Sri Ramana Teachings

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

Verse 23:

அதுவேமுக் கியவிதய மதன்கண்ணிவ்

     வகிலமுமே யமர்ந்தி ருக்கு

மதுவாடி யெப்பொருட்கு மெல்லாச்செல்

     வங்கட்கு மதுவே யில்ல

மதனாலே யனைத்துயிர்க்கு மறிவதுவே

     யிதயமென வறைய லாகுஞ்

சிதையாநிற் குங்கற்போற் சடவுடலி

     னவயவத்தோர் சிறுகூ றன்றால்.

aduvēmuk khiyavidaya madaṉgaṇṇiv

     vakhilamumē yamarndi rukku

maduvāḍi yepporuṭku mellāccel

     vaṅgaṭku maduvē yilla

madaṉālē yaṉaittuyirkku maṟivaduvē

     yidayameṉa vaṟaiya lāhuñ

cidaiyāniṯ kuṅgaṯpōṯ jaḍavuḍali

     ṉavayavattōr siṟukū ṟaṉḏṟāl.

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

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

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

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

Verse 24:

ஆதலினா லறிவுமய மாஞ்சுத்த

     விதயத்தே யகத்தைச் சேர்க்குஞ்

சாதனையால் வாதனைக ளொடுவாயு

     வொடுக்கமுமே சாருந் தானே.

ādaliṉā laṟivumaya māñśuddha

     vidayattē yahattaic cērkkuñ

sādhaṉaiyāl vādaṉaiga ḷoḍuvāyu

     voḍukkamumē sārun tāṉē.

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

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

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

Explanatory paraphrase: Therefore by the sādhana [means or steady and persistent practice] of fixing the mind [attention] in the pure heart, which is composed of awareness [the clear, infinite and eternal awareness ‘I am’], complete [and hence permanent] dissolution [or cessation] of vāyu [breath, prāṇa or life] along with vāsanās [inclinations, namely viṣaya-vāsanās, inclinations to seek happiness in anything other than oneself] will be achieved automatically [or spontaneously].

This episode can also be watched in ad-free video format on our Vimeo channel or on our YouTube channel. compressed audio in Opus format (which can be listened to in the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from MediaFire .

In a Zoom meeting with the San Diego Ramana Satsang (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) on 1st December 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

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

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

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

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

By Sri Sadhu Om:

► The Path of Sri Ramana (English)

By Michael James:

► Happiness and Art of Being (English) 

► Lyckan och Varandets Konst (Swedish) 

► Anma-Viddai (English)

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

In a Zoom meeting with the Chicago Ramana devotees on 24th November 2024, Michael answers various questions about Bhagavan’s teachings.

A more compressed audio copy in Opus format (which can be listened on the VLC media player and some other apps) can be downloaded from https://mediafire.com/file/ompekha7fy8fu9s.

In a Zoom meeting with the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK on 9th November 2024, Michael discusses Śrī Aruṇācala Navamaṇimālai verse 1.

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

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

By Sri Sadhu Om:

► The Path of Sri Ramana (English)

By Michael James:

► Happiness and Art of Being (English) 

► Lyckan och Varandets Konst (Swedish) 

► Anma-Viddai (English)

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

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

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

In a Zoom meeting 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 (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) 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.  

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. 

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.  

Disclaimer: The book mentioned at the beginning of this episode is a private compilation by a third party that has not been read or endorsed by Michael James or by the management of Sri Ramana Center of Houston. This video is released for educational purposes only. As a U.S.-based nonprofit spiritual organization, SRCH does not endorse for-profit products or services, nor nonprofit offerings that are not aligned with its mission to spread the teachings of Bhagavan Ramana.

- Sri Ramana Center of Houston

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 (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) 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 (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) 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.  

Michael explains the essential import of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu and all of Ramana's teachings in 8 key points -- 8 talks (episodes). 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. 

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 at the beginning of this episode is a private compilation by a third party that has not been read or endorsed by Michael James or by the management of Sri Ramana Center of Houston. This video is released for educational purposes only. As a U.S.-based nonprofit spiritual organization, SRCH does not endorse for-profit products or services, nor nonprofit offerings that are not aligned with its mission to spread the teachings of Bhagavan Ramana.

- Sri Ramana Center of Houston

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 (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) 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.  

Michael explains the essential import of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu 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’. In this video (part 2b) Michael answers (more) questions related to Ramana'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.  

Disclaimer: The book mentioned at the beginning of this episode is a private compilation by a third party that has not been read or endorsed by Michael James or by the management of Sri Ramana Center of Houston. This video is released for educational purposes only. As a U.S.-based nonprofit spiritual organization, SRCH does not endorse for-profit products or services, nor nonprofit offerings that are not aligned with its mission to spread the teachings of Bhagavan Ramana.

- Sri Ramana Center of Houston

Michael explains the essential import of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu and all of Ramana's teachings in 8 key points -- 8 talks. 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. 

There was 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.  

Disclaimer: The book mentioned at the beginning of this episode is a private compilation by a third party that has not been read or endorsed by Michael James or by the management of Sri Ramana Center of Houston. This episode is released for educational purposes only. As a U.S.-based nonprofit spiritual organization, SRCH does not endorse for-profit products or services, nor nonprofit offerings that are not aligned with its mission to spread the teachings of Bhagavan Ramana.

- Sri Ramana Center of Houston

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 (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) 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.  

Michael explains the essential import of Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu 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.

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 at the beginning of this episode is a private compilation by a third party that has not been read or endorsed by Michael James or by the management of Sri Ramana Center of Houston. This episode is released for educational purposes only. As a U.S.-based nonprofit spiritual organization, SRCH does not endorse for-profit products or services, nor nonprofit offerings that are not aligned with its mission to spread the teachings of Bhagavan Ramana.
- Sri Ramana Center of Houston

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 (ramana-satsang-sd@googlegroups.com) 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.