Sri Ramana Teachings

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. ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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 ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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. ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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: ----more---- 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. பதச்சேதம்: உலகு அறிவும் ஒன்றாய் உதித்து ஒடுங்கும் ஏனும், உலகு அறிவு தன்னால் ஒளிரும். உலகு அறிவு தோன்றி மறைதற்கு இடன் ஆய் தோன்றி மறையாது ஒளிரும் பூன்றம் ஆம் அஃதே பொருள். Padacchēdam (word-separation): ulahu aṟivum oṉḏṟāy udittu oḍuṅgum ēṉum, ulahu aṟivu-taṉṉāl oḷirum. ulahu aṟivu tōṉḏṟi maṟaidaṟku iḍaṉ-āy tōṉḏṟi maṟaiyādu oḷirum pūṉḏṟam ām aḵdē poruḷ. அன்வயம்: உலகு அறிவும் ஒன்றாய் உதித்து ஒடுங்கும் ஏனும், உலகு அறிவு தன்னால் ஒளிரும். உலகு அறிவு தோன்றி மறைதற்கு இடன் ஆய் தோன்றி மறையாது ஒளிரும் அஃதே பூன்றம் ஆம் பொருள். Anvayam (words rearranged in natural prose order): ulahu aṟivum oṉḏṟāy udittu oḍuṅgum ēṉum, ulahu aṟivu-taṉṉāl oḷirum. ulahu aṟivu tōṉḏṟi maṟaidaṟku iḍaṉ-āy tōṉḏṟi maṟaiyādu oḷirum aḵdē pūṉḏṟam ām poruḷ. English translation: Though the world and awareness arise and subside simultaneously, the world shines by awareness. Only that which shines without appearing or disappearing as the place for the appearing and disappearing of the world and awareness is the substance, which is the whole. Explanatory paraphrase: Though the world and awareness [the awareness that perceives the world, namely ego or mind] arise and subside simultaneously, the world shines by [that rising and subsiding] awareness [the mind]. Only that which shines without appearing or disappearing as the place [space, expanse, location, site or ground] for the appearing and disappearing of the world and [that] awareness is poruḷ [the real substance or vastu], which is pūṉḏṟam [the infinite whole or pūrṇa]. This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-10-01 Sri Ramana Center, Houston: Michael James discusses Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verse 7, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 24th September 2022 Michael James first discussed the meanings and deep implications of verse 13 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 13. ----more---- 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, 2022-09-24b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 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 of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 24th September 2022 Michael James discusses verse 13 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai: ----more---- ஓங்கா ரப்பொரு ளொப்புயர் வில்லோ யுனையா ரறிவா ரருணாசலா ōṅkā rapporu ḷoppuyar villō yuṉaiyā raṟivā raruṇācalā பதச்சேதம்: ஓங்கார பொருள், ஒப்பு உயர்வு இல்லோய், உனை யார் அறிவார் அருணாசலா? Padacchēdam (word-separation): ōṅkāra poruḷ, oppu uyarvu illōy, uṉai yār aṟivār aruṇācalā? English translation: Arunachala, substance of ōṁkāra, you for whom there is not equal or superior, who can know you? Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, [inner and ultimate] substance [reality, import or referent] of ōṁkāra [the sacred syllable ōm], you for whom there is not [anything or anyone] equal [or similar] or superior, who [other than yourself] can know you [as you actually are]? This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-09-24a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 13, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here. After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 13 Q&A.

