Sadguru Sri Nannagaru

"Dhyana Slokas" - (By Dr.Mithin Aachi)

2012-01-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

Om JagathMatha Shakthi Roopam Shanthi Swaroopam Namami
Om I salute the Mother of the Universe, the form of Shakthi full of Peace.

Nithyam Vigyapithaya Mugdham Nirmalam Priyam Adinathathmajam
Sarvavidyaye Sarvagyan Samitam Antarbhuta Atma Nirikshanam
Mouna Premaparaye Tusnim Bhaveth Sarvam JnanaPriya Bhaktha Vatsalam
Vande Arunachala Putram Sarvam Sushamsaye Dadin Namaha.

One who is Eternally Aware, Innocent, Stainless, Cheerful
One who knows all vidyas, and is in eternal inner contact with Atma
One who loves Silence, is Silent, and loves Jnanam and devotees
I salute Him, the son of Arunachala who is the eternal giver of blessings.

Shourya Sagaram Tejasvin Achalam Sammukham Sthiram
Devakantham Yogi Hridhayam Ravishtam Shashipriyam, HimagirisutAkAntam
Komalam Samapannaroopam Sukumaram Sukumarataram
Vande Arunachala Putram Sarvam Sushamsaye Dadin Namaha

One who is the ocean of Valor, Noble, Unmoving, Equipoised, Stable
Loved by God, by Yogis, Sun, moon and Parvati
Tender,Perfection, Delicate, very Delicate
I salute Him, the son of Arunachala who is the eternal giver of blessings.

Sarvadatram Kripasagaram Divyam, Divya Tattvam
Samvestana Bindum Brahmam Sampurna Chidakasam Nirupadika Poornam
Shivam Vishnum Guham Sri Devi Paramathman
Vande Arunachala Putram Sarvam Sushamsaye Dadin Namaha

All Giver, Ocean of Grace, treasure of Grace, Beauty, Divine, Divine Truth
Point which encompasses all, the full Cidakasa, Fullness without attributes
Shiva, Vishnu,Guha, Sri Devi, the Supreme Spirit
I salute Him, the son of Arunachala who is the eternal giver of blessings.

Truth is One

2012-01-28T06:46:00.001-08:00

Births and deaths are pits, from one Pit to another. Why remembering past births or referring past, Bhagwan never encouraged past births. Tolerance, Tolerance and Tolerance. Forbearance and Forbearance. Truth is one. When you
close your eyes you see it and when you open your eyes also you see it. Until you realize the Truth nothing good external happens to you. You need tolerance. You cannot carry people, increase the depth, Truth gets revealed. Second time also I will tell that only. Everything is the will of God. Can we question God? Is it surrender? Narayanam Parabrahmam Sarvakarana Karanam. Word is gold. In Maya's (illusion) flow everybody gets washed away even Chief Justice, Minister or President too. Warren Buffet is always calm, no exhibition, sight is executive class and life is economic class.

"Profusely Blessed" - (By Paritala Gopi Krishna)

2012-01-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

I heard about Sri Nannagaru and met him for the first time, when I went to Bheemavaram, to visit an NGO working for mentally challenged children. Mr. Raju, who is the husband of Smt. Aruna, the owner of the NGO, took me to Jinnuru, along with Sri Ranga Babu, who also used to work for the same NGO, to have the blessings of Sri Jinnuru Nannagaru. When I entered the house of Sri Nannagaru, there were already around 50-60 devotees waiting for his darshan. Sri Nannagaru and another devotee, who came from Visakhapatnam, were inside a room, discussing about some book to be published. While the discussions were going on, Sri Nannagaru came thrice outside and every time he came out, he singled out me from the whole group and asked me to sit on a sofa. Feeling a bit hesitant and also inconvenient to have that kind of attention, I did not move from the floor. Afterwards, Sri Nannagaru came out and sat on the same sofa for interacting with the waiting devotees.

A lady started narrating her agony and pain in her family and while listening to her, all of a sudden, Sri Nannagaru turned towards me and again asked me to come and sit on the sofa next to him. I did not move, but he insisted and I had no choice but to concede to his command and instructions. I was almost sat on a corner in the sofa, as I was nervous to occupy the same sofa with a Saintly Noble Soul. But, he made me to sit properly and started asking one question after another, which have no relevance, either to my visit or to elicit the methodology I have been following in my sadhana. He asked me just a couple of questions relevant and all others are like how far Haridwar is from Delhi, how many Ramana temples are there in Delhi, who is the most popular Guru in Delhi, etc., etc. All along these questions, I only thought that while testing through these irrelevant questions, he is blessing me. And, then said, you came all the way from Delhi to see me. I said, no Nannagaru, I came to Bheemavaram on some personal work and having heard of you, I came to pay my respects to you and have your kind blessings. He spoke to me like this for almost 45 minutes, keeping aside all others. Then he got up saying that he will present me with a book on Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshi. He searched in one room for a few minutes and could not find the book that he wanted to present me and went into another room and again searched and found a different title / book. Saying that this book also equally good, he gave it to me and then he again went into the first room, and brought the one which he wanted to present first, and saying that I wanted to give you one, but you got two now. See, how Guru guides. He blessed me with these two Telugu books on Ramana -- Nee Sahaja Sthithilone Vundu and another one (forgot title) -- and then told me to read and spread the contents to all. He then allowed me to touch his sacred feet and put his abhaya hasta on my head as a blessing and sign of assurance. I was touched and moved by his love, kind and benign blessings. I was in fully in tears and could not hold myself. My friends helped me to get up and move out. The moment I moved out of his presence, he got up from the sofa and went into his room.

I do not know and, in fact, I have no words to express my feelings. He is very kind and compassionate to me. I can only say, Naanngaaru, kindly accept my Koti Koti Pranams. Bless me and keep me always in your kind and graceful glances. That is all.

Loving Humanity

2012-01-14T06:31:00.001-08:00

Nobody can remain without loving fellow-beings. Loving or working only for the result is only a laborer. Lord Buddha and the great Acharya Sri Adi Shankaracharya told this and they traveled from one place to another to preach only out of love and compassion. Yogi, Gnani, Mahatma (saints) cannot remain without loving humanity, it is their nature. Buddha was a serious man, no jokes, Buddha was never disturbed.

When you crave for honor it means there is no fullness or completeness in you. When we need water, we need to go to the well or the tap. When water is available all around there is no need of well or tap. Similarly whoever has realized the Brahmic state (the Supreme state), need not search for anywhere outside. When you are not happy inside you need to search it outside. External pleasures turn into pain. When you understand the subject properly all your doubts, ups and downs, sorrows, boulders like big troubles also will turn into happiness and peace.

"Understanding Life, and Accepting It" - (Priya Shanmugham)

2012-01-14T06:16:00.000-08:00

This was my second visit to “My Nannagaru”, and I now realize that there could have been no better way to end 2011. You may quite wonder why I say so. Am sure you should be able to understand as you read on.

With too many mishaps in life and a lot of insecurities about my future, I was in absolute desperation to understand where my life was heading toward. It was on one of those utterly confusing days, that I had got an invite to visit My Nannagaru. Now, who will refuse a treat on an empty stomach? I jumped at the opportunity.

As I prepared to meet him, I mentally prepared myself to open myself up to him, and tell him of all the things that have been eating up into my peace and quiet. I simply wanted to free myself from the uncomfortable trauma that had quite often become a part of my life.
I reached S.R. Nagar, where My Nannagaru was supposed to meet up with many others like me. I sat quietly, mentally reciting a dozen questions I wanted to get answers to.

In less than 10 minutes, My Nannagaru entered the room where we were all seated. He greeted everyone with a calm, yet pleasant gesture…like to reassure each of us very personally that everything is going to be alright.

He looked around, and occasionally stared at individuals for a few minutes in a stretch. He asked short questions to a couple of people, and looked happy with the answers he received in reciprocation.

While all this had been happening for not more than 4-5 minutes after him entering the room, I was unable to hold my pain any longer. I simply wanted to screen out “Nannagaru…this is what is bothering me…please help me out…I need you to ease me off my pain”. I was just about to open my mouth, when something amazing happened.

He looked at me, and enquired if I was new around. A beautiful woman I met during my previous visit went on to say I had met him during his last visit, and added on to brief him about my horrible past.

He looked at me…just looked straight into my eyes, and I began to cry profusely. I cried like I never cried before. Something forced me to simply stare back into his eyes, as I cried.

After a few minutes of silence, he spoke about these valuable lessons, not just to me, but to all of us that evening.

His Teaching:
Everything is pre-determined.
Every occurrence in our life is pre-determined. We need to understand this very well. Acceptance of life as-is is the best thing we can ever do to ourselves.

My Understanding of My Nannagaru’s message:
Life is an interesting book. Simply read along!

His Teaching:
Truth is always One – it just has multiple perceptions. There is always just one truth. It is up to us to believe this. He went on to explain this by saying that simply because we think 6 plus 4 equals 10, it is not so. Nobody stops us in believing so, just that, the sum never is greater or equal to 10, and it will always remain this way.

Understanding of Nannagaru’s message:
No matter how hard I try, I cannot undo what has happened in the past. But I can accept the truth that it did happen and feel good that it is finally over!

His Teaching:
Own it like it is never yours.
A servant takes cares of the people, and the house in which he works for with diligence, but never mistakes any of them for his own. Loss or gain in the household never affects the servant. He simply carries on with his duty at both such instances. It is because; he never associates them to be his own.

Understanding of Nannagaru’s message:
We react to instances, and relationships based on how we associate ourselves with them. If we are faithful to people around us, and still understand that they are never truly ours, we will never get bothered by any of their actions toward us. We accept their love and hatred likewise. Practicing this simply virtue will relieve us of most of our pain. We often question people with the “Why do they do this to me, despite me being so nice to them?” question. This is because, like My Nannagaru said, we invariably assume we own them and that they are to reciprocate the same way as we do. This is not always necessary

His Teaching:
No one is anyone to anyone .
There is a purpose for every single person we meet in our life, and this alone is truth. Enjoy what you learn from them, and never mistake one to stay with you forever.

Understanding of Nanangaru’s message:
Each relationship comes with an expiry date. Let’s learn to accept it!

45 minutes can mean different things to different people. Even to me, until that evening, it was surfing the net, reading a book, watching television, cleaning the home, chatting with a friend, or simply sit idle. But now, I can tell add one more to my list…45 minutes can also me “Understanding Life, and Accepting It”.

I never want to cheat myself or anyone by saying that My Nannagaru transformed me right that day. Definitely not. But, he gave me all that I needed to get back to my normal life, and look at things differently. It is more than a week I met him. And I am sure week is still not that long to realize certain life changing lessons.

Nirvana means Moksha

2012-01-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

Every person is within moksha. Man’s real self and real goal is Moksha itself. But due to impurities of mind he is deluded that he is far away from moksha. Only the body consciousness and selfishness are distancing a person from his self. Due to misdeeds and misconceptions man is not able to experience the eternal bliss. The Eternal bliss that moksha brings is as pure as the Ganges from heaven (akasa Ganga) it has no impurities.

Nirvana is another name for moksha. It implies going beyond body consciousness.

What is Moksha

2011-12-26T04:08:00.001-08:00

In this world, through this body, by understanding and by bringing to our experience is Moksha. Moksha need not be postponed until death. Moksha is not the one that needs to be obtained after death but which needs to be obtained when we are much alive.

Moksha means experiencing the self and to live as self. Moksha is not an object. It is the light that shines within our heart. Only they can get rid of bondage, who utilize their body, mind words and deeds simply, naturally and appropriately, he alone will obtain Moksha (Freedom). No man can become God without removing the feeling of “I, mine”, he will never know what Freedom is!

