Sri Ramana Teachings

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) 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 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 Chicago Ramana devotees on 27th October 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 Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 26th October 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 Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 12th October 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 ([email protected]) on 6th October 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 Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 5th October 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verses 20.

The translation of verse 20 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.  

This video begins with Sadhu Om singing verse 3 of ஸ்ரீ அருணாசல பதிகம் (Śrī Aruṇācala Padigam), ‘The Eleven Verses to Arunachala’, then Michael James explains and discusses its meaning:

இறையுனை நினையு மெண்ணமே நண்ணா வெனையுன தருட்கயிற் றாலீர்த்
திறையுயி ரின்றிக் கொன்றிட நின்றா யென்குறை யியற்றின னேழை
யிறையினிக் குறையென் குற்றுயி ராக்கி யெனைவதைத் திடலெதற் கிங்ங
னிறைவனா மருணா சலவெண முடித்தே யேகனா வாழிநீ டூழி.

iṟaiyuṉai niṉaiyu meṇṇamē naṇṇā veṉaiyuṉa daruṭkayiṯ ṟālīrt
tiṟaiyuyi riṉḏṟik koṉḏṟiḍa niṉḏṟā yeṉkuṟai yiyaṯṟiṉa ṉēṙai
yiṟaiyiṉik kuṟaiyeṉ kuṯṟuyi rākki yeṉaivadait tiḍaledaṟ kiṅṅa
ṉiṟaivaṉā maruṇā calaveṇa muḍittē yēkaṉā vāṙinī ḍūṙi.

பதச்சேதம்: இறை உனை நினையும் எண்ணமே நண்ணா எனை உனது அருள் கயிற்றால் ஈர்த்து, இறை உயிர் இன்றி கொன்றிட நின்றாய். என் குறை இயற்றினன் ஏழை? இறை இனி குறை என்? குற்று உயிர் ஆக்கி எனை வதைத்திடல் எதற்கு இங்ஙன்? இறைவன் ஆம் அருணாசல, எணம் முடித்தே, ஏகன் ஆ வாழி நீடு ஊழி.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): iṟai uṉai niṉaiyum eṇṇamē naṇṇā eṉai uṉadu aruḷ kayiṯṟāl īrttu, iṟai uyir iṉḏṟi koṉḏṟiḍa niṉḏṟāy. eṉ kuṟai iyaṯṟiṉaṉ ēṙai? iṟai iṉi kuṟai eṉ? kuṯṟu uyir ākki eṉai vadaittiḍal edaṟku iṅṅaṉ? iṟaivaṉ ām aruṇācala, eṇam muḍittē, ēkaṉ ā vāṙi nīḍu ūṙi.

English translation: By the rope of your grace, pulling [attracting, dragging or carrying away] me, who did not come close [or adhere] to an intention [or inclination] to think of you, the Lord, you stood [determined] to kill [me] without [leaving even] a little life [or without (leaving any distinction between) God and soul]. What wrong did I, this poor wretch, do [to you]? What little obstacle now [prevents you fulfilling your intention to kill me]? For what [reason or purpose] [are you] tormenting me in this way, making [me] half alive? Arunachala, who are God, fulfilling your intention [to annihilate me completely], may [you] live as the [only] one for all eternity.

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

இறை உனை நினையும் எண்ணமே நண்ணா எனை உனது அருள் கயிற்றால் ஈர்த்து, இறை உயிர் இன்றி கொன்றிட நின்றாய்.
iṟai uṉai niṉaiyum eṇṇamē naṇṇā eṉai uṉadu aruḷ kayiṯṟāl īrttu, iṟai uyir iṉḏṟi koṉḏṟiḍa niṉḏṟāy.

By the rope of your grace, pulling [attracting, dragging or carrying away] me, who did not come close [or adhere] to an intention [or inclination] to think of you, the Lord, you stood [determined] to kill [me] without [leaving even] a little life [or without (leaving any distinction between) God and soul].

என் குறை இயற்றினன் ஏழை?
eṉ kuṟai iyaṯṟiṉaṉ ēṙai?
What wrong did I, this poor wretch, do [to you]?

இறை இனி குறை என்?
iṟai iṉi kuṟai eṉ?
What little obstacle now [prevents you fulfilling your intention to kill me]?

குற்று உயிர் ஆக்கி எனை வதைத்திடல் எதற்கு இங்ஙன்?
kuṯṟu uyir ākki eṉai vadaittiḍal edaṟku iṅṅaṉ?
For what [reason or purpose] [are you] tormenting me in this way, making [me] half alive?

இறைவன் ஆம் அருணாசல, எணம் முடித்தே, ஏகன் ஆ வாழி நீடு ஊழி.
iṟaivaṉ ām aruṇācala, eṇam muḍittē, ēkaṉ ā vāṙi nīḍu ūṙi.
Arunachala, who are God, fulfilling your intention [to annihilate me completely], may [you] live as the [only] one for all eternity.

Other credits:
Extro Song: Lakshmi, Houston
Extro Music: Pond5 / Erick Mcnerney . License to use the music purchased by Sri Ramana Center of Houston.
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 the Chicago Ramana devotees on 29th 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 a Zoom meeting with the Ramana group, Helsinki, on 29th September Michael James answer 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 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 a Zoom meeting between Ludovic and Michael James, on 25th September 2024, Michael answered questions and talked about the basics of 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 on 22th September 2024, to celebrate Bhagavan's advent (arrival) to Tiruvannamalai on 1st September 1896, Michael discusses Bhagavan's how Arunachala eridactes ego when thought of.

The four main verses Michael discussed in the video are the last two of Śrī Aruṇācala Padigam and first two of Śrī Aruṇācala Aṣṭakam, the meanings of which are:

Padigam 10: I have seen a wonder [something extraordinary and miraculous], [this] magnetic hill that forcibly seizes [or attracts] the soul. Subduing the mischievous [outward-going mental] activity of the soul who thinks of it once, pulling [dragging or attracting] [that soul] to be facing towards itself, the one [reality that shines in the heart as sat-cit, pure being-awareness, ‘I am’], [thereby] making it be acala [motionless] like itself, it takes [and consumes] that sweet [spiritually ripened and pure] soul as bali [food offered in sacrifice or alms]. What [a wonder] this is! Souls, be saved [by] thinking of the great Aruna Hill, this killer of the soul, who shines in the heart [as the heart, namely sat-cit, the fundamental awareness of being, ‘I am’].

Padigam 11: Like me who think this hill to be the Supreme, how many are those who have [thereby] been destroyed! O people who are wandering about thinking of a means to give up the body, having given up desire for this defective life due to [its] expanding [or unfolding] misery, there is on earth one rare medicine that when thought of once within the mind will kill [ego] without killing [what we actually are]. Know that it certainly is Aruna Hill.

Aṣṭakam 1: It sits calmly as if a hill bereft of awareness [or knowledge], [but] ah, its action is pre-eminent [extraordinary or wonderful], difficult for anyone to know [understand or recognise]. Though from [my] young age, [when I was] bereft of knowledge [of anything else], Arunachalam shone brightly [and clearly] in [my] awareness [or mind] as what is exceedingly great, even [after] getting to know from someone that it is Tiruvannamalai I did not know [understand or recognise] its poruḷ [substance, essence, reality or what it actually is]. When, enchanting [or possessing] [my] mind, it pulled [me] close, at [that] appointed time [proper or opportune moment] of coming close I saw this to be acalam [motionless, still, steady or a mountain].

Aṣṭakam 2: When investigating within the mind who the seer is, I saw what remained when the seer [thereby] became non-existent. The mind does not rise to say ‘I saw’, [so] in what way could the mind rise to say ‘I did not see’? Who has the power to elucidate this [by] speaking, when in ancient times [as Dakshinamurti] [even] you elucidated [it] without speaking? Only to elucidate your state [of silent and motionless pure self-awareness] without speaking, you stood as a hill [or motionlessly] shining [from] earth [to] sky [though actually beyond the limits of both].

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 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.  

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 the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 1st 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 a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 31st 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 an online meeting on 30th August 2024, to celebrate Bhagavan's advent (arrival) to Tiruvannamalai on 1st September 1896, Michael discusses Bhagavan's advent and the path of self-investigation

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 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 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 with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 4th 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 with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 3rd August 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verse 17.

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.  

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 third talk with the third point: We seem to be not aware of ourself as we actually are only because we now seem to have risen as ego, whose nature is to be always aware of itself as ‘I am this body’ and consequently aware of the appearance of other things. 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

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 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 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 on 24th July 2024, Michael answers Kartik's questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, specifically about the nature of ego and how to eradicate it.

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.  

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 13th 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 the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 7th 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.  

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.  

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 second talk with the second 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). After explaining the second 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. 

There was also a reference made in the video to the following article, in which Michael is included regarding Bhagavan’s teachings (page 123 in the PDF version): “A Landscape of Consciousness: Toward a Taxonomy of Explanations and Implications" by Robert Lawrence Kuhn in 'Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology': https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.12.003

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 June 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 on 12th June 2024, Michael answers Carlos' question: What is real? What is unreal? How to unrealise the unreal?

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 9th June 2024, Michael James concludes the discussion of the meaning and implications of verse 4 of Āṉ𝘮𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘪 and answers questions about Bhagavan's teachings.

The link to this verse is here: 

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 8th June 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 ([email protected]) on 2nd June 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 Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 1st June 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verse 15.

The following is Michael's translation of this verse:

சத்தியினாற் றாமியங்குந் தன்மையுண ராதகில
சித்திகணாஞ் சேர்வமெனச் சேட்டிக்கும் — பித்தர்கூத்
தென்னை யெழுப்பிவிடி னெம்மட்டித் தெவ்வரெனச்
சொன்னமுட வன்கதையின் சோடு.

śattiyiṉāṯ ṟāmiyaṅgun taṉmaiyuṇa rādakhila
siddhigaṇāñ cērvameṉac cēṭṭikkum — pittarkūt
teṉṉai yeṙuppiviḍi ṉemmaṭṭit tevvareṉac
coṉṉamuḍa vaṉkathaiyiṉ jōḍu.

பதச்சேதம்: சத்தியினால் தாம் இயங்கும் தன்மை உணராது, ‘அகில சித்திகள் நாம் சேர்வம்’ என சேட்டிக்கும் பித்தர் கூத்து ‘என்னை எழுப்பிவிடின், எம்மட்டு இத் தெவ்வர்?’ என சொன்ன முடவன் கதையின் சோடு.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): śattiyiṉāl tām iyaṅgum taṉmai uṇarādu, ‘akhila siddhigaḷ nām sērvam’ eṉa cēṭṭikkum pittar kūttu ‘eṉṉai eṙuppiviḍiṉ, emmaṭṭu i-t-tevvar?’ eṉa soṉṉa muḍavaṉ kathaiyiṉ jōḍu.

அன்வயம்: தாம் சத்தியினால் இயங்கும் தன்மை உணராது, ‘அகில சித்திகள் நாம் சேர்வம்’ என சேட்டிக்கும் பித்தர் கூத்து ‘என்னை எழுப்பிவிடின், இத் தெவ்வர் எம்மட்டு?’ என சொன்ன முடவன் கதையின் சோடு.

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): tām śattiyiṉāl iyaṅgum taṉmai uṇarādu, ‘akhila siddhigaḷ nām sērvam’ eṉa cēṭṭikkum pittar kūttu ‘eṉṉai eṙuppiviḍiṉ, i-t-tevvar emmaṭṭu?’ eṉa soṉṉa muḍavaṉ kathaiyiṉ jōḍu.

English translation: Not knowing the fact that they move by śakti, the buffoonery of lunatics who strive thus, ‘We shall acquire all siddhis’, is a match for the story of the lame person who said, ‘If anyone helps me rise, what measure are these enemies?’

Explanatory paraphrase: Not knowing the fact that they move [or the manner in which they function] [only] by śakti [divine power, namely cit-śakti, the power of pure awareness], the buffoonery of lunatics [or idiots] who strive [doing various kinds of tapas with the desire] ‘We shall [hereby] acquire all siddhis [supernatural, magical or miraculous powers]’ is a match for the story of the lame person [who could not even stand or do anything else unaided, but] who [nevertheless] said, ‘If anyone helps me rise, what measure are these enemies [that is, what match will they be for my strength]?’

Padavurai (word-explanation): சத்தியினால் (sattiyiṉāl): by śakti [divine power] {instrumental (third case) form of satti, a Tamil form of the Sanskrit śakti} | தாம் (tām): they | இயங்கும் (iyaṅgum): moving, functioning, that [they] move, in which [they] move {adjectival participle} | தன்மை (taṉmai): nature, manner, fact | உணராது (uṇarādu): not knowing, not being aware of {negative adverbial participle} | அகில (akhila): all | சித்திகள் (siddhigaḷ): siddhis, accomplishments (particularly supernatural, magical or miraculous powers) {plural of siddhi, ‘accomplishment’} | நாம் (nām): we | சேர்வம் (sērvam): will acquire {a future first person plural form of sēr, ‘join’, ‘reach’, ‘gain’ or ‘acquire’} | என (eṉa): thus {literally ‘to say’, an infinitive that is often used in an adverbial sense as an alternative to the adverbial participle eṉḏṟu, ‘saying’, which generally serves the same function as ‘that’, ‘thus’, ‘as’ or inverted commas in English} | சேட்டிக்கும் (cēṭṭikkum): who strive, exert themselves {adjectival participle of cēṭṭi, a Tamil form of the Sanskrit verb cēṣṭ, ‘be active’, make effort’, ‘exert oneself’, ‘strive’ or ‘struggle’} | பித்தர் (pittar): lunatics, madmen, fools, idiots | கூத்து (kūttu): dancing, dramatic performance, pantomime, ludicrous actions, buffoonery | என்னை (eṉṉai): me {accusative (second case) form of the first person singular pronoun} | எழுப்பிவிடின் (eṙuppiviḍiṉ): if raising, if helping to rise, if [anyone] helps to rise {a conditional form of eṙuppu, ‘cause to rise’, ‘help to rise’ or ‘raise’} | எம்மட்டு (emmaṭṭu): what measure, what extent {interrogative pronoun, formed from the interrogative prefix e, ‘what’, and maṭṭu, ‘measure’, ‘amount’, ‘degree’, ‘size’ or ‘extent’} | இ (i): this, these {proximal demonstrative prefix} | தெவ்வர் (tevvar): enemy | என (eṉa): thus {as explained above} | சொன்ன (soṉṉa): who said {past adjectival participle} | முடவன் (muḍavaṉ): lame person, cripple | கதையின் (kathaiyiṉ): of the story {inflectional base and genitive (sixth case) form of kathai, a Tamil form of the Sanskrit kathā, ‘story’} | சோடு (jōḍu): pair, partner, match, equal.

Note: This verse, which is also included in Guru Vācaka Kōvai as verse B2, is an original composition by Bhagavan. He first expressed the teaching in this verse orally, and what he said was recorded by Muruganar in verses 168 and 169 of Guru Vācaka Kōvai, on seeing which Bhagavan condensed the meaning of those two verses as this one verse.

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 May 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.  

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 between Sukhdev Virdee and Michael James, on 16th May 2024, Michael answered questions and talked about the basics of 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 Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 12th May 2024, Michael James continues the discussion of the meaning and implications of verse 4 of Āṉ𝘮𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘪 and answers questions about Bhagavan's teachings.

The link to this verse is: 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 11th May 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.  

This video begins with Sadhu Om singing verse 2 of ஸ்ரீ அருணாசல பதிகம் (Śrī Aruṇācala Padigam), ‘The Eleven Verses to Arunachala’, then Michael James explains and discusses its meaning:

அன்புரு வருணா சலவழன் மெழுகா யகத்துனை நினைத்துநைந் துருகு
மன்பிலி யெனக்குன் னன்பினை யருளா தாண்டெனை யழித்திட லழகோ
வன்பினில் விளையு மின்பமே யன்ப ரகத்தினி லூறுமா ரமுதே
யென்புக லிடநின் னிட்டமென் னிட்ட மின்பதெற் கென்னுயி ரிறையே.

aṉburu varuṇā calavaṙaṉ meṙuhā yahattuṉai niṉaittunain duruhu
maṉbili yeṉakkuṉ ṉaṉbiṉai yaruḷā dāṇḍeṉai yaṙittiḍa laṙahō
vaṉbiṉil viḷaiyu miṉbamē yaṉba rahattiṉi lūṟumā ramudē
yeṉpuha liḍaniṉ ṉiṭṭameṉ ṉiṭṭa miṉbadeṟ keṉṉuyi riṟaiyē.

பதச்சேதம்: அன்பு உரு அருணாசல, அழன் மெழுகாய் அகத்து உனை நினைத்து நைந்து உருகும் அன்பு இலி எனக்கு உன் அன்பினை அருளாது ஆண்டு எனை அழித்திடல் அழகோ? அன்பினில் விளையும் இன்பமே, அன்பர் அகத்தினில் ஊறும் ஆர் அமுதே, என் புகலிட? நின் இட்டம் என் இட்டம்; இன்பு அது எற்கு, என் உயிர் இறையே.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): aṉbu uru aruṇācala, aṙaṉ meṙuhāy ahattu uṉai niṉaittu naindu uruhum aṉbu ili eṉakku uṉ aṉbiṉai aruḷādu āṇḍu eṉai aṙittiḍal aṙahō? aṉbiṉil viḷaiyum iṉbamē, aṉbar ahattiṉil ūṟum ār amudē, eṉ puhaliḍa? niṉ iṭṭam eṉ iṭṭam; iṉbu adu eṟku, eṉ uyir iṟaiyē.

English translation: Arunachala, the form of love, [after] taking possession [of me] does it befit [you] to ruin me [by] not granting your love [love for you] to me, who do not have love in which one melts, softening like wax in fire thinking of you in [one’s] heart? O happiness born [ripened or grown] in love, O satiating [or enduring] ambrosia, which wells up in the heart of devotees, what to say? Your iṣṭam [will, wish, desire or liking] is my iṣṭam; that is happiness for me, Lord of my soul [or life].

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

அன்பு உரு அருணாசல, அழன் மெழுகாய் அகத்து உனை நினைத்து நைந்து உருகும் அன்பு இலி எனக்கு உன் அன்பினை அருளாது ஆண்டு எனை அழித்திடல் அழகோ?
aṉbu uru aruṇācala, aṙaṉ meṙuhāy ahattu uṉai niṉaittu naindu uruhum aṉbu ili eṉakku uṉ aṉbiṉai aruḷādu āṇḍu eṉai aṙittiḍal aṙahō?
Arunachala, the form of love, [after] taking possession [of me] does it befit [you] to ruin me [by] not granting your love [love for you] to me, who do not have love in which one melts, softening like wax in fire thinking of you in [one’s] heart?

