaṉḏṟiṉamu nāḍu.   பதச்சேதம்: பிறந்தது எவன்? தன் பிரம்ம மூலத்தே பிறந்தது எவண் நான் என்று பேணி பிறந்தான், அவனே பிறந்தான். அவன் நிதம், முனீசன். நவன் நவன் அவன் தினமும்; நாடு.   Padacchēdam (word-separation): piṟandadu evaṉ? taṉ biramma mūlattē piṟandadu evaṇ nāṉ eṉḏṟu pēṇi piṟandāṉ, avaṉē piṟandāṉ. avaṉ nitam, muṉīśaṉ. navaṉ navaṉ avaṉ diṉamum; nāḍu.   அன்வயம்: பிறந்தது எவன்? நான் பிறந்தது எவண் என்று பேணி தன் பிரம்ம மூலத்தே பிறந்தான், அவனே பிறந்தான். அவன் நிதம், முனீசன். அவன் தினமும் நவன் நவன்; நாடு.   Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): piṟandadu evaṉ? nāṉ piṟandadu evaṇ eṉdṟu pēṇi taṉ biramma mūlattē piṟandāṉ, avaṉē piṟandāṉ. avaṉ nitam, muṉīśaṉ. avaṉ diṉamum navaṉ navaṉ; nāḍu.   English translation: Who was born? Carefully investigating where I was born, one who was born in one’s source, brahman, he alone is one who was born. He is eternal, the Lord of sages. He is daily new-new. Investigate.   Explanatory paraphrase: Who was [really] born? One who was born in [and as] one’s source, brahman, [being firmly established there by] carefully [tenderly or lovingly] investigating [oneself, the source] where I [namely ego, the rising ‘I’, which is what is always aware of itself as ‘I am this aging and perishable body’] was born, he alone is one who was [really] born. He is eternal [being immortal, imperishable and immutable], muṉīśaṉ [the Lord of sages]. He is daily [or always] new and fresh [being the ageless and ever-fresh awareness ‘I am’]. Investigate [yourself and be born thus as brahman].   Note: See Bhagavan’s verses on birthday celebrations, where the context in which he wrote this verse is explained: https://happinessofbeing.blogspot.com/2020/12/bhagavans-verses-on-birthday.html

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 25th February 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly clarifying the practice of self-investigation.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-02-25 Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Clarifying the practice of self-investigation, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

This video begins with Sadhu Om singing verse 1 of ஸ்ரீ அருணாசல பதிகம் (Śrī Aruṇācala Padigam), ‘The Eleven Verses to Arunachala’, and then Michael James explains how Bhagavan came to compose it and discusses its meaning:

கருணையா லென்னை யாண்டநீ யெனக்குன் காட்சிதந் தருளிலை யென்றா லிருணலி யுலகி லேங்கியே பதைத்திவ் வுடல்விடி லென்கதி யென்னா மருணனைக் காணா தலருமோ கமல மருணனுக் கருணனா மன்னி யருணனி சுரந்தங் கருவியாய்ப் பெருகு மருணமா மலையெனு மன்பே.

karuṇaiyā leṉṉai yāṇḍanī yeṉakkuṉ kāṭcitan daruḷilai yeṉḏṟā liruṇali yulahi lēṅgiyē padaittiv vuḍalviḍi leṉgati yeṉṉā maruṇaṉaik kāṇā dalarumō kamala maruṇaṉuk karuṇaṉā maṉṉi yaruṇaṉi surandaṅ garuviyāyp peruhu maruṇamā malaiyeṉu maṉbē.

பதச்சேதம்: கருணையால் என்னை ஆண்ட நீ எனக்கு உன் காட்சி தந்து அருளிலை என்றால், இருள் நலி உலகில் ஏங்கியே பதைத்து இவ்வுடல் விடில் என் கதி என் ஆம்? அருணனை காணாது அலருமோ கமலம்? அருணனுக்கு அருணன் ஆ மன்னி அருள் நனி சுரந்து அங்கு அருவி ஆய் பெருகும் அருண மா மலை எனும் அன்பே.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): karuṇaiyāl eṉṉai āṇḍa nī eṉakku uṉ kāṭci tandu aruḷ-ilai eṉḏṟāl, iruḷ nali ulahil ēṅgiyē padaittu i-vv-uḍal viḍil eṉ gati eṉ ām? Aruṇaṉai kāṇādu alarumō kamalam? Aruṇaṉukku aruṇaṉ ā maṉṉi aruḷ naṉi surandu aṅgu aruvi āy peruhum aruṇa mā malai eṉum aṉbē.

English translation: If you, who by [your] grace took charge of me, are not gracious, giving to me sight of you, what will be my state if I leave this body [after] pining and suffering intensely in [this] dark and miserable world? Without seeing the sun will a lotus blossom? [Likewise] being the sun to the sun, O love called the great hill Aruna, where grace surges as a spring, gushing forth abundantly [will my heart blossom without seeing you?]

While discussing the meaning of this verse, Michael explained each sentence of it:

கருணையால் என்னை ஆண்ட நீ எனக்கு உன் காட்சி தந்து அருளிலை என்றால், இருள் நலி உலகில் ஏங்கியே பதைத்து இவ்வுடல் விடில் என் கதி என் ஆம்? karuṇaiyāl eṉṉai āṇḍa nī eṉakku uṉ kāṭci tandu aruḷ-ilai eṉḏṟāl, iruḷ nali ulahil ēṅgiyē padaittu i-vv-uḍal viḍil eṉ gati eṉ ām? If you, who by [your] grace took charge of me, are not gracious, giving to me sight of you, what will be my state if I leave this body [after] pining and suffering intensely in [this] dark and miserable world?

அருணனை காணாது அலருமோ கமலம்? aruṇaṉai kāṇādu alarumō kamalam? Without seeing the sun will a lotus blossom?

அருணனுக்கு அருணன் ஆ மன்னி, அருள் நனி சுரந்து அங்கு அருவி ஆய் பெருகும் அருண மா மலை எனும் அன்பே. aruṇaṉukku aruṇaṉ ā maṉṉi, aruḷ naṉi surandu aṅgu aruvi āy peruhum aruṇa mā malai eṉum aṉbē. [Likewise] being the sun to the sun, O love called the great hill Aruna, where grace surges as a spring, gushing forth abundantly [will my heart blossom without seeing you?]