"Sri Nannagaru on Buddha Powrnami" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-12-26T04:01:00.000-08:00

I went early morning the next day with my neighbor Professor Laxmi Narain garu who is the Chief Editor of Ramana Jyothi. As we sat in the hall Sri Nannagaru came and took his seat.

His attendee came and started to manicure his toe nails.

I looked at them and thought excitedly.

Sri Nannagaru's toe nails! The place from where the entire Cosmos springs! I am blessed by the darshan of the Supreme!

I took three two nails of his and held them in the tips o my fingers and pressed them hard against the pulps.

The stinging feeling I got then I correlated with the Heart Centre. These are Sri Nannagaru's toe nails, the direct representations of the Self. Let me concentrate on this feeling and meditate on this. This will help in subsiding my mind.

Thinking thus I deepened my meditation and soon was lost in a current of thought.

I was Sri Nannagaru looking at a Cosmos filled with Sri Nannagaru in the pose of Lord Ramachandra as he had given me yesterday. My meditation was becoming subsequently deep whence suddenly I felt a jolt to my shoulder I opened my eyes.

Guru's Child was shaking me and telling me that Sri Nannagaru was talking to me. I felt a electric current in my mind die as I looked at Sri Nannagaru

'Has Professor Laxmi Narain come' asked Sri Nannagaru.
I pointed out the Professor to Sri Nannagaru.

Sri Nannagaru now scolded me saying that ' Why didn’t you inform me of his coming?' I had asked Sri Nannagaru permission that previous night that Professor Laxmi Narain garu wanted to come and meet him.

'He is Bhagwan's devotee isnt it?' asked Nanna

I replied yes. He had asked him to be brought the next day morning.

Now as Sri Nannagaru rebuked me I felt hurt that I displeased him. On deeper introspection I realized that Sri Nannagaru had shown me his Guru Bhakthi!

A devotee of Bhagawan had come and he was not acknowledged. This had hurt Sri Nannagaru. I marveled at the Love of my Guru for Bhagwan and asked his pardon mentally.

Sri Nannagaru now went into Silence for sometime. Then he said ' Buddha taught all equally. He gave the teaching to faithful and faithless. When someone asked him the use of such an endeavor he said that seeds will germinate when the soil is fertile. His words will produce effect even in the unfaithful when the time was ripe. He did his duty.'

Sri Nannagaru then stopped his satsang and asked myself and the professor to accompany him to the room.

Once inside the room he asked the Professor about his native place and interests.

As the Professor did not understand Telugu I acted as the translator.

Sri Nannagaru asked me whether I was his neighbor. I said yes.

'The Bible defines a neighbor as one who is close to one's heart even though he may be far away.'

I nodded.

Sri Nannagaru asked whether the Professor loved Bhagawan. I replied yes, he has room full of his photos.

The Guru nodded and asked the Professor ' Do you meditate?'
The Prof said 'I have a room but I don’t have meditation. Please give me meditation.'

Sri Nannagaru smiled and said to me ' When japa become internal, meditation comes. There are two states. “Being” and “Meditation”. Being is effortless and Meditation requires effort. Who is that meditates? It is the mind. Remove the mind or seek the source and Be. This is effortless meditation.'

He looked at the Prof and said ' I will give you effortless meditation. You will get all that you need.'

The Professor bowed low to Sri Nannagaru in gratitude.

'How long have you been in Ramana's fold?' asked Sri Nannagaru

The Prof said ' 15 years. But now I am in your fold.'

Sri Nannagaru smiled.

He looked at me and smiled again and said ' The personal problems that you are having are because it is your training period. Bhagwan is testing you. Do not worry.'

I saluted him and came out.

The next day I reached SR Nagar in the early morning and even though devotees were already seated there I ended up sitting just in front of Sri Nannagaru's chair. I was feeling a little odd that I was being special. Sri Nannagaru came and sat and went into Silence. Soon he said something about Buddha.

Before he could proceed someone in the devotees asked Sri Nannagaru how to achieve mind control.

Sri Nannagaru said ' Food intake should be regulated. Buddha said one who has his meal thrice daily is a rogi, twice is a bhogi and once daily is a yogi. One need not limit oneself to once a food daily. What one eats in a single meal one can have it as parts in two meals. But where is the Mind to actually control it? This is Bhagawan's path. To control something there should be something to control. When there is no such thing as Mind where is the necessity to control it? As long as you feel you have a mind it is necessary for you to control it.' Sri Nannagaru smiled.

One of the devotees asked ' Buddha did not believe in God.'

Sri Nannagaru said ' Buddha did not say such a thing. What he described is Peace. When there is Peace where is God? As long as you feel there is a you there is a God. For example Lord Ganesha. He likes your prostrations as long as there is a you. But when one is lost in Peace where is God?'

He looked at me and said ' Buddha was a great man. He never spoke harshly or loudly. His voice pitch was perfectly modulated.'

He continued' Mithin you are in the Middle Path. Your success is sure. You will have Realization. It is a slow but sure path.'

Sri Nannagaru continued to speak more like that for some time and then rose to go back to his room.

That day I called Dr Usha and told her I was getting embarrassed that I was coming late and crossing seated devotees and sitting in the front of Sri Nannagaru. She assured me and said that as you come only once in a day it does not matter.

The next day was Buddha Purnima and I again came late to the satsang.

I waited outside the crowded flat barely able to hear Sri Nannagaru's words.

The devotees noticed me and said ' Make haste and come and sit in front of Sri Nannagaru! He has been asking about you for the last five minutes!'

I happily came and sat in front of him even though he was seated with his eyes closed.

Soon he opened his eyes and saw me and smiled heavenly.

'Buddha was a great man. He never lost his poise.' Sri Nannagaru went on to talk about the greatness of Buddha. I really do not remember his teachings that day. I was lost in seeing him and it looked as if I was just drinking in all that he said and assimilating it.

Sri Nannagaru paused and said ' Buddha was so great that he even went asked alms from his own palace. Can you ask alms from Apollo Hospital Mithin?' he smiled.

I kept looking at him.

Sri Nannagaru went on talking more about the greatness of Buddha.

'Undergo hardship at the cost of comfort for others. It is good. Never be a burden to others.'

Someone brought a cake to be cut on which it was written Happy Birthday to Buddha.

Sri Nannagaru smiled and said ' How can one who is perpetually happy like Buddha lack anything? So we cannot wish him happiness for he already has that. Infinite Happiness.'

Sri Nannagaru then started to accept offerings from various devotees.

Whatever was offered to him he touched and gave it back to that person or to some other person.

He took a fruit basket and gave it to me and said ' Take this to your father. Tell him that we celebrated Buddha Poornima today and this was given to him.'

I nodded and took it. Once Sri Nanna finished meeting the devotees he went inside his room followed by many devotees. Before going in he looked mysteriously at a bunch of mangoes and said cryptically ' Keep these aside. Some VIPs will be coming today evening.'

I went outside and called my dad and told him that Sri Nanna had given him prasad and it was high time he met him. My dad agreed and said that he would come in the evening on the way back from college.

I then called my dad's elder brother who was a genius in many fields. Though he was 83 years old he was a Film director, poet, prose writer, and was the main priest of the powerful Yadagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Yadagirigutta.

Recently his third younger brother and my father's 4th elder brother had passed away. This had left him in serious depression about the futility of existence.

In that scenario I had told him that I would take him to meet Sri Nannagaru and he was extremely pleased and hopeful to know that a man like Sri Nannagaru was there take refuge in.

I had informed Sri Nannagaru about my uncle a few days back and knew that he would not mind to meet him.

So that evening unannounced I took my uncle and dad to meet Sri Nannagaru.

He was giving a discourse to the devotees and I was at wits end as to how to make the meting happen for my uncle had to return at 6 o clock to do a pooja to Lord Venkateshwara in a temple in Hyderabad.

Worried that it was nearly an hour since we came and we would be leaving in a second or two without meeting Sri Nannagaru I looked at the hall in which Sri Nannagaru was giving the discourse. We were invisible to him and he had no idea that we had come.

No sooner did I worry that time was up than suddenly Sri Nannagaru said to the devotees ' I haven’t met Mithin's Dad yet.'

It was then that some devotees told him that we were waiting outside.

He got up and asked us to come in.

Once inside he made enquiries into my family's history from my uncle and dad.

On knowing of my family's achievements and talents he said ' It seems in your family everyone is a superbrain.'

We smiled.

Sri Nannagaru asked my uncle as to why Lord Narasimha was worshipped in the Serpent form in Yadagiri Hill.

My uncle explained and told him the various avataras of Lord Narasimha.
Then my uncle sang some songs about Lord Venkateshwara to Sri Nannagaru.

I looked on mesmerized!

My uncle had achieved everything in life! The deity for whom he had written all these songs was basking in his devotions through the holy being of Sri Nannagaru!

His life was blessed.

As my uncle continued to sing the glories of Lord Venkateshwara, Sri Nannagaru lifted both his hands in the mudra of blessing.

My uncle will attain Him, in this life...or even at the time of his physical passing away...of this I became sure.

Then Sri Nannagaru took the mangoes he had kept aside in the morning meant for the 'VIPs' and gave them to my uncle and dad.

They saluted the best amongst men Sri Nannagaru and took his leave.

Dr.Mithin Aachi is an orthopaedic surgeon by profession. He is a star-gazer, painter, and writer. He is an amalgamation of all kinds of arts and activities. He is a happy go lucky person, who just sees love in everything. From the very tender age, he had an quest to know the truth. He admires and worships Rama Krishna and believes Nannagaru is an avatar of Rama Krishna and worships him in this form. He is a simple person who is an embodiment of love.

"You tied me up with your love" - (By Savithramma)

2011-12-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

The words of my mother are equivalent to Veda! She used to always insist me in having darshan of you but my egoistic mind never listened to her words. The death of my grand father has disturbed me a lot, so I dint feel like going anywhere. Then I happened to listen to your Amruta Vakulu & Pasidi Palukulu. You are as equivalent as five elements of life for my mother. She had a lot of yearning to unite me with you.

First time I saw you in Satyanarayana Raju Garu house in Sakinetapalli. Though I sat far off from you, your look has fallen on me. As I remembered mother words, you called me nearer to where you sat. Having your darshan, I surrendered to you. You filled me completely with an unknown happiness. You said you will come to my home. You showered deservedness to me. As you entered into the house you shined as pure like 24 carat gold. As I continued to glance at you, in a second I felt whether this is a dream or live?

As you said – “we came into our house”,

These words remembered the bond between you and me.

As I touched your feet, I heard a sweet phrase of ‘Spotless Guru’.

I recollected the words of Siddanti long time ago – “You need not step out of your house. One great man will come to your house and you will be liberated.”

You tied me up with your love. In awaken state, dream state, when I stand, when I sit, you spoke with me. The moment of not remembering you was a scary thought. Every second, you followed me. I felt like I couldn’t live without seeing you. This all happened not by wish of me. You pulled me towards you.

Before I used to have worry for everything, happiness if the task has been completed otherwise sorrow. Even if I lost a spoon, I used to have disharmony in mind. As a magician you vanished all worries. Without a knife in hand you did operation. Now, even if earth and sky unites together, this will not have any impact on me, you alone have enabled me to reach that state. You have tied me with your love. I thought I alone own this love, what a mad illusion!!! Every gopika in Repalli had a feeling that Krishna was hers, after seeing your love on all of us, I felt like this emotion was inculcated by you, Krishna.