அன்பினில் விளையும் இன்பமே, அன்பர் அகத்தினில் ஊறும் ஆர் அமுதே, என் புகலிட?
aṉbiṉil viḷaiyum iṉbamē, aṉbar ahattiṉil ūṟum ār amudē, eṉ puhaliḍa?
O happiness born [ripened or grown] in love, O satiating [or enduring] ambrosia, which wells up in the heart of devotees, what to say?

நின் இட்டம் என் இட்டம்;
niṉ iṭṭam eṉ iṭṭam;
Your iṣṭam [will, wish, desire or liking] is my iṣṭam;

இன்பு அது எற்கு, என் உயிர் இறையே.
iṉbu adu eṟku, eṉ uyir iṟaiyē.
that is happiness for me, Lord of my soul [or life].

Other credits:
Extro Song: Lakshmi, Houston
Extro Music: Pond5
Editing/Video: Kumar Saran, Houston

- Produced by Sri Ramana Center of Houston

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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 with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 5th May 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

The passage from Day by Day (9-1-46 Afternoon) that Michael discussed at the beginning is:

It is false to speak of Realisation. What is there to realise? The real is as it is, ever. How to real-ise it? All that is required is this. We have real-ised the unreal, i.e., regarded as real what is unreal. We have to give up this attitude. That is all that is required for us to attain jnana. We are not creating anything new or achieving something which we did not have before. The illustration given in books is this. We dig a well and create a huge pit. The akasa in the pit or well has not been created by 102 us. We have just removed the earth which was filling the akasa there. The akasa was there then and is also there now. Similarly we have simply to throw out all the age-long samskaras which are inside us, and when all of them have been given up, the Self will shine, alone.

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 May 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verse 14.

The following is Michael's translation of this verse:

வினையும் விபத்தி வியோகமஞ் ஞான
மினையவையார்க் கென்றாய்ந் திடலே — வினைபத்தி
யோகமுணர் வாய்ந்திடநா னின்றியவை யென்றுமிறா
னாகமன லேயுண்மை யாம்.
 
viṉaiyum vibhatti viyōgamañ ñāṉa
miṉaiyavaiyārk keṉḏṟāyn diḍalē — viṉaibhatti
yōgamuṇar vāyndiḍanā ṉiṉḏṟiyavai yeṉḏṟumiṟā
ṉāhamaṉa lēyuṇmai yām.
 
பதச்சேதம்: வினையும், விபத்தி, வியோகம், அஞ்ஞானம் இணையவை யார்க்கு என்று ஆய்ந்திடலே வினை, பத்தி, யோகம், உணர்வு. ஆய்ந்திட, ‘நான்’ இன்றி அவை என்றும் இல். தானாக மனலே உண்மை ஆம்.
 
Padacchēdam (word-separation): viṉai-y-um, vibhatti, viyōgam, aññāṉam iṉaiyavai yārkku eṉḏṟu āyndiḍal-ē viṉai, bhatti, yōgam, uṇarvu. āyndiḍa, ‘nāṉ’ iṉḏṟi avai eṉḏṟum il. tāṉ-āha maṉal-ē uṇmai ām.
 
English translation: Investigating for whom are suchlike, karma, vibhakti, viyōga and ajñāna, is itself karma, bhakti, yōga and jñāna. When one investigates, without ‘I’ they never exist. Only being permanently as oneself is what is true.
 
Explanatory paraphrase: Investigating for whom [or to whom] are those [defects] such as karma [action], vibhakti [lack of devotion], viyōga [separation] and ajñāna [ignorance], is itself [or alone] [what will fulfil the purpose and aims of each of the paths of] karma [desireless action or niṣkāmya karma], bhakti [devotion or love], yōga [joining, yoking or harnessing, particularly in the sense of yoking the mind to the object or target of its meditation or to any spiritual practice, and in this context referring to practices whose aim is to bring about ‘cessation of mental activity’ (citta-vṛtti nirōdhaḥ)] and jñāna [knowledge or awareness in the sense of true self-knowledge, which is awareness of oneself as one actually is]. When one investigates [oneself keenly enough], [the ‘I’ for whom karma, vibhakti, viyōga and ajñāna seem to exist, namely ego, will cease to exist, and] without [that] ‘I’ they [namely karma, vibhakti, viyōga and ajñāna] never exist. Only being permanently as oneself [one’s own real nature, namely pure awareness] is what is true [or real].

----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 27th 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.  

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 the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 13th 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 ([email protected]) 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 Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 6th April 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verse 13.

The following is Michael's translation of this verse:

தானந் தவம்வேள்வி தன்மம்யோ கம்பத்தி
வானம் பொருள்சாந்தி வாய் மையருள் — மோனநிலை
சாகாமற் சாவறிவு சார்துறவு வீடின்பந்
தேகான்ம பாவமற றேர்.
 
dāṉan tavamvēḷvi dhaṉmamyō gambhatti
vāṉam poruḷśānti vāymaiyaruḷ — mōṉanilai
sāhāmaṟ sāvaṟivu sārtuṟavu vīḍiṉban
dēhāṉma bhāvamaṟa ṟēr.
 
பதச்சேதம்: தானம், தவம், வேள்வி, தன்மம், யோகம், பத்தி, வானம், பொருள், சாந்தி, வாய்மை, அருள், மோனம், நிலை, சாகாமல் சாவு, அறிவு, சார் துறவு, வீடு, இன்பம் தேகான்ம பாவம் அறல். தேர்.
 
Padacchēdam (word-separation): dāṉam, tavam, vēḷvi, dhaṉmam, yōgam, bhatti, vāṉam, poruḷ, śānti, vāymai, aruḷ, mōṉam, nilai, sāhāmal sāvu, aṟivu, sār tuṟavu, vīḍu, iṉbam dēhāṉma-bhāvam aṟal. tēr.
 
அன்வயம்: தேகான்ம பாவம் அறல் தானம், தவம், வேள்வி, தன்மம், யோகம், பத்தி, வானம், பொருள், சாந்தி, வாய்மை, அருள், மோனம், நிலை, சாகாமல் சாவு, அறிவு, சார் துறவு, வீடு, இன்பம். தேர்.
 
Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): dēhāṉma-bhāvam aṟal dāṉam, tavam, vēḷvi, dhaṉmam, yōgam, bhatti, vāṉam, poruḷ, śānti, vāymai, aruḷ, mōṉam, nilai, sāhāmal sāvu, aṟivu, sār tuṟavu, vīḍu, iṉbam. tēr.
 
English translation: The condition ‘the body is myself’ being severed is giving, austerity, sacrifice, righteousness, yōga, devotion, space, substance, peace, truth, grace, silence, firmness, death without dying, knowledge, accomplished renunciation, liberation and happiness. Know.

Explanatory paraphrase: Know [understand or consider] that dēhātma-bhāva [the body-self-condition or body-self-conviction, namely ego, the false awareness ‘this body is myself’] being severed [ceasing or perishing] is dāna [giving or charity], tavam [tapas, burning, heat, fire, austerity or asceticism], vēḷvi [yāga, yajña, offering, sacrifice, sacrificial fire or worship], dharma [righteousness], yōga [joining, yoking or union, particularly in the sense of yoking the mind to the object or target of its meditation or to any spiritual practice], bhakti [devotion or love], vāṉam [space or sky, implying either the space of pure awareness or heaven], poruḷ [substance or vastu, in the sense of either the one real substance, namely pure being, or wealth], śānti [pacification, peace, tranquillity, calmness or quiet], vāymai [truth or truthfulness], aruḷ [divine grace, kindness, tenderness, affection, love, solicitude, compassion, benevolence, pity, mercy or blessing], mauna [silence, namely the silence of pure being], nilai [standing, fixedness, firmness, stability, permanence or niṣṭhā], sāhāmal sāvu [death without dying], aṟivu [knowledge, awareness, understanding, wisdom or jñāna], sār tuṟavu [accomplished renunciation], vīḍu [mukti, liberation, release, leaving, letting go] and iṉbam [happiness or bliss].

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 March 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 Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 9th March 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 ([email protected]) on 3rd March 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 Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 2nd March 2024, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verse 12.

The following is Michael's translation of this verse:

இழிவுடல்யா னென்ன லிகந்திடுக வென்று
மொழிவிலின் பாந்தன்னை யோர்க — வழியு
முடலோம்ப லோடுதனை யோரவுனல் யாறு
கடக்கக் கராப்புணைகொண் டற்று.
 
iṙivuḍalyā ṉeṉṉa lihandiḍuga veṉḏṟu
moṙiviliṉ bāndaṉṉai yōrga — vaṙiyu
muḍalōmba lōḍudaṉai yōravuṉal yāṟu
kaḍakkak karāppuṇaigoṇ ḍaṯṟu.
 
பதச்சேதம்: இழிவு உடல் ‘யான்’ என்னல் இகந்திடுக. என்றும் ஒழிவு இல் இன்பு ஆம் தன்னை ஓர்க. அழியும் உடல் ஓம்பல் ஓடு தனை ஓர உனல் யாறு கடக்க கரா புணை கொண்டு அற்று.
 
Padacchēdam (word-separation): iṙivu uḍal ‘yāṉ’ eṉṉal ihandiḍuga. eṉḏṟum oṙivu il iṉbu ām taṉṉai ōrga. aṙiyum uḍal ōmbal ōḍu taṉai ōra uṉal yāṟu kaḍakka karā puṇai koṇḍu aṯṟu.
 
English translation: Cease considering the wretched body ‘I’. Investigate yourself, who are ever-unceasing happiness. Together with cherishing the perishable body, thinking to investigate oneself is like grasping a crocodile, a raft to cross a river.
 
Explanatory paraphrase: Cease considering the wretched [base or despicable] body [to be] ‘I’. Investigate [or know] yourself, who are ever-unceasing [or imperishable] happiness [or bliss]. Together with [along with or while] cherishing the perishable body, thinking [or intending] to investigate [or know] oneself is like grasping a crocodile [as] a raft to cross a river.

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 24th February 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 Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 11th February 2024, Michael James continues the discussion of the meaning and implications of verse 4 of Āṉ𝘮𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘪.

The link to this verse is: 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 10th February 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, several of which deal with free will and destiny. 

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 ([email protected]) 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 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 27th January 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, and the first question he answered was:

"When describing Bhagavan's teachings, Michael quotes "ekamevadvitiyam" from Chandogya upanishad. But, similar to the lucid description of the rest of the teachings, is there a methodical logical statement for advaitam? In other words, why should we believe the reality is one without the second?"

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 global celebration of Bhagavan Ramana’s 144th Jayanti (birthday) on 21st January 2024 Michael James discusses the significance and meaning of the 5 verses and the concluding verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Pañcaratnam. 

Verse 1
 
करुणापूर्ण सुधाब्धे
कबलितघन विश्वरूप किरणावल्या ।
अरुणचल परमात्मन्
अरुणो भव चित्तकञ्ज सुविकासाय ॥
 
karuṇāpūrṇa sudhābdhē
kabalitaghana viśvarūpa kiraṇāvalyā
aruṇacala paramātman
aruṇō bhava cittakañja suvikāsāya.
 
पदच्छेद: करुणा आपूर्ण सुधा अब्धे, कबलित घन विश्व रूप किरण आवल्या अरुणचल परमात्मन्, अरुणो भव चित्त कञ्ज सु विकासाय.
 
Padacchēda (word-separation): karuṇā āpūrṇa sudhā abdhē, kabalita ghana viśva rūpa kiraṇa āvalyā aruṇacala paramātman, aruṇō bhava citta kañja su vikāsāya.
 
English translation: Ocean of ambrosia, the fullness of grace, paramātman, Arunachala, by [whose] series of rays the solid form of the universe is swallowed, be the sun for the complete blossoming of [my] heart-lotus.
 
அருணிறை வான வமுதக் கடலே
விரிகதிரால் யாவும் விழுங்கு — மருண
கிரிபரமான் மாவே கிளருளப்பூ நன்றாய்
விரிபரிதி யாக விளங்கு.
 
aruṇiṟai vāṉa vamudak kaḍalē
virikadirāl yāvum viṙuṅgu — maruṇa
giriparamāṉ māvē kiḷaruḷappū naṉḏṟāy
viriparidhi yāha viḷaṅgu.
 
பதச்சேதம்: அருள் நிறைவு ஆன அமுத கடலே, விரி கதிரால் யாவும் விழுங்கும் அருணகிரி பரமான்மாவே, கிளர் உள பூ நன்றாய் விரி பரிதி ஆக விளங்கு.
 
Padacchēdam (word-separation): aruḷ niṟaivu āṉa amuda-k-kaḍalē, viri kadirāl yāvum viṙuṅgum aruṇagiri paramāṉmāvē, kiḷar uḷa-p-pū naṉḏṟāy viri paridhi āha viḷaṅgu.
 
English translation: Ocean of amṛta [the ambrosia of immortality], which is the fullness of grace, paramātmā [my ultimate self], Arunagiri, who swallow everything by [your] spreading rays [of pure self-awareness], shine as the sun that makes [my] budding heart-lotus blossom fully.
 

Verse 2
 
त्वय्यरुणाचल सर्वं
भूत्वा स्थित्वा प्रलीनमेतच्चित्रम् ।
हृद्यहम् इत्यात्मतया
नृत्यसि भोस्ते वदन्ति हृदयं नाम ॥
 
tvayyaruṇācala sarvaṁ
bhūtvā sthitvā pralīnamētaccitram
hṛdyaham ityātmatayā
nṛtyasi bhōstē vadanti hṛdayaṁ nāma.
 
पदच्छेद: त्वयि अरुणाचल सर्वम् भूत्वा स्थित्वा प्रलीनम् एतद् चित्रम्. हृदि अहम् इति आत्मतया नृत्यसि. भोस् ते वदन्ति हृदयम् नाम.
 
Padacchēdam (word-separation): tvayi aruṇācala sarvam bhūtvā sthitvā pralīnam ētad citram. hṛdi aham iti ātmatayā nṛtyasi. bhōs tē vadanti hṛdayam nāma.
 
English translation: In you, Arunachala, all this, [which is a mental] picture, comes into existence, is sustained and is destroyed. As oneself you dance in the heart as ‘I’. For you they say heart is the name.
  
சித்திரமா மிஃதெல்லாஞ் செம்மலையே நின்பாலே
யுத்திதமாய் நின்றே யொடுங்கிடுமா — னித்தியமு
நானென் றிதய நடித்திடுவை யாலுன்பேர்
தானிதய மென்றிடுவர் தாம்.
 
cittiramā miḵdellāñ cemmalaiyē niṉbālē
yuttidamāy niṉḏṟē yoḍuṅgiḍumā — ṉittiyamu
nāṉeṉ ḏṟidaya naḍittiḍuvai yāluṉpēr
tāṉidaya meṉḏṟiḍuvar tām.
 
பதச்சேதம்: சித்திரம் ஆம் இஃது எல்லாம், செம் மலையே, நின்பாலே உத்திதமாய் நின்றே ஒடுங்கிடும் ஆல். நித்தியமும் நான் என்று இதயம் நடித்திடுவையால், உன் பேர் தான் இதயம் என்றிடுவர் தாம்.
 
Padacchēdam (word-separation): cittiram ām iḵdu ellām, sem malaiyē, niṉbālē uttidamāy niṉḏṟē oḍuṅgiḍum āl. nittiyamum nāṉ eṉḏṟu idayam naḍittiḍuvaiyāl, uṉ pēr tāṉ idayam eṉḏṟiḍuvar tām.
 
அன்வயம்: செம் மலையே, சித்திரம் ஆம் இஃது எல்லாம் நின்பாலே உத்திதமாய் நின்றே ஒடுங்கிடும் ஆல். நித்தியமும் நான் என்று இதயம் நடித்திடுவையால், தாம் உன் பேர் தான் இதயம் என்றிடுவர்.
 
Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): sem malaiyē, cittiram ām iḵdu ellām niṉbālē uttidamāy niṉḏṟē oḍuṅgiḍum āl. nittiyamum nāṉ eṉḏṟu idayam naḍittiḍuvaiyāl, tām uṉ pēr tāṉ idayam eṉḏṟiḍuvar.
 
English translation: Red Hill [Arunachala], all this [the entire world-appearance], which is a [mental] picture, arises, stands and subsides only in you. Since you dance eternally in the heart as ‘I’, they say your name itself is heart.

 
Verse 3
 
अहमिति कुत आयाती
त्यन्विष्यान्तः प्रविष्टयाऽत्यमलधिया ।
अवगम्य स्वं रूपं
शाम्यत्यरुणाचल त्वयि नदीवाब्धौ ॥
 
ahamiti kuta āyātī
tyanviṣyāntaḥ praviṣṭayā’tyamaladhiyā
avagamya svaṁ rūpaṁ
śāmyatyaruṇācala tvayi nadīvābdhau.
 
पदच्छेद: अहम् इति कुतस् आयाति इति अन्विष्य, अन्तः प्रविष्टया, अति अमल धिया अवगम्य स्वम् रूपम्, शाम्यति अरुणाचल त्वयि नदि इव अब्धौ.
 
Padacchēda (word-separation): aham iti kutas āyāti iti anviṣya, antaḥ praviṣṭayā, ati amala dhiyā avagamya svam rūpam, śāmyati aruṇācala tvayi nadi iva abdhau.
 
English translation: By an extremely immaculate mind, investigating from where one has come as ‘I’, entering within and [thereby] coming to know one’s own form [or real nature], one will cease [subside or become quiescent] in you, Arunachala, like a river in the ocean.
 
அகமுகமா ரந்த வமலமதி தன்னா
லகமிதுதா னெங்கெழுமென் றாய்ந்தே — யகவுருவை
நன்கறிந்து முந்நீர் நதிபோலு மோயுமே
யுன்கணரு ணாசலனே யோர்.
 
ahamukhamā randa vamalamati taṉṉā
lakamidudā ṉeṅkeṙumeṉ ḏṟāyndē — yahavuruvai
naṉgaṟindu munnīr nadipōlu mōyumē
yuṉgaṇaru ṇācalaṉē yōr.
 