Other Credits:  Extro verse sung by: Lakshmi, Houston Extro music: Stock media provided by Erick Mcnerney (BMI) / Pond5 Editing/Video: Kumar Saran, Houston

- Produced by Sri Ramana Center of Houston.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 14th January 2024, Michael James continues the discussion of the meaning and implications of verse  3 and commenced verse 4 of Āṉ𝘮𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘪.

The links to these two verses are:

Verse 3:

https://happinessofbeing.blogspot.com/2023/07/anma-viddai-verse-3-knowledge-of-all.html

தன்னை யறிதலின்றிப் பின்னை யெதறிகிலென் றன்னை யறிந்திடிற்பின் னென்னை யுளதறிய பின்ன வுயிர்களில பின்ன விளக்கெனுமத் தன்னைத் தனிலுணர மின்னுந் தனுளான்ம —    ப்ரகாசமே; அருள் விலாசமே; அக விநாசமே;       இன்ப விகாசமே.      (ஐயே)

English translation: Without knowing oneself, if one knows whatever else, what? If one has known oneself, then what exists to know? When one knows in oneself that self, which is the light without separation in separate sentient beings, within oneself the shining of oneself alone will flash forth. The shining forth of grace; the annihilation of ego; the blossoming of happiness. (Ah, extremely easy, ...)

Explanatory paraphrase: Without knowing oneself, if one knows whatever else, [so] what? [That is, how can such knowledge be reliable, so how can it have any real value?] If one has known oneself, then what [else] exists to know? When one knows in oneself that self [one’s real nature], which is the light [that shines] abhinna [without bhinna: separation, division, difference or distinction] in separate sentient beings [or souls], within oneself ātma-prakāśa [the shining, clarity or light of oneself] alone will flash forth [like lightening]. [This is] aruḷ-vilāsa [the shining forth, amorous play or beauty of grace], aha-vināśa [the annihilation of ego], iṉba-vikāsa [the blossoming of happiness]. ([Therefore] ah, extremely easy, ātma-vidyā, ah, extremely easy!)

Verse 4:

https://happinessofbeing.blogspot.com/2023/11/anma-viddai-verse-4-self-investigation.html

கன்மா திகட்டவிழ சென்மா திநட்டமெழ வெம்மார்க் கமதனினு மிம்மார்க் கமிக்கெளிது சொன்மா னததனுவின் கன்மா திசிறிதின்றிச் சும்மா வமர்ந்திருக்க வம்மா வகத்திலான்ம —    சோதியே; நிதானு பூதியே; இராது பீதியே;       இன்பவம் போதியே.      (ஐயே)

English translation: For the bonds beginning with action to be untied, to rise from the devastation beginning with birth, more than whatever path, this path is what is exceedingly easy. When one just is, resting without the least action of mind, speech or body, ah, in the heart the light of oneself alone. The eternal experience. Fear does not exist. The ocean of bliss alone. (Ah, extremely easy, ...)

Explanatory paraphrase: For the bonds beginning with karma [that is, the bonds of action and of all that results from it] to be untied, and to rise [or be resurrected] from the devastation beginning with birth [that is, to transcend and become free from the miseries of embodied existence, which begins with birth and ends with death], more than whatever [other] path, this path [of ātma-vicāra] is what is exceedingly easy. When one just is, resting [calmly as pure awareness] without the least karma [action] of mind, speech or body, ah, in [one’s] heart the light of oneself alone [will shine forth clearly as ‘I am I’]. [Having thereby drowned and lost oneself (namely ego) forever in this perfectly peaceful and infinitely clear state of pure awareness, it will be clear that this is one’s] eternal experience. Fear does not [or will not] exist. The ocean of [infinite] bliss alone [will remain]. ([Therefore] ah, extremely easy, ātma-vidyā, ah, extremely easy!)

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 31st December 2023, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings. The first question he answered was:

"Most respected swami ji. We have received adequate explanations and analyses. Can you state what one has to DO to obtain “Brahman” “pure advaita” or “pure consciousness”? WHAT that is well and clearly described. DONE. But with the sole exception of Bhagavan Ramana Rishi no one has actually attained “pure awareness”. Have they? That is so because we do not know what exactly you want us to DO."

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with Ernesto, Carlos and José of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 11th January 2023, Michael James is first asked, ‘A person is going to separate from 2 wives and finally will not separate from his third wife. Although his not divorcing his third wife is already predestined, to what extent were the awareness and learning that took place in this person after the first two divorces, part of the necessary material for the third divorce not to take place, even though it was already predestined?’, so he answers this and several other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-11 Yo Soy Tu Mismo: Turning back within is the only solution for all problems, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In this episode Michael James answers the question: “Did Bhagavan give any advice on sharpening one’s vigilance, so that one can reduce the gap between attention drifting outwards and one becoming aware of it? I understand that this is dependent on the strength of one’s viṣaya-vāsanās. Although this gap has reduced considerably over a period of time, instant awareness still eludes me”.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-08-02c What advice did Bhagavan give about how to sharpen our self-vigilance?, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In this episode Michael James answers the question: “Why is it that Bhagavan’s teaching always appears fresh and suits almost everyone, at any stage of life?”

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-08-02b Why are Bhagavan’s teachings always so fresh and well suited to each of us?, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 9th April 2022 Michael James discusses verse 2 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai.

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அழகுசுந் தரம்போ லகமும் நீயுமுற்       றபின்னமா யிருப்போ மருணாசலா

aṙahusun darampō lahamum nīyumuṯ       ṟabhiṉṉamā yiruppō maruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: அழகு சுந்தரம் போல் அகமும் நீயும் உற்று அபின்னமாய் இருப்போம் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): aṙahu sundaram pōl ahamum nīyum uṯṟu abhiṉṉamāy iruppōm aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, like aṙahu and sundaram, may I and you uniting be non-different.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, like aṙahu and sundaram [two words that are different in form but one in meaning, namely beauty], may I and you uniting be [completely] non-different.

Alternative meaning 1: Arunachala, like aṙahu and sundaram, I and you will [always] be [or always are] completely non-different.

Alternative meaning 2: Arunachala, like Aṙahu [my mother] and Sundaram [my father], may I and you uniting be [completely] non-different.

While discussing this verse Michael discusses the meaning and implications of various other passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Upadēśa Undiyār, Nāṉ Ār?, Śrī Aruṇācala Pañcaratnam, Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Āṉma-Viddai, Guru Vācaka Kōvai, Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai and Śrī Aruṇācala Navamaṇimālai.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-04-09a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 2, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 2 Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 20th August 2022 Michael James first discussed the meaning and deep implications of verse 10 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 10.