I rejoiced as you walked by waving the towel in your right hand.
I rejoiced the way you moved your hands while drinking water.
I rejoiced by looking at your poised face.
I rejoiced by hearing your nectar words
I rejoiced by glancing at your posture where you folded your legs and sat on sofa.
I rejoiced when you patter your stomach, and burp.
I rejoiced the way you look us through your closed eyes.
I rejoiced your charming look of blessing us with hand of reassurance, where you wave your head as a sign of acknowledgement that you listened to my words.

How many should I tell like this? After seeing you, I felt like there is nothing to be seen in the world.

Shall I tell how did I recognise this grace, until yesterday I had zeal to meet you, today I felt like where there is the place that you are not present?

How great is faith before sadhana!

"Guru devobava" - (By Hima)

2011-12-03T07:24:00.001-08:00

I heard the name of Sri Nannagaru first time on Oct 4th 1991 through a friend. I heard of many swamiji’s, but the name of Nannagaru felt very special to me. After 1 month, I heard of Bhagawan’s life history. I liked the Arunachala siva song most. The first book I read of is “Sri Nannavu vacha”. For the person like me who had perceptions as, upon my wishes fulfilled, I would climb steps of tirupati or break the coconut, had left me awestuck with the words in this book which said – “Are you trading with God?” I felt shy of myself. Also the words - “If you are not able to understand my subject it is the fault of mine and not fault of yours” were just different like his name. I was not daring from childhood but the words which said “What will happen, will happen, but what will happen will not happen” have removed my fear and rejuvenated in me with courage.

I knew that Nannagaru was going to visit my home on Jan 9th 1992. Early in the morning, I cleaned my home very neatly and decorated with lights on the way where Sri Nannagaru is expected to come. At evening 4 PM Sri Nannagaru has arrived, Shyamala aunty has introduced me to Sri Nannagaru. I spent 3 days with my Sri Nannagaru. I don’t know anything about the subject. He used to talk to me as a well wisher. All the three days just flew away, I had zeal to spend every second with him, and to sit along with him, which was unknown happiness, but one thing that I understood is I haven’t had this feeling any time before. The moment he left from my home I had a longing for him, and felt something was missed. I wanted to share these feelings with someone else otherwise I used to feel like I am lost, so immediately I started writing in a book naming it as ‘Guru devobava’. Every second that I spent with my father I stored that memory preciously in my heart.

Apart from speeches of Sri Nannagaru, the experiences that he has given to me at home are much more valuable. The thing that which is present yesterday and absent today is not true, the thing which exists yesterday, today and tomorrow is itself truth. Yes, I am living this truth which is love of Sri Nannagaru. The love that he showered for first time is the same love that he showers till date; there is no difference in his love. The love which exists same as yesterday, today and tomorrow is Nannagaru’s love, that love is precious (apurvam)

Slowly Nannagaru has become the main family member in my life. I have my father, with my father’s words (upadesam) I felt I can achieve anything that is impossible. Everyday I used to sit before Nannagaru’s photo and used to share all my sad and happy feelings with him, as I continued to see him, I visualized my father rather than a photo. He vanished all my sorrow with his immense teachings. I always used to discuss my problems wit him, for every problem I used to get a unique solution from him. But once I had a feeling whether all this is true? But on 7/8/96 when nannagaru came to vizag

He said – “ I am receiving your words”

By saying so he removed all my doubts.

Without necessary of reading Vedas, Upanishadasa, Bhagawad Gita, he explained the extracted meaning from those books and also our father made us experience all his teachings. In our day to day life, for every incident and for very problem Nannagaru’s teachings have become the solution. He has set an exemplary for all of us through his words and deedes. By being a household person without neglecting any activities, and showing us the path to reach God, such an extraordinary person is Sri Nannagaru.

Sri Nannagaru has completely transformed our perception like sadhana as getting early in the morning, taking bath and praying to God for an hour and then trying to be as usual along the day, he defined the new way of sadhana – “Every day every minute can be used for the sadhana and sadhana means thinking about GOD, and sadhana is not the thing to do in life but it is living with sadhana”

One day we all were surrounded around nannagaru. Everyone was offering sweets and fruits to nannagaru

Suddenly Nannagaru asked me – “Amma, Bindu what are these called?”

I dint respond. Later he said these are called offerings, and then he took fruits on the table and handed it to my hands. I felt these are called as prasadam. Upon reaching home, I felt there was some inner meaning on fathers words because he repeated the same for so long time. I started thinking what is the meaning father? Then I got an answer

“Whatever the offerings that you offer, I will transform and will revert you back in the form of prasadam. I am waiting for your offerings of “I” so that I can give you the purified and transformed I into self”.

I responded as – “Please excuse us Nannagaru, I dint get clear understanding on I itself. I don’t deserve to realize the self, but what I know and what I experience is the mind. There are so many obstacles in my mind, hence if not complete, atleast some part I can offer to you. Please revert back the some part offered as prasadam, so that this will help in removing the other unpurified part of the mind. Thereby my mind transforms into a purified mind, it will be easy to walk in your path Sri Nannagaru”

I never felt like, Sri Nannagaru lives only in Jinnuru. Whenever I called him as Father! And whenever I chanted as ‘Gurudeva’ everyday, I got a response from him. He was with me, and also he spent time with me, this is my experience. If chocolate or gold is offered to a kid, the kid chooses chocolate because the kid knows the taste of chocolate and doesn’t know the value of God. Similarly if I was offered Moksham I don’t know how it is and wat it is? What I know is the love of my father. Since I know the taste of happiness when my mind is completely filled with love of Nannagaru I would rather choose the love of Nannagaru than self realization. Without leaving a bad thought in my mind, my mind should be entirely filled with my father. I have the goal of living as Nannagaru instructed, and to offer my self as guru dakshina to Nannagaru.

GuruDeva!

If Brahma has given birth to this world, but you the form of Brahma are the one who has sown this seed, and given birth of spirituality into my life.

If this world is driven by Vishnu but you are the form of Vishnu who is driving us to lead a proper life.

If Shiva was the rhythm of the world, you the form of Shiva are making my heart to be in rhythm.

You are the meaning of Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru devo Maheswaraha.

You are the trimurti swarupa.

Please provide me the faith of you is everything, fill up my mind with yourself, thereby my heart only beats for you.

Your nature is Moksha (Freedom)

2011-12-03T07:14:00.001-08:00

Moksha implies freedom. But freedom from what? It is freedom from ignorance (ajnana). What is ignorance? Ego is ignorance. What is Ego? One who thinks that I am the body is ego. Therefore everyone with body consciousness is bound. One who is bounded needs freedom, what does an unbounded person do with freedom?

Your nature is Moksha (Freedom). Self is another name for Moksha. Moksha can never be obtained by doing something. You are free even when you desire for freedom (Moksha). Your ignorance is only distancing you from the self. Moksha is within you when there is no ignorance. Moksha (freedom) is not for the ‘I’ limited to the body but in fact moksha (freedom) is getting rid of ‘I’. Ego cannot have liberation but getting rid of ego is liberation. - (By Nannagaru)

Jnani's actions are like, New born child's

2011-11-27T08:39:00.001-08:00

When we laugh even the jnani laughs. When we weep, even the jnani weeps, jnanis actions are like that of a new born child’s. But there is a difference between a child and jnani. The suppressed hidden tendencies in a child’s heart roar out as the child grows. But the tendencies are completely burnt into ashes in case of a jnani. A person possessing tendencies can never become jnani. Only those who serve jnani can become jnani.

Jnani thinks that he has a body but never considers himself to be a body. Jnani never looks upon the world to be different from him but considers as a part of him. Jnani has no duties to be performed, but work happens through him by which he is never bound.

One who cannot introspect and investigate can never become jnani. Man can never merge in God without becoming Jnani

In the Gita the Lord said – “I love the devotee, I love the yogi” but coming to the case of jnani, he never said that he loves/likes jnani. Instead he said “there is no difference between jnani and myself” Jnani obtains me “When God himself cannot describe the glory of jnani, how can we attempt to do so?

"You are the Sun of Knowledge" - (By Dr.Mithin Aachi)

2011-11-20T06:19:00.001-08:00

I made my way to SR Nagar flat where Sri Nannagaru was staying. I entered the flat and saw him after 6 months. He was sipping his coffee.

I came and sat to his right and wondered whence he would see me.

I decided to initiate Total Surrender and was meditating such with open eyes whence suddenly he saw me and smiled a heavenly smile of joy. He asked me to come and sit in front of him and smilingly asked ' How beautiful are your poems! How beautiful is your English! Where did you learn such English. Was it in England?'

I shook my head and said ' You have given me that learning of English'

The devotees smiled.

Sri Nannagaru smiled and said ' You have attained a very high spiritual state. How is that possible? So soon?'

I kept quiet.

Sri Nannagaru smiled and said 'Perhaps it was hidden since childhood and now it is coming out.'

He smiled.

He had come for a devotees wedding and as I was not invited I wondered as to how to attend that wedding.

Sri Nannagaru himself suddenly told 'I have come for a wedding. You too come. It is in Sathya Sai function hall. Finish your work by 5pm and come to the wedding by 6 30 pm. Not only that you also should have food there, without fail!'

I nodded.

Then Sri Nannagaru went into Silence.

He was in that state for a few minutes after which he started growling like a tiger.

This is Lord Narasimha who is eating away our vasanas and ego I thought excitedly.

I looked on at Sri Nannagaru.

'Everything is you Sri Nannagaru, even me. Then who seeks moksha? Everyone is soaked with you. You are the Sun of Knowledge. You do not know ignorance. We are all you. Hence we are in you. We are in Jnana. Seeking Jnana is hence laughable. We are all already that!'

Sri Nannagaru opened his eyes and looked at me. He was in Silence for sometime then did namaskar and got up. He walked around the room amongst the devotees.

He came across a family whose male member was a pilot of a helicopter. He had died recently in a crash with others.

Sri Nannagaru out of compassion looked at them and said 'When one dies like that in a group it is called Samishti Prarabdha. Collective Destiny. There is no fault of the pilot. When death has tightened the noose around one's neck and pulls you away who cane stop or protest? People say that they do not fear death. It is wrong. Only one who has no body consciousness and has attained the Truth Substance inside has no fear. Mahatma Gandhi is such. Everyone else fears death.'

'Swami Vivekananda oozes dynamism while Sri Ramakrishna appears calm. The True Dynamism is of Sri Ramakrishna. It is called Calm Courage. People say Sri Ramakrishna did not go anywhere but Swamiji travelled and preached a lot. But the Truth is everything was achieved by Sri Ramakrishna's Will alone! His is the True Dynamism.'

Lord Sri Ramachandra was a poorva bhashi,mitha bhashi, hitha bhashi, one who greeted always first, one who spoke little and conducively. When Kaikeyi's affection disappeared overnight he did not fret instead he accepted it as Ishvara Sankalpa. No one ever face troubles as Lord Ramachandra did. But he never cursed his fate, instead he was of the opinion that all this Grace.'

Sri Nannagaru now looked at me.

He said ' Valmiki said that it is not important that you have seen Rama, it is important that Rama has seen you.'

He said this and his hand raised in the mudra of the blessing. I was awed. I clearly perceived Lord Sri Ramachandra in him and prostrated mentally to the Supreme Darshan.

Sri Nannagaru kept looking at me and kept smiling. I was blessed for in Him I saw the Lord Rama. The Sweetheart of Sita, the doll of Anjaneya, the darling of Laxmana!

This is a great day I thought.

Sri Nannagaru has given me darshan as Lord Sri Ramachandra. I kept on looking at him and soaked in his grace.