பதச்சேதம்: அகமுகம் ஆர் அந்த அமல மதி தன்னால் அகம் இது தான் எங்கு எழும் என்று ஆய்ந்தே, அக உருவை நன்கு அறிந்து, முந்நீர் நதி போலும் ஓயுமே உன்கண் அருணாசலனே. ஓர்.
 
Padacchēdam (word-separation): ahamukham ār anda amala mati-taṉṉāl aham idu-tāṉ eṅgu eṙum eṉḏṟu āyndē, aha-v-uruvai naṉgu aṟindu, munnīr nadi pōlum ōyumē uṉkaṇ aruṇācalaṉē. ōr.
 
அன்வயம்: அருணாசலனே, அகமுகம் ஆர் அந்த அமல மதி தன்னால் அகம் இது தான் எங்கு எழும் என்று ஆய்ந்தே, அக உருவை நன்கு அறிந்து, முந்நீர் நதி போலும் உன்கண் ஓயுமே. ஓர்.
 
Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): aruṇācalaṉē, ahamukham ār anda amala mati-taṉṉāl aham idu-tāṉ eṅgu eṙum eṉḏṟu āyndē, aha-v-uruvai naṉgu aṟindu, munnīr nadi pōlum uṉkaṇ ōyumē. ōr.
 
English translation: By that immaculate mind which is completely ahamukham [inward facing, selfward-facing or self-attentive] investigating where this ‘I’ itself rises and [thereby] clearly knowing the form [or real nature] of ‘I’, one will certainly cease in you, Arunachala, like a river in the ocean. Investigate [or know].
ஓயுமே: one will certainly cease, come to an end, expire, perish

Verse 4
 
त्यक्त्वा विषयं बाह्यं
रुद्ध प्राणेन रुद्ध मनसाऽन्तस्त्वाम् ।
ध्यायन् पश्यति योगी
दीधितिमरुणाचल त्वयि महीयंते ॥
 
tyaktvā viṣayaṁ bāhyaṁ
ruddha prāṇēna ruddha manasā’ntastvām
dhyāyan paśyati yōgī
dīdhitim aruṇācala tvayi mahīyaṁtē.
 
पदच्छेद: त्यक्त्वा विषयम् बाह्यम्, रुद्ध प्राणेन रुद्ध मनसा अन्तः त्वाम् ध्यायन् पश्यति योगी दीधितिम्. अरुणाचल त्वयि महीयम् ते.
 
Padacchēda (word-separation): tyaktvā viṣayam bāhyam, ruddha prāṇēna ruddha manasā antaḥ tvām dhyāyan paśyati yōgī dīdhitim. aruṇācala tvayi mahīyam tē.
 
English translation: Arunachala, giving up external phenomena and contemplating you within by a mind restrained by the restrained breath, the yōgi sees the light, [and thereby] they are exalted [or joyful] in you.
 
வெளிவிடயம் விட்டு விளங்குமரு ணேசா
வளியடக்க நிற்கு மனத்தா — லுளமதனி
லுன்னைத் தியானித்து யோகி யொளிகாணு
முன்னி லுயர்வுறுமீ துன்.
 
veḷiviḍayam viṭṭu viḷaṅgumaru ṇēśā
vaḷiyaḍakka niṟku maṉattā — luḷamadaṉi
luṉṉait dhiyāṉittu yōgi yoḷikāṇu
muṉṉi luyarvuṟumī duṉ.
 
பதச்சேதம்: வெளி விடயம் விட்டு, விளங்கும் அருணேசா, வளி அடக்க நிற்கும் மனத்தால் உளம் அதனில் உன்னை தியானித்து, யோகி ஒளி காணும். உன்னில் உயர்வு உறும். ஈது உன்.
 
Padacchēdam (word-separation): veḷi viḍayam viṭṭu, viḷaṅgum aruṇēśā, vaḷi aḍakka niṟkum maṉattāl uḷam adaṉil uṉṉai dhiyāṉittu, yōgi oḷi kāṇum. uṉṉil uyarvu uṟum. īdu uṉ.
 
அன்வயம்: விளங்கும் அருணேசா, வெளி விடயம் விட்டு, வளி அடக்க நிற்கும் மனத்தால் உளம் அதனில் உன்னை தியானித்து, யோகி ஒளி காணும். உன்னில் உயர்வு உறும். ஈது உன்.
 
Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): viḷaṅgum aruṇēśā, veḷi viḍayam viṭṭu, vaḷi aḍakka niṟkum maṉattāl uḷam adaṉil uṉṉai dhiyāṉittu, yōgi oḷi kāṇum. uṉṉil uyarvu uṟum. īdu uṉ.
 
English translation: Arunesa, who shine [by the light of your own self-awareness], giving up external phenomena and contemplating you in the heart by a mind that stands [motionless] when restraining the breath, the yōgi sees the light, [and thereby] attains exaltation in you. Consider this. 
 
Verse 5
 
त्वय्यर्पित मनसा त्वां
पश्यन् सर्वं तवाकृतितया सततम् ।
भजतेऽनन्य प्रीत्या
सजयत्यरुणाचल त्वयि सुखे मग्नः ॥
 
tvayyarpita manasā tvāṁ
paśyan sarvaṁ tavākṛtitayā satatam
bhajatē’nanya prītyā
sajayatyaruṇācala tvayi sukhē magnaḥ.
 
पदच्छेद: त्वयि अर्पित मनसा त्वाम् पश्यन्, सर्वम् तव आकृतितया सततम् भजते अनन्य प्रीत्या सः जयति अरुणाचल त्वयि सुखे मग्नः.
 
Padacchēda (word-separation): tvayi arpita manasā tvām paśyan, sarvam tava ākṛtitayā satatam bhajatē ananya prītyā saḥ jayati aruṇācala tvayi sukhē magnaḥ.
 
English translation: Arunachala, seeing you by a mind that is surrendered in you, one who always without otherness lovingly [or with otherless love] adores [or worships] everything as your form triumphs, immersed in happiness in you.
 
உன்னிடத்தி லொப்புவித்த வுள்ளத்தா லெப்பொழுது
முன்னைக்கண் டெல்லாமு முன்னுருவா — யன்னியமி
லன்புசெயு மன்னோ னருணாச லாவெல்கு
மின்புருவா முன்னிலாழ்ந் தே.
 
uṉṉiḍatti loppuvitta vuḷḷattā leppoṙudu
muṉṉaikkaṇ ḍellāmu muṉṉuruvā — yaṉṉiyami
laṉbuseyu maṉṉō ṉaruṇāca lāvelhu
miṉburuvā muṉṉilāṙn dē.
 
பதச்சேதம்: உன்னிடத்தில் ஒப்புவித்த உள்ளத்தால் எப்பொழுதும் உன்னை கண்டு, எல்லாமும் உன் உருவாய் அன்னியமில் அன்பு செயும் அன்னோன் அருணாசலா வெல்கும் இன்பு உரு ஆம் உன்னில் ஆழ்ந்தே.
 
Padacchēdam (word-separation): uṉṉiḍattil oppuvitta uḷḷattāl eppoṙudum uṉṉai kaṇḍu, ellāmum uṉ uruvāy aṉṉiyamil aṉbu seyum aṉṉōṉ aruṇācalā velhum iṉbu uru ām uṉṉil āṙndē.
 
அன்வயம்: அருணாசலா, உன்னிடத்தில் ஒப்புவித்த உள்ளத்தால் எப்பொழுதும் உன்னை கண்டு, எல்லாமும் உன் உருவாய் அன்னியமில் அன்பு செயும் அன்னோன் இன்பு உரு ஆம் உன்னில் ஆழ்ந்தே வெல்கும்.
 
Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): aruṇācalā, uṉṉiḍattil oppuvitta uḷḷattāl eppoṙudum uṉṉai kaṇḍu, ellāmum uṉ uruvāy aṉṉiyamil aṉbu seyum aṉṉōṉ iṉbu uru ām uṉṉil āṙndē velhum.
 
English translation: Arunachala, seeing you always by a mind that is surrendered in you, one who without otherness loves everything as your form [or nature] triumphs, drowning in you, who are the form of bliss.
  
Concluding Verse
(composed by Daivarata, adapted in Tamil by Bhagavan or Easwara Swami)
 
श्रीमद् रमण महर्शेर्
दर्शनमरुनाछलस्य देवगिरा ।
पञ्चकमार्यागीतौ
रत्नं त्विदमौपनिषदं हि ॥
 
śrīmad ramaṇa maharshēr
darśanamarunāchalasya dēvagirā
pañcakamāryāgītau
ratnaṁ tvidamaupaniṣadaṁ hi.
 
पदच्छेद: श्रीमद् रमण महर्शेर् दर्शनम् अरुनाछलस्य देवगिरा पञ्चकम् आर्या गीतौ रत्नम् तु इदम् औपनिषदम् हि.
 
Padacchēda (word-separation): śrīmad ramaṇa maharshēr darśanam arunāchalasya dēvagirā pañcakam āryā gītau ratnam tu idam aupaniṣadam hi.
 
English translation: These, the five verses [in praise] of Arunachala, [which are] a revelation of Srimad Ramana Maharshi by [means of] Sanskrit in āryā gītā, are indeed upaniṣadic gems.
 
அருண கிரிரமண னாரியத்திற் கண்ட
வருமறையந் தக்கருத்தே யாகு — மருணா
சலபஞ் சகமணியைத் தண்டமிழ்வெண் பாவா
லுலகுக் களித்தா னுவந்து.
 
aruṇa giriramaṇa ṉāriyattiṟ kaṇḍa
varumaṟaiyan takkaruttēy āhu — maruṇā
calapañ cakamaṇiyait taṇṭamiḻveṇ bāvā
lulakuk kaḷittā ṉuvandu.
 
பதச்சேதம்: அருணகிரி ரமணன் ஆரியத்தில் கண்ட அரு மறை அந்த கருத்தே ஆகும் அருணாசல பஞ்சக மணியை தண் தமிழ் வெண்பாவால் உலகுக்கு அளித்தான் உவந்து.
 
Padacchēdam (word-separation): aruṇagiri ramaṇaṉ āriyattil kaṇḍa aru maṟai anta karuttē āhum aruṇācala pañcaka maṇiyai taṇ tamiḻ veṇbāvāl ulakukku aḷittāṉ uvandu.
 
English translation: Arunagiri-Ramana happily gave to the world by pleasant Tamil veṇbās the five verse-gems to Arunachala, which are the precious import of vēdānta, which he revealed in Sanskrit.

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.  

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 13th January 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 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 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.  

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 3rd December 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 Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 3rd December 2023, Michael James continues the discussion of the meaning and implications of verse  3 of Āṉ𝘮𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘪.

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)

taṉṉai yaṟidaliṉḏṟip piṉṉai yedaṟihileṉ
ḏṟaṉṉai yaṟindiḍiṟpiṉ ṉeṉṉai yuḷadaṟiya
bhiṉṉa vuyirgaḷila bhiṉṉa viḷakkeṉumat
taṉṉait taṉiluṇara miṉṉun taṉuḷāṉma —
   prakāśamē; aruḷ vilāsamē; aha vināśamē;
      iṉba vikāsamē.      (aiyē)

பதச்சேதம்: தன்னை அறிதல் இன்றி, பின்னை எது அறிகில் என்? தன்னை அறிந்திடில், பின் என்னை உளது அறிய? பின்ன உயிர்களில் அபின்ன விளக்கு எனும் அத் தன்னை தனில் உணர, மின்னும் தன் உள் ஆன்ம ப்ரகாசமே. அருள் விலாசமே, அக விநாசமே, இன்ப விகாசமே. (ஐயே, அதி சலபம், ...)

Padacchēdam (word-separation): taṉṉai aṟidal iṉḏṟi, piṉṉai edu aṟihil eṉ? taṉṉai aṟindiḍil, piṉ eṉṉai uḷadu aṟiya? bhiṉṉa uyirgaḷil abhiṉṉa viḷakku eṉum a-t-taṉṉai taṉil uṇara, miṉṉum taṉ uḷ āṉma-prakāśamē. aruḷ vilāsamē, aha vināśamē, iṉba vikāsamē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

அன்வயம்: தன்னை அறிதல் இன்றி, பின்னை எது அறிகில் என்? தன்னை அறிந்திடில், பின் அறிய என்னை உளது? பின்ன உயிர்களில் அபின்ன விளக்கு எனும் அத் தன்னை தனில் உணர, தன் உள் ஆன்ம ப்ரகாசமே மின்னும். அருள் விலாசமே, அக விநாசமே, இன்ப விகாசமே. (ஐயே, அதி சலபம், ...)

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): taṉṉai aṟidal iṉḏṟi, piṉṉai edu aṟihil eṉ? taṉṉai aṟindiḍil, piṉ aṟiya eṉṉai uḷadu? bhiṉṉa uyirgaḷil abhiṉṉa viḷakku eṉum a-t-taṉṉai taṉil uṇara, taṉ uḷ āṉma-prakāśamē miṉṉum. aruḷ vilāsamē, aha vināśamē, iṉba vikāsamē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

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!)

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 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.  

In a Zoom meeting with Sean on 1st December 2023, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

References made in this video:

2023-10-26 Bernardo Kastrup & Michael James: Analytic Idealism and Ramana Maharshi's Advaita: https://youtu.be/-i1SskhaLik

An Interview with Michael James: The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi Clarify the Philosophy and Practice of Advaita Vēdānta: https://www.spirituality-studies.org/volume9-issue2-fall2023/

Souljourns - Swami Sarvapriyananda, waking up in this lifetime - you can do it. Self Enlightenment: https://youtu.be/Q2JWrGrVeuY?si=spL-0v4DDPnIb5ZZ&t=3539

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 November 2023, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings. The question he answered at the beginning was:

Is paying attention to our sense of being the same as turning selfward for the purposes of self-investigation?

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 11th November 2023, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

The first question Michael answered was: "The description of Ramana's death event at age 16 yrs. is said here to have taken about 20 minutes, in which his body actually died. I have not heard this interpretation before, but as Michael James is an authority and went from the Tamil, I would have to presume he is correct. I would like to inquire as to how he arrived at this interpretation, however, if possible. My reading of the English version was that he only pretended to be dying, not in any way that he actually physically died. Also, some seem to think this was over in a matter of a few seconds, not twenty minutes. I would like to know if it was a flash understanding, in seconds, or if it required 20 or so minutes of self-investigation, and how this was arrived at, if possible."

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 ([email protected]) on 5th November 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 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 with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 28th October 2023, Michael talks about solipsism as taught by Bhagavan, and answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings. 

The analytical argument he gave at the beginning is:

1. We are the experiencer of all that we experience.
2. As the experiencer, we always experience ourself as a person.
3. As the experiencer, we perceive a world that is full of other people, who are just like the person we seem to be.
4. Since we, the experiencer, always experience ourself as a person, ever other person seems to us to be an experiencer, just like us.
5. All the other people and their experiences are no less real than the person we seem to be.
6. So long as we seem to be a person, we experience suffering, and every other person seems to us to experience suffering in the same way.
7. So long as we are firmly convinced that this person whom we seem to be is what we actually are, then our suffering and the suffering of all other people will inevitably seemto us to be real.
8. But are we this person? In other words, is this person what we actually are?
9. If this person is not what we actually are, our experience of ourself as ‘I am this person’ is an illusion, and hence unreal.
10. Everything that we (as the experiencer) experience is based upon our experience of ourself as a person, because we experience things other than ourself only when we experience ourself as a person (namely in waking and in dream).
11. Therefore if our experience of ourself as ‘I am this person’ is an illusion, our experience of everything else must be equally illusory.
12. If our experience of everything else is illusory, the person we seem to be and all the other people are a part of that illusion, and hence unreal.
13. If the person we seem to be and all the other people are unreal, their suffering and everything else that they seem to experience must also be unreal.
14. Therefore, since the appearance of multiple experiencers exists in the view of ourself as an experiencer who experiences itself as a person, if we are not this person, then the entire appearance of multiple experiencers is an illusion, and hence unreal.
15. Since there can be no appearance without an experiencer of it, the root cause of the entire appearance of multiple experiencers is the experiencer of it, namely ourself.
16. Therefore, before we can reliably judge the reality of the appearance of multiple experiencers, we first need to investigate and find out the reality of ourself, in whose view all those multiple experiencers seem to exist.

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 between Bernardo Kastrup and Michael James, on 26th October 2023, they discussed Analytic Idealism and Ramana Maharshi's Advaita.

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 15th October 2023, Michael James continues the discussion of the meaning and implications of verse  3 of Āṉ𝘮𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘪.

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)

taṉṉai yaṟidaliṉḏṟip piṉṉai yedaṟihileṉ
ḏṟaṉṉai yaṟindiḍiṟpiṉ ṉeṉṉai yuḷadaṟiya
bhiṉṉa vuyirgaḷila bhiṉṉa viḷakkeṉumat
taṉṉait taṉiluṇara miṉṉun taṉuḷāṉma —
   prakāśamē; aruḷ vilāsamē; aha vināśamē;
      iṉba vikāsamē.      (aiyē)

பதச்சேதம்: தன்னை அறிதல் இன்றி, பின்னை எது அறிகில் என்? தன்னை அறிந்திடில், பின் என்னை உளது அறிய? பின்ன உயிர்களில் அபின்ன விளக்கு எனும் அத் தன்னை தனில் உணர, மின்னும் தன் உள் ஆன்ம ப்ரகாசமே. அருள் விலாசமே, அக விநாசமே, இன்ப விகாசமே. (ஐயே, அதி சலபம், ...)

Padacchēdam (word-separation): taṉṉai aṟidal iṉḏṟi, piṉṉai edu aṟihil eṉ? taṉṉai aṟindiḍil, piṉ eṉṉai uḷadu aṟiya? bhiṉṉa uyirgaḷil abhiṉṉa viḷakku eṉum a-t-taṉṉai taṉil uṇara, miṉṉum taṉ uḷ āṉma-prakāśamē. aruḷ vilāsamē, aha vināśamē, iṉba vikāsamē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

அன்வயம்: தன்னை அறிதல் இன்றி, பின்னை எது அறிகில் என்? தன்னை அறிந்திடில், பின் அறிய என்னை உளது? பின்ன உயிர்களில் அபின்ன விளக்கு எனும் அத் தன்னை தனில் உணர, தன் உள் ஆன்ம ப்ரகாசமே மின்னும். அருள் விலாசமே, அக விநாசமே, இன்ப விகாசமே. (ஐயே, அதி சலபம், ...)