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After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this episode.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-08-20b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 10, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 26th August 2023, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

The first question Michael answered was:

"My question is related to the apparent reality of the world, as experienced in our waking state; Bhagavan's teachings say that our so-called reality in fact is a dream, projected by ourselves. From an intellectual level I can relate to this when I look at the world and its inhabitants as being a collective of apparent individual entities, whereas in fact it's the one (Brahman) playing out the script we call life and erroneously take to be something 'happening' to us as an individual. Also, I think to understand the role the ego plays in this through our identification with the body, mistakingly making us believe to be ‘one amongst many’.

In all multiplicity that appears to be, where I seem to get stuck in my understanding, is:

a. how literally we should take life to be a dream?

b. and what can be called real in the apparent dream-like individual life?

1. Is it that (the sense of) individuality by definition is dualistic and therefore unreal, thus: a dream? For instance my neighbour will have a slightly different viewing point in looking at the world since his locality is slightly different. When my neighbour is merely a dream character projected by me, he actually doesn't exist at all, along with all wars, disease, the seasons, bodies, plants, volcanic eruptions, planets, entities etc etc. Can we conclude that these do actually not exist, hence, making all interpersonal dynamics in our lives unreal as well?

2. Or should we take the dreamlike waking state in a more metaphorical sense, so that the multiplicity of bodies seemingly exists because of the identification with our bodies and therefore mistakingly experienced as ’individuals’, forming a multiplicity of realities, limited in their nature, therefore arbitrary and impossible to be taken for ‘real’?

3. Or is it to be taken as a dream due to the impermanent nature of the world we see as defined in Advaita Vedanta as “Things that are changing, perceived and impermanent are unreal”?

4. Or a dream because of the fact that we can practically make up any narrative or world-view we like, creating the world as a projection made up by our (ever restlessly outgoing) mind?

5. Or a dream in the sense that all is predestined and we erroneously believe ourselves to be the doer or actor in the projected life we live? This, I find rather confusing to comprehend and sometimes difficult to deal with.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here. 

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 30th November 2024, Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Navamaṇimālai verse 2.

This episode can also be watched as a video on YouTube and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened on the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from MediaFire.

Books by Sri Sadhu Om and Michael James that are currently available on Amazon:

By Sri Sadhu Om:

► The Path of Sri Ramana (English)

By Michael James:

► Happiness and Art of Being (English) 

► Lyckan och Varandets Konst (Swedish) 

► Anma-Viddai (English)

Above books are also available in other regional Amazon marketplaces worldwide.

In a Zoom meeting with the Chicago Ramana devotees on 25th August 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 20th August 2023, Michael James was asked: I have been on this path for 3 years now and I have a feeling that, when I turn inwards, I turn shallowly because many times various inclinations seem to be much stronger and I see that my self-attentiveness is too shallow for my vasanas to be really weakened. I also have a very strong belief that I will have to live through many difficult situations or misfortunes and that, no matter how hard I try to investigate myself, I will not be able to stop the fulfilment of prarabdha karma to live through all those hard situations. So can this practice take me several lifetimes? Is it not a path unsuitable for such impure minds as mine? He answers this and several other related questions.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here. 

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 25th June 2022 Michael James discusses verse 7 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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உனையே மாற்றி யோடா துளத்தின்மே       லுறுதியா யிருப்பா யருணாசலா

uṉaiyē māṯṟi yōḍā duḷattiṉmē       luṟudiyā yiruppā yaruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: உனை ஏமாற்றி ஓடாது உளத்தின் மேல் உறுதியாய் இருப்பாய் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): uṉai ēmāṯṟi ōḍādu uḷattiṉ mēl uṟudiyāy iruppāy aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, may you be firmly on the mind so that it does not run, deceiving you.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, may you be [remain, sit down, be seated or be enthroned] firmly on [my] mind so that it does not run [out towards other things under the sway of its viṣaya-vāsanās], deceiving [or cheating on] you [like a promiscuous wife].

Alternative interpretation 1 [when the first two words are split as ‘உனையே மாற்றி’ (uṉaiyē māṯṟi), ‘changing you’, instead of ‘உனை ஏமாற்றி’ (uṉai ēmāṯṟi), ‘deceiving you’ or ‘cheating you’]: Arunachala, may you be [or sit down] firmly on [my] mind so that it does not run [outwards], changing [or transforming] you [by seeing you, who are the one infinite, indivisible and immutable pure awareness, as the numerous objects that constitute both the internal world of mental phenomena and the external world of physical phenomena].

Alternative interpretation 2 [when மாற்றி (māṯṟi) is taken to mean removing, dispelling, repelling or expelling instead of changing, altering or transforming]: Arunachala, may you be [seated] firmly on [the back of this horse, namely my unruly] mind, so that it does not run [away out of control], expelling [or rejecting] you [by throwing you off its back].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-06-25a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 7, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 7 Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting of the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 26th February 2022 Michael James first discussed in detail the meaning and implications of verse 4 of Appaḷa Pāṭṭu, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Appaḷa Pāṭṭu verse 4.

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After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this video.

While answering these questions Michael discusses the meaning and implications of various passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Appaḷa Pāṭṭu, Nāṉ Ār?, Śrī Aruṇācala Aṣṭakam, Śrī Aruṇācala Pañcaratnam, Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Āṉma-Viddai and the note he wrote for his mother in December 1898.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-02-26b Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael James answers questions on Appaḷa Pāṭṭu verse 4, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 28th May 2022 Michael James first discussed various meanings and deep implications of verse 5 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 5.

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After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this video.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-05-28b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 5, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with Boston Ramana Satsang on 22nd July 2023 Michael explains the basics of Bhagavan's teachings, and answers various questions about his teachings.

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This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 14th January 2023 Michael James first discussed the meaning and deep implications of verse 19 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 19.

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After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this video.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-14b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 19, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In an online meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 22nd February 2025, Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Navamaṇimālai verse 8.

This episode can be watched as a video on YouTube. A more compressed audio copy in Opus format can be downloaded from MediaFire. Ad-free videos on the original writings of Bhagavan Ramana with explanations by Michael James can be accessed on our Vimeo video channel.

Books by Sri Sadhu Om and Michael James that are currently available on Amazon:

By Sri Sadhu Om:

► The Path of Sri Ramana (English)

By Michael James:

► Happiness and Art of Being (English) 

► Lyckan och Varandets Konst (Swedish) 

► Anma-Viddai (English)

Above books are also available in other regional Amazon marketplaces worldwide.

n a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 20th July 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verse 16.