Sri Nannagaru's mood slowly abated and he said ' Ram is also good as Rama. As long as one has likes and dislikes, one cannot attain the Truth Substance inside.'

In the evening I again met Sri Nannagaru in the wedding reception. He made me sit next to him and asked me whether I was attaining peace.

I frankly told him that I was not and had been in the midst of severe personal problems for the past few months.

He nodded concerned and made in depth enquiries into the problem and offered practical solutions.

I nodded and told him ' You have given me these problems so that I lose my attachment.'

He looked at me and smiled a heavenly smile.

He then called many devotees and told them to see that I have my dinner without fail. He extracted my word again and again and then left peacefully on my assurance.

I was amazed at his love.

Later I understood the reason. During dinner a number of devotees surrounded me and asked me about my experiences with Sri Nannagaru.

I told them as many and many started to collect around me drinking in my words.

I understood that Nanna knew that this satsangh was bound to happen and hence made me come for dinner.

He had told me months back ' Whatever experiences you have about me, whatever you see in me Share it with others.

Not that Sri Nannagaru will get publicity but by hearing your words, mature devotees will be inspired!'

I kept speaking about Sri Nannagaru and summarized finlly as

' He is the Supreme Brahman He is Satchitananda Himself. He is the Lord of Uma, the Goddess Durgaa,in Sri Nannagaru alone are all piligrimge centres, holy rivers and all Avataras. He is Sommum bonum of life. He is the Ocean of Grace that has arisen in our Conciousness and will destroy the disease of attachement. He is no ordinary soul or Guru. He is the SUPREME BRAHMAN.'

Bhakti is a Ganga

2011-11-20T06:17:00.001-08:00

Without God’s Grace, none can ever become Jnani. Things happen to jnani as per his prarabdha Karma but the jnani is never disturbed by the gains or losses that arose from the fruits of his activities. The bodily comforts are incomparable with the happiness that arises from self-experience.

A performer of miracles need not be a jnani. Only the one possessing equanimity and love can become a jnani. He is not a jnani who brings a corpse alive, but he is a jnani who lives like a corpse. He becomes a yogi who leads a moderate life. One need not become jnani by stop eating or growing long hairs. A person who is extrovert can never become jnani but only a person who is introvert can become jnani. A jnani looks upon an atheist also as god. He is a jnani who experiences the bliss of deep sleep in the waking state.

Many jnanis took birth in this world. But no two jnanis travelled in the same path to obtain jnana (self). The ancient abodes of jnanis have now become the places of pilgrimage.

Punya (fruit of good deeds) or Papa (fruit of sins) is brought only by the body or mind. He only becomes jnani who dedicates them (body & mind) to God. Earn bhakti (Love for Go) as you are earning money by working hard. Bhakti is a Ganga. The salt named ego melts in this Ganga (Bhakti). There is no mukti (liberation) for those who lack bhakti.

"You are that peace" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-11-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

One thing I forgot to tell was before going for his dinner there was a small moment in the room where Sri Nannagaru had asked me " You came today. When are you returning?"

I said "Tomorrow"

Sri Nannagaru's smile was wiped out and his face assumed a very sad expression as if he was going to miss me.

What did I do to deserve this love? I thought.

Now after having finished his meal he gestured me to accompany him to lighting of the Deepam on the front yard of Sri Nannagaru ashram where already hundreds of devotees were waiting.

As we walked through the seated masses they bent and touched the ground hallowed by the Guru's feet.

We reached the Deepam placed in the courtyard. It would be lighted by Sri Nannagaru once the Maha Deepam on Arunachala would be lit.

As I came and sat at the feet of Sri Nannagaru I could hear the whipsers of devotees around "Who is this boy?"

We all started to gaze at Arunachala for the Deepam to light waiting for the great moment to happen....

Suddenly the Deepam on Arunachala was lit!

There was an applause all around.

Sri Nannagaru got up and circumbulated the Deepam. After having finished thrice, he saluted it and asked me to do the circumbulation. I got up and did the circumbulation twice. He held me when I was about to start the circumbulation third time and asked the photographer to take a photo of Him and me. This was out first pose photograph together.

After the snap was clicked he asked me to complete my circumbulation.

I completed it as devotees chanted 'Arunachala Siva'.

I sat down and looked at Sri Nannagaru and wondered at his compassion.

After the chants Sri Nannagaru left for his room.

I decided to go for circumbulation when I was surrounded by devotees asking me as to who I was. One lady came and told me " Sri Nannagaru has talked a lot about you to us."

I was curious.

"What did he say? Please tell me." I asked.

She said "He said that you a Jnanaputra-Son of Jnana. That you are a ripened fruit. He said that you are a very ardent devotee of the Divine Mother and have worshipped Goddess Gayathri all the time."

I was surprised. I had never worshipped Goddess Gayathri in this life of mine atleast.

I was also touched by his Love.

Another aunty came and offered me dinner.

I refused and told her that my stomach was full after Sri Nannagaru ate. She looked at me surprised.

After this a few aunties and myself started for Girivallam.

I looked at Arunachala and said "This is my first Girivallam on Deepam and on a Full Moon. Let it be that all my enemies, all the people I despise, all the people I hate, am jealous and indifferent to be more successful and prosperous in life than me. This is my prayer on my maiden Deepam Girivallam."

The moment I said this prayer an unknown fear crept into me whether I had done a mistake by praying such. But the next moment I dismissed it and started for Girivallam.

I finished the Girivallam in 4 hours and came back to Nannagaru ashram at 12 midnight.

I had my first meal then after prostrating to the room in which Sri Nannagaru was sleeping.

I returned to my room in Ramanashram.

I was very scared that night in Sri Ramanashram.

Sri Nannagaru told that I would have Truth Realization in this life. Will it happen today? I wondered.

I was all alone in Ramanashram and Arunachala was just outside the door. I was scared. What will happen to my family, my wife, my child if I realize the Self?

I decided to sleep with lights in the room on to discourage the Spirit of Arunachala from entering and giving me Realization ( lol )

In the morning I woke up, happy that I did not have any Realization in the night.

It was then that a vasana in me crept up and I was feeling ashamed and unhappy. This is Arunachala, Ramanasharam!

And here I was full of vasanas, mind thoughts, evil thoughts, I felt dejectedly.

How am I going to face Sri Nannagaru? I was at a wits end.

What will he think of me?

I slowly got up and got ready. I went out and saw Arunachala.

It was IMMENSE, MAJESTIC, beyond the MIND and BODY.

I thanked Ramanashram authorities for the accommodation.

It was then that my eyes rested on the book "Annamalai Swami - Final Talks "

I decided to buy it later.

I went and did pradakshina of Bhagawan Samadhi and Mother shrine.

It was then that I overheard some Andhra devotees tell amongst themselves that Sri Nannagaru would be coming to Ramanashram and that he had suddenly told it in the morning.

I reached Sri Nannagaru ashram where there was a cow worship going on.

Sri Nannagaru was saying "Dedicate the cow to Arunachala"

Yesterday night while doing Girivallam I had thought that it would be nice if I got to circumbulate Sri Nannagaru.

I had told this to Gopika.

Seizing my chance I quickly completed 20 Sri Nannagaru pradakshinas as he was in the middle of the crowd.

Gopika smiled at me and said " So, you got your chance."

I asked another devotee "Is it true that Sri Nannagaru is coming to Ramanashram?"

"Yes," she said "it seems he made an impromptu plan in the morning. We are thinking that it is because he wants to see you that he is coming."

I felt it was highly unlikely.

I went upto his room after the pradakshinas where I met him.

"I am going to Ramanashram" He said.

"I will come" I replied still feeling guilty to look at him because of the vasanas I had had in the morning.

We followed his car to Ramanashram.

He directly went to the book stall and I followed him.

He took out the book "Annamalai Swami - Final talks" and browsed through it and replaced it.

I was wondering.

This could not be a coincidence.

I took the book and flipped it.

It came to a dialogue where the Swami was saying " You are that Peace. The thoughts that come and go are not you. Whatever comes and goes is not you. Your reality is peace. If you don't forget that, that will be enough."

I WAS STUNNED.

I followed Sri Nannagaru to the Bhagawan shrine and then later to the old meditation Hall.

In the Hall there was an ethereal peace.

Sri Nannagaru was standing in front of Bhagawan's photo and was praying.

I was standing behind him and was thinking "It is so peaceful. I must be this peace. I am not the vasanas, the prarabdha nor the evil thoughts. I am this Peace. If I can hold onto this Peace, I will have attained Truth."

No sooner than this thought ran through my mind than Sri Nannagaru turned around smiled at me, patted my cheek two times and left Ramanashram.

I met Mr. Alan Jacobs for a while after that and then left Tiruvannamalai.

One of my fellow passengers was a new devotee and had told Sri Nannagaru that she was unable to understand his Greatness.

He had blessed her and said that she would know soon.

Without knowing this I had talked to her for about 4 hours about Sri Nannagaru on the drive back to Chennai and by the time we reached it she
she had tears in her eyes.

I had told her " The God that you worshipped in all your lives has come to you in the form of Sri Nannagaru in this life."

Jnani is beyond states

2011-10-31T07:21:00.001-07:00

A person travelling in the path of Jnana doesn’t own any object in this world. But a person trading the path of karma owns every object in this world.

The Kalpavriksha (wish fulfilling tree) and Kamadenu fulfill only what we desire. But the presence of a satpurusha fulfills even those that are not desired. A visit to a satpurusha benefits you more than any amount of travels to pilgrimages or rituals yagnas or yagas. When an incarnation or jnani takes birth on this earth all the good hearted people are liberated. It is because their hearts are always pure and straight. But the worldly people are always bent aside with impurity. Therefore they can never accept the glory of the holy people (mahatmas). When water falls, it can never fall into a bowl that is turned upside down, but can only fall into a bowl that is in erected position. The worldly people are like the bowls that are turned upside down.

A jnani is beyond the states of waking, dream and sleep. Do you require any evidence (support) to identify yourselves to be so and so? Similarly Jnani doesn’t require any evidence (support) to identify himself with the self. Jnani identifies himself with the self as naturally as ajnani identifies himself with the body. - Nannagaru

"Nannagaru, my childhood friend" - (By Subbaraju)

2011-10-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

I knew Nannagaru from my childhood, but spiritually I got introduced to him in 1957. During the early days, he used to regularly conduct meetings in Chintaparru. In the midst of coconut trees and greenery we both used to travel by cycle and he being seated backside of my cycle. My mind used to jump in joy as we chatted, but seeing his trouble I used to feel bad. He used to say without inch of trouble you’ve brought me here Subba Raju garu. I always had a feeling that I am escorting God himself. As I remember, those incidents are still fresh in my mind and are joyous experiences. Every Sunday three or four of us would get together and would go to his home, he would share lot of spiritual experiences with us. He was youngest of all of us. The group that started with four has now become a source for lakhs of devotees.

In 1959, along with Nannagaru we went on a pilgrimage tour. Apart from farming and house hold activities, I dint know anything else. As I was visiting those places of piligrimage along with him, I had a feeling of suffocation of joy and as a result tears would roll down from my eyes intensely. I thought this was a boon. Once we visited Yerpedu Malayala swamy asramam, as we were looking at the ashramam, one person approached us and said swamy is calling you. He advised us to sit down on the mat. He asked us about our details, then Malayala swamy said one sentence which I still remember now – “We all think that it is enough to chant Krishna or Rama when we are old. But that’s not true, if we have an impression on the raw brick it lasts forever, so also when we are young itself we should become strong in spirituality” as he said these words we were awe stuck. Next we visited Kalahasti and from there we visited Tirupati and on the way to Kanchi we visited Arunachalam. In 1957, Bhagawan showered his grace on Nannagaru in a dream; Nannagaru paid his first visit to Arunachalam. The day that we visited was Sankranthi. We enquired about accommodation in the village; they said there was no available accommodation anywhere. We had our lunch at a hotel. We had many traditional food items served, and they named it as ‘Arnala vistari’,

Nannagaru asked the hotel management - “What you’ll gain by serving these many items?”