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): taṉṉai aṟidal iṉḏṟi, piṉṉai edu aṟihil eṉ? taṉṉai aṟindiḍil, piṉ aṟiya eṉṉai uḷadu? bhiṉṉa uyirgaḷil abhiṉṉa viḷakku eṉum a-t-taṉṉai taṉil uṇara, taṉ uḷ āṉma-prakāśamē miṉṉum. aruḷ vilāsamē, aha vināśamē, iṉba vikāsamē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

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!)

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 14th October 2023, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings. He started with:

Question #1: In deep sleep only awareness remains. You said awareness knows awareness only. My question is why I don't know myself in deep sleep? Kindly Reply.

Question #2: What is pure awareness? If it is aware of anything, it is impure. So, if awareness is aware even of itself, being aware, that is already impure, since awareness has an object (itself). So, pure awareness is awareness of... what?

And, anyway, as soon as you notice it, it would not be pure awareness any longer, since now there is a duality: awareness (apparently of nothing) and the awareness of awareness. My point then is, what good is pure awareness, since it is aware of nothing, and cannot even know itself without disturbing its pure awareness?

If you are it, you cannot know it, and if you know it, you no longer are it. I do not see a way out of this. Has anyone ever recognized pure awareness? If so, they are separate from it. But, it also cannot be aware of itself, or for that matter anything at all. And this is supposed to be the highest knowledge no less? Knowledge of what, exactly?

Question #3: Philosophy, Sartre in particular, would deny that there is anything such as intransitive awareness. Awareness must be of something, or what is it awareness of? As soon as you are aware of even just being aware, now awareness is the object, and you are observing awareness. I do not think we are aware of our sleep. I think we infer it. We can recall our dreams, and we might say we did not dream all night, so there must have been a period of sleep, but that does not mean we were aware of our awareness. Also, the fact that we are not aware of the world while asleep is particularly unconvincing when it is argued that therefore the objective world arises when our ego arises. That is far too solipsistic for my tastes. We blink and the sun disappears, for us. No one believes the sun disappears; similarly, we sleep and the world does not disappear. Where is the evidence one can see pure awareness, or failing that, that awareness of nothing exists. And so what if we can have pure awareness of nothing at all; what does that prove, exactly?

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 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. 

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 1st October 2023, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

Devotee #1: When doing self-enquiry, when asking in whom is this thought occurring, the answer is, in me. And when asking, who am I, you understand this is not a question to be answered but to be explored or investigated. But if I were to answer, would it be correct to say that I am the observer of the illusory mind/body Susan? To explain, I, Susan am walking down the street, I follow Ramana’s teachings and so I say to myself, I, the I, as in I am is observing Susan walking down the street, and I am now observing Susan stopping to by a cup of coffee.

Devotee #2: No matter how much I try, I am unable to pursue the path of athma vichara with dedication. Firstly, it is very hard to practice self inquiry. Secondly, on those very few occasions when I actually sit and try and focus, I don’t know what to expect when I close my eyes and observe my thoughts because I am not sure how “self” even feels. Is the thoughtless state the actual self, because I am unable to go beyond that? How do I not fall into the trap of frustration and keep persevering?

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 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.

Michael answers the following question in this video:

I’m still confused. Who is aware? I thought it was ego that is the only thing that is aware. It’s the reflected consciousness. When I say I’m aware of these thoughts, these feelings, these emotions, this body, this mind, who’s really aware? Isn’t it really the false awareness ego? Yes I understand underneath the underlying assumed reality is the real self but we don’t really realize that until we annihilate ego completely. Until then everything is ego. Can you please expound on this.

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.

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.

During the international celebration of Bhagavan Ramana’s 127th Advent (anniversary of the day he came to Arunachala on 1st September 1896) organised by Arunachala Ashrama, New York, on 17th September 2023 Michael James answers several questions asked by Kumar Saran about Bhagavan Ramana, all centred around the question who or what he actually is.

While answering these questions he discusses the verse Arunachalaramanan composed by Bhagavan:

அரியாதியி தரசீவர தகவாரிச குகையில் லறிவாய்ரமி பரமாத்தும னருணாசல ரமணன் பரிவாலுள முருகாநல பரனார்ந்திடு குகையார்ந் தறிவாம்விழி திறவாநிச மறிவாயது வெளியாம்.

ariyādiyi tarajīvara dahavārija guhaiyil laṟivāyrami paramāttuma ṉaruṇācala ramaṇaṉ parivāluḷa murugānala paraṉārndiḍu guhaiyārn daṟivāmviṙi tiṟavānija maṟivāyadu veḷiyām.

பதச்சேதம்: அரி ஆதி இதர சீவரது அக வாரிச குகையில் அறிவாய் ரமி பரமாத்துமன் அருணாசலரமணன். பரிவால் உளம் உருகா, நல பரன் ஆர்ந்திடு குகை ஆர்ந்து, அறிவு ஆம் விழி திறவா, நிசம் அறிவாய்; அது வெளி ஆம்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): ari ādi itara jīvaradu aha-vārija guhaiyil aṟivāy rami paramāttumaṉ aruṇācalaramaṇaṉ. parivāl uḷam uruhā, nala paraṉ ārndiḍu guhai ārndu, aṟivu ām viṙi tiṟavā, nijam aṟivāy; adu veḷi ām.

English translation: Aruṇācalaramaṇa is the ultimate self rejoicing as awareness in the cave of the heart-lotus of different souls beginning with Hari. Heart melting with love, reaching the cave where the sublime supreme dwells, the eye that is awareness opening, you will know what is innate; it will be exposed.

Explanatory paraphrase: Aruṇācalaramaṇa is paramātman [the supreme spirit or ultimate self of all] rejoicing as awareness in the cave of the heart-lotus of [all] different jīvas [souls or sentient beings] beginning with Hari [Viṣṇu]. Heart melting with love, reaching [or merging in] the cave where the sublime supreme dwells, the eye that is awareness opening, you will [thereby] know what is innate [or one’s own, namely your own real nature, the indwelling Aruṇācalaramaṇa]; [because] it will be exposed [opened, disclosed or made clear] [meaning it will shine forth, devouring ego and everything else is the infinite clarity of pure awareness].

And also verse 274 of Guru Vācaka Kōvai:

பராகாய மாகப் பயின்றிடா நின்றே நராகார மாத்தோன்று ஞான குருவை நிராகார னென்றுணர் நெஞ்ச மிலாதார் துராசார பாப துரந்தரர் தாமே.

parākāya māhap payiṉḏṟiḍā niṉḏṟē narākāra māttōṉḏṟu ñāṉa guruvai nirākāra ṉeṉḏṟuṇar neñja milādār durācāra pāpa dhurandharar tāmē.

பதச்சேதம்: பர ஆகாயம் ஆக பயின்றிடா நின்றே நர ஆகாரம் ஆ தோன்றும் ஞான குருவை நிராகாரன் என்று உணர் நெஞ்சம் இலாதார் துராசார பாப துரந்தரர் தாமே.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): para ākāyam āha payiṉḏṟiḍā niṉḏṟē nara ākāram ā tōṉḏṟum ñāṉa-guruvai nirākāraṉ eṉḏṟu uṇar neñjam ilādār durācāra pāpa dhurandharar tāmē.

English translation: Those who do not have mind to know the jñāna-guru, who seems to be a human form, actually remaining firmly as the supreme space, to be the formless one, are indeed the foremost in wicked conduct and sin.

Explanatory paraphrase: Those who do not have [the clarity of] mind [or heart] to know that the jñāna-guru, who seems to be [or appears as] a human form [even though always] actually remaining firmly as the supreme space [of sat-cit, pure existence-awareness], is [in fact] the formless one [namely brahman], are indeed the foremost in wicked conduct and sin.

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 September 2023, Michael James continues the discussion of the meaning and implications of verse 3 of Āṉ𝘮𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘪.

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)

taṉṉai yaṟidaliṉḏṟip piṉṉai yedaṟihileṉ ḏṟaṉṉai yaṟindiḍiṟpiṉ ṉeṉṉai yuḷadaṟiya bhiṉṉa vuyirgaḷila bhiṉṉa viḷakkeṉumat taṉṉait taṉiluṇara miṉṉun taṉuḷāṉma — prakāśamē; aruḷ vilāsamē; aha vināśamē; iṉba vikāsamē. (aiyē)

பதச்சேதம்: தன்னை அறிதல் இன்றி, பின்னை எது அறிகில் என்? தன்னை அறிந்திடில், பின் என்னை உளது அறிய? பின்ன உயிர்களில் அபின்ன விளக்கு எனும் அத் தன்னை தனில் உணர, மின்னும் தன் உள் ஆன்ம ப்ரகாசமே. அருள் விலாசமே, அக விநாசமே, இன்ப விகாசமே. (ஐயே, அதி சலபம், ...)

Padacchēdam (word-separation): taṉṉai aṟidal iṉḏṟi, piṉṉai edu aṟihil eṉ? taṉṉai aṟindiḍil, piṉ eṉṉai uḷadu aṟiya? bhiṉṉa uyirgaḷil abhiṉṉa viḷakku eṉum a-t-taṉṉai taṉil uṇara, miṉṉum taṉ uḷ āṉma-prakāśamē. aruḷ vilāsamē, aha vināśamē, iṉba vikāsamē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

அன்வயம்: தன்னை அறிதல் இன்றி, பின்னை எது அறிகில் என்? தன்னை அறிந்திடில், பின் அறிய என்னை உளது? பின்ன உயிர்களில் அபின்ன விளக்கு எனும் அத் தன்னை தனில் உணர, தன் உள் ஆன்ம ப்ரகாசமே மின்னும். அருள் விலாசமே, அக விநாசமே, இன்ப விகாசமே. (ஐயே, அதி சலபம், ...)

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): taṉṉai aṟidal iṉḏṟi, piṉṉai edu aṟihil eṉ? taṉṉai aṟindiḍil, piṉ aṟiya eṉṉai uḷadu? bhiṉṉa uyirgaḷil abhiṉṉa viḷakku eṉum a-t-taṉṉai taṉil uṇara, taṉ uḷ āṉma-prakāśamē miṉṉum. aruḷ vilāsamē, aha vināśamē, iṉba vikāsamē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

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!) 

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:

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.

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 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.

Michael answers the following questions in this video:

1) Can the world and all phenomena appear if we don’t rise as ego?

2) If we don’t rise as ego, would this body exist?

3) The fact that the body is appearing, does that mean there is ego?

4) Can we ever be free of ego identification while there is a body and world appearing?

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 ([email protected]) on 3rd 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 Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 2nd September 2023, Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verses 6 and 7.

Verse 6

தேவனா ரார்மனந் தேருவ னென்மன
மாவியா மென்னா லறிபடுமே — தேவனீ
யாகுமே யாகையா லார்க்குஞ் சுருதியா
லேகனாந் தேவனே யென்று.

dēvaṉā rārmaṉan tēruva ṉeṉmaṉa
māviyā meṉṉā laṟibaḍumē — dēvaṉī
yāhumē yāhaiyā lārkkuñ śurutiyā
lēkaṉān dēvaṉē yeṉḏṟu.

பதச்சேதம்: ‘தேவன் ஆர்?’ ‘ஆர் மனம் தேருவன்?’ ‘என் மனம் ஆவி ஆம் என்னால் அறிபடுமே.’ ‘தேவன் நீ ஆகுமே, ஆகையால், ஆர்க்கும் சுருதியால் “ஏகன் ஆம் தேவனே” என்று.’

Padacchēdam (word-separation): ‘dēvaṉ ār?’ ‘ār maṉam tēruvaṉ?’ ‘eṉ maṉam āvi ām eṉṉāl aṟibaḍumē.’ ‘dēvaṉ nī āhumē, āhaiyāl, ārkkum śurutiyāl “ēkaṉ ām dēvaṉē” eṉḏṟu.’

அன்வயம்: ‘தேவன் ஆர்?’ ‘ஆர் மனம் தேருவன்?’ ‘என் மனம் ஆவி ஆம் என்னால் அறிபடுமே.’ ‘ஆகையால், “தேவனே ஏகன் ஆம்” என்று சுருதி ஆர்க்குமால், தேவன் நீ ஆகுமே.’

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): ‘dēvaṉ ār?’ ‘ār maṉam tēruvaṉ?’ ‘eṉ maṉam āvi ām eṉṉāl aṟibaḍumē.’ ‘āhaiyāl, “dēvaṉē ēkaṉ ām” eṉḏṟu śuruti ārkkumāl, dēvaṉ nī āhumē.’

English translation: ‘Who is God?’ ‘Who knows the mind?’ ‘My mind is only known by me, who am the soul.’ ‘Therefore, since the Vedas roar “God alone is the one”, you are actually God.’

Explanatory paraphrase:
[Disciple:] Who is God?
[Guru:] Who knows the mind? [implying that whoever knows the mind is God].
[Disciple:] My mind is only known by me, who am the soul [or spirit].
[Guru:] Therefore, since śruti [the Vedas] roar [or declare
emphatically] ‘God alone is the one’ [implying that the one who actually exists is only God, so he is ‘one only without a second’ (ēkam ēva advitīyam), and hence nothing can be other than him], you are actually God.

Verse 7

ஒளியுனக் கெதுபக லினனெனக் கிருள்விளக் கொளியுண ரொளியெது கணதுண ரொளியெது வொளிமதி மதியுண ரொளியெது வதுவக மொளிதனி லொளியுநீ யெனகுரு வகமதே.

oḷiyuṉak kedupaha liṉaṉeṉak kiruḷviḷak
koḷiyuṇa roḷiyedu kaṇaduṇa roḷiyedu
voḷimati matiyuṇa roḷiyedu vaduvaha
moḷitaṉi loḷiyunī yeṉaguru vahamadē.

பதச்சேதம்: ‘ஒளி உனக்கு எது?’ ‘பகல் இனன் எனக்கு, இருள் விளக்கு.’ ‘ஒளி உணர் ஒளி எது?’  ‘கண்.’ ‘அது உணர் ஒளி எது?’ ‘ஒளி மதி.’ ‘மதி உணர் ஒளி எது?’ ‘அது அகம்.’ ‘ஒளி தனில் ஒளியும் நீ’ என குரு, ‘அகம் அதே’.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): ‘oḷi uṉakku edu?’ ‘pahal iṉaṉ eṉakku, iruḷ viḷakku.’ ‘oḷi uṇar oḷi edu?’  ‘kaṇ.’ ‘adu uṇar oḷi edu?’ ‘oḷi mati.’ ‘mati uṇar oḷi edu?’ ‘adu aham.’ ‘oḷi taṉil oḷiyum nī’ eṉa guru, ‘aham adē’.

அன்வயம்: ‘உனக்கு ஒளி எது?’ ‘எனக்கு பகல் இனன், இருள் விளக்கு.’ ‘ஒளி உணர் ஒளி எது?’  ‘கண்.’ ‘அது உணர் ஒளி எது?’ ‘ஒளி மதி.’ ‘மதி உணர் ஒளி எது?’ ‘அது அகம்.’ ‘ஒளி தனில் ஒளியும் நீ’ என குரு, ‘அகம் அதே’.

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): ‘uṉakku oḷi edu?’ ‘eṉakku pahal iṉaṉ, iruḷ viḷakku.’ ‘oḷi uṇar oḷi edu?’  ‘kaṇ.’ ‘adu uṇar oḷi edu?’ ‘oḷi mati.’ ‘mati uṇar oḷi edu?’ ‘adu aham.’ ‘oḷi taṉil oḷiyum nī’ eṉa guru, ‘aham adē’.

English translation: ‘What is the light for you?’ ‘For me in daytime the sun, in darkness a lamp.’ ‘What is the light that knows the light?’ ‘The eye.’ ‘What is the light that knows that?’ ‘The light is the mind.’ ‘What is the light that knows the mind?’ ‘That is I.’ When the guru said, ‘The light in light is you’, ‘I am that alone.’

Explanatory paraphrase:
[Guru:] What is the light for you?
[Disciple:] For me in daytime the sun, in darkness a lamp.
[Guru:] What is the light that knows [or is aware of] the [physical] light [from such sources]?
[Disciple:] The eye.
[Guru:] What is the light that knows [or is aware of] that?
[Disciple:] The light [that knows the eye] is the mind.
[Guru:] What is the light that knows [or is aware of] the mind?
[Disciple:] That is I.
When the guru said, ‘The light in light [namely the light of awareness, which is what shines in all lights, illumining or making them known] is you’,
[Disciple:] I am that alone [or that indeed].

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.

Michael answers the following question of a devotee in this video: 'Who is aware of ‘I AM’? If it’s ego that will be aware of ‘I AM’, then ‘I AM’, i.e. the Self, will become an object for the ego. Still getting confused with who does the practice of investigation.'

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 27th August 2023 Michael James concludes the discussion of the meaning and implications of verse 3 of Āṉ𝘮𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘪.

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)

taṉṉai yaṟidaliṉḏṟip piṉṉai yedaṟihileṉ ḏṟaṉṉai yaṟindiḍiṟpiṉ ṉeṉṉai yuḷadaṟiya bhiṉṉa vuyirgaḷila bhiṉṉa viḷakkeṉumat taṉṉait taṉiluṇara miṉṉun taṉuḷāṉma — prakāśamē; aruḷ vilāsamē; aha vināśamē; iṉba vikāsamē. (aiyē)

பதச்சேதம்: தன்னை அறிதல் இன்றி, பின்னை எது அறிகில் என்? தன்னை அறிந்திடில், பின் என்னை உளது அறிய? பின்ன உயிர்களில் அபின்ன விளக்கு எனும் அத் தன்னை தனில் உணர, மின்னும் தன் உள் ஆன்ம ப்ரகாசமே. அருள் விலாசமே, அக விநாசமே, இன்ப விகாசமே. (ஐயே, அதி சலபம், ...)

Padacchēdam (word-separation): taṉṉai aṟidal iṉḏṟi, piṉṉai edu aṟihil eṉ? taṉṉai aṟindiḍil, piṉ eṉṉai uḷadu aṟiya? bhiṉṉa uyirgaḷil abhiṉṉa viḷakku eṉum a-t-taṉṉai taṉil uṇara, miṉṉum taṉ uḷ āṉma-prakāśamē. aruḷ vilāsamē, aha vināśamē, iṉba vikāsamē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

அன்வயம்: தன்னை அறிதல் இன்றி, பின்னை எது அறிகில் என்? தன்னை அறிந்திடில், பின் அறிய என்னை உளது? பின்ன உயிர்களில் அபின்ன விளக்கு எனும் அத் தன்னை தனில் உணர, தன் உள் ஆன்ம ப்ரகாசமே மின்னும். அருள் விலாசமே, அக விநாசமே, இன்ப விகாசமே. (ஐயே, அதி சலபம், ...)

