Letters From Sri Ramanasramam Volumes I, II and Letters From and Recollection of Sri Ramanasramam

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Introduction

SRI RAMANASRAMAM is a unique institution. Its inmates are not given specific instructions as to what they should do or should not do; they are left to fend for themselves and to absorb whatever they can from the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the Ashram.

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi preached silence by observing it himself. At sunrise and at sunset every day, Vedic hymn were recited in his presence ending with "Nakarmana Naprajayadhanena thyagenaike amrutatvamanasuh," which means that Moksha (deliverance) is attained, not by karma (Action) or Praja (family) or dhana (wealth), but by renouncing every one o them. Ashramites aspiring for spiritual advancement were thus taught to learn and practice Self-enquiry and renunciation. They sat in silence at the holy feet of Bhagavan, imbibing the lessons of silence. Bhagavan spoke occasionally to the Ashramites and also to casual visitors on spiritual matters. On such occasions, a few devotees recorded whatever he spoke; and amongst them, Nagamma was one.

Nagamma had no school education worth mention and does not know and language other than her mother tongue, Talugu. During her early years, owing to domestic calamities and consequent enforced solitude, she studied books of ancient lore and thereby acquired some literary knowledge, which resulted in her writing a few books in prose and poetry. When, however, she became an Ashramite, she renounced everything including her literary activities. Sitting at the feet of the Master, day in and day out, she felt an irresistible urge to record the discussions devotees were having with Bhagavan and, as she began recording them, found that that work was a sort of Sadhana for herself. She began writing them in the shape of letters in Telugu to her brother in Madras. 273 letters were thus written. Amongst them, the Ashram published the first seventy-five letters during the lifetime of Bhagavan and they were read out in his presence (Sri Ramanasrama Lekhalu in Telugu). The remaining 198 letters were published subsequently in four different volumes.

I read these letters over and over again ton different occasions but never did I realize the depth of wisdom and knowledge contained in the cryptic sayings of Bhagavan until I had to sit up and translate them. I have also found throughout the letters the great trials and tribulations Nagamma had undergone in trying to live up to the high ideals of the Ashram. The letters are a veritable mine of information presented in a simple and easily understandable manner and are well worth a careful study, not only by the spiritual aspirant but also by the lay reader.

Some years back, at the suggestion of Mr. Arthur Osborne, an ashramite, and with his active help, began translating these letters into English, but could not complete the work for want of time. When recently, the Ashramam Manager-President urged me to finish the work, I did so and am glad they are now being published.

Back of the Book

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi preached silence by observing it Himself and Asramites aspiring for spiritual advancement sat at the holy feet of Bhagavan, imbibing the lessons of that silence.

Occasionally Bhagavan spoke on spiritual matters. On such occasions, a few devotees recorded whatever He said; and amongst them, Nagamma was one.

When Nagamma became an Asramite, she renounced everything and whilst sitting at the feet of the Master she felt an irresistible urge to record the discussions devotees were having with Him and, as she began recording them, found that that work was a sort of Sadhana for herself and so began writing them in the shape of letters in Telugu to her brother in Madras. 273 letters were thus written - each one shown to Bhagavan for any corrections before being posted.

The Asramam published the first 75 letters during the lifetime of Bhagavan and they were read out in His presence (Sri Ramanasrama Lekhalu in Telugu). The remaining 198 letters were published subsequently in four different volumes.

The depth of wisdom and knowledge contained in the cryptic sayings of Bhagavan, is a veritable mine of information, presented in a simple and easily understandable manner and is well worth careful study.