They replied – “As it is a festival day we don’t look for any profits.”

I was overwhelmed by Nannagaru’s love on the humanity.

The hotel authority asked Nannagaru –

“Why did you come here for accommodation and lunch, when you get both at Ramana Ashramam?”

“Since we don’t know of those details we are here” Nannagaru replied.

We went onto the road, we bought bunch of bananas as we proceeded on Jatka.

As we stepped into Ramana Ashramam, we saw Satyananda sitting by window in Bhagwan’s hall (stone idol). From 14 years he was in silence. His work was to feed peacock. Seeing us he called us. They offered accommodation for us in Gentle man room which was extended to Gosala in Ashramam. Apart from Nannagaru, we happened to visit devotees who were alive in Bhagawan’s time like Krishna swamy, Annamalai swamy, Murugunar. Murugunar talked a lot, he was a simple man. We happened to visit Sri Ramaswamy Pillai, the one who used to take care of cleanliness of Ashramam. We also met foreign devotees like Chadwic, Osborne. They used to sit on their knees and offer prayer (Veda parayanam) very diligently. We would go with Nannagaru for Giripradakshinam; we also made friendship with Chalam garu.

From Arunachalam we went to Rameshwaram. We had to sleep on veranda. Nannagaru once got up in midnight at 1 or 2 and sang “Endaro Mahanubhavulu andariki vandanamulu” song very sweetly for half an hour. He likes that song a lot. He continued to chant Siva, Vasudeva Narayana. I felt to be the luckiest person visualizing him. We took ocean bath in Danuskoti. On our way back we visited Madhura Meenakshi. In Aravind Ashramam (Pondicherry) we met Maataji. During this journey, he transformed spiritual energy and strength onto me.

Without any reason I love him a lot, and have immense liking for him. I don’t know why, but everyday I anxiously waited for the work to be completed, so that I could meet him. As I used to work in the farm, mentally I was always connected with him. As I completed all my farm work in the evening, I rushed to be in his presence. He explained many things to us, which has hidden within Vedanta. I was able to grasp those words. My address was my home, farm and Nannagaru’s home. The days passed by just like that. Those are the wonderful moments of my life which I can’t forget till date.

Many times I visualized in him the form of Buddha and Ramakrishna. I can’t explain my relation with him in words. I would love to do his work. He was a compassionate person. He always thought welfare of others. He never thought of himself. After our friendship, Badhriraju, a PWD engineer used to visit Nannagaru in evenings at his home. He used to chat with him almost until 8 PM, and left for his last bus. I also accompanied with them happily. I never felt hunger in his presence. All hours would pass like seconds.

He thinks of us, Nannagaru used to say –

“Badhri raju garu, you are getting late, Subba raju garu can you help him to catch the bus”

He can command, but he never did so. His words were heart melting as he showered love on us. In all these years with him, he always addressed with respect for the people who were younger than him also.

I always love the work that he assigns to me. I never felt a pinch of toughness. These worked on me spiritually as well. Nannagaru spent most of his time in his Books room.

Our friendship is not a normal friendship; it is a bound less friendship. If he offered me a bitter fruit among all the fruits, without a minute of hesitation I will happily have that fruit. I wouldn’t have a feeling that he offered me a bitter fruit, because I just love him for no reason. Why so? Because I knew that he is doing this for my good. And he knows all my good and bad.

With his companion I felt peace and I wanted to share with all people around me.

When I mentioned the same to him, he replied – “Subbaraju Garu! We should not reveal all these things outside; internally we need to strengthen ourselves”.

Though he is younger than me, I like respecting him. From the time I met him in 1957 till date there is no change in our friendship. It’s the same day as it used to be. Though I am not able to have his darshan often because of increased devotees I didn’t feel obsessed as I always felt his mental presence.
Having born as human is strength of purity, having born in his village is boon of previous life, and by travelling with him my life attained fulfilment.
In simple words it is not possible to repay his debt. Offering our ego at his feet is the real way to pay tribute to him. (guru dakshina)

Jnani is an embodiment of silence

2011-10-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

Only the one who overcomes time and lust can become Jnani. He becomes Jnani who sacrifices himself for the sake of self. Every king cannot become a jnani but when Jnani becomes the king, people will enjoy great prosperity. That is the reason we still discuss about the Rama Rajyam (Kingdom of Rama) till date.

Jnani has no work either in this world or in the other worlds but still work is carried through jnani. Jnani has nothing to do but things happen through him. Jnani has come into this world only to lead the society towards equanimity. It is only jnani who can love this world. Whose heart is filled with peace eternally can only love this world and not by them who always burn in the fire of ego. Jnani’s sight is that of Shiva (self) and ajnanis sight is that of slave (corpse).

Jnani is an embodiment of silence. But as our intellect doesn’t understand the silence, out of grace, Jnani preaches us through words. Jnani need not think of helping this world, but the mere sustenance of his body benefits the world immensely. Jnani never thinks that the world is benefitted through him. If he thinks so how can he become a Jnani?

Deepam(1) with Sri Nannagaru - (By Dr.Mithin Aachi)

2011-10-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

I was in a big dilemma whether to go to Arunachala Deepam on Nov 21 2010 or not. I phoned a close associate of Sri Nannagaru and he asked Sri Nannagaru about this.

Sri Nannagaru said “Wont be there a heavy rush…” or some words to that effect.

I was not able to get a concrete reply.

I phoned him after a few days again and this time when he enquired the response was more positive.

“Ask him to take a flight and come” He had told his associate.

I was communicated the same and I happily booked a flight on 21st morning from Hyderabad to Chennai.

I reached the airport in the early morning and boarded the flight. During the journey I had a surreal revelation.

The flight was landing and the sun was up. It was being reflected in the waters below and I noted with amazement when the flash of the sun blinded my eyes when it hit a clear water body. I also saw that the sun was more dull in murky water and was totally absent when solid land came.

This is it! I thought excitedly.

The Atman is always there.

But if the mind is unclear or opaque due to thoughts it is not known to exist. But a pure mind will reveal it.

I knew this truth before but to see it from a flight on a day of the Deepam was highly revealing.

On landing I took a taxi and raced towards Tiuvannamalai.

I reached Tiruvannamalai by afternoon but there was a huge rush of cars trying to get into the town and there was a serious jam.

I got out of my taxi and instructed my driver to remain there for the night whence I would come back again to return.

I took an auto on the outskirts of Tiruvannamalai and asked him to drop me in Ramanashram.

The auto driver had looked at me wide eyed and told me that it was next to impossible. I promised him 400 rs and he readily agreed.

It takes 400 rupees to convert impossible to possible on Deepam day I thought.

On landing in Chennai I had called a friend in Tiru who had promised to book a room for me in Ramanashram.

I had called her and she said “But you never called me back and did not confirm your travel plans. I don’t know if the room remains.”

On hearing that I had not felt worried.

I thought of Sri Nannagaru.

“I am coming to you and the responsibility is yours “ I said.

Now as the auto rushed through chaos and dodged angry policemen I reveled in seeing Arunachala in various darshans and angles.

“I will not fret nor be irritated at this at all” I told Arunachala. “If you make me go round and round like this I will watch the Deepam standing even on a drain pipe!” I jokingly told It.

I finally reached Ramanashram after a long time.

There was a huge mass of people filing past it on the Girivallam route.

I approached the ashram accommodation manager and asked him for a room.

I was pretty sure he would refuse with so much of rush of people.

But surprisingly he had a room…in the ashram compound! Just next to the Dining Hall.

I happily took the room and got ready to meet Sri Nannagaru.

I had not eaten since morning except for a banana and I was slightly hungry.

When I reached Sri Nannagaru ashram I went to the Guru’s room.

There was already a huge rush of people in the ashram and many were there waiting for him outside his room.

I entered his room along with some of them.

After having blessed them he suddenly looked at me and said “Ah!”

He asked for a chair to be placed for me.

I prostrated to him and sat beside him.

“You have been delayed in coming here” he said smiling at me.

I knew that he was aware of my adventures on the auto and also my friendly taunts of Arunachala.

I smiled at him.

Next a young couple brought there infant daughter to him and asked him to name her with a name with the same significance of Arunachala.

“ Aruna” he said.

Another devotee asked him for mantra deeksha.

“Om Namah Shivaya, Shivaya Shivaya, Om Namah Shivaaya etc” he said.

The devotee left grateful.

Another devotee came and told him that his wife’s boss was creating a lot of trouble for her.

Sri Nannagaru looked compassionately at him and said “ He will have a change in mind and will treat her nicely soon.”

The man too left happily.

Now Sri Nannagaru looked at me and said “ You will realize Truth in this life.”

I looked on at him.

“You are feeling Peace, yes?” he asked.

“Yes” I replied truthfully.

“You also felt and realized that Peace which does not have any relation to body conciousness?” he asked

I remembered my recent transcendental experience and said “Yes”

I had a recent experience of peace while watching Robot movie of Rajnikanth. I doubted it. But Nannagaru asked me about it and laid to rest my doubt.

It followed a scene where Rajnikanth is shown as the Divine Mother and something in me looked at the scene in tremendous awe. Awe and worship welled up in my heart for the Supreme Devi. Subsequently in a few mins I suddenly lost my body conciousness and my mind. I was an infinitesimally small point of infinite peace. I was not someone or something. I just was. I felt I was the Universe in a nutshell. It was a peace I never knew. A peace that was incapable of the mind. I could see my friends and others in the movie hall but I could not see myself for I was the Universe. A point of extreme peace and extreme Universality. It was as if the world had decided not to exist in that small ball of peace which I was. Outside there was all chaos but in that ball of peace I just was. It had no attachments, nor joy, nor sorrow. It was transcendental. And it was Me. I encompassed the entire cosmos but was not of it...it is very difficult to describe that state. It was like a tap of water with thin stream of water trickling, dripping infinite Peace. It lasted a few seconds and then was over.

I immediately knew that I had had that experience out of Pure Grace of Guru alone.

Nannagaru asked me " Did u realize that Peace is not related to body?". I remembered that experience and said yes

He nodded happily.

He looked mischievously at me and said “ EVERYTHING HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR YOU. Your room in Ramanashram, your coming here…everything has been arranged for you.”

I nodded happily.

“But what about my lunch?” I thought.

He looked at me and said “Did you have lunch?”

I shook my head.

He looked at his attenders.

“Is my food ready?” he asked.

When they nodded he got up to go to the next room.

I too went inside and sat down before he could come.

We were about five people in the room .

He came, sat down and ate for fifteen minutes.

As he finished I noticed with a peculiar curiosity that my hunger was appeased. I had lost the craving for food or water.

What is this leela? I thought. I did not touch a morsel of food that day except for a solitary banana in the morning. I was a voracious eater and here I was at 5.30 in the evening having my hunger appeased and thirst quenched when Sri Nannagaru had finished his meal.

God satisfied, the whole world is satisfied.

I was noting all this with a subtle awe in my being.

Sri Nannagaru looked at me and said smiling “You can have dinner in Ramanasharam.”

Even though he said those words I knew he knew that I knew.

I was silent.

He smiled and gestured me to follow him downstairs where they would light the deepam following the Maha Deepam on Arunachala Hill.