In this episode Michael James answers the question: “Although many deep-rooted attachments have fallen away on their own, I am still not sufficiently detached so as to surrender completely and experience total contentment at all times. This may have to do with the fact that I still identify myself with the body at some level, albeit not as strongly as before. Is uninterrupted self-attention the only means to overcome this?” ----more---- This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-08-02e Is uninterrupted self-attention the only means to overcome all deep-rooted attachments?, and a more compressed 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 September 2022 Michael James discusses the meaning and implications of verses 23 to 26 of Upadēśa Sāraḥ: ----more---- Upadēśa Sāraḥ verse 23: सत्त्व भासिका चित्क्व वेतरा । सत्त याहिचि च्चित्त याह्यहम् ॥ २३ ॥ sattva bhāsikā citkva vētarā satta yāhici ccitta yāhyaham पदच्छेद: सत्त्व भासिका चित् क्व वा इतरा? सत्तया हि चित्. चित्तया हि अहम्. Padacchēda (word-separation): sattva bhāsikā cit kva vā itarā? sattayā hi cit. cittayā hi aham. English translation: Where indeed is another awareness to illumine existence? As existence is certainly awareness. As awareness is certainly ‘I’. Explanatory paraphrase: Where indeed is [any] cit [awareness] other [than sat] to illumine sat [existence, beingness or what actually exists]? [What shines] as sat [existence] is certainly cit [awareness]. [What exists] as awareness is certainly ‘I’. Upadēśa Sāraḥ verse 24: ईश जीवयो र्वेष धीभिदा । सत्स्व भावतो वस्तु केवलम् ॥ २४ ॥ īśa jīvayō rvēṣa dhībhidā satsva bhāvatō vastu kēvalam पदच्छेद: ईश जीवयोः वेष धी भिदा सत् स्वभावतः वस्तु केवलम्. Padacchēda (word-separation): īśa-jīvayōḥ vēṣa-dhī bhidā. sat-svabhāvataḥ vastu kēvalam. English translation: Between God and soul the difference is costume-thought. By existence-nature, substance is only one. Explanatory paraphrase: Between God and soul the difference [separation or distinction] is [only] vēṣa-dhī [costume-thought, the thought or awareness of their respective costumes, disguises or assumed appearances, namely their upādhis or adjuncts]. By [or because of] sat-svabhāva [their real nature, which is just existence or being], vastu [their substance] is only one. Upadēśa Sāraḥ verse 25: वेष हानतः स्वात्म दर्शनम् । ईश दर्शनं स्वात्म रूपतः ॥ २५ ॥ vēṣa hānataḥ svātma darśanam īśa darśanaṁ svātma rūpataḥ पदच्छेद: वेष हानतः स्वात्म दर्शनम् ईश दर्शनम्. स्वात्म रूपतः. Padacchēda (word-separation): vēṣa hānataḥ svātma-darśanam īśa-darśanam. svātma rūpataḥ. English translation: By giving up costume, seeing one’s own self is seeing God, because of the form of one’s own self. Explanatory paraphrase: By giving up [one’s own] costume [disguise or assumed appearance, namely one’s upādhis or adjuncts], svātma-darśanam [seeing one’s own self] is īśa-darśanam [seeing God], because of [God being] the form [or real nature] of one’s own self. Upadēśa Sāraḥ verse 26: आत्म संस्थितिः स्वात्म दर्शनम् । आत्म निर्द्वया दात्म निष्ठता ॥ २६ ॥ ātma saṁsthitiḥ svātma darśanam ātma nirdvayā dātma niṣṭhatā पदच्छेद: आत्म संस्थितिः स्वात्म दर्शनम् आत्म निर्द्वयात्. आत्म निष्ठता. Padacchēda (word-separation): ātma-saṁsthitiḥ svātma-darśanam ātma nirdvayāt. ātma-niṣṭhatā. English translation: Being oneself is seeing one’s own self, because of oneself not being two. Self-abidance. Explanatory paraphrase: Being [or standing firmly as] oneself is svātma-darśanam [seeing one’s own self], because of oneself not being two [that is, since we are not two, we cannot see ourself as an object, so we can see what we actually are only by being what we actually are, namely pure awareness, sat-cit]. [This is] ātma-niṣṭhatā [being firmly and steadily fixed, standing or abiding as oneself]. This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-09-11 Ramana Kendra, Delhi: Michael James discusses Upadēśa Sāraḥ verses 23 to 26, and a more compressed 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 126th Advent (anniversary of the day he came to Arunachala on 1st September 1896) organised by Arunachala Ashrama, New York, on 11th September 2022 Michael James discusses how Bhagavan and his teachings are the full blossoming, flower, cream, nectar or crest-jewel of the entire Vēdānta, as well as its original source. ----more---- This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-09-11 Sri Ramana Advent: Bhagavan Ramana, the flower of Vēdānta, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 10th September 2022 Michael James first discussed the meaning and deep implications of verse 12 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai, and that first portion of this meeting has been posted here as a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 12. ----more---- After discussing this, Michael answered questions on this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, so this second portion of the meeting is posted here as this video. This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-09-10b Ramana Foundation UK: Michael answers questions on Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 12, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here. After discussing this verse of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai Michael answers questions about this and other aspects of Bhagavan’s teachings, particularly the practice of self-investigation and self-surrender, and this part of the meeting is recorded in a separate episode: Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 12 Q&A.

In a Zoom meeting of the ‘Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK’ on 10th September 2022 Michael James discusses verse 12 of Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai: ----more---- ஒருவனா முன்னை யொளித்தெவர் வருவா ருன்சூ தேயிது வருணாசலா oruvaṉā muṉṉai yoḷittevar varuvā ruṉsū dēyidu varuṇācalā பதச்சேதம்: ஒருவன் ஆம் உன்னை ஒளித்து எவர் வருவார்? உன் சூதே இது அருணாசலா. Padacchēdam (word-separation): oruvaṉ ām uṉṉai oḷittu evar varuvār? uṉ sūdē idu aruṇācalā. English translation: Arunachala, hiding you, who are the one, who can come? This is only your trick. Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, hiding [from] you, who are the one [the only one who actually exists], who can come [into my heart]? This [the entry of the five sense-thieves in my heart] is only [or certainly] your trick. Alternative interpretation 1: Arunachala, hiding [from] you, who are the one [the peerless one, other than whom there is nothing and no one equal or superior, and hence no one who could ever delude or evade you, preventing you from seeing their entry], who can come [into my heart]? This is only [or certainly] your trick. Alternative interpretation 2: Arunachala, excluding [or other than] you, who are the one [the only one, other than whom nothing exists], who [else] can come [into my heart]? This is only [or certainly] your trick. Alternative interpretation 3: Arunachala, hiding [or concealing] you, who are the one [the only one who actually exists], who can come [into my heart]? This is only [or certainly] your trick. This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-09-10a Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK: Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai 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 this episode Michael James answers the question: “In verse 2 of Patikam [Śrī Aruṇācala Padigam], Bhagavan talks about total surrender (thy will be done). However, the more one surrenders, the more difficult it appears to be to take that final leap. Is total surrender possible at all with the ego still intact in some form?” ----more---- This episode can also be watched as a video, 2022-08-02d Is it possible for us as ego to surrender ourself entirely?, and a more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from here.