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): taṉṉai aṟidal iṉḏṟi, piṉṉai edu aṟihil eṉ? taṉṉai aṟindiḍil, piṉ aṟiya eṉṉai uḷadu? bhiṉṉa uyirgaḷil abhiṉṉa viḷakku eṉum a-t-taṉṉai taṉil uṇara, taṉ uḷ āṉma-prakāśamē miṉṉum. aruḷ vilāsamē, aha vināśamē, iṉba vikāsamē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

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!) 

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 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 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 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 of ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 9th August 2023, Michael James was asked: How to deal with periods of spiritual dryness or aridity and that we have to remember and reinforce as well as trying to return again and again to oneself? 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 with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 6th August 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

In this meeting the book 'Ramana Maharshi's Forty Verses on What Is' is mentioned, based on Michael's writings and talks. You can download a free book sample 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 8th August 2023 Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham, verses 4 and 5.

Verse 4

தாபந்தண் சந்திரனாற் றைனியநற் கற்பகத்தாற் பாபந்தான் கங்கையாற் பாறுமே — தாபமுத லிம்மூன்று மேகு மிணையில்லா சாதுக்க டம்மா தரிசனத்தாற் றான்.

tāpandaṇ candiraṉāṯ ṟaiṉiyanaṯ kaṯpakattāṯ pāpantāṉ gaṅgaiyāṯ pāṟumē — tāpamuda limmūṉḏṟu mēhu miṇaiyillā sādhukka ṭammā dariśaṉattāṯ ṟāṉ.

பதச்சேதம்: தாபம் தண் சந்திரனால், தைனியம் நல் கற்பகத்தால், பாபம் தான் கங்கையால் பாறுமே. தாபம் முதல் இம் மூன்றும் ஏகும் இணை இல்லா சாதுக்கள் தம் மா தரிசனத்தால் தான்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): tāpam taṇ candiraṉāl, daiṉiyam nal kaṯpakattāl, pāpam tāṉ gaṅgaiyāl pāṟumē. tāpam mudal i-m-mūṉḏṟum ēhum iṇai illā sādhukkaḷ tam mā dariśaṉattāl tāṉ.

English translation: Heat will be destroyed by the cool moon, poverty by the good wish-fulfilling tree, and sin itself by the gaṅgā. All these three, beginning with heat, will depart just by the great sight of peerless sādhus.

Explanatory paraphrase: Heat will be destroyed [or removed] by the cool moon, poverty by the good kalpaka [the heavenly wish-fulfilling tree], and pāpa [sin or demerit] itself by the gaṅgā [the holy river Ganges]. All these three, beginning with heat, will depart [slip off or cease] just by the great darśana [seeing or sight] of peerless sādhus [namely jñānis, those who know and abide as sat, pure being].

Verse 5

கம்மயமாந் தீர்த்தங்கள் கன்மண்ணாந் தெய்வங்க ளம்மகத்துக் கட்கிணையே யாகாவா — மம்மவவை யெண்ணினா ளாற்றூய்மை யேய்விப்ப சாதுக்கள் கண்ணினாற் கண்டிடவே காண்.

kammayamān tīrtthaṅgaḷ kaṉmaṇṇān deyvaṅga ḷammahattuk kaṭkiṇaiyē yāhāvā — mammavavai yeṇṇiṉā ḷāṯṟūymai yēyvippa sādhukkaḷ kaṇṇiṉāṯ kaṇḍiḍavē kāṇ.

பதச்சேதம்: கம்மயம் ஆம் தீர்த்தங்கள், கல், மண் ஆம் தெய்வங்கள் அம் மகத்துக்கட்கு இணையே ஆகா ஆம். அம்ம! அவை எண்ணில் நாளால் தூய்மை ஏய்விப்ப; சாதுக்கள் கண்ணினால் கண்டிடவே காண்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): kammayam ām tīrtthaṅgaḷ, kal, maṇ ām deyvaṅgaḷ a-m-mahattukkaṭku iṇaiyē āhā ām. amma! avai eṇṇil nāḷāl tūymai ēyvippa; sādhukkaḷ kaṇṇiṉāl kaṇḍiḍavē kāṇ.

English translation: Tīrthas, which are composed of water, and deities, which are stone or earth, are not at all akin to those mahātmas. Ah! Those give rise to purity by countless days, sādhus as soon as they see by eye. See.

Explanatory paraphrase: Tīrthas [sacred bathing places], which are composed of water, and deities [images of God], which are [composed of] stone or earth, are not at all akin [similar, comparable or equal] to those mahātmas [great souls or jñānis]. Ah! See, those [tīrthas and deities] give rise to purity [of mind, heart or will] by countless days [that is, gradually over a long period of time], [whereas] sādhus [jñānis] [do so] as soon as they see by eye.

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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.

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

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 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 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 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 a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 8th 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 this video filmed in Kensington Gardens on 23rd May 2023 Michael and Geetha were having a general discussion about identification.

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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 with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 2nd 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 here.  

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 1st July 2023 Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu Anubandham verses 1 to 3.

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Verse 1

சத்திணக் கத்தினாற் சார்பகலுஞ் சார்பகலச்
சித்தத்தின் சார்பு சிதையுமே — சித்தச்சார்
பற்றா ரலைவிலதி லற்றார்சீ வன்முத்தி
பெற்றா ரவரிணக்கம் பேண்.

sattiṇak kattiṉāṟ sārbahaluñ sārbahalac
cittattiṉ sārbu sidaiyumē — cittaccār
baṯṟā ralaiviladi laṯṟārjī vaṉmutti
peṯṟā ravariṇakkam pēṇ.

தச்சேதம்: சத் இணக்கத்தினால் சார்பு அகலும்; சார்பு அகல, சித்தத்தின் சார்பு சிதையுமே; சித்த சார்பு அற்றார் அலைவு இல் அதில் அற்றார்; சீவன் முத்தி பெற்றார். அவர் இணக்கம் பேண்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): sat iṇakkattiṉāl sārbu ahalum; sārbu ahala, cittattiṉ sārbu sidaiyumē; citta sārbu aṯṟār alaivu il adil aṯṟār; jīvaṉ mutti peṯṟār. avar iṇakkam pēṇ.

English translation: By association with being, attachment will leave; when attachment leaves, attachment of the mind will perish; those in whom mental attachment has ceased have ceased in that which is not moving; they have attained jīvanmukti. Cherish their association.

Explanatory paraphrase: By association [compatibility or fitting well together] with sat [pure being, ‘I am’, or those who abide as pure being], [outer] attachment [to all other things] will leave [or depart]; when [outer] attachment leaves, attachment of the mind [or will] [namely viṣaya-vāsanās (inclination to seek happiness in objects or phenomena), which are the subtle seeds that sprout as outer attachment] will perish [or be dispersed]; those in whom mental attachment has ceased [perished or been severed] have ceased [or perished] in that which is not moving [namely sat, pure being, which exists eternally without ever moving or undergoing even the slightest change of any kind whatsoever]; they have attained jīvanmukti [‘living liberation’, liberation while the body is still living]. Cherish their association.

Verse 2

சாதுறவு சாரவுளஞ் சார்தெளிவி சாரத்தா
லேதுபர மாம்பதமிங் கெய்துமோ — வோதுமது
போதகனா னூற்பொருளாற் புண்ணியத்தாற் பின்னுமொரு
சாதகத்தாற் சாரவொணா தால்.

sādhuṟavu sāravuḷañ cārteḷivi cārattā
lēdupara māmpadamiṅ geydumō — vōdumadu
bōdhakaṉā ṉūṯporuḷāṯ puṇṇiyattāṯ piṉṉumoru
sādhakattāṯ sāravoṇā dāl.

பதச்சேதம்: சாது உறவு சார உளம் சார் தெளி விசாரத்தால் ஏது பரம் ஆம் பதம் இங்கு எய்துமோ, ஓதும் அது போதகனால், நூல் பொருளால், புண்ணியத்தால், பின்னும் ஒரு சாதகத்தால் சார ஒணாது; ஆல்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): sādhu uṟavu sāra uḷam sār teḷi vicārattāl ēdu param ām padam iṅgu eydumō, ōdum adu bōdhakaṉāl, nūl poruḷāl, puṇṇiyattāl, piṉṉum oru sādhakattāl sāra oṇādu; āl.

English translation: What exalted state one achieves here by clear investigation, which arises in the heart when one takes refuge in sādhu-association, that, which is extolled, is not possible to achieve by a teacher, by the meaning of texts, by virtuous actions, or moreover by any means.

Explanatory paraphrase: What exalted state [namely the supreme state of knowing and being what one actually is] one achieves here by clear vicāra [investigation, namely self-investigation], which arises in the heart when one takes refuge in sādhu-association [association with a sādhu, which in this context implies a jñāni, one who knows and abides as sat, pure being], that [exalted state], which is extolled [by the Vedas and other texts as the ultimate goal], is not possible to achieve by [studying under the guidance of] a bōdhaka [a teacher of religious or spiritual precepts], by [learning] the meaning of texts, by [doing any number of] virtuous actions, or moreover by any [other] means [whatsoever].

Verse 3

சாதுக்க ளாவார் சகவாச நண்ணினா
லேதுக்கா மிந்நியம் மெல்லாமு — மேதக்க
தண்டென்றன் மாருதத் தான்வீச வேவிசிறி
கொண்டென்ன காரியநீ கூறு.

sādhukka ḷāvār cakavāca naṇṇiṉā
lēdukkā minniyam mellāmu — mēdakka
taṇḍeṉḏṟaṉ mārutat tāṉvīsa vēvisiṟi
koṇḍeṉṉa kāriyanī kūṟu.

பதச்சேதம்: சாதுக்களாவார் சகவாசம் நண்ணினால், ஏதுக்கு ஆம் இந் நியமம் எல்லாமும்? மேதக்க தண் தென்றல் மாருதம் தான் வீசவே, விசிறி கொண்டு என்ன காரியம் நீ கூறு?

Padacchēdam (word-separation): sādhukkaḷ-āvār sahavāsam naṇṇiṉāl, ēdukku ām i-n-niyamam ellāmum? mēdakka taṇ teṉḏṟal mārutam tāṉ vīsavē, visiṟi koṇḍu eṉṉa kāriyam nī kūṟu?

English translation: If one adheres to living with those who are sādhus, for what are all these restrictions? When the air of the excellent cool southern breeze is blowing, you say, what is the purpose of having a fan?

Explanatory paraphrase: If one adheres to living with those who are sādhus [benevolent people, which in this context implies jñānis, those who know and abide as sat, pure being], for what are all these niyamas [restrictions or disciplinary practices such as fasting, yōga practices, ritualistic worship, mantra-japa or meditation on anything other than oneself]? When the air of the excellent cool southern breeze is blowing, you say, what is the purpose of having a fan?

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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 with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 24th June 2023 Michael is asked, "It still feels like there is something missing because where does the 'desire' or 'love' to practice come from? I understand the love grows in relation to how much we practice but what can we do to increase our practice? Its so easy to not bother and spend all day being busy turning outwards. Plus our love to turn inwards is Grace then it feels like we cant do anything to speed up the process. It will happen when it happens. Even the desire to practice feels like it will only happen when its meant to happen. Where does the desire, the love to practice come from? Do we have to some how use our ego to try and consciously make an effort to practice and then as we do practice more then the love from Grace increases and our love to go inwards increases. There seems to have to be some real fight to get started first before our love to go inwards increases. Its a bit like when you know you need to exercise but have no interest to exercise but you have to force yourself to get started, then once you get started you find you quite like it and it gets easier. That effort and inner fight to get started with exercising isn't usually easy, you tend to put it of, find excuses, and it can be a real fight to get started. Is it like that for some of us when it comes to going inwards. You know its something you need to do, practice but your desire to go outwards is so strong its such a huge effort and you constantly put it of and are busy going outwards. Do we have to some how find the fight to make a start and is there any ways or suggestions we can make that easier for ourselves because when its such an effort, like for someone who wants to exercise but doesn't naturally have the desire to do so, then when they try it can be very difficult to sustain, they may try one day then not bother for a few days, or weeks, then try again. It can feel quite hopeless when it doesn't come easily, or naturally. So what can we do to over come our laziness, our strong desire to go outwards to get us started and be able to sustain some kind of practice. Any tips because it feels like a battle. Does the desire to even practice only come from Grace or does it have to actually come from ego? I understand once we get going and we are able to sustain some regular practice then our love will increase but to get going and get a regular practice isn't easy. Also what would you define as a good sustain practice? Once a day, several times a day, even if its only for a few minutes or even seconds? Reason I ask is i do wonder if we don't discuss these things we could find we are having high expectations of ourself and not being realistic which can lead us to think and feel we cant do it because we are struggling", 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 ‘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 this video filmed in Kensington Gardens on 23rd May 2023 Michael answers the following two questions asked by Geetha:

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"Verses 942 and 943 of Guru Vācaka Kōvai talk about severance of the knot. Does severance of the knot indicate the complete destruction of the ego?"

and:

"In verse B19 of Guru Vācaka Kōvai [verse 16 of Upadēśa Taṉippākkaḷ], Bhagavan writes: ‘The state of sleep in waking will result by subtle investigation, in which one always examines [or keenly attends to] oneself. Until sleep shines blending in waking [and] in dream, incessantly perform that subtle investigation’. Does severance of the knot described in verses 942 and 943 result in wakeful sleep, or does enquiry continue beyond that until it results in wakeful sleep?"

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 18th June 2023, Michael James is asked, ‘What kinds of experiences have you had going inwards and how have you been able to come out of it? Please Michael, I would like to know all the types of traps I will have to face as I turn more and more and how I can transcend these traps. On the other hand, how can we overcome boredom, apathy and meaninglessness in the early stages where we don’t yet believe we can attend to ourselves with enough love and diligence?’, 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 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 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 a Zoom meeting with Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 11th June 2023 Michael James continues 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 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 a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 10th June 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 with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) 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 this episode recorded on 23rd May 2023 Michael answers the following question asked by Geetha:

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“On good days, the current of self is strong, and thoughts appear and disappear automatically. But on most days, thoughts take shape and attention drifts away from the self before one realises that attention has moved from the self to the thought, and pramada or inattention has occurred. Verse 921 of Guru Vācaka Kōvai advises one to ignore the mind as if it were non-existent. This works sometimes but not always. How can one constantly remind oneself that this world is unreal, and thereby ignore the mind?" 

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-05-23 Geetha and Michael 2: How to ignore the mind and know oneself, its base?, 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 this episode recorded on 23rd May 2023 Michael answers the following question asked by Geetha:

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“Bhagavan talks about holding on incessantly to the self in several places in Who am I. In verse 130 of Guru Vacaka Kovai he provides the lizard analogy to illustrate how tightly one should hold on to the self. Elsewhere in Who am I he says that as soon as a thought appears, one should enquire to whom it has appeared. To enquire or shift attention back to self even before the thought takes shape requires a great deal of vigilance and sharpness of mind. How does one cultivate such vigilance or sharpness of mind and sustain it?”

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-05-23a Geetha and Michael: How to cultivate the sharpness of mind to hold onto oneself?, 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 May 2023 Michael James concludes to discuss the meaning and implications of verse 1 of Āṉma-Viddai and begins to discuss verse 2:

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Verse 1:

மெய்யாய் நிரந்தரந்தா னையா திருந்திடவும் பொய்யா முடம்புலக மெய்யா முளைத்தெழும்பொய் மையார் நினைவணுவு முய்யா தொடுக்கிடவே மெய்யா ரிதயவெளி வெய்யோன் சுயமான்மா — விளங்குமே; இரு ளடங்குமே; இட ரொடுங்குமே; இன்பம் பொங்குமே. (ஐயே)

meyyāy nirantarandā ṉaiyā dirundiḍavum poyyā muḍambulaha meyyā muḷaitteṙumpoy maiyār niṉaivaṇuvu muyyā doḍukkiḍavē meyyā ridayaveḷi veyyōṉ suyamāṉmā — viḷaṅgumē; iru ḷaḍaṅgumē; iḍa roḍuṅgumē; iṉbam poṅgumē. (aiyē)

பதச்சேதம்: மெய் ஆய் நிரந்தரம் தான் ஐயாது [அல்லது: நையாது] இருந்திடவும், பொய் ஆம் உடம்பு உலகம் மெய் ஆ முளைத்து எழும். பொய் மை ஆர் நினைவு அணுவும் உய்யாது ஒடுக்கிடவே, மெய் ஆர் இதய வெளி வெய்யோன் சுயம் ஆன்மா விளங்குமே; இருள் அடங்குமே; இடர் ஒடுங்குமே; இன்பம் பொங்குமே. (ஐயே, அதி சுலபம், ...)

Padacchēdam (word-separation): mey āy nirantaram tāṉ aiyādu [or: naiyādu] irundiḍavum, poy ām uḍambu ulaham mey ā muḷaittu eṙum. poy mai ār niṉaivu aṇuvum uyyādu oḍukkiḍavē, mey ār idaya veḷi veyyōṉ suyam āṉmā viḷaṅgumē; iruḷ aḍaṅgumē; iḍar oḍuṅgumē; iṉbam poṅgumē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

English translation: Though oneself exists incessantly and indubitably as real, the body and world, which are unreal, arise sprouting as real. When unreal darkness-pervaded thought is dissolved without reviving even an iota, in the reality-pervaded heart-space oneself, the sun, will certainly shine by oneself; darkness will cease; suffering will end; happiness will surge forth. (Ah, extremely easy, ...)

Explanatory paraphrase: Though oneself exists incessantly and indubitably [or imperishably] as real, the body and world, which are unreal, arise sprouting as [if] real. When thought, which is pervaded by [or full of] unreal darkness [the darkness of self-ignorance, namely ego, which is the cause for the appearance of the body and world], is dissolved without reviving even an iota [in other words, when it is dissolved in such a manner that it does not ever revive even an iota], in the heart-space, which [alone] is real, oneself, [who is] the sun [of pure awareness], will certainly shine by oneself [spontaneously or of one’s own accord]; darkness [self-ignorance in the form of ego] will cease; suffering will end; happiness will surge forth. ([Therefore] ah, extremely easy, ātma-vidyā, ah, extremely easy!)