Presence of Jnani is bliss

2011-10-11T09:00:00.001-07:00

Without any of our effort we get the sweet fragrance in the vicinity of jasmine flowers. Similarly presence of Jnani is always filled with peace and bliss. Just by visiting a Jnani we develop an attitude of reforming ourselves. Of the ancient times three important people preached the path of Jnana. They are

Gautama Buddha
Adi Shankara Charya
Bhagawan Ramana

One who follows the Jnana path will think nothing belongs to him, where as one who follows Karma Path will think everything belongs to him.

"Sri Nannagaru as Pure Desirelessness Itself" - (By Dr.Mithin Aachi)

2011-10-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

The Guru was still and quiet today in the satsangh . He opened his eyes and looked at everyone.

His gaze fell on me.

His eyes scanned my eyes and mine His.

He looked for sometime and then folded his hands in namaskaram to the devotees around.

This was meant to mean the end of the satsangh.

He got up.

He scanned the entire room with his eyes. He then looked at me again.

As he shifted gaze I got up.

He then looked at me again.

"Grant me Pure Desirelessness" I pleaded to him mentally.

He looked at me and then his gaze for the first time in my life rested on my chest.

He looked at my chest for a minute.

Then he looked again into my eyes and slowly went into his room.

In the afternoon I hastened back to the flat in which Sri Nannagaru was staying in Chikkadpalli.

Just a few minutes back I had experienced a bout of pure jealousy and felt sad. I could feel the sensation of jealousy exactly in the area where Sri Nannagaru had seen me in the morning.

This jealousy was triggered due to professional rivalry and I was sad that negative states like jealousy came over me. I tried to do a lot of self enquiry to root out the emotion but small traces of it were left. I repeatedly prostrated to my rival mentally to assuage my guilt. I felt sad that in the morning I had asked my Guru deirelessness and here I was jealous of someone becoz of stupid desires in me.

Subsequently I felt much happier when another contrary incident brought back my equipoise.

I felt sad but that I depended on external things still for my happiness.

I wondered what Guru will think of me.

I went up to the flat worried a little.

An aunty came to me and said " O Mithin. You just missed him. He was siting here for sometime and now he just went back to his room a few seconds ago."

I wondered whether it was becoz I had been jealous of another. I repented again and imagined myself prostrating to my rival. I also imagined myself in my rival and wished him all success.

After sometime Sri Nannagaru came out and went walking out towards the lift. Even though we were just ten of us he did not look at me.

As he waited for the lift, multiple thoughts ran in my mind.

Was he angry with me? Did I fail him?

There came a point when I was just beside him and he didnt look.

I resigned myself to fate and kept looking at him. I remembered what Greeshma had told me once.

She had said " Even if the guru looks at you or not, he showers Grace at all times."

It was then that we noticed that the lift was stuck on a lower floor.

It was not coming up. The devotees were getting restless but Sri Nannagaru was peace personified.

I happily ran down three floors and got into the lift and went up. I saw a devotee smiling at my good fortune.

Sri Nannagaru saw me and entered the lift.

He looked at me and said " Dont you have work in the hospital?"

I shook my head happily.

He nodded.

"I have a sore throat. I will not speak for long in the meeting" he said.

There was a lecture meeting in a huge auditorium in a few mins.

I nodded my head.

He got into the car and left for the auditorium.

I happily followed him

During the lecture in the auditorium he said at one time " Our Dr Aachi has given another name to Arunachala. He called it Karunachala. Karuna means Grace. Everything depends on Grace."

I surprisingly didnt feel elated or body conscious wise but felt happy at his love for me.

Oh! How you bear this weight of this imperfect impure ego O Lord, I thought.

With the baddest of sore throat, I saw my Guru deliver a two hour long lecture on Jnana.

I marveled at his compassion.

On the next day, I reached the flat in which Sri Nannagaru was staying in the morning.

As the lift was crowded I took the steps to the fourth floor.

I am climbing Tirumala Hills to meet Lord Venkateshwara I thought happily.

We sat in the room and waited for him.

He came slowly and saw me and patted me and smiled.

Next he meditated for some time in Mouna.

Then he opened his eyes and asked Dr Usha to call a devotee whose relative was unwell.

He talked with the devotee on phone and said that he would like to come and see the patient in the hospital and then his mind would be at rest.

I marveled again at his compassion.

Next 30 mins he went into deep Silence.

I did a little self enquiry and pleaded him mentally to give me Pure Desirelessness.

He opened his eyes and I saw an amazing thing in him.

He looked like Pure Desirelessness Itself.

Not a muscle twitched , not a wave could be seen.

But a pure state of Being.

His eyes were vacant, his mouth was open partially, his cheeks were sagged down a bit and the curves of his mouth were dropped and solemn.

Amazingly quiet, calm, desireless...

I worshipped his desireless form mentally.

Next he looked at a boy next to me and said " Does this boy have a Lord Subramanya temple next to his house?"

One of the devotees said yes.

"Good. Go and see Him now and then." He said and smiled.

The Desireless form now transformed into that of Amazing Love.

His whole form radiated LOVE.

He looked at me and I knew instantly that he knew I was seeing that form in him.

And then he did a namaskar and went away to his room.

In the room I met him again.

He said " " You have good heart and are very intelligent. Both combinations are rare.It is a gift from God. Don't neglect duty. You have to use your intelligence for benefit of society."

Two days of intense Silent satsangh was highly satisfying

Who is Jnani?

2011-09-19T08:17:00.001-07:00

He who has Jnana (Knowledge) is a Jnani (realized soul). He is only a rishi (sage). There are two types of Jnanis(realized soul):

Who realized the self but cannot express about the state to others.
Who not only experienced the self but also could preach others about the blissful state; they are called as trainers, prophets and aacharyas.

One who finds the source of mind is a Jnani (realized soul). One who finds the source of nature is a scientist. A scientist is waivered by the events in this world but it is not the same with a Jnani (realized soul). It is because jnani never looks at the world to be different from him.

He who experiences the truth is a sat purusha (jnani). In whose presence your mind senses and heart become calm is a satpurusha.

He who knows (discovers) himself is a Jnani (realized soul). Jnani’s eyes resemble the eyes of a dead sheep. There is only one difference between a jnani and ajnani. Jnani knows that he is the self and he has a body, but ajnani thinks that he is the body and has a self. As the sun is unaware of darkness, so also jnani is unaware of sorrow. Our likes and dislikes are the root cause of our sorrow and who overcomes them is a jnani. Jnanis body is a temple. God takes up the burden of protecting Jnanis body.

True love is contained only in the self (Aatman)

2011-09-11T09:20:00.001-07:00

My Dear Friends! When you cannot bear a single word from others how can you bear the self (Aatman)? What you get in movies or in this world are just feeling. Feeling brings you delusion which in turn binds you. But the true love is contained only in the self (Aatman) that gives you the energy to get released from the delusion.

You are saying Self (Aatman) is the witness for all our actions. But when there is nothing apart from self (Aatman) then for whom it acts as the spectator? - asked Sri Ramana. Beauties of the self (Aatman) are not revealed to you until and unless you go beyond the nature, Gods, the worlds and the tendencies.

Self (Aatman) is beyond reasoning but not against it. This is because today our so called advanced science has not been able to find out the formulation of the five elements in this nature – then how can we expect it to find out the self (Aatman)?

"Sweetness is his nature" - (By Pingali Surya Sundaram)

2011-09-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshi is embodiment of “Advaita” (Monoism). He is living embodiment of the principles of Adi Sankaracharya.

Sri Ramana attained Self-Realisation without any Sadhana (Spiritual practice or effort) or Upadesham (Preaching). At that time he did not possess any basic knowledge nor did he know one single word Brahman (the Supreme). He is remaining in that blissful state for more than half a century in the living form, preached to the seekers.

Sri Ramana did not give initiation to anybody. But after his leaving the body, he blessed few great souls by giving vision (dharshan). He awakened the spiritual power which rested in the sleeping state of these great and blessed souls, Sri Jinnuru Nannagaru is one.

From nearly half a century Sri Nannagaru by his compassionate nature in his special manner is giving discourses mainly based on Sri Ramanas teachings, subtle gross and the quality of goodness. He uses very simple language and does not use any words or sentences from any Shatras (Basic knowledge). He refers and teaches from the situations in our daily life, conduct and behavior pattern for our spiritual progress which directly enter into our heart. He proves that for spiritual progress Shastra knowledge is not the only requirement. But this does not mean that Sri Jinnuru Nannagaru does not possess Shastra knowledge which is clearly revealed in this book.

“Adi Sankara Tatva Bhodha” and “Viveka Chudamani” are the two famous books on which questions were asked by a seeker and this book is a collection and union of answers and nearly in all answers Sri Ramana Maharshi is seen. This is the specialty of this book.

It was the desire of Sri Jinnuru Nannagaru that I should write the introduction note for this book. I humbly accept the honor and goodness extended to me and express my whole hearted gratitude for giving me this opportunity

"I sense is Non sense" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-09-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

I hastily made my way through the crowded station at 5.30 in the morning towards the compartment in which Sri Nannagaru had come. His devotees pointed him out to me and I happily went and prostrated to him.

"I read your article in the Mountain Path journal. Arunachala-Karunachala." He smiled. "You write very nicely. Your English is ornamental."

I smiled and replied "The body cannot write. So it is you alone who have written it through this body as Chaitanya.( Conciousness ).

He smiled and put his hand over my shoulders like a friend and walked towards the car.

He got into the car and went to SR Nagar as we followed him in other cars.

We all went and sat around him in the flat.

During the satsangh he looked at me and said "Write when you get the 'feeling'. Dont write just like that. Write only when you get the 'feeling'. You will become a writer then."

He looked at me and smiled. I nodded. Next he asked me about my article and my discovery of Karunachala.

"Is there really such a mountain under the sea?"

I nodded. "Is there proof?"

I nodded and again showed him the terrain scan photos of Karunachala.

He looked at them and smiled.

"It is in the Pacific Ocean." I said.

He nodded.

"Will this in anyway help in Self Realization?" he asked and smiled.

I was struck dumb. "No" I said slowly.

He smiled and nodded.

"Your name is Mithin Aachi?" he asked smiling.

I nodded as other devotees began to giggle.

He closed his eyes for a moment.

He opened them again and said "They are calling you Mithin Aacharya!"

There was ripples of laughter across the devotees. I laughed but was struck dumb.

Who were the 'they' I felt.

Was there an unknown world that Nanna was communing with,I wondered.

He smiled again.

"You will attain Oneness with the Universe," he said "In this life you will attain God Realization." He said and smiled.

I looked on at him.

He next pointed out a lady behind me.

"She is also a refined soul." He said.

I turned around and looked at Mrs L who was watching Nanna intensely smiling.

She was the same lady whom Nanna had asked a few weeks back whether she wanted Moksha or wanted to come to Hyd.

She had just looked at him

He had added then "To come to Hyderabad you dont think.You climb a train and come. But when moksha is being offered to you then the mind doubts. Anyways think about it and tell me. When the time comes I will open the gates."

Today morning as I sat in front of him he said "You dont have any doubts na Aachi?"

The devotees giggled.

I nodded and said "Yes, Nannagaru, I dont have any doubts." Mentally I thought...when I have surrendered what should I doubt?

He nodded and smiled.

He looked at another lady for sometime.

"The body is not our natural state. We think it is.But it is not. We are eternally the Truth. Even now we are the Truth. But we think we are body thats why we dont realize our true nature. What we were in deep sleep when we dont have a body, we are now also. But we dont realize it. The body comes due to mind associating with it and works its way through prarabdha. Highs and lows come out of prarabdha but our true nature remains unaffected. Destiny will work out through the body. We need not worry or exult in sad or happy states for those are not what we are."

