Made it to the holy town of Tirivunamalai enduring a 14 hour train trip commencing at 1 AM in Cochin and arriving into Chennai at 2pm. Greeted at the station by masses of people as we try to figure a way to the town. We hear different version of the best way to Tirivunamalai and settle on a very expensive taxi ride with a maniac. After fighting New Years Eve Chennai Traffic, we finally make it onto a very western style highway. This all goes quite smoothly until we turn onto the local road, where the mixture of setting sun, and tired driver creates a truly horrifying last hour. I am reading that when Ramana Maharashi had his enlightenment, he delved into his own death and I am having that expereince on this trip. A very fitting way to enter the town.

Finally after sundown we enter a hectic scene of pilgrims, sadhus and families all wondering through the holy temple and town. Our driver is getting agitated at us and has no idea where our hotel is. We must ask 10 people all who give us information that is conflicting. With the grace of god after about an hour, we find the Hotel Thrisul down a back alley. The place is really dirty and nothing seems to work in our room, but it does have hot water and a shower does us all good. We decide to head out into the madness for our new years eve party, and find a really wonderful restaurant where we have delicious paneer masala and parathas, India is the centre of attention once again and makes friends with the entire reveling establishment. All a bit too much after 24 hours on the road and no sleep.

The Sage of Arunachala

30th Dec. 1879 to 14th April 1950

Throughout the history of mankind spiritual giants have appeared on very rare ocassions to exemplify the Highest Truth, guiding followers by their conduct in every moment of their lives; Sri Ramana Maharshi was such a giant. Unique in our time, He perfectly embodied the ultimate truth of Self-realisation, or complete immersion in God.

Known as the Sage of Arunachala, He spoke and wrote very little. He preferred to communicate through the power of overwhelming Silence, a silence so deep and powerful that it stilled the minds of ardent seekers who were attracted to Him from all over the world.

His highest teaching of 'Self-enquiry' was understood in the infinite silence of his presence. Through this silence, countless numbers of devotees and visitors experienced the pure bliss of True Being. That same experience of perfect peace is still available to sincere souls who turn to him and practice his teachings with devotion.

This act of perfect grace can be experienced anywhere, but it is especially palpable at the foot of the holy Arunachala Hill, a hill that has attracted saints and sages for thousands of years. The Maharshi's teaching of 'Self-enquiry' (Pure Advaita) is simplicity itself, requiring no outward formalities, no outer change of life, only a simple change in 'point of view' and a sustained effort on the part of the seeker. The goal is no heaven after death or a faraway ideal, but rather the removal of the ignorance that prevents us from knowing that we are eternally One with our Source, the Supreme Self, or God. It is an experience than can be had NOW! All that is required is a sincere effort, which earns us the necessary grace.

On his deathbed the Maharshi told his grieving devotees, "You say I am going away, but where can I go? I am always here. You give too much importance to the body." His promise of a 'continued presence' is daily being experienced by numerous devotees from around the world, and it is that experience of 'continued presence' that has inspired many to devote themselves to the path of peace and love.

Devotees are not required to give up their current faith in God (however perceived) and practices of devotion or worship, in fact they are encouraged to continue in them as long as benefit is perceived. Self-enquiry does not require the seeker to leave home, job, family or anything else. Progress depends only upon effort and nothing else and help in Sadhana (Spiritual effort) is always available.

Truth is Freedom.