Verse 2:

ஊனா ருடலிதுவே நானா மெனுநினைவே நானா நினைவுகள்சே ரோர்நா ரெனுமதனா னானா ரிடமெதென்றுட் போனா னினைவுகள்போய் நானா னெனக்குகையுட் டானாய்த் திகழுமான்ம — ஞானமே; இதுவே மோனமே; ஏக வானமே; இன்பத் தானமே. (ஐயே) ūṉā ruḍaliduvē nāṉā meṉuniṉaivē nāṉā niṉaivugaḷsē rōrnā reṉumadaṉā ṉāṉā riḍamedeṉḏṟuṭ pōṉā ṉiṉaivugaḷpōy nāṉā ṉeṉakkuhaiyuṭ ṭāṉāyt tikaṙumāṉma — ñāṉamē; iduvē mōṉamē; ēka vāṉamē; iṉbat tāṉamē. (aiyē)

பதச்சேதம்: ‘ஊன் ஆர் உடல் இதுவே நான் ஆம்’ எனும் நினைவே நானா நினைவுகள் சேர் ஓர் நார் எனும் அதனால், ‘நான் ஆர் இடம் எது?’ [அல்லது, ‘நான் ஆர்? இடம் எது?’] என்று உள் போனால், நினைவுகள் போய், ‘நான் நான்’ என குகை உள் தானாய் திகழும் ஆன்ம ஞானமே. இதுவே மோனமே, ஏக வானமே, இன்ப தானமே. (ஐயே, அதி சுலபம், ...)

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, ...)

அன்வயம்: ‘ஊன் ஆர் உடல் இதுவே நான் ஆம்’ எனும் நினைவே நானா நினைவுகள் சேர் ஓர் நார் எனும் அதனால், ‘நான் ஆர் இடம் எது?’ (அல்லது, ‘நான் ஆர்? இடம் எது?’) என்று உள் போனால், நினைவுகள் போய், குகை உள் ‘நான் நான்’ என ஆன்ம ஞானமே தானாய் திகழும். இதுவே மோனமே, ஏக வானமே, இன்ப தானமே. (ஐயே, அதி சுலபம், ...)

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): ‘ūṉ ār uḍal iduvē nāṉ ām’ eṉum niṉaivē nāṉā niṉaivugaḷ sēr ōr nār eṉum adaṉāl, nāṉ ār iḍam edu eṉḏṟu uḷ pōṉāl, niṉaivugaḷ pōy, guhai uḷ ‘nāṉ nāṉ’ eṉa āṉma-ñāṉamē tāṉāy tihaṙum. 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 a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 13th 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 ‘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 with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 7th May 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 the Ramana group, Helsinki, on 1st May 2023, there was a very special gathering with the guests Swami Sarvapriyananda and Michael James who discussed the essence of Advaita Vedanta and the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, and how to put these teachings into practice.

The event was broadcasted live on Zoom/YouTube and reached hundreds of participants. The discussion brought up many interesting and deep insights about the true core of Advaita and how Sri Ramana has given an easy but also subtle practice of self-investigation. In the end this is the only practice to eliminate the ego, which seems to exist if not investigated.

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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.

During the international celebration of Bhagavan Ramana’s 73rd Aradhana (anniversary of the day he left his body) organised by Arunachala Ashrama, New York, on 30th April 2023 Michael James discusses the law of karma as taught by Bhagavan.

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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 with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 29th April 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 ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 16th April 2023, Michael James is first asked, ‘I would be grateful if you could talk to us about how to cultivate patience and recommendations so as not to slacken easily in order to persevere and persist on this slow path of self-inquiry where, because our minds are so impure, there is so little recognition of progress, at least for me. When one arrives at any path one needs a series of confirmations to keep one motivated, what would these be?’, so he answers this and several other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video on YouTube 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 8th April 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 with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 2nd April 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly about the practice of self-investigation in daily life.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-04-02 San Diego Ramana Satsang: How to practice self investigation during our daily life, 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 1th April 2023 Michael James discusses verse 13 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu:

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ஞானமாந் தானேமெய் நானாவா ஞானமஞ்
ஞானமாம் பொய்யாமஞ் ஞானமுமே — ஞானமாந்
தன்னையன்றி யின்றணிக டாம்பலவும் பொய்மெய்யாம்
பொன்னையன்றி யுண்டோ புகல்.

ñāṉamān tāṉēmey nāṉāvā ñāṉamañ
ñāṉamām poyyāmañ ñāṉamumē — ñāṉamān
taṉṉaiyaṉḏṟi yiṉḏṟaṇiga ḍāmpalavum poymeyyām
poṉṉaiyaṉḏṟi yuṇḍō puhal.

பதச்சேதம்: ஞானம் ஆம் தானே மெய். நானா ஆம் ஞானம் அஞ்ஞானம் ஆம். பொய் ஆம் அஞ்ஞானமுமே ஞானம் ஆம் தன்னை அன்றி இன்று. அணிகள் தாம் பலவும் பொய்; மெய் ஆம் பொன்னை அன்றி உண்டோ? புகல்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): ñāṉam ām tāṉē mey. nāṉā ām ñāṉam aññāṉam ām. poy ām aññāṉamumē ñāṉam ām taṉṉai aṉḏṟi iṉḏṟu. aṇigaḷ tām palavum poy; mey ām poṉṉai aṉḏṟi uṇḍō? puhal.

English translation: Oneself, who is awareness, alone is real. Awareness that is manifold is ignorance. Even ignorance, which is unreal, does not exist except as oneself, who is awareness. All the many ornaments are unreal; do they exist except as gold, which is real? Say.

Explanatory paraphrase: Oneself, who is jñāna [knowledge or awareness], alone is real. Awareness that is manifold [namely the mind, whose root, ego, is the awareness that sees the one as many] is ajñāna [ignorance]. Even [that] ignorance, which is unreal, does not exist except as [besides, apart from or as other than] oneself, who is [real] awareness. All the many ornaments are unreal; do they exist except as gold, which is real? Say. [In other words, though ego or mind, which is the false awareness that sees itself as numerous phenomena, is ignorance and unreal, the real substance that appears as it is only oneself, who is true knowledge or pure awareness, so what actually exists is not ego or mind but only oneself.]

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-04-01 Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu 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.

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 25th March 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 23-03-25 Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: How to purify the mind?, 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 18th March 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 23-03-18 Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Our aim is to attend to nothing other than our own being, 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.

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 San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 5th March 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly about the practice of self-investigation, self-surrender and prayer.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-03-05 San Diego Ramana Satsang - Investigating ourself is the antidote to our rising as ego, 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 March 2023 Michael James discusses verse 12 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu:

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அறிவறி யாமையு மற்றதறி வாமே
யறியும துண்மையறி வாகா — தறிதற்
கறிவித்தற் கன்னியமின் றாயவிர்வ தாற்றா
னறிவாகும் பாழன் றறி.

aṟivaṟi yāmaiyu maṯṟadaṟi vāmē
yaṟiyuma duṇmaiyaṟi vāhā — daṟitaṟ
kaṟivittaṟ kaṉṉiyamiṉ ḏṟāyavirva dāṯṟā
ṉaṟivāhum pāṙaṉ ḏṟaṟi.

பதச்சேதம்: அறிவு அறியாமையும் அற்றது அறிவு ஆமே. அறியும் அது உண்மை அறிவு ஆகாது. அறிதற்கு அறிவித்தற்கு அன்னியம் இன்றாய் அவிர்வதால், தான் அறிவு ஆகும். பாழ் அன்று. அறி.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): aṟivu aṟiyāmaiyum aṯṟadu aṟivu āmē. aṟiyum adu uṇmai aṟivu āhādu. aṟidaṟku aṟivittaṟku aṉṉiyam iṉḏṟāy avirvadāl, tāṉ aṟivu āhum. pāṙ aṉḏṟu. aṟi.

English translation: What is devoid of knowledge and ignorance is actually knowledge. That which knows is not real knowledge. Since one shines without another for knowing or for causing to know, oneself is knowledge. One is not void. Know.

Explanatory paraphrase: What is devoid of knowledge and ignorance [about anything other than itself] is actually aṟivu [knowledge or awareness]. That which knows [or is aware of anything other than itself, namely ego] is not real aṟivu [knowledge or awareness]. Since [the real nature of oneself] shines without another for knowing or for causing to know [or causing to be known], oneself is [real] aṟivu [knowledge or awareness]. One is not void [emptiness, desolation, nothingness or non-existence]. Know [or be aware].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-03-04 Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verse 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.

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 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.

In a Zoom meeting with Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 12th February 2023 Michael James continues to discuss the meaning and implications of verse 1 of Āṉma-Viddai:

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மெய்யாய் நிரந்தரந்தா னையா திருந்திடவும்
பொய்யா முடம்புலக மெய்யா முளைத்தெழும்பொய்
மையார் நினைவணுவு முய்யா தொடுக்கிடவே
மெய்யா ரிதயவெளி வெய்யோன் சுயமான்மா —
   விளங்குமே; இரு ளடங்குமே; இட ரொடுங்குமே;
      இன்பம் பொங்குமே.      (ஐயே)

meyyāy nirantarandā ṉaiyā dirundiḍavum
poyyā muḍambulaha meyyā muḷaitteṙumpoy
maiyār niṉaivaṇuvu muyyā doḍukkiḍavē
meyyā ridayaveḷi veyyōṉ suyamāṉmā —
   viḷaṅgumē; iru ḷaḍaṅgumē; iḍa roḍuṅgumē;
      iṉbam poṅgumē.      (aiyē)

பதச்சேதம்: மெய் ஆய் நிரந்தரம் தான் ஐயாது [அல்லது: நையாது] இருந்திடவும், பொய் ஆம் உடம்பு உலகம் மெய் ஆ முளைத்து எழும். பொய் மை ஆர் நினைவு அணுவும் உய்யாது ஒடுக்கிடவே, மெய் ஆர் இதய வெளி வெய்யோன் சுயம் ஆன்மா விளங்குமே; இருள் அடங்குமே; இடர் ஒடுங்குமே; இன்பம் பொங்குமே. (ஐயே, அதி சுலபம், ...)

Padacchēdam (word-separation): mey āy nirantaram tāṉ aiyādu [or: naiyādu] irundiḍavum, poy ām uḍambu ulaham mey ā muḷaittu eṙum. poy mai ār niṉaivu aṇuvum uyyādu oḍukkiḍavē, mey ār idaya veḷi veyyōṉ suyam āṉmā viḷaṅgumē; iruḷ aḍaṅgumē; iḍar oḍuṅgumē; iṉbam poṅgumē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

English translation: Though oneself exists incessantly and indubitably as real, the body and world, which are unreal, arise sprouting as real. When unreal darkness-pervaded thought is dissolved without reviving even an iota, in the reality-pervaded heart-space oneself, the sun, will certainly shine by oneself; darkness will cease; suffering will end; happiness will surge forth. (Ah, extremely easy, ...)

Explanatory paraphrase: Though oneself exists incessantly and indubitably [or imperishably] as real, the body and world, which are unreal, arise sprouting as [if] real. When thought, which is pervaded by [or full of] unreal darkness [the darkness of self-ignorance, namely ego, which is the cause for the appearance of the body and world], is dissolved without reviving even an iota [in other words, when it is dissolved in such a manner that it does not ever revive even an iota], in the heart-space, which [alone] is real, oneself, [who is] the sun [of pure awareness], will certainly shine by oneself [spontaneously or of one’s own accord]; darkness [self-ignorance in the form of ego] will cease; suffering will end; happiness will surge forth. ([Therefore] ah, extremely easy, ātma-vidyā, ah, extremely easy!)

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-02-12 Ramana Kendra, Delhi: Michael James discusses Āṉma-Viddai verse 1 (continued), 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.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 11th February 2023 Michael James discusses verse 21 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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கெஞ்சியும் வஞ்சியாய்க் கொஞ்சமு மிரங்கிலை
      யஞ்சலென் றேயரு ளருணாசலா

keñjiyum vañjiyāyk koñjamu miraṅgilai
      yañjaleṉ ḏṟēyaru ḷaruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: கெஞ்சியும் வஞ்சியாய் கொஞ்சமும் இரங்கிலை. ‘அஞ்சு அல்’ என்றே அருள் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): keñjiyum vañjiyāy koñjamum iraṅgilai. ‘añju al’ eṉḏṟē aruḷ aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, though begging, being a cheat not feeling even the slightest pity. Be gracious saying ‘fear not’.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, though [I have been] begging [beseeching or entreating] [you] [so piteously that it would melt even a stone], being [like] a cheat [fraud or deceiver] [you] do not feel [or show] even the slightest pity [for me]. [At least now] be gracious saying ‘fear not’.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-02-11a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 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.

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 19 Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 5th February 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly about the practice of self-investigation, self-surrender and prayer.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-02-05 San Diego Ramana Satsang: Self-investigation, self-surrender and prayer, 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.

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 4th February 2023 Michael James discusses verse 11 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu:

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அறிவுறுந் தன்னை யறியா தயலை
யறிவ தறியாமை யன்றி — யறிவோ
வறிவயற் காதாரத் தன்னை யறிய
வறிவறி யாமை யறும்.

aṟivuṟun taṉṉai yaṟiyā dayalai
yaṟiva daṟiyāmai yaṉḏṟi — yaṟivō
vaṟivayaṟ kādhārat taṉṉai yaṟiya
vaṟivaṟi yāmai yaṟum.

பதச்சேதம்: அறிவு உறும் தன்னை அறியாது அயலை அறிவது அறியாமை; அன்றி அறிவோ? அறிவு அயற்கு ஆதார தன்னை அறிய, அறிவு அறியாமை அறும்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): aṟivu-uṟum taṉṉai aṟiyādu ayalai aṟivadu aṟiyāmai; aṉḏṟi aṟivō? aṟivu ayaṟku ādhāra taṉṉai aṟiya, aṟivu aṟiyāmai aṟum.

English translation: Not knowing oneself, who knows, knowing other things is ignorance; besides, is it knowledge? When one knows oneself, the support for knowledge and the other, knowledge and ignorance will cease.

Explanatory paraphrase: Instead of knowing [the reality of] oneself [ego], who knows [everything else], knowing other things is ignorance; except [that], is it knowledge? When one knows [the reality of] oneself [ego], the ādhāra [support, foundation or container] for knowledge and the other [ignorance], knowledge and ignorance [of everything else] will cease [because the reality of ego is just pure awareness, so when one knows oneself as pure awareness ego will no longer seem to exist, and hence all its knowledge and ignorance will cease to exist along with it].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-02-04a Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verse 11, 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 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.

During the global celebration of Bhagavan Ramana’s 143rd Jayanti (birthday) organised by Arunachala Ashrama in New York on 29th January 2023 Michael James discusses many passages of Bhagavan’s teachings in which he clearly implies that to know what actually exists, we must subside and lose ourself in it

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-29 Sri Ramana Jayanti: To know what actually exists, we must subside and lose ourself in it, 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 of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 28th January 2023 Michael James discusses verse 20 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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கூர்வாட் கண்ணியர் கொடுமையிற் படாதருள்
      கூர்ந்தெனைச் சேர்ந்தரு ளருணாசலா

kūrvāṭ kaṇṇiyar koḍumaiyiṟ paḍādaruḷ
      kūrndeṉaic cērndaru ḷaruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: கூர் வாள் கண்ணியர் கொடுமையில் படாது, அருள் கூர்ந்து எனை சேர்ந்து அருள் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): kūr vāḷ kaṇṇiyar koḍumaiyil paḍādu, aruḷ kūrndu eṉai sērndu aruḷ aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, so as not to become ensnared in the cruelty of those with sharp sword-eyes, being intensely compassionate be gracious uniting me.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, so as not [to allow me] to become ensnared in the cruelty of those with [alluring] eyes [that pierce one’s heart like] a sharp sword, being intensely [or abundantly] compassionate be gracious [by] uniting me [with yourself].

Alternative interpretation 1: Arunachala, so as not [to allow me] to become ensnared in the cruelty of [māyā, which attracts, tempts, enchants and deludes the mind like] those with [alluring but malicious] eyes [that pierce one’s heart like] a sharp sword, being intensely [or abundantly] compassionate be gracious [by] uniting me [with yourself].

Alternative interpretation 2 [when கண்ணியர் (kaṇṇiyar) is taken to mean ‘those with nets’ instead of ‘those with eyes’]: Arunachala, so as not [to allow me] to become ensnared in the cruelty of those [wicked people who deceive, ensnare and exploit others with cunning words and other strategies, like hunters who deceive, ensnare and kill animals] with nets and sharp swords, being intensely [or abundantly] compassionate be gracious [by] uniting me [with yourself].

Alternative interpretation 3: Arunachala, so as not [to allow me] to become ensnared in the cruelty of those with eyes [that lack compassion and kindness and are instead filled with malice] [and who, not caring about the anguish I feel due to my separation from you, gossip about me, taunt me and make fun of me, speaking unkind words about me or to me that pierce my aching heart like] a sharp sword, being intensely [or abundantly] compassionate be gracious [by] uniting me [with yourself].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-28a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 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.

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 20 Q&A.

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 Ramana Kendra, Delhi, on 15th January 2023 Michael James discusses the meaning and implications of the pallavi (refrain), anupallavi (post-refrain) and verse 1 of Āṉma-Viddai:

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Āṉma-Viddai pallavi:

ஐயே! யதிசுலபம் — ஆன்மவித்தை
ஐயே! யதிசுலபம்.

aiyē! yatisulabham — āṉmaviddai
aiyē! yatisulabham.

பதச்சேதம்: ஐயே, அதி சுலபம், ஆன்ம வித்தை, ஐயே, அதி சுலபம்!

Padacchēdam (word-separation): aiyē, ati sulabham, āṉma-viddai, aiyē, ati sulabham!

English translation: Ah, extremely easy, ātma-vidyā, ah, extremely easy!

Explanatory paraphrase: Ah [what a wonder], knowing oneself is [so] extremely easy, ah, [so] extremely easy!