He paused.

"Bhagwan never encouraged people to see their faults. If someone came to him and said 'I am a bad person.' He would say 'You are neither bad nor even good. You just are. So just be."

"Sex is due to body conciousness. One who feels he has a body will not transcend the idea of sex. Jesus said that some people were born eunuchs but some had become eunuchs for Him, in their search for Truth. He said it is better to marry than to burn. This is a path and a high teaching. But do not think that if you dont marry you will attain Realization. Bhagawan teaching path was different. He asked us to see from where the sex thought comes. Once you know the Source of the thought (mind+body) you realize its not you and hence can transcend it. Other teachers taught us how to modify habits. But Bhagawan taught us to root out habits by knowing the Source of habits. Its a very high teaching. When one knows there is nothing seperate to enjoy then the yearning for enjoyment ceases."

"Feeling proud due to praising by others leads to higher manifestation of body consciousness. We can transcend sex and anger but to transcend feeling proud when showered with praise is the most difficult. By praising others you invariably help in the karma of increasing body consciousness which ultimately leads to rebirth. If you praise Dr that he has done a good surgery, you will increase the idea of body consciousness in him. Instead if Mr X comes and someone says Dr has done a nice surgery he will say 'He has done his duty, thats all.' This sort of words will not lead to feeling of pride and hence will help Dr in losing body consciousness over a period of time. A person who is accustomed to praise will never have introversion of mind. He will have expectations from the extroverted mind. Hence equanimity of mind is very important. It is a basic principle."

"Someone asked me why dont you meet other Bhagawan's devotees? I replied ' Where are ""they"" in Bhagwan's devotees. It is all One. Whom to meet and Whom not to?"

Then he looked at me and said " The basic teaching I give you today is this. The basic principle of Bhagwan's is 'I-sense' is nonsense. Repeat it."

I repeated it.

"Yes. I-sense is nonsense. When there is no 'I' where is the world? Your true nature is That. It is not the mind or the body. You exists in all states. It is Truth."

He paused.

"This is PURE SCIENCE. Now it has to be applied. Then it becomes APPLIED SCIENCE."

Dr.Mithin Aachi is an orthopaedic surgeon by profession. He is a star-gazer, painter, and writer. He is an amalgamation of all kinds of arts and activities. He is a happy go lucky person, who just sees love in everything. From the very tender age, he had an quest to know the truth. He admires and worships Rama Krishna and believes Nannagaru is an avatar of Rama Krishna and worships him in this form. He is a simple person who is an embodiment of love.

"How I came to the fold of Sadguru Sri Nannagaru" - (By Chavali Suryanarayana Murthy (Retired HeadMaster))"

2011-08-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

I belong to Amalapuram, E G District, Andhra Pradesh. My professional career was started as high school teacher in July 1976. I worked in five schools in East Godavari district and retired from service as headmaster in December 2010.
Since my boy-hood I had a spiritual bent of mind and used to worship Lord Krishna.

When I was 22 years old, my beloved father who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, left his mortal coil. I had to shoulder a greater responsibility of the entire family. I was pulling on my life afflicted by the tyrannies of my mind. Days were rolling on with the friction of ups and downs. Later eighties I saw a book in my friends hand which contained a photograph of Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshi on its cover page. It held my attention as a nail held by a magnet. That incident changed the course of my life and my approach to spirituality. It opened the gateway to my entrance into Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshis spiritual circle and his teachings. By his Grace I visited Sri Ramana ashram for the first time in June 1990, and stayed there. I cannot express my experience in words, it was like homecoming. I was a regular visitor to Ramana ashram 1990 onwards, and so far I visited the Ashram forty times.

Sri Nannagaru entrance into my life

The year 1990 was remarkable in my life. The exact date I don’t remember in November 1990. I happened to meet Sri Nannagaru for the first time in Eduru, a village in W.G.District of Andhra Pradesh. It was 12 noon on that day Sri Nannagaru received me with warmth, hospitality and affection. He discussed about my spiritual path and also about my personal life for half-an-hour in a face to face conversation. He blessed me with the words “You should realize the truth in this birth only”. I was awed by his solemn words. His words delve deep into my heart. I knew I have found my master and Guru. Thereafter my zeal to see Nannagaru and seek his blessings increased. The more I visited him the more was the attraction. I used to attend the spiritual discourses of Nannagaru and could share the waves of bliss frequently. Sadguru subjected me to a testing period for four years from November 1990 to November 1994 to confirm my mental fitness. Then I could realize what real spirituality is! His power and Grace became integral to my life then and thereafter. I was attracted to him as a kind of gravitational force which I could not resist. Each passing day brought me to the saint of Jinnuru more and more. Till today I am always ready and eager to see him. I cannot forget the memorable first visit paid by Sadguru Sri Nannagaru to my residence at Mukteswaram during November 1994.

About my Master Sadguru Sri Nannagaru

Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshi in the year 1957 entered into the life of Nannagaru, selected him and blessed him. He is a living testimony of Bhagawan Ramana Maharshis gospel. He is a guide to seekers of enlightenment. Those afflicted by worldly suffering and others seeking guidance on the right spiritual path to realize one’s real nature which is eternal, Infinite existence, knowledge and bliss Sadguru Sri Nannagaru is ever ready to guide with the nectar of Bhagawan Ramana Maharshis gospel. He advocates Realization of one’s True nature is the aim and purpose of this human life. He speaks to the aspirants in the hearts language. He is a practical spiritualist. His emphasis has always been on practise and more practise. He awakes aspirants to the Ultimate reality by his words, deeds, way of living and preaching. His way of living is his teaching. He is an epitome of peace, non-doer ship and sweetness of disposition. He is very accessible and has compassion for suffering humanity. He teaches the gospel of Bhagawan Ramana in the simplest, more practical and scientific way.

The proximity of Sadguru Sri Nannagaru kindles our desire for the ultimate goal which is self realization. He tours to quench the spiritual thirst of devotees and often visits Arunachalam (Tiruvannamalai). His valuable discourses at different places are being published by Telugu monthly magazine “Ramana Bhaskara”. Devotees gather round hi with attention and devotion to grasp the pearls of wisdom dropped from his mouth. He teaches different facets of Bhagawan Ramana's teaching keeping in view ground realities and difficulties we come across. He advocates the need of inner life and asserts – “If you want to realize the truth you must deepen your mind into your heart “You are that”, so learn to know your ‘Real Nature’. A Guru is not a person but ultimate reality itself. His primary focus is on inner transformation.

My respect to Sri Nannagaru is extra ordinary. He is my eternal companion and a boon to my life. He opened the doorway to true life. His proactive compassion is indebted. The above written expression is only introductory but the sacred memories of my Master are rich in content. The seed of Ramana Satsang sowed by Sadguru Sri Nannagaru in Amalapuram, in the year 1998, has now grown up to a tree of thirteen years old.

"A simple sweet man" - (By Roger Adams)

2011-08-11T02:48:00.000-07:00

I first came across Nannagaru in Ramanashram, at Tiruvannamalai , in the last days of 1993. A friend had told me that a guru was giving darshan near the library that evening. Arunachala and Ramanas cave were sufficient for me, I thought; I felt no particular attraction for the darshan of yet another guru. It happened that the library was next to my room, however and as I returned from the cave that evening I saw a crowd of Westerns outside sitting in silence before a man in his early 60s who was sitting on a chair. At his feet were a bevy if well-dressed Indian women. They were all gazing at the man intently. The man’s eyes were drifting slowly from one person to another. I couldn’t help feeling that he looked like the cornershop grocer. Every now and then he let out a prolonged belch and rubbed his stomach.

I sat down, intending to stay until the first mosquito arrived. In moments I was aware of the depth of the silence in the group around me. Nannagary kept gazing at one individual after another, sometimes resting his eyes on a person for minutes on end. At the same time he would raise his right hand in a open palm blessing. My body became as still as a stone. All thought of going anywhere vanished. All thoughts of any kind vanished, His look was one of the most tender compassion, of a love to his beloved; yet there was no sense of anybody doing anything, wanting anything, trying to create same effect; just the innocent and empty gaze of love, available to all, and yet intensely personal, it seemed, with each individual. His body seemed to carry no tension at all, his whole being flowed unobstructed out of his eyes. After half an hour or so he silently bowed, and got up to go to his room. Nobody moved, and the silence continued for several more minutes.

When I did finally move, I made my way without forethought to Nannagarus door. It was half open, and one of his disciples was standing in the entrance. I asked if I could see Nannagaru, and the disciple ushered me in. Nannagaru was sitting on his bed. He had just picked up a newspaper.

‘Which country?’ he asked. When I told him, he asked me if I read The Times. When I told him I didn’t he asked me about other good newspapers in England. I responded briefly and them came to my point: ‘I was deeply touched by the silence you led us into just now,; I said. ‘But what I really want is to be that silence myself, wherever I am. I cannot always be in India with someone like you’.

‘You like the silence?’ he asked, leaning forward like a delighted child. ‘Come to Veerupaksha Cave with me tomorrow, and I shall answer your question.’

I agreed to meet him at 3 pm the next afternoon, when he would take me to the cave in his car.

The next day at the appointed time, I piled into an Ambassador car along with hald a dozen of Nannagarus Indian devotees. Nannagaru himself led the way in another car. We drove into town and climbed the short path up tp the cave, whose entrance was already packed with expectant faces. Nannagaru went into the cave, paid his respects to the place, and returned to sit under the tree outside. He then proceeded to speak to his Indian audience in his native Telugu for the next half hour, while I and the other Westerners sat in the silence. The silence was tangible, even when he was speaking, and it didn’t matter that he never returned to my question. That evening he was on the floor in the ashram dining hall along with everyone else, quite, inconspicuous, in an ordinary dhoti, without any special attentions or favours. The man seemed to glide rather than walk through the day.

That evening, when I arrived for his darshan, he motioned me to come and sit by his side. Every few minutes, he would look down with an innocent tenderness, and stoke my head. To begin with, I felt a certain self – consciousness at receiving such undivided attention in public; but my awkwardness soon gave way to a tranquillity and ease that was to remain with me for weeks afterwards. The next day, Nannagaru was leaving. I was among the crowd that had gathered to see him off, and as he made his way to his car he came over to me and held me in his arms. ‘Roger’, he smiled.

‘Roger’, like some lover taking his leave. I have since witnessed him act in the same way with many people, trating each one as if they were the only person in the world. I have never seen such a living example of the way Krishna must have acted with the gopis.

Some months later, I went to stay with Nannagaru at his village, and accompany him for a few days on his rounds through Andhra Pradesh. It was a journey into the heart of rural India. The village was built in traditional style. The houses were not unlike Spanish haciendas, with verandahs supported but carved wooden posts and red-tiled roofs. Nannagaru would sit on his verandah, read the newspaper, and receive the trickle of people who came to see him. He put me up in a house next door, which belonged to a devotee who had gone away on business. On my first morning, there was a knock at the door, and I opened it to find Nannagaru there with a cup of coffee. In the evening, he brought me into the kitchen of his house and stood over me as I made my way through the food his wife had prepared for me.

‘Nice food?’ he enquired in his rudimentary English ‘Very nice food?’

When I confirmed my pleasure, he beamed, insisting an offering me more. ‘Ver nice food’, he repeated, ‘Very nice food’.