The translation of the verse by Michael can be found here.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.   

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 28th September 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In an online meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 11th January 2025, Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Navamaṇimālai verse 5.

An audio version of this video can be viewed on YouTube and a compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from MediaFire.

Books by Sri Sadhu Om and Michael James that are currently available on Amazon:

By Sri Sadhu Om:

► The Path of Sri Ramana (English)

By Michael James:

► Happiness and Art of Being (English) 

► Lyckan och Varandets Konst (Swedish) 

► Anma-Viddai (English)

Above books are also available in other regional Amazon marketplaces worldwide.

In an online meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) on 5th January 2025, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can be watched as video on YouTube. A more compressed audio copy in Opus format can be downloaded from MediaFire. Ad-free videos on the original writings of Bhagavan Ramana with explanations by Michael James can be accessed on our Vimeo video channel.

Books by Sri Sadhu Om and Michael James that are currently available on Amazon:

By Sri Sadhu Om:

► The Path of Sri Ramana (English)

By Michael James:

► Happiness and Art of Being (English) 

► Lyckan och Varandets Konst (Swedish) 

► Anma-Viddai (English)

Above books are also available in other regional Amazon marketplaces worldwide.

In a Zoom meeting with Ernesto, Carlos and José of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 1st February 2023, Michael James is first asked, ‘To what extent would it be advisable for an aspirant who has a negative state of mind and a flood of thoughts, to propose some development of vipassana meditation and strengthening of his witnessing position before putting self-inquiry first if he is barely able to attend to himself?’, so he answers this and several other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-02-01a Yo Soy Tu Mismo: Self-investigation and other practices, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 27th May 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

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This episode can also be watched as a video here, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 10th December 2022 Michael James first discussed the meaning and deep implications of verse 18 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 18.

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After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this video.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-12-10b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 18, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 10th May 2023, Michael James is first asked, ‘In Path of Sri Ramana p. 156, Sadhu Om says "It is normal for one who is truly engaged in the practice of self- attention to frequently experience as if one’s true nature of absolute self shines at times and then obscures. On such occasions, one will be able to understand very clearly from one’s own experience how the world’s appearance vanishes and how it again comes into existence". Is he talking about subsiding in laya or does the world really vanish when a deep vairagya is combined with a strong love to turn within? Does this happen in the advanced stages of practice?’, so he answers this and several other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded here.  

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 26th March 2022 Michael James discusses various meanings and deep implications of verse 1 of ஸ்ரீ அருணாசல அக்ஷரமணமாலை (Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai):

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அருணா சலமென வகமே நினைப்பவ       ரகத்தைவே ரறுப்பா யருணாசலா

aruṇā calameṉa vahamē niṉaippava       rahattaivē raṟuppā yaruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: அருணாசலம் என அகமே நினைப்பவர் அகத்தை வேர் அறுப்பாய் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): aruṇācalam eṉa ahamē niṉaippavar ahattai vēr aṟuppāy aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, you will eradicate the ego of those who think that Arunachalam is actually ‘I’.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, you will eradicate [or root out] the ego of those who think [within the heart or mind] that Arunachalam is actually [certainly or only] ‘I’ [or that Arunachalam alone is ‘I’].

Alternative meaning 1: Arunachala, you will eradicate the ego of those who think ‘Arunachalam’ [deep] within the heart [or mind].

Alternative meaning 2: Arunachala, you will eradicate the ego of those who think that Arunachalam is actually [deep] within [only within or within the heart].

Before discussing this verse Michael plays a recording of Sadhu Om singing it, which is an extract from here and here.

While discussing this verse Michael refers to and discusses the meaning and implications of various other passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Upadēśa Undiyār, Śrī Aruṇācala Aṣṭakam, Nāṉ Ār?, Śrī Aruṇācala Padigam and Upadēśa Sāraḥ.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-03-26a Ramana Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 1, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 1 Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 2nd December 2023, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verse 10

The following is Michael's translation of this verse:

தேகங் கடநிகர் சடமிதற் ககமெனுந் திகழ்விலதா னாகஞ் சடலமி றுயிலினி றினமுறு நமதியலாற் கோகங் கரனெவ ணுளனுணர்ந் துளருளக் குகையுள்ளே சோகம் புரணவ ருணகிரி சிவவிபு சுயமொளிர்வான்.   dēhaṅ ghaṭanihar jaḍamidaṟ kahameṉun tihaṙviladā ṉāhañ jaḍalami ṟuyiliṉi ṟiṉamuṟu namadiyalāṟ kōhaṅ karaṉeva ṇuḷaṉuṇarn duḷaruḷak guhaiyuḷḷē sōham phuraṇava ruṇagiri śivavibhu suyamoḷirvāṉ.   பதச்சேதம்: தேகம் கடம் நிகர் சடம்; இதற்கு ‘அகம்’ எனும் திகழ்வு இலதால், ந அகம், சடலம் இல் துயிலினில் தினம் உறும் நமது இயல் ஆல். ‘க: அகங்கரன்? எவண் உளன்?’ உணர்ந்து உளர் உள குகை உள்ளே, ‘ச: அகம்’ புரண அருணகிரி சிவ விபு சுயம் ஒளிர்வான்.   Padacchēdam (word-separation): dēham ghaṭam nihar jaḍam; idaṟku ‘aham’ eṉum tihaṙvu iladāl, na aham, jaḍalam il tuyiliṉil diṉam uṟum namadu iyal āl. ‘kaḥ ahaṅkaraṉ? evaṇ uḷaṉ?’ uṇarndu uḷar uḷa guhai uḷḷē, ‘saḥ aham’ phuraṇa aruṇagiri śiva vibhu suyam oḷirvāṉ.   அன்வயம்: தேகம் கடம் நிகர் சடம்; இதற்கு ‘அகம்’ எனும் திகழ்வு இலதால், சடலம் இல் துயிலினில் தினம் நமது இயல் உறும் ஆல், ந அகம். ‘க: அகங்கரன்? எவண் உளன்?’ உணர்ந்து உளர் உள குகை உள்ளே, அருணகிரி சிவ விபு ‘ச: அகம்’ புரண சுயம் ஒளிர்வான்.   Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): dēham ghaṭam nihar jaḍam; idaṟku ‘aham’ eṉum tihaṙvu iladāl, jaḍalam il tuyiliṉil diṉam namadu iyal uṟum āl, na aham. ‘kaḥ ahaṅkaraṉ? evaṇ uḷaṉ?’ uṇarndu uḷar uḷa guhai uḷḷē, aruṇagiri śiva vibhu ‘saḥ aham’ phuraṇa suyam oḷirvāṉ.   English translation: The body is insentient like a pot; since the shining called ‘I’ does not exist for it, since our nature exists daily in sleep, in which the body does not exist, it is not I. Within the heart-cave of those who are, knowing who is the one who is ego, where is he, the omnipresent Lord, Arunagiri-Siva, will shine spontaneously, the clarity ‘He is I’.   Explanatory paraphrase: The body is jaḍa [insentient or non-aware] like a pot; since the shining [or brightness] called ‘I’ [namely the self-shining awareness ‘I am’] does not exist for it [that is, since it is not aware of itself as ‘I’], [and] since our [real] nature [our fundamental awareness ‘I am’, which is our very being] exists [and shines] daily in [dreamless] sleep, in which the body does not exist, it [this body] is not I. Within the cave of the heart of those who [just] are [as they actually are], knowing [or being aware of] [themself as such] [by investigating] who is the one who is ego [and] where is he, the omnipresent Lord, Arunagiri-Siva, will shine spontaneously [as] the sphuraṇa [clarity or clear awareness] ‘He is I’.

