Screenwriter and renowned spiritual speaker Mr. Boopathy Raja has given a truly wonderful explanation of Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi's life history, Part 5, on the Aanmeegaglitz YouTube channel. This discourse clearly elucidates Ramana Maharishi's unique spiritual journey, his teachings, his universal compassion for all beings, and how his very life was a profound lesson.
The Guru-less Sage – Ramana's Uniqueness: A significant distinction of Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi was that he never had a guru, nor did he ever proclaim anyone as his disciple. From the moment he experienced the fear of death and realized his true Self, he remained steadfast in that state of Self-realization. Unlike other spiritual masters, a Sadhu from the Sringeri Math approached Ramana, intending to bestow deeksha (initiation) upon him. The Sadhu, initially hesitant, one day expressed, "Be it Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Krishna, or Adi Shankara, everyone had a guru who initiated them. You have not taken any deeksha. It would be good if you take deeksha from me," and left, promising to return at a specific time.
While Bhagavan sat in silence, a devotee named Palli Swami, who frequently visited, brought a book called 'Arunachala Mahimai' and placed it before him. Bhagavan read two verses from it. When the Sringeri Sadhu returned at the appointed time to give deeksha, Bhagavan recited those two verses to him. The essence of those verses was that "one who is already complete does not need initiation." Realizing this profound truth, the Sadhu apologized to Bhagavan and departed. When this incident reached Narasimha Swami at the Sringeri Math, he rebuked the Sadhu, reminding him that Ramana's state was the pinnacle of wisdom, and one should not attempt any such acts with him.
Ramana Beyond the Mind – Seshadri Swamigal's Experience: Further affirming Ramana's uniqueness, Seshadri Swamigal, a renunciate sage and Siddhar, once sat before Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi and delved deep into his inner consciousness. To his astonishment, he found no 'mind' as commonly understood. Seshadri Swamigal realized that thoughts only arise if there is a mind.
Life as a Lesson – Vivekananda's Example: Bhagavan Ramana never forced any teachings upon anyone. When a person told him, "I am going to many places and temples in search of enlightenment," Bhagavan simply said, "Go ahead." Later, when the man returned, still without clarity despite visiting numerous temples, and asked, "What should I do now?" it was then that Bhagavan graciously advised him, "Merge into the inquiry of 'Who am I?'" When asked, "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" Bhagavan replied, "Had I told you earlier, you wouldn't have listened. Now that you have seen everything, I tell you this at this opportune moment."
Ramana also explained the secret behind Vivekananda's world-renowned Chicago speech. When Vivekananda spoke the words "Brothers and Sisters," a 'trance' occurred – the audience was enveloped in profound peace. Ramana clarified that it wasn't merely the words; it was the embodiment of Vivekananda's lifelong celibacy (Brahmacharya), his discipline, and his integrity that resonated. Individuals like Madam MacLeod also attested to Vivekananda's unwavering discipline.
Universal Compassion – Ramana's Overflowing Love: Beyond humans, Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi harbored immeasurable compassion for all living beings. He showed immense affection towards squirrels, dogs, monkeys, and cows in the ashram.
- Lakshmi the Cow: Lakshmi, a cow raised in the ashram that attained liberation there, was considered by Bhagavan to be the rebirth of his grandmother (Keerappatti). It is said that the cow would only enter the cowshed after Bhagavan had first stepped in. During her final days, Ramana, just as he had blessed his own mother with liberation, sat beside Lakshmi, placed his hand on her head, and granted her liberation. A samadhi (tomb) was also built for her at the ashram.
- Monkeys: Once, when monkeys were fighting, a guard fired a dummy gun, unfortunately killing one. The other monkeys brought the deceased monkey to Ramana, crying out their sorrow. Bhagavan pacified them, saying, "I told you not to go that way earlier, but you didn't listen. Now this has happened. Alright, alright, take it. I will take care of everything from now on." Only after being thus appeased did the monkeys depart.
- Wasps: On one occasion while circumambulating the mountain, Ramana inadvertently stepped on a wasp nest. Several wasps stung him. He did not move, accepting the pain, stating, "I must endure the consequences of my mistake. I should not have stepped there. Now, sting me as much as you need to."
- Snakes: When snakes appeared, if anyone attempted to harm them, Ramana would intervene, speaking to the snake, "You know that if you come this way, they will harm you. Why do you come here then? Do not come this way, go that way." The snake would then follow him like a kitten, and he would release it in a safe place.
- Dogs and Deer: He built samadhis for dogs named "Mani" and "Jack," and for a deer named "Valli," demonstrating his boundless love for them.
Body and Soul – The Ultimate Lesson: When Bhagavan Ramana was afflicted with cancer, he offered a profound explanation. He said that when he resided in Virupaksha Cave, there was a large rock that felt like a mother to him. After he moved to the ashram, people cut that rock. Bhagavan explained that the pulsating pain he felt from the cancerous growth was the vibration of that cut rock. This illustrates his deep connection to nature and his perception of even a rock as a living entity.
Even in his final moments, Ramana imparted a lesson to Annamalai Swami. "You think of me as this body, but understand that I am the Soul. I will always be with you." After his body separated from him, Annamalai Swami wept profusely, only then understanding who Bhagavan truly was and that the Soul is immortal. "I am not going anywhere. My body will go, but I will remain here. It's just one law changing to another. I will be here, always," Ramana asserted.
Even today, those who visit Tiruvannamalai can experience the presence of Bhagavan Ramana. His life itself was a living embodiment of his teachings, making him an Acharya (one who practices what he preaches). This profound wisdom was beautifully conveyed by our Guru, D.G.N. Satguru, for which we extend our heartfelt gratitude.