Āṉma-Viddai anupallavi:

நொய்யார் தமக்குமுளங் கையா மலகக்கனி
பொய்யா யொழியமிகு மெய்யா யுளதான்மா.      (ஐயே)

noyyār tamakkumuḷaṅ kaiyā malakakkaṉi
poyyā yoṙiyamihu meyyā yuḷadāṉmā.      (aiyē)

பதச்சேதம்: நொய்யார் தமக்கும் உளங்கை ஆமலக கனி பொய் ஆய் ஒழிய மிகு மெய் ஆய் உளது ஆன்மா. (ஐயே, அதிசுலபம், ...).

Padacchēdam (word-separation): noyyār tamakkum uḷaṅkai āmalaka kaṉi poy āy oṙiya mihu mey āy uḷadu āṉmā. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

English translation: Oneself exists as so very real even for those who are simple-minded that an āmalaka fruit on the palm ends as unreal. (Ah, extremely easy, ...)

Explanatory paraphrase: Oneself exists as so very real [and clear] even for those who are simple-minded that [in comparison] [even] an āmalaka fruit on the palm is found to be unreal [and unclear]. ([Therefore] ah, extremely easy, ātma-vidyā, ah, extremely easy!)

Āṉma-Viddai verse 1:

மெய்யாய் நிரந்தரந்தா னையா திருந்திடவும்
பொய்யா முடம்புலக மெய்யா முளைத்தெழும்பொய்
மையார் நினைவணுவு முய்யா தொடுக்கிடவே
மெய்யா ரிதயவெளி வெய்யோன் சுயமான்மா —
   விளங்குமே; இரு ளடங்குமே; இட ரொடுங்குமே;
      இன்பம் பொங்குமே.      (ஐயே)

meyyāy nirantarandā ṉaiyā dirundiḍavum
poyyā muḍambulaha meyyā muḷaitteṙumpoy
maiyār niṉaivaṇuvu muyyā doḍukkiḍavē
meyyā ridayaveḷi veyyōṉ suyamāṉmā —
   viḷaṅgumē; iru ḷaḍaṅgumē; iḍa roḍuṅgumē;
      iṉbam poṅgumē.      (aiyē)

பதச்சேதம்: மெய் ஆய் நிரந்தரம் தான் ஐயாது [அல்லது: நையாது] இருந்திடவும், பொய் ஆம் உடம்பு உலகம் மெய் ஆ முளைத்து எழும். பொய் மை ஆர் நினைவு அணுவும் உய்யாது ஒடுக்கிடவே, மெய் ஆர் இதய வெளி வெய்யோன் சுயம் ஆன்மா விளங்குமே; இருள் அடங்குமே; இடர் ஒடுங்குமே; இன்பம் பொங்குமே. (ஐயே, அதி சுலபம், ...)

Padacchēdam (word-separation): mey āy nirantaram tāṉ aiyādu [or: naiyādu] irundiḍavum, poy ām uḍambu ulaham mey ā muḷaittu eṙum. poy mai ār niṉaivu aṇuvum uyyādu oḍukkiḍavē, mey ār idaya veḷi veyyōṉ suyam āṉmā viḷaṅgumē; iruḷ aḍaṅgumē; iḍar oḍuṅgumē; iṉbam poṅgumē. (aiyē, ati sulabham, ...)

English translation: Though oneself exists incessantly and indubitably as real, the body and world, which are unreal, arise sprouting as real. When unreal darkness-pervaded thought is dissolved without reviving even an iota, in the reality-pervaded heart-space oneself, the sun, will certainly shine by oneself; darkness will cease; suffering will end; happiness will surge forth. (Ah, extremely easy, ...)

Explanatory paraphrase: Though oneself exists incessantly and indubitably [or imperishably] as real, the body and world, which are unreal, arise sprouting as [if] real. When thought, which is pervaded by [or full of] unreal darkness [the darkness of self-ignorance, namely ego, which is the cause for the appearance of the body and world], is dissolved without reviving even an iota [in other words, when it is dissolved in such a manner that it does not ever revive even an iota], in the heart-space, which [alone] is real, oneself, [who is] the sun [of pure awareness], will certainly shine by oneself [spontaneously or of one’s own accord]; darkness [self-ignorance in the form of ego] will cease; suffering will end; happiness will surge forth. ([Therefore] ah, extremely easy, ātma-vidyā, ah, extremely easy!)

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-15 Ramana Kendra, Delhi: Michael James discusses Āṉma-Viddai pallavi, anupallavi and 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 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 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 a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 14th January 2023 Michael James discusses verse 19 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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குற்றமுற் றறுத்தெனைக் குணமாய்ப் பணித்தாள்
      குருவுரு வாயொளி ரருணாசலா

kuṯṟamuṯ ṟaṟutteṉaig guṇamāyp paṇittāḷ
      guruvuru vāyoḷi raruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: குற்றம் முற்று அறுத்து எனை குணம் ஆய் பணித்து ஆள், குரு உரு ஆய் ஒளிர் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): kuṯṟam muṯṟu aṟuttu eṉai guṇam āy paṇittu āḷ, guru-v-uru-v-āy oḷir aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, who shine as the form of guru, eradicating defects completely, making me as virtue, take charge.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, who shine as the form of guru, eradicating [removing or cutting off] [all my] defects completely [namely all my viṣaya-vāsanās along with ego, their root] and making me as [one who is endowed with every] guṇa [virtue or good quality] [especially sadguṇa, the ultimate virtue of just being as I actually am without ever rising as ego even to the slightest extent], take charge [of me as your very own so that I may never again fall prey to the evil demon-ego and its horde of viṣaya-vāsanās].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-14a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 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.

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 19 Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 7th January 2023 Michael James discusses verse 10 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu:

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அறியாமை விட்டறிவின் றாமறிவு விட்டவ்
வறியாமை யின்றாகு மந்த — வறிவு
மறியா மையுமார்க்கென் றம்முதலாந் தன்னை
யறியு மறிவே யறிவு.

aṟiyāmai viṭṭaṟiviṉ ḏṟāmaṟivu viṭṭav
vaṟiyāmai yiṉḏṟāhu manda — vaṟivu
maṟiyā maiyumārkkeṉ ḏṟammudalān taṉṉai
yaṟiyu maṟivē yaṟivu.

பதச்சேதம்: அறியாமை விட்டு, அறிவு இன்று ஆம்; அறிவு விட்டு, அவ் அறியாமை இன்று ஆகும். அந்த அறிவும் அறியாமையும் ஆர்க்கு என்று அம் முதல் ஆம் தன்னை அறியும் அறிவே அறிவு.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): aṟiyāmai viṭṭu, aṟivu iṉḏṟu ām; aṟivu viṭṭu, a-vv-aṟiyāmai iṉḏṟu āhum. anda aṟivum aṟiyāmaiyum ārkku eṉḏṟu a-m-mudal ām taṉṉai aṟiyum aṟivē aṟivu.

English translation: Leaving ignorance, knowledge does not exist; leaving knowledge, that ignorance does not exist. Only the knowledge that knows oneself, who is the first, as to whom are that knowledge and ignorance, is knowledge.

Explanatory paraphrase: Without ignorance [of other things], knowledge [of them] does not exist; without knowledge [of them], that ignorance [of them] does not exist. Only the knowledge [or awareness] that knows [the reality of] oneself [ego], who is the first [to appear], [by investigating] to whom are that knowledge and ignorance [of other things], is [real] knowledge [or awareness].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-07 Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verse 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 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 with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 1st January 2023 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, after discussing Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?) paragraph 20:

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தானெழுந்தால் சகலமு மெழும்; தானடங்கினால் சகலமு மடங்கும். எவ்வளவுக்கெவ்வளவு தாழ்ந்து நடக்கிறோமோ அவ்வளவுக்கவ்வளவு நன்மையுண்டு. மனத்தை யடக்கிக்கொண் டிருந்தால், எங்கே யிருந்தாலு மிருக்கலாம்.

tāṉ eṙundāl sakalam-um eṙum; tāṉ aḍaṅgiṉāl sakalam-um aḍaṅgum. evvaḷavukkevvaḷavu tāṙndu naḍakkiṟōmō avvaḷavukkavvaḷavu naṉmai-y-uṇḍu. maṉattai y-aḍakki-k-koṇḍirundāl, eṅgē y-irundālum irukkalām.

English translation: If oneself rises [or appears] [as ego or mind], everything rises [or appears]; if oneself subsides [disappears or ceases], everything subsides [disappears or ceases]. To whatever extent sinking low [subsiding or being humble] we behave [or conduct ourself], to that extent there is goodness [benefit or virtue]. If one is [continuously] restraining [curbing or subduing] mind, wherever one may be one can be [or let one be].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2023-01-01 San Diego Ramana Satsang: Michael James discusses Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?) paragraph 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 of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 31st December 2022 Michael James discusses how to investigate who am I and then answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-12-31 Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: How to investigate who am I?, 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 on 21st December 2022 Michael answers several questions asked by Indira about Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly about ego, vāsanās, living in the world and the eventual dissolution of the world-appearance.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-12-21 Indira and Michael discuss ego, vāsanās, living in the world and ending its appearance, 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 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 the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 10th December 2022 Michael James discusses verse 18 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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கீழ்மே லெங்குங் கிளரொளி மணியென்
      கீழ்மையைப் பாழ்செய் யருணாசலா

kīṙmē leṅguṅ kiḷaroḷi maṇiyeṉ
      kīṙmaiyaip pāṙcey yaruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: கீழ் மேல் எங்கும் கிளர் ஒளி மணி, என் கீழ்மையை பாழ் செய் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): kīṙ mēl eṅgum kiḷar oḷi maṇi, eṉ kīṙmaiyai pāṙ sey aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, gem of light that shines below, above and everywhere, annihilate my lowness.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, gem of light [the infinitely precious light of pure awareness, ‘I am’] that shines below, above and everywhere [that is, that shines within me at all times and in all states, whether my mind is in a low state of impurity and immaturity or an elevated state of purity and maturity], [by drawing my mind inwards to see you as you actually are] annihilate my baseness [the darkness of my self-ignorance, which is what rises as ego, the false awareness ‘I am this body’].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-12-10a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 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.

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 18 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 7th December 2022, Michael James is first asked, ‘What does following Bhagavan’s path seriously mean and imply?’, so he answers this and various other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-12-07 Yo Soy Tu Mismo: What does following Bhagavan’s path seriously mean and imply?, 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 ([email protected]) on 4th December 2022 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, after discussing Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?) paragraph 19:

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நல்ல மன மென்றும் கெட்ட மன மென்று மிரண்டு மனங்களில்லை. மன மொன்றே. வாசனைகளே சுப மென்றும் அசுப மென்று மிரண்டுவிதம். மனம் சுபவாசனை வயத்தாய் நிற்கும்போது நல்ல மன மென்றும், அசுபவாசனை வயத்தாய் நிற்கும்போது கெட்டமன மென்றும் சொல்லப்படும். பிறர் எவ்வளவு கெட்டவர்களாய்த் தோன்றினும் அவர்களை வெறுத்தலாகாது. விருப்பு வெறுப்புக ளிரண்டும் வெறுக்கத் தக்கன. பிரபஞ்ச விஷயங்களி லதிகமாய் மனத்தை விடக் கூடாது. சாத்தியமானவரையில், அன்னியர் காரியத்திற் பிரவேசிக்கக் கூடாது. பிறருக் கொருவன் கொடுப்ப தெல்லாம் தனக்கே கொடுத்துக்கொள்ளுகிறான். இவ் வுண்மையை யறிந்தால் எவன்தான் கொடா தொழிவான்?

nalla maṉam eṉḏṟum keṭṭa maṉam eṉḏṟum iraṇḍu maṉaṅgaḷ illai. maṉam oṉḏṟē. vāsaṉaigaḷē śubham eṉḏṟum aśubham eṉḏṟum iraṇḍu vidam. maṉam śubha-vāsaṉai vayattāy niṟgum-bōdu nalla maṉam eṉḏṟum, aśubha-vāsaṉai vayattāy niṟgum-bōdu keṭṭa maṉam eṉḏṟum solla-p-paḍum. piṟar e-vv-aḷavu keṭṭavargaḷāy-t tōṉḏṟiṉum avargaḷai veṟuttal āhādu. viruppu-veṟuppugaḷ iraṇḍum veṟukka-t takkaṉa. pirapañca viṣayaṅgaḷil adhikam-āy maṉattai viḍa-k kūḍādu. sāddhiyamāṉa-varaiyil, aṉṉiyar kāriyattil piravēśikka-k kūḍādu. piṟarukku oruvaṉ koḍuppadu ellām taṉakkē koḍuttu-k-koḷḷugiṟāṉ. i-vv-uṇmaiyai y-aṟindāl evaṉ-dāṉ koḍādu oṙivāṉ?

English translation: There are not two minds, namely a good mind and a bad mind. Mind is only one. Only vāsanās [inclinations] are of two kinds, namely śubha [agreeable, virtuous or good] and aśubha [disagreeable, wicked, harmful or bad]. When mind is under the sway of śubha vāsanās it is said to be a good mind, and when it is under the sway of aśubha vāsanās a bad mind. However bad other people may appear to be, disliking them is not proper [or appropriate]. Likes and dislikes are both fit [for one] to dislike [spurn or renounce]. It is not appropriate to let [one’s] mind [dwell] excessively on worldly matters. To the extent possible, it is not appropriate to intrude in others’ affairs. All that one gives to others one is giving only to oneself. If one knew this truth, who indeed would remain without giving?

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-12-04 San Diego Ramana Satsang: Michael James discusses Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?) paragraph 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 a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 3rd December 2022 Michael James discusses verse 9 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu:

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இரட்டைகண் முப்புடிக ளென்றுமொன்று பற்றி
யிருப்பவா மவ்வொன்றே தென்று — கருத்தினுட்
கண்டாற் கழலுமவை கண்டவ ரேயுண்மை
கண்டார் கலங்காரே காண்.

iraṭṭaigaṇ muppuḍiga ḷeṉḏṟumoṉḏṟu paṯṟi
yiruppavā mavvoṉḏṟē teṉḏṟu — karuttiṉuṭ
kaṇḍāṯ kaṙalumavai kaṇḍava rēyuṇmai
kaṇḍār kalaṅgārē kāṇ.

பதச்சேதம்: இரட்டைகள் முப்புடிகள் என்றும் ஒன்று பற்றி இருப்பவாம். அவ் ஒன்று ஏது என்று கருத்தின் உள் கண்டால், கழலும் அவை. கண்டவரே உண்மை கண்டார்; கலங்காரே. காண்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): iraṭṭaigaḷ muppuḍigaḷ eṉḏṟum oṉḏṟu paṯṟi iruppavām. a-vv-oṉḏṟu ēdu eṉḏṟu karuttiṉ-uḷ kaṇḍāl, kaṙalum avai. kaṇḍavarē uṇmai kaṇḍār; kalaṅgārē. kāṇ.

அன்வயம்: இரட்டைகள் முப்புடிகள் என்றும் ஒன்று பற்றி இருப்பவாம். அவ் ஒன்று ஏது என்று கருத்தின் உள் கண்டால், அவை கழலும். கண்டவரே உண்மை கண்டார்; கலங்காரே. காண்.

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): iraṭṭaigaḷ muppuḍigaḷ eṉḏṟum oṉḏṟu paṯṟi iruppavām. a-vv-oṉḏṟu ēdu eṉḏṟu karuttiṉ-uḷ kaṇḍāl, avai kaṙalum. kaṇḍavarē uṇmai kaṇḍār; kalaṅgārē. kāṇ.

English translation: Dyads and triads exist always holding one thing. If one sees within the mind what that one thing is, they will slip off. Only those who have seen have seen the reality. They will not be confused. See.

Explanatory paraphrase: Dyads [pairs of opposites, such as existence and non-existence, life and death, awareness and non-awareness, knowledge and ignorance, happiness and unhappiness, good and bad, liberation and bondage] and triads [the tripuṭī or three factors of transitive knowledge or awareness, namely jñātā or pramātā (the knower or subject, namely ego), jñāna or pramāṇa (knowing or the means of knowing, such as seeing, hearing, perceiving, experiencing, inferring or believing reliable testimony) and jñēya or pramēya (whatever is known, namely objects, phenomena, facts, theories and so on)] exist [by] always holding [or depending on] one thing [namely ego, in whose view alone they seem to exist]. If [by looking keenly at oneself] one sees within the mind what that one thing is, they will slip off [run away or disappear] [implying that they will cease to exist, because their support and foundation, namely ego, will itself cease to exist]. Only those who have seen [what remains when all dyads and triads have thereby ceased to exist along with their root, ego] have seen the reality. They will not be confused [by ever again seeing anything else at all]. See [what is real in this way by seeing within the mind what that one thing is that rises as ‘I’ to know all other things].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-12-03 Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verse 9, 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 first discussed the meanings and deep implications of verse 17 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 17.

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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, 2022-11-26b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 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.

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 a Zoom meeting with a group of Ramana devotees from Paris on 20th November 2022, Michael James explains that Bhagavan’s path of self-investigation and self-surrender is the pinnacle of the path of bhakti, and then answers questions on this and other aspects of his teachings.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-11-20 Paris Ramana Group: Bhagavan’s path is the pinnacle of the path of bhakti, 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 13th November 2022 Michael James discusses the meaning and implications of verses 29 and 30 of Upadēśa Sāraḥ:

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Upadēśa Sāraḥ verse 29:

बन्ध मुक्त्यती तंप रंसुखम् ।
विन्द तीहजी वस्तु दैविकः ॥ २९ ॥

bandha muktyatī taṁpa raṁsukham
vinda tīhajī vastu daivikaḥ

पदच्छेद: बन्ध मुक्ति अतीतम् परम् सुखम् विन्दति इह जीवः तु दैविकः.

Padacchēda (word-separation): bandha mukti atītam param sukham vindati iha jīvaḥ tu daivikaḥ.

English translation: The divine soul certainly experiences here supreme happiness, which transcends bondage and liberation.

Explanatory paraphrase: The divine soul [the soul that has seen itself without adjuncts, thereby remaining as its real nature, which is the real nature of God] certainly experiences here [and now] supreme [or ultimate] happiness, which transcends [or is beyond] bondage and liberation.

Upadēśa Sāraḥ verse 30:

अहम पेतकं निजवि भानकम् ।
महदि दंतपो रमण वागियम् ॥ ३० ॥

ahama pētakaṁ nijavi bhānakam
mahadi daṁtapō ramaṇa vāgiyam

पदच्छेद: अहम् अपेतकम् निज विभानकम् महत् इदम् तपः. रमण वाक् इयम्.