Bhagavan first composed this verse in Sanskrit, and the Sanskrit version is:

देहं मृन्मय वज्जडात्मकम् अहं बुद्धिर्न तस्यास्त्यतो नाहं तत्तदभाव सुप्ति समये सिद्धात्म सद्भावतः । कोहं भाव युतः कुतो वरधिया दृश्त्वात्म निष्ठात्मनां सोहं स्फूर्ति तयाऽरुणाचल शिवः पूर्णो विभाति स्वयम् ॥   dēhaṁ mṛnmaya vajjaḍātmakam ahaṁ buddhirna tasyāstyatō nāhaṁ tattadabhāva supti samayē siddhātma sadbhāvataḥ | kōhaṁ bhāva yutaḥ kutō varadhiyā dṛśtvātma niṣṭhātmanāṁ sōhaṁ sphūrti tayā’ruṇācala śivaḥ pūrṇō vibhāti svayam ||   पदच्छेद: देहम् मृन्मय वत् जड आत्मकम्. अहम् बुद्धिः न तस्य अस्ति. अतः न अहम्. तद् तद् अभाव सुप्ति समये सिद्ध आत्म सत् भावतः. कः अहम् भाव युतः कुतस् वर धिया दृश्त्व आत्म निष्ठ आत्मनाम् सः अहम् स्फूर्तितया अरुणाचल शिवः पूर्णः विभाति स्वयम्.   Padacchēda (word-separation): dēham mṛnmaya vat jaḍa ātmakam. aham buddhiḥ na tasya asti. ataḥ na aham. tad tad abhāva supti samayē siddha ātma sat bhāvataḥ. kaḥ aham bhāva yutaḥ kutas vara dhiyā dṛśtva ātma niṣṭha ātmanām saḥ aham sphūrtitayā aruṇācala śivaḥ pūrṇaḥ vibhāti svayam.   English translation: The body is of the nature of insentience like anything composed of clay. There is no ‘I’-concept belonging to it. Consequently not I. Also because of the established continuity of the existence of oneself during sleep, in which it is non-existent. To selves fixed as themself having seen by a discerning intellect who is the one yoked with the ‘I’-condition, from where, the whole, Arunachala Siva, shines spontaneously as the clarity ‘He is I’.   Explanatory paraphrase: The body is jaḍātmakam [of the nature of jaḍa: insentience or non-awareness] like [a pot or anything else] composed of clay. There is no ahaṁ-buddhi [concept or awareness ‘I’] belonging to it [in other words, it does not have any awareness of itself as ‘I’]. Consequently [it is] not I. Also because of the established [or certain] continuity of the existence of oneself at the time of [or during] sleep, in which it [namely the body] is non-existent. To selves fixed as themselves [firmly being as they actually are] having seen by [means of] a [keenly] discerning intellect [or pure mind] who is the one yoked with ahaṁ-bhāva [the ‘I’-condition or state of being ‘I’, namely ego], [and] from where [did it arise], pūrṇa [the one infinite whole], [namely] Arunachala Siva, shines spontaneously as sōhaṁ-sphūrti [the clarity ‘He is I’].

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

Michael answers the following questions in this video:

A monk recently told me that it is well known in India that thieves use this udumbu lizard to help them climb up buildings to help them in their thieving work! Isn’t the ego the same? With no form or substance of its own, the apparent ego borrows the light of the Self to grasp form and feed its mischief!

Note: This question seems to have been asked in reference to verse 130 of Guru Vācaka Kōvai:

உடம்போ டுலகை யுறுதியெனப் பற்றி மடம்படுவோன் சாந்தி மடுத்தல் — மடம்பேர்ந் துடும்புபோன் றுள்ளத் துயிர்நிலையுற் றோவான் இடும்பையுற லென்று மில.

uḍambō ḍulahai yuṟudiyeṉap paṯṟi maḍambaḍuvōṉ śānti maḍuttal — maḍambērn duḍumbupōṉ ḏṟuḷḷat tuyirnilaiyuṯ ṟōvāṉ iḍumbaiyuṟa leṉḏṟu mila.

பதச்சேதம்: உடம்போடு உலகை உறுதி எனப் பற்றி மடம் படுவோன் சாந்தி மடுத்தல் [என்றும் இல]. மடம் பேர்ந்து உடும்பு போன்று உள்ளத்து உயிர்நிலை உற்று ஓவான் இடும்பை உறல் என்றும் இல.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): uḍambōḍu ulahai uṟudi eṉa paṯṟi maḍam paḍuvōṉ śānti maḍuttal [eṉḏṟum ila]; maḍam pērndu uḍumbu pōṉḏṟu uḷḷattu uyirnilai uṯṟu ōvāṉ iḍumbai uṟal eṉḏṟum ila.

English translation: One who is ensnared in ignorance, clinging to the body and world as real, [will not ever] achieve peace. Leaving ignorance, one who like an uḍumbu steadfastly does not let go of the real nature of the soul in the heart will not ever experience suffering.

