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Mediatating Om

www.ramanateaching.org

www.ramanateaching.org

Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi regarding OM The first recorded teaching of Sri Ramana Maharshi, written down by him in response to the request of a seeker, Somasundara Swami, was: “One syllable [the Ekakshara [Om]- publishers note] shines for ever in the heart as the Self.” (The Collected Works of Ramana Maharshi, sixth edition, Nine Stray Verses, page 138.) “Pratyahara [interiorization of the mind] is regulating the mind by preventing it from flowing towards the external names and forms. The mind, which had been till then distracted, now becomes controlled. The aids in this respect are meditation on the Pranava and reflection on the Nada [the subtle sound of Om experienced in meditation].” (The Collected Works of Ramana Maharshi, sixth edition, p. 24) “Maunam [silence] is the state of Shakti [power] that emerges from within as Ekakshara [Om].” (Sri Ramana Reminiscences, G. V. Subbaramayya, p. 149). Yesterday a Hindu asked Bhagavan, “Is Omkara a name of Ishwara?” Bhagavan said, “Omkara is Ishwara, Ishwara is Omkara. That means Omkara itself is the swarupam (the real Self). Some say that the swarupam itself is Omkara. Some say that it is Sakti, some say it is Ishwara, some say it is Jesus, some say it is Allah. Whatever name is given, the thing that is there, is only one.” (Letters from Sri Ramanashramam, Suri Nagamma, Volumes I&II 2006 p. 60). “Om is everything. It is another name for Brahman.” (Day by Day with Bhagavan, Devaraja Mudaliar, 12-4-46 Afternoon, Question #5, p. 198). “Success attends the earnest seekers who, incessantly and with a steady mind, repeat mantras or pranava (Om)… By repetition of mantras or of pure pranava alone, one’s mind is withdrawn from sense-objects and becomes identical with one’s own real Being.” (Sri Ramana Gita, Ganapati Muni, Sri Ramanashramam 2004 9th edition, p. 13, Chapter 3:10,11,) “Japa (Incantation) reaching to the source of sound is the best course
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