Padacchēda (word-separation): aham apētakam nija vibhānakam mahat idam tapaḥ. ramaṇa vāk iyam.

English translation: One’s own shining devoid of ‘I’, this is great tapas. This is Ramana’s saying.

Explanatory paraphrase: One’s own shining [or shining as one’s own real nature] devoid of ‘I’ [ego], this is great tapas. This is [Bhagavan] Ramana’s saying.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-11-13 Ramana Kendra, Delhi: Michael discusses Upadēśa Sāraḥ verses 29 and 30, 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 first discussed the meaning and deep implications of verse 16 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 16.

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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, 2022-11-12b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 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.

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 with the San Diego Ramana Satsang ([email protected]) on 6th November 2022 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, after discussing Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?) paragraph 18:

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ஜாக்ரம் தீர்க்கம், சொப்பனம் க்ஷணிக மென்பது தவிர வேறு பேதமில்லை. ஜாக்ரத்தில் நடக்கும் விவகாரங்க ளெல்லாம் எவ்வளவு உண்மையாகத் தோன்றுகின்றனவோ அவ்வளவு உண்மையாகவே சொப்பனத்தில் நடக்கும் விவகாரங்களும் அக்காலத்திற் றோன்றுகின்றன. சொப்பனத்தில் மனம் வேறொரு தேகத்தை யெடுத்துக்கொள்ளுகிறது. ஜாக்ரம் சொப்பன மிரண்டிலும் நினைவுகளும் நாமரூபங்களும் ஏககாலத்தில் நிகழ்கின்றன.

jāgram dīrgham, soppaṉam kṣaṇikam eṉbadu tavira vēṟu bhēdam-illai. jāgrattil naḍakkum vivahāraṅgaḷ ellām e-vv-aḷavu uṇmai-y-āha-t tōṉḏṟugiṉḏṟaṉa-v-ō a-vv-aḷavu uṇmai-y-āha-v-ē soppaṉattil naḍakkum vivahāraṅgaḷ-um a-k-kālattil tōṉḏṟugiṉḏṟaṉa. soppaṉattil maṉam vēṟoru dēhattai y-eḍuttu-k-koḷḷugiṟadu. jāgram soppaṉam iraṇḍil-um niṉaivugaḷ-um nāma-rūpaṅgaḷ-um ēka-kālattil nihaṙgiṉḏṟaṉa.

English translation: Besides the saying that waking is dīrgha [long lasting] and dream is kṣaṇika [momentary or lasting for only a short while], there is no other difference [between them]. To what extent all the vyavahāras [activities, affairs, transactions or events] that happen in waking seem to be real, to that extent even the vyavahāras that happen in dream seem at that time to be real. In dream the mind takes another body [to be itself]. In both waking and dream thoughts and names-and-forms [the phenomena that constitute the seemingly external world] occur in one time [or simultaneously].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-11-06 San Diego Ramana Satsang: Michael James discusses Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?) paragraph 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 with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 5th November 2022 Michael James discusses verses 27 and 28 of Bhagavad Gītā Sāram:

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தீரஞ்சேர் புத்தியினாற் சித்தத்தை மெல்லமெல்ல
நேரச் செயவேண்டு நிச்சலன — மாரதனே
சித்தத்தை யான்மாவிற் சேர்த்திடுக மற்றெதுவு
மித்தனையு மெண்ணிடா தே.

dhīrañcēr buddhiyiṉāṯ cittattai mellamella
nērac ceyavēṇḍu niścalaṉa — mārathaṉē
cittattai yāṉmāviṟ cērttiḍuka maṯṟeduvu
mittaṉaiyu meṇṇiḍā dē.

பதச்சேதம்: தீரம் சேர் புத்தியினால் சித்தத்தை மெல்ல மெல்ல நேர செய வேண்டும் நிச்சலன. மா ரதனே, சித்தத்தை ஆன்மாவில் சேர்த்திடுக; மற்று எதுவும் இத்தனையும் எண்ணிடாதே.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): dhīram sēr buddhiyiṉāl cittattai mella mella nēra seya vēṇḍum niścalaṉa. mā rathaṉē, cittattai āṉmāvil sērttiḍuka; maṯṟu eduvum ittaṉaiyum eṇṇiḍādē.

அன்வயம்: தீரம் சேர் புத்தியினால் சித்தத்தை மெல்ல மெல்ல நிச்சலன நேர செய வேண்டும். மா ரதனே, சித்தத்தை ஆன்மாவில் சேர்த்திடுக; மற்று எதுவும் இத்தனையும் எண்ணிடாதே.

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): dhīram sēr buddhiyiṉāl cittattai mella mella niścalaṉa nēra seya vēṇḍum. mā rathaṉē, cittattai āṉmāvil sērttiḍuka; maṯṟu eduvum ittaṉaiyum eṇṇiḍādē.

English translation: It is necessary by a courage-imbued intellect to gently gently make the mind achieve motionlessness. Great charioteer, fix the mind on yourself; do not think even the slightest of anything else at all.

Explanatory paraphrase: It is necessary by a courage-imbued intellect to gently gently [calmly and gradually] make the mind achieve motionlessness. Great charioteer, fix the mind [your attention] on [or in] ātman [yourself]; do not think even the slightest of anything else at all.

எதுவுந் திரமின்றி யென்றுமலை சித்த
மெதெதனைப் பற்றியே யேகு — மததினின்
றீர்த்தந்தச் சித்தத்தை யெப்போது மான்மாவிற்
சேர்த்துத் திரமுறவே செய்.

eduvun thiramiṉḏṟi yeṉḏṟumalai citta
mededaṉaip paṯṟiyē yēhu — madadiṉiṉ
ḏṟīrttandac cittattai yeppōdu māṉmāviṟ
cērttut thiramuṟavē sey.

பதச்சேதம்: எதுவும் திரம் இன்றி என்றும் அலை சித்தம் எது எதனை பற்றியே ஏகும், அது அதினின்று ஈர்த்து அந்த சித்தத்தை எப்போதும் ஆன்மாவில் சேர்த்து திரம் உறவே செய்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): eduvum thiram iṉḏṟi eṉḏṟum alai cittam edu edaṉai paṯṟiyē ēhum, adu adiṉiṉḏṟu īrttu anda cittattai eppōdum āṉmāvil cērttu thiram uṟavē sey.

அன்வயம்: எதுவும் திரம் இன்றி என்றும் அலை சித்தம் எது எதனை பற்றியே ஏகும், அது அதினின்று அந்த சித்தத்தை ஈர்த்து ஆன்மாவில் சேர்த்து எப்போதும் திரம் உறவே செய்.

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): eduvum thiram iṉḏṟi eṉḏṟum alai cittam edu edaṉai paṯṟiyē ēhum, adu adiṉiṉḏṟu anda cittattai īrttu āṉmāvil cērttu eppōdum thiram uṟavē sey.

English translation: Whatever the mind, which is always wavering without any steadiness, grasps and wanders, drawing that mind back from that and fixing it on yourself, make it be always steady.

Explanatory paraphrase: Whatever the mind, which is always wavering without any steadiness, grasps and [wherever it consequently] wanders, drawing that mind back from that and fixing it on [or in] ātman [yourself], make it be always steady.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-11-05b Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Bhagavad Gītā Sāram verses 27 and 28, 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 5th November 2022 Michael James discusses verse 8 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu:

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எப்பெயரிட் டெவ்வுருவி லேத்தினுமார் பேருருவி
லப்பொருளைக் காண்வழிய தாயினுமம் — மெய்ப்பொருளி
னுண்மையிற்ற னுண்மையினை யோர்ந்தொடுங்கி யொன்றுதலே
யுண்மையிற் காண லுணர்.

eppeyariṭ ṭevvuruvi lēttiṉumār pēruruvi
lapporuḷaik kāṇvaṙiya dāyiṉumam — meypporuḷi
ṉuṇmaiyiṯṟa ṉuṇmaiyiṉai yōrndoḍuṅgi yoṉḏṟudalē
yuṇmaiyiṯ kāṇa luṇar.

பதச்சேதம்: எப் பெயர் இட்டு எவ் வுருவில் ஏத்தினும் ஆர், பேர் உருவில் அப் பொருளை காண் வழி அது. ஆயினும், அம் மெய்ப் பொருளின் உண்மையில் தன் உண்மையினை ஓர்ந்து, ஒடுங்கி ஒன்றுதலே உண்மையில் காணல். உணர்.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): e-p-peyar iṭṭu e-vv-uruvil ēttiṉum ār, pēr-uruvil a-p-poruḷai kāṇ vaṙi adu. āyiṉum, a-m-mey-p-poruḷiṉ uṇmaiyil taṉ uṇmaiyiṉai ōrndu, oḍuṅgi oṉḏṟudalē uṇmaiyil kāṇal. uṇar.

அன்வயம்: ஆர் எப் பெயர் இட்டு எவ் வுருவில் ஏத்தினும், அது அப் பொருளை பேர் உருவில் காண் வழி. ஆயினும், தன் உண்மையினை ஓர்ந்து, அம் மெய்ப் பொருளின் உண்மையில் ஒடுங்கி ஒன்றுதலே உண்மையில் காணல். உணர்.

Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): ār e-p-peyar iṭṭu e-vv-uruvil ēttiṉum, adu a-p-poruḷai pēr-uruvil kāṇ vaṙi. āyiṉum, taṉ uṇmaiyiṉai ōrndu, a-m-mey-p-poruḷiṉ uṇmaiyil oḍuṅgi oṉḏṟudalē uṇmaiyil kāṇal. uṇar.

English translation: Whoever worships in whatever form giving whatever name, that is the way to see that substance in name and form. However, investigating the reality of oneself, dissolving in the reality of that true substance, becoming one alone is seeing in reality. Know.

Explanatory paraphrase: Whoever worships [it] in whatever form giving [it] whatever name, that is the way to see that [nameless and formless] poruḷ [the real substance, namely brahman, the ultimate reality or God] in name and form. However, [by] investigating [or knowing] the reality of oneself, [and by thereby] dissolving [or subsiding] in the reality of that true poruḷ, becoming one [with it] alone is seeing [it] in reality. Know [or be aware].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-11-05a Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verse 8, 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 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, ‘Bhagavan talks in many verses about the final annihilation of ego, whereas in other fragments or verses, such as in Arunachala Aksharamanamalai or in some fragments of Nan Yar, he describes some of the difficulties we may come across on this path with which we naturally feel identified: if instead of lamenting and weeping: oh, I’m a sinner, how can I be saved? / Is it possible to dissolve so many vasanas?, etc. How does Bhagavan know about the difficulties of the jiva on the path with such detail?’, so he answers this and several other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-11-02a YSTM: Bhagavan knows everything as himself, so we cannot comprehend his omniscience, 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 29th October 2022 Michael James first discussed the meanings and deep implications of verse 15 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 15.

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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, 2022-10-29b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 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.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 29th October 2022 Michael James discusses verse 15 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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கண்ணுக்குக் கண்ணாய்க் கண்ணின்றிக் காணுனைக்
      காணுவ தெவர்பா ரருணாசலா

kaṇṇukkuk kaṇṇāyk kaṇṇiṉḏṟik kāṇuṉaik
      kāṇuva devarpā raruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: கண்ணுக்கு கண் ஆய் கண் இன்றி காண் உனை காணுவது எவர்? பார் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): kaṇṇukku kaṇ āy kaṇ iṉḏṟi kāṇ uṉai kāṇuvadu evar? pār aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, who can see you, who, being the eye to the eye, sees without eyes? See.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, who can [by means of what eye] see you, who, being the eye to the eye [the real awareness that illumines the seeming awareness called mind, just as the sun illumines the moon], sees without eyes [that is, who sees (the reality of) everything without seeing (the appearance of) anything]? See [me] [so that I may see you by seeing myself as you see me].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-10-29a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 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.

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 15 Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting with ‘Yo Soy Tu Mismo’ (a group of Spanish devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana) on 16th October 2022, Michael James answers questions about the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-10-16 Yo Soy Tu Mismo: The root of all diseases is ego, the false awareness ‘I am this body’, 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 9th October 2022 Michael James discusses the meaning and implications of verses 27 and 28 of Upadēśa Sāraḥ:

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Upadēśa Sāraḥ verse 27:

ज्ञान वर्जिताऽ ज्ञान हीनचित् ।
ज्ञान मस्तिकिं ज्ञातु मन्तरम् ॥ २७ ॥

jñāna varjitā’ jñāna hīnacit
jñāna mastikiṁ jñātu mantaram

पदच्छेद: ज्ञान वर्जिता अज्ञान हीन चित् ज्ञानम्. अस्ति किम् ज्ञातुम् अन्तरम्?

Padacchēda (word-separation): jñāna varjitā ajñāna hīna cit jñānam. asti kim jñātum antaram?

English translation: Awareness devoid of knowledge and bereft of ignorance is knowledge. Is there another to know?

Explanatory paraphrase: Cit [awareness] devoid of jñāna [knowledge or awareness (in the sense of knowledge or awareness of other things)] and bereft of ajñāna [ignorance (in the sense of ignorance of other things)] is jñāna [knowledge or awareness (in the sense of true knowledge or real awareness)]. Is there another [anything other than awareness] to know [or what else is there to know]?

Upadēśa Sāraḥ verse 28:

किंस्व रूपमि त्यात्म दर्शने ।
अव्य याऽभवाऽऽ पूर्ण चित्सुखम् ॥ २८ ॥

kiṁsva rūpami tyātma darśanē
avya yā’bhavā” pūrṇa citsukham

पदच्छेद: किम् स्वरूपम् इति आत्म दर्शने अव्यय अभव आपूर्ण चित् सुखम्.

Padacchēda (word-separation): kim svarūpam iti ātma-darśanē avyaya abhava āpūrṇa cit-sukham.

English translation: On seeing oneself, what one’s own real nature is, imperishable unborn full awareness-happiness.

Explanatory paraphrase: When one sees oneself [by investigating] what svarūpa [one’s own real nature] is, [what will exist and shine is only] avyaya [immutable and imperishable], abhava [unborn], āpūrṇa [full, whole or complete, implying what is infinite] cit-sukham [awareness-happiness].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-10-09 Ramana Kendra, Delhi: Michael James discusses Upadēśa Sāraḥ verses 27 and 28, 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 8th October 2022 Michael James first discussed the meaning and deep implications of verse 14 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 14.

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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, 2022-10-08b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 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.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 8th October 2022 Michael James discusses verse 14 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai:

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ஔவைபோ லெனக்குன் னருளைத் தந்தெனை
      யாளுவ துன்கட னருணாசலா

auvaipō leṉakkuṉ ṉaruḷait tandeṉai
      yāḷuva duṉkaḍa ṉaruṇācalā

பதச்சேதம்: ஔவை போல் எனக்கு உன் அருளை தந்து, எனை ஆளுவது உன் கடன் அருணாசலா.

Padacchēdam (word-separation): auvai pōl eṉakku uṉ aruḷai tandu, eṉai āḷuvadu uṉ kaḍaṉ aruṇācalā.

English translation: Arunachala, like a mother, giving me your grace, taking charge of me is your duty.

Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, like a mother, giving me your aruḷ [grace, love, affection, kindness and compassion], taking charge of me [as your own] is your duty [obligation or responsibility].

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-10-08a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 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.

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 14 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 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 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 is first asked, ‘If our actions are driven by two forces, our will and God, and we can’t tell and nor we need to tell one from the other, can we really be responsible for our actions? What if I try to be swayed by a subha-vasana and I end up doing some immoral action because God made me do that action in order for me to experience some fruit? Could it be possible that God made me lie even though that wasn't my intention just because I was made to do that by God?’, so he answers this and several other related questions.

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This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-10-05a Yo Soy Tu Mismo: Are we responsible for our actions?, 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 ([email protected]) on 2nd October 2022 Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, after discussing Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?) paragraph 17:

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குப்பையைக் கூட்டித் தள்ளவேண்டிய ஒருவன் அதை யாராய்வதா லெப்படிப் பயனில்லையோ அப்படியே தன்னை யறியவேண்டிய ஒருவன் தன்னை மறைத்துகொண்டிருக்கும் தத்துவங்க ளனைத்தையும் சேர்த்துத் தள்ளிவிடாமல் அவை இத்தனையென்று கணக்கிடுவதாலும், அவற்றின் குணங்களை ஆராய்வதாலும் பயனில்லை. பிரபஞ்சத்தை ஒரு சொப்பனத்தைப்போ லெண்ணிக்கொள்ள வேண்டும்.

kuppaiyai-k kūṭṭi-t taḷḷa-vēṇḍiya oruvaṉ adai y-ārāyvadāl eppaḍi-p payaṉ-illai-y-ō appaḍi-y-ē taṉṉai y-aṟiya-vēṇḍiya oruvaṉ taṉṉai maṟaittu-koṇḍirukkum tattuvaṅgaḷ aṉaittaiyum sērttu-t taḷḷi-viḍāmal avai ittaṉai-y-eṉḏṟu kaṇakkiḍuvadāl-um, avaṯṟiṉ guṇaṅgaḷai ārāyvadāl-um payaṉ-illai. pirapañcattai oru soppaṉattai-p-pōl eṇṇi-k-koḷḷa vēṇḍum.

English translation: Just as one who needs to gather [or sweep] up and throw away rubbish [would derive] no benefit by examining [investigating or analysing] it, so one who needs to know oneself [will derive] no benefit by, instead of collectively rejecting all the tattvas, which are concealing oneself, calculating that they are this many and examining their qualities. It is necessary to consider the world [which is believed to be an expansion or manifestation of such tattvas] like a dream.

This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-10-02 San Diego Ramana Satsang: Michael James discusses Nāṉ Ār? (Who am I?) paragraph 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.

In a Zoom meeting with Sri Ramana Center, Houston, on 1st October 2022 Michael James discusses verse 7 of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu:

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உலகறிவு மொன்றா யுதித்தொடுங்கு மேனு
முலகறிவு தன்னா லொளிரு — முலகறிவு
தோன்றிமறை தற்கிடனாய்த் தோன்றிமறை யாதொளிரும்
பூன்றமா மஃதே பொருள்.

ulahaṟivu moṉḏṟā yudittoḍuṅgu mēṉu
mulahaṟivu taṉṉā loḷiru — mulahaṟivu
tōṉḏṟimaṟai daṟkiḍaṉāyt tōṉḏṟimaṟai yādoḷirum
pūṉḏṟamā maḵdē poruḷ.