Explanatory paraphrase: One who is ensnared in ignorance, clinging to the body and world as uṟudi [stable, permanent, certain or real], [will not ever] achieve peace. Leaving [such] ignorance, one who [clinging firmly] like an uḍumbu [a variety of monitor lizard noted for its ability to cling firmly to any surface] steadfastly does not let go of the real nature of the soul in the heart will not ever experience suffering. [Therefore, if we wish to attain peace and be eternally free of suffering, we need to give up considering the body and world to be real, and instead need to cling firmly like an uḍumbu to our own real nature, namely sat-cit, pure being-awareness, which is what is always shining in our heart as ‘I am’.]

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 27th July 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 18th December 2022, Michael James answers the question “Many of those who come to this path interpret that having as a priority the practice of self-inquiry implies a stop to living joy and relationships with others, abandoning professional projects or losing interest in them and a fear that vairagya will lead to start having different kinds of problems. What suggestions and clarifications can you give us from Bhagavan's Teachings and from your own experience in applying the Teaching in your life?” and other questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-12-18 Yo Soy Tu Mismo: Self-investigation is a gentle and joyful process driven by love, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 12th November 2022 Michael James discusses verse 16 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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காந்த மிரும்புபோற் கவர்ந்தெனை விடாமற்       கலந்தெனோ டிருப்பா யருணாசலா

kānta mirumbupōṟ kavarndeṉai viḍāmaṟ       kalandeṉō ḍiruppā yaruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: காந்தம் இரும்பு போல் கவர்ந்து எனை, விடாமல் கலந்து எனோடு இருப்பாய் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): kāntam irumbu pōl kavarndu eṉai, viḍāmal kalandu eṉōḍu iruppāy aruṇācalā.

அன்வயம்: காந்தம் இரும்பு போல் எனை கவர்ந்து, விடாமல் கலந்து எனோடு இருப்பாய் அருணாசலா.

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): kāntam irumbu pōl eṉai kavarndu, viḍāmal kalandu eṉōḍu iruppāy aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, like a magnet iron, forcibly seizing me, uniting without leaving, may you be with me.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, like a magnet [grasping] iron [by its natural power of attraction], forcibly seizing [grasping, captivating or attracting] me [by the captivating power of your grace], uniting [me with you] without [ever] leaving [or letting go of] [me], may you be [eternally one] with me.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-11-12a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 16, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 16 Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 14th May 2022 Michael James first discussed the meaning and deep implications of verse 4 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 4.

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After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this video.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-05-14b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 4, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with the Chicago Ramana devotees on 28th July 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings. *** The first 15 minutes of this meeting were not recorded. We apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you for understanding.***

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 12th August 2023, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here. 

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 10th August 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting of the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 12th March 2022 Michael James begins to discuss ஸ்ரீ அருணாசல அக்ஷரமணமாலை (Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai), ‘The Marriage Garland of Syllables for Sri Arunachala’, ‘The Fragrant Garland of Syllables for Sri Arunachala’ and ‘The Garland for Imperishable Union with Sri Arunachala’, starting with the Introductory Verse (pāyiram) composed by Muruganar and the Invocation (kāppu) composed by Bhagavan:

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தருணா ருணமணி கிரணா வலிநிகர்       தரும க்ஷரமண மகிழ்மாலை தெருணா டியதிரு வடியார் தெருமரல்       தெளியப் பரவுதல் பொருளாகக் கருணா கரமுனி ரமணா ரியனுவ       கையினாற் சொலியது கதியாக வருணா சலமென வகமே யறிவொடு       மாழ்வார் சிவனுல காள்வாரே.

taruṇā ruṇamaṇi kiraṇā valinihar       taruma kṣaramaṇa mahiṙmālai teruṇā ḍiyatiru vaḍiyār terumaral       teḷiyap paravudal poruḷāhak karuṇā karamuṉi ramaṇā riyaṉuva       haiyiṉāṯ coliyadu gatiyāha varuṇā calameṉa vahamē yaṟivoḍu       māṙvār śivaṉula hāḷvārē.

பதச்சேதம்: தருண அருணமணி கிரண ஆவலி நிகர் தரும் அக்ஷர மண மகிழ் மாலை தெருள் நாடிய திரு அடியார் தெருமரல் தெளிய பரவுதல் பொருள் ஆக கருணா ஆகர முனி ரமண ஆரியன் உவகையினால் சொலியது. கதி ஆக அருணாசலம் என அகமே அறிவொடும் ஆழ்வார் சிவன் உலகு ஆள்வாரே.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): taruṇa aruṇamaṇi kiraṇa āvali nihar tarum akṣara maṇa makiṙ mālai teruḷ nāḍiya tiru aḍiyār terumaral teḷiya paravudal poruḷ āha karuṇā ākara muṉi ramaṇa āriyaṉ uvahaiyiṉāl soliyadu. gati āha aruṇācalam eṉa ahamē aṟivoḍum āṙvār śivaṉ ulahu āḷvārē.

English translation: The joyful marriage garland of syllables, which gives light like a series of rays of the newly risen sun, is what the noble sage Ramana, the abundant giver of grace, sang with joy for the sake of singing praise so that the delusion of good devotees who seek clarity may be cleared away. As a means, those who sink in the heart with awareness as ‘Arunachalam’ will certainly rule the world of Siva.

Explanatory paraphrase: Those who sink in the heart with awareness as ‘Arunachalam’ [that is, with remembrance of Arunachala, or with awareness that Arunachala alone is ‘I’], [taking] as a means [or as a refuge] akṣara maṇa makiṙ mālai [this joyful marriage garland (or fragrant flower garland) of syllables, or this joyful garland of immutable union], which gives light like a series of rays of the newly risen sun, [and which is] what karuṇākara muṉi ramaṇa āriyaṉ [the noble sage Ramana (or sage Ramana guru), the abundant giver of grace] sang with joy [or love] for the sake of singing praise [as a prayer] so that the delusion of good devotees who seek clarity [namely the clarity of pure awareness] may be cleared away, will certainly rule the world of Siva [that is, by sinking deep in the heart with awareness that Arunachala Siva alone is ‘I’, they will merge in him in such a way that they will never rise again as ego, and hence they will forever be one with him, who is the eternal sovereign of his own world, namely the heart].

அருணாசல வரற்கேற்ற வக்ஷரமண மாலைசாற்றக் கருணாகர கணபதியே கரமருளிக் காப்பாயே.

aruṇācala varaṯkēṯṟa vakṣaramaṇa mālaisāṯṟak karuṇākara gaṇapatiyē karamaruḷik kāppāyē.

பதச்சேதம்: அருணாசல வரற்கு ஏற்ற அக்ஷர மண மாலை சாற்ற கருணாகர கணபதியே கரம் அருளி காப்பாயே.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): aruṇācala varaṯku ēṯṟa akṣara-maṇa-mālai sāṯṟa karuṇākara gaṇapatiyē karam aruḷi kāppāyē.

English translation: Ganapati, giver of grace, may you protect, graciously giving a hand to sing Akṣaramaṇamālai to be fitting for the bridegroom, Arunachala.

Explanatory paraphrase: Ganapati, giver of grace, may you protect [this undertaking], graciously giving a hand [to help me] to sing Akṣaramaṇamālai so that it may be fitting [or suitable] for [or to adorn] the bridegroom, Arunachala [or for Arunachala Hara (Arunachala Siva, the one who steals our heart and annihilates ego)].

While discussing these verses Michael plays a recording of Sadhu Om singing them, from one of several recordings of him singing all of Akṣaramaṇamālai.

Michael also discusses the meaning and implications of various other passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Aruṇācalaramaṇaṉ and Śrī Aruṇācala Navamaṇimālai.

Michael’s article on these verses, Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai: pāyiram, kāppu and verse 1, may also be read along with this episode.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-03-12a Ramana Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai pāyiram and kāppu, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing these verses of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai pāyiram and kāppu Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting with Ernesto, Carlos and José of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 26th February 2023, Michael James is first asked, ‘How can we strengthen our desire to want to self-surrender and what can most effectively convince us to do so?’, so he answers this and several other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-02-26 Yo Soy Tu Mismo: How can we strengthen our love to surrender ourself, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In this video filmed in Hyde Park, London, on 24th May 2023 Michael, Sean and Sandra are having a meeting. Michael answered several spontaneously asked questions about Bhagavan's teachings. The impromptu discussion was recorded on an iPad without the use of external microphones, so this affected the audio quality.

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This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 26th November 2022 Michael James discusses verse 17 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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கிரியுரு வாகிய கிருபைக் கடலே       கிருபைகூர்ந் தருளுவா யருணாசலா

giriyuru vāhiya kirupaik kaḍalē       kirupaikūrn daruḷuvā yaruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: கிரி உரு ஆகிய கிருபை கடலே, கிருபை கூர்ந்து அருளுவாய் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): giri uru āhiya kirupai kaḍalē, kirupai kūrndu aruḷuvāy aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, ocean of grace, which is the form of a hill, being abundantly gracious may you bestow grace.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, [who shine in the heart as the infinite] ocean of grace [or compassion], which is [what is seen outside as] the form of [this great] hill, being abundantly [or intensely] gracious [or compassionate] may you bestow grace [upon me in whatever way you wish, knowing it to be what is best for me].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-11-26a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 17, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 17 Q&A.

In this episode recorded on 23rd May 2023 Michael answers the following question asked by Geetha:

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“When the mind is quiet but alert, how does one ensure that one is not attending to the quiet mind but rather to the self? The difference between the two is very subtle." 

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In an online meeting on 31st August 2023, to celebrate Bhagavan's advent (arrival) to Tiruvannamalai on 1st September 1896, Michael discusses Bhagavan's return to Arunachala in the context of his teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 10th April 2022 Michael James the meaning and implications of verses 11 to 15 of Upadēśa Sāraḥ:

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Verse 11

वायु रोधना ल्लीय तेमनः । जाल पक्षिव द्रोध साधनम् ॥ ११ ॥

vāyu rōdhanā llīya tēmanaḥ jāla pakṣiva drōdha sādhanam

पदच्छेद: वायु रोधनात् लीयते मनः जाल पक्षिवत्. रोध साधनम्.

Padacchēda (word-separation): vāyu rōdhanāt līyatē manaḥ jāla pakṣivat. rōdha sādhanam.

English translation: By restraining the breath, the mind subsides, like a bird in a net. A means of restraining.

Explanatory paraphrase: By [or as a result of] restraining the breath, the mind subsides [or dissolves], like a bird [caught] in a net. [This is] a means of restraining [the mind].

Verse 12

चित्त वायव श्चित्क्रि यायुताः । शाख योर्द्वयी शक्ति मूलका ॥ १२ ॥

citta vāyava ścitkri yāyutāḥ śākha yōrdvayī śakti mūlakā

पदच्छेद: चित्त वायवः चित् क्रिया युताः शाखयोः द्वयी. शक्ति मूलका.

Padacchēda (word-separation): citta vāyavaḥ cit kriyā yutāḥ śākhayōḥ dvayī. śakti mūlakā.

English translation: Mind and prāṇas are a pair of branches endowed with knowing and doing. Rooted in power.

Explanatory paraphrase: Mind and vāyus [the five prāṇas, namely breathing and other physiological functions] are a pair of branches endowed with knowing and doing [as their respective function]. [They are] rooted in [or spring from] [one] power [that is, they arise from one source, namely our real nature, which is cit-śakti, the power of pure awareness, ‘I am’].

Verse 13

लयवि नाशने उभय रोधने । लयग तंपुन र्भवति नोमृतम् ॥ १३ ॥

layavi nāśanē ubhaya rōdhanē layaga taṁpuna rbhavati nōmṛtam

पदच्छेद: लय विनाशने उभय रोधने. लयगतम् पुनः भवति. नो मृतम्.

Padacchēda (word-separation): laya vināśanē ubhaya rōdhanē. layagatam punaḥ bhavati. nō mṛtam.

English translation: Laya and vināśana are both stopping. What has gone in laya arises again. What has died does not.

Explanatory paraphrase: Laya [temporary dissolution] and vināśana [destruction or annihilation] are both rōdhana [states in which the mind has been stopped or prevented from rising] [in other words, rōdhana is of two kinds: laya and nāśa]. What has gone in laya arises [or comes into being] again. What has died [in nāśa] does not [ever rise again].

Verse 14

प्राण बन्धना ल्लीन मानसम् । एक चिन्तना न्नाश मेत्यदः ॥ १४ ॥

prāṇa bandhanā llīna mānasam ēka cintanā nnāśa mētyadaḥ

पदच्छेद: प्राण बन्धनात् लीन मानसम् एक चिन्तनात् नाशम् एति अदः.

Padacchēda (word-separation): prāṇa bandhanāt līna mānasam ēka-cintanāt nāśam ēti adaḥ.

English translation: Settled down by restraining the breath, the mind will reach annihilation by thinking of the one.

Explanatory paraphrase: [Having] settled down by [or as a result of] restraining [binding or tying] prāṇa [the breath], the mind will reach [enter, achieve or attain] annihilation by [or as a result of] ēka-cintana [thinking of the one, namely ātma-svarūpa, the real nature of oneself, ‘I am’].

Verse 15

नष्ट मानसो त्कृष्ट योगिनः । कृत्य मस्तिकिं स्वस्थि तिंयतः ॥ १५ ॥

naṣṭa mānasō tkṛṣṭa yōginaḥ kṛtya mastikiṁ svasthi tiṁyataḥ

पदच्छेद: नष्ट मानस उत्कृष्ट योगिनः कृत्यम् अस्ति किम्, स्वस्थितिम् यतः?

Padacchēda (word-separation): naṣṭa mānasa utkṛṣṭa yōginaḥ kṛtyam asti kim, svasthitim yataḥ?

English translation: The mind annihilated, by the exalted yōgi what is there to be done, because of standing as self?

Explanatory paraphrase: [After] the mind has been annihilated, by the exalted yōgi what is there to be done [or is there anything to be done], because [they are] standing as self [or because they have attained their own state]?

While discussing these verses, Michael also discusses the meaning and implications of various passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Upadēśa Sāraḥ, Upadēśa Undiyār, Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Nāṉ Ār?, Aruṇācalaramaṇaṉ, Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai and Śrī Aruṇācala Pañcaratnam.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-04-10 Ramana Kendra, Delhi: Michael James discusses Upadēśa Sāraḥ verses 11 to 15, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

Recording of an online meeting on 3rd August 2023. Michael talks about what Bhagavan teaches us in Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, and why this work shines as the core and crest-jewel of his teachings, being the quintessence of all of them. 

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here. Disclaimer: The book mentioned in this episode is an independent compilation and publication by Sandra Derksen. Michael James has not read this book prior to its publication and has not endorsed this book. Sri Ramana Center of Houston, too, has not endorsed this book. The episode is published only because it serves as a good introduction to Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, and not for promotion of this book - Sri Ramana Center of Houston

From the book 'The Path of Sri Ramana'. ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8373962537 Published by Sri Ramana Center of Houston, 2023. Available from Amazon marketplaces worldwide. The US site can be accessed here.

----more----This episode in an audiovisual format, where the text can also be followed, can be accessed here . More episodes of 'The Path of Sri Ramana' in audiovisual format, can be accessed in this advertisement-free Vimeo channel showcase .

This edition, which is a revised and more complete translation of the Tamil original, translated by a team of volunteers supervised and co-ordinated by Kumar Saran (Sri Ramana Center of Houston) in collaboration with Michael James, combines what were previously referred to as Part One and Part Two of Path of Sri Ramana. The former is now the main part of this book, and the latter is referred to as the ‘Supplement’.

Intro and Extro music: Pond5 Editing: Kumar Saran

'The Path of Sri Ramana' Copyright © 2023 Sri Ramana Center of Houston All rights reserved. The text of this audio may not be reproduced, except for brief and duly acknowledged quotations, or as expressly permitted by law, without prior permission in writing from the president of Sri Ramana Center of Houston.

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 9th September 2023, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) on 3rd November 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

This episode can also be watched as a video here and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.  

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 28th January 2023 Michael James first discussed the meanings and deep implications of verse 20 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 20.

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After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this video.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-28b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 20, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) on 5th April 2022 Michael answers questions on the practice of self-investigation, sat-cit-ananda and love, prayer and non-duality, and various other topics related to the practice of Bhagavan’s teachings, including his instruction to Akhilandamma: ‘உன்னை விடாமல் இரு’ (uṉṉai viḍāmal iru), ‘Be without leaving yourself’.

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During this meeting Michael discusses the meaning and implications of various passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Nāṉ Ār? and Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-04-03 San Diego Ramana Satsang: Michael answers questions on the practice of self-investigation, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting with Ernesto and Carlos of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 9th March 2022, Michael James discusses verse 2 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu and the kaliveṇbā version of it:

----more----மும்முதலை யெம்மதமு முற்கொள்ளு மோர்முதலே மும்முதலாய் நிற்குமென்று மும்முதலு — மும்முதலே யென்னலகங் கார மிருக்குமட்டே யான்கெட்டுத் தன்னிலையி னிற்ற றலை.

mummudalai yemmatamu muṟkoḷḷu mōrmudalē mummudalāy niṟkumeṉḏṟu mummudalu — mummudalē yeṉṉalahaṅ kāra mirukkumaṭṭē yāṉkeṭṭut taṉṉilaiyi ṉiṯṟa ṯalai.

பதச்சேதம்: மும் முதலை எம் மதமும் முன் கொள்ளும். ‘ஓர் முதலே மும் முதலாய் நிற்கும்’, ‘என்றும் மும் முதலும் மும் முதலே’ என்னல் அகங்காரம் இருக்கும் மட்டே. யான் கெட்டு, தன் நிலையில் நிற்றல் தலை.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): mum mudalai e-m-matamum muṉ koḷḷum. ‘ōr mudalē mum mudalāy niṟkum’, ‘eṉḏṟum mum mudalum mum mudalē’ eṉṉal ahaṅkāram irukkum maṭṭē. yāṉ keṭṭu, taṉ nilaiyil niṯṟal talai.

English translation: Each religion initially accepts three fundamentals. Contending ‘Only one fundamental stands as three fundamentals’, ‘Three fundamentals are always actually three fundamentals’, is only so long as ego exists. ‘I’ perishing, standing in the state of oneself is best.

Explanatory paraphrase: Each religion [or theistic system of belief] initially accepts three fundamentals [namely the soul, world and God]. Contending that only one fundamental stands as [these] three fundamentals or that [these] three fundamentals are always actually three fundamentals is [possible] only so long as ego exists. [As a result of] ‘I’ [ego] perishing [or being destroyed], standing in the [real] state of oneself is best.

While discussing the meaning and implications of this verse and answering questions about it Michael also discusses various other passages from Bhagavan’s writings, including Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu, Upadēśa Kaliveṇbā and Upadēśa Undiyār.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-03-09a Yo Soy Tu Mismo: Michael, Ernesto and Carlos discuss Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verse 2, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

At the end of a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 4th February 2023 Michael James clarifies some details in the life of Sri Sadhu Om in response to the many inaccuracies and misinterpretations that somehow unfortunately found their way into a profile of him written in the February 2023 issue of Saranagati, an online newsletter published by Sri Ramanasramam:

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-02-04b Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Clarification on some details in the life of Sri Sadhu Om, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.