Over the next week or so we went to several different homes over an area of perhaps a hundred miles, accompanied by one of his few mal devotees who took charge of all the arrangements. At each stop, he and I were ushered to the table first, while the women hovered around watching us eat, as he had watched me. Then the men of the family ate, and finally the women and children sat down. During the day dozens of people would come and sit at his feet while he would give them a talk on some aspect of Ramans teaching, respond to their problems, or occasionally siit in silence. We went to three weddings, blessed the foundations of a new house, visited a paper factory, and a temple that someone had recently built in his honour. Nannagaru was the same still presence wherever we went. He flowed at the same slow pace, and never showed any trace of a reactive mind. In the car, as we went from one place to the next, he would gaze at a tiny picture of Raman that he held in his lap, apparently lost to us and the journey were on. Yet as sonn as we stopped, he would be totally present to whatever situation we walked into.

A number of Westerners have now accompanied him in this way, some for much longer periods than I. Everyone that I have meet confirms that same experience of prolonged inner silence in his presence, and nothing but an undemanding simplicity on his part. One, a seventy-year-old man from New York, told me that he has watched Nannagaru weep for an hour while an old woman told him her story. He himself had not been aware of anything special happening to him while he was with Nannagaru, although it was a warm, if uneventful time. Then, a few days after his departure, he realized that a sadness, which had been with him all his life, had completely vanished.

Since his own awakening was not the result of any specific sadhana, other than a spontaneous love for Ramana Maharshi, it is not surprising that Nannagaru recommends no particular method or technique himself. His own way of working with people ic clearly to have them in his presence while going about the business of everyday life. Being a householder himself, he does not separate the spiritual from the secular.

Much of his day us spent dealing with people; everyday concerns, and playing his part in the life of his community. He will talk for hours to his Indian devotees on various aspects of Advaita teaching, but with Westerners, he is invariably silent – except when he asks about their country and their national press. His economy with words is partly because of his English, but also because he knows that many Westerners unlike most of the Indians around him seem to value his silence more. Westerners are already full of concepts and theories and are usually grateful to experience what lies beyond them.

People come and go from his without any mention of a relationship of guru and disciple. He responds spontaneously to a persons openness, but his response carries no weight or demand. Je seems to represent an invitation to fall into the inner heart, where all differences, formed relations and emotional needs dissolve. Silence was also the teaching method of Ramana Maharshi, who considered it the only real form of communication. Yet Nannagaru’s presence naturally draws people, and his Indian followers, being culturally attuned to the guru – disciple relationship, treat him accordingly.

Nannagarus followers have recently built a small retreat centre near Raman ashram, in Turvannamalai, which they have called Andhra Ashram, Nannagaru plans to be resident there some months of each year, so he seems certain to become far more widely known that he is at present.

"My visions" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-07-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

From childhood the photo of Sri Ramakrishna used to fascinate me. I never knew who he was where he was but I knew that I had love for him which was before this birth of mine. Similar too I had a subconscious feeling in my mind that there exists a Great Hill / Mountain somewhere which I loved a lot.

Many a childhood memory can I think where I exulted in seeing a Hill thinking it to be that Hill. A Hill called Sivaganga near Bangalore almost convinced me that this was the Hill I was searching. But it was only when I came across Arunachala in a book of Bhagawan (Timeless in Time ) that I really knew that I had found my life's subconcious quest.

I wondered when I would see it.I remember once in Chennai doing pradakshina of Sri Ramakrishna in Ramakrishna math thinking that I am going around Arunachala.It was finally when I met my Sadguru and he touched me...a feeling of rushing to Arunachala was born in me and the next week on Nov 22 2008 I beheld the Great Hill for the first time.

It was a JUMP IN MY HEART WHICH I CANNOT DESCRIBE.

It was in my college in Mangalore in 1995 when I had to instances of profound absorption when meditating on Sri Ramakrishna. One was in my hostel room and the other was in Ramakrishna Math Mangalore.

On both occasions I had been totally unconscious of the world for about half an hour. Following this I had two visions of Sri Ramakrishna.

In one Sri Ramakrishna was sitting on a sofa with only a loin cloth.

I was surprised and asked him "Thakur why are you wearing only a loin cloth?" He just smiled.

The second vision I had was Sri Ramakrishna's face lighted up with an ethereal golden light and he smiled at me with a peculiar smile.

Subsequently a few years hence I discovered a book on Ramana Maharshi Timeless in Time. Through this I was stunned to discover in my research to see the exact photo of Sri Ramana Maharshi which resembled the vision of Sri Ramakrishna in a loin cloth. I became an ardent devotee of Bhagawan and read his philosophy.

Years later in 2000 I had a dream in which all the people I love my friends would be getting into the Tube train in London Underground. ( I had not been to London then but the detail I saw in the dream matched reality to perfection) and the train would leave without me.

I ran behind them in tears but I was not able to catch them. I turned crying when I saw Sathya Sai Baba standing on the platform and smiling at me.

"They are gone. All the people you ever loved. They will never come back. You will not have that joy of their presence anymore. It is time. It is time that you give me Gurudakshina" he said.

I thought he is talking aimlessly and ignoring him I try to catch another train.

But my feet wouldn't move!! I looked at him and he smiled and said " 34 (36?) rupees is my gurudakshina." I think I gave it to him. He takes out 3 beautiful gold necklaces with Lord Subramanya and puts them on my neck.

I lose my conciousness and I dont remember what happened then.He subsequently visited me in many more dreams along with Sri Ramakrishna. But it was in 2006 that finally I saw Murugan in my dream or the first time.

it was of a boy...sitting in the middle of a beautiful waterfall with a snake coiled around his hand. I quickly realised that he was divine...he points to the left where there was a sea shore behind a Rama temple and a huge tsunami was approaching fast...everything gets washed away....I almost drown...but after sometime manage to survive....

in the morning I find out that the diety I saw in the dream was Murugan and he is my presiding diety...stunningly I also find out that the star he represents in astrology is Kruttika...the Plaeides Star Cluster which incidentally was my fav night object since childhood.

When I contacted my spiritual friends about the dream they said that a Guru will come. He will be Lord Murugan. And even though I will have a house holder' life will shower me with a TSUNAMI of Grace.

I waited.

Two years later I met Sri Nannagaru.

I met him for the first time in Sathya Sai Nigamam Hyderabad!

I new I had found my Murugan....or He has found me, and when he smiled I was stunned to see that the smile of Sri Ramakrishna that I saw 13 years back in my vision wa the smile of Sri Nannagaru.

I had found Sri Ramakrishna Baba Murugan and all the host of deities in Sri Nannagaru.

"My Impressions of Sri Nannagaru" - (By Sri Pingali Surya Sundaram)

2011-07-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

We do come across persons of different attributes. Some have a sweet tongue, some a delicate look, some others a kind disposition, yet others a love filled heart, some with an unselfish love, some with a simple life style, some whose acquaintance is invaluable, and some whose company is enchanting.

These diverse attribute, either singly or two or three together, are seen among many individuals. But a person in whom all these qualities are present in is indeed very rare. Sri Nannagaru is one such rare person. He is an extraordinary personage.

Sri Nannagaru has experienced the state of bliss, so assiduously taught by Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi and has sought to share his state of happiness with one and all. Such is his generosity.

The teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi though apparently simple are very subtle. Sri Nannagaru has always striven to explain them even to ordinary lay persons irrespective of their intellectual level. He brought Sri Bhagavan very close to the Telugu knowing people. As a teacher of this type he is unique.

Sri Nannagaru has proved by example that a householder’s life is not inconsistent with spirituality. In that sense he is an ideal house holder.

For over forty four years, since he had the blessed vision of Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Nanna Garu has dedicated himself to disseminating Sri Bhagavans teaching in Andhra. If in rural Andhra almost every household has a picture of Sri Bhagawan it is not a little due to the influence of Sri Nannagaru.

May Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshi continue to shower Sri Nanna Garu with his grace.

"The source of all Avataras" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-06-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

1. You are Sri Ramachandra and I am a Rakshasa Sri Nannagaru!

Release the arrow ( Rama Baanam ) of Guru Grace through the gaze of Thy eyes and vanquish me O Darling of Sita, Soul of Anjaneya!

2. I salute the Supreme Ocean of Peace and Silence
The Source of all Avataras
The Substratum of the Cosmos
- from a wave of restlessness

3. Is it because You are a Mountain of Stone ( Arunachala ) that You have given me a stone heart Sri Nannagaru?

Trying to develop a molecule of Love for You, not succeeding and dying devotionless, is this my fate O Sweet saint of Jinnuru!

4. Being born in Tiruvarur, seeing Chidambaram, dying in Kasi and thinking of Arunachala vouchsafe's liberation.

It can also be had by a mere look of Sri Jinnuru Nannagaru!

5. When will this (myself) River of Desire lose itself in the You, the Ocean of Desirelessness Sri Nannagaru?

How long can the Mind of Impurities dance before the Lord of Purity?

There is no such thing as Me! Everything is You Sri Nannagaru!

When I go and You come then everything is Me!

In Me there are two people, one is Me and the Other You Sri Nannagaru!

Let Me cease to Be then You alone are, O sweet saint of Jinnuru!

6. How can the pot of my mind filled with the water of tendencies reflect You, the Sun of Knowledge, Sri Nannagaru?How can an ant with a small belly swallow the Himalayas?Even in the deepest Silence, when the waters are calm, Your reflection is only seen and definition skewed....Like Gadadhara Vishnu, break the pot...and remain truly as the Indescribable, Unreachable, Incomprehensible

7. Your words are like arrows they might hit or they might miss me O Sri Nanna, but Your Silence is like a herd of Elephants...it will stamp me to death for sure O sweet saint of Jinnuru!

"I will do the sadhana for you" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-06-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at the edge of the room when suddenly the Guru saw me. "Come nearer" he said " come nearer." He beckoned me to come close and sit with him. I tried to get up but was surprised to see that I could not. My feet had gone to sleep! I was embarrassed a little and there was a ripple of whispers across the room. But the Guru smiled and said " If you are not able to sit for long hours of time you should use a chair. Take your time and come." I felt better in a few seconds and went and st with him.

After a few words about China, he asked me "What Sadhana are you doing?" asked my Guru.

I replied softly " Self Enquiry and Surrender." "What?" he asked again craning his neck.

In a moment of inspiration I said " I have put the burden on you! No sadhana."

There was a joyous wave across the assembled devotees. He smiled and said " That is enough. Reason is not as good as Faith. Reason is Good but faith is better. Your faith will bear fruit."

"You will not have to work...I will do the hard work for you"
My Guru continued..."You will not have to swim...you will cross in a boat." "From today I have adopted you. You need not worry." He paused. 'There is some previous janma punya in you....that is responsible for this. You are on the Right path, right action and right speech." He looked around.

A lady whose relative had recently passed away came and offered the Guru fruits. He looked at her and said " I saw the ashes of your relative in Kasi." He looked at me and said "Ramakrishna scolded Narendra once. Narendra was asking for libreation when Ramakrsihna chided him and said that 'You have a very small mind.' Narendra was refusing to teach people. Then Ramakrishna said 'Your very bones will do it." He smiled.

He also spoke about Body Consciousness saying that most of us feel that we have a body that is why we exist. We do not know that we exist even without the body." In all again a very enriching experience. My gist of learning from today's Satsangh: Cast thy burden on the Lord of the Universe. He is the excellent doer of actions.

I was sad that I could not meet Nannagaru today in the morning. In the afternoon, on a sudden impulse, I called up Deepu who intimated me that Nannagaru was going to Ramakrishna Math Hyd. I hastily rushed from my hospital to the Math. On reaching the Math I joined the group of eager devotees. In the ensuing conversation I had a little boastful and lying attitude in me about my profession. It was then that Guru came in a car. I rushed to him and opened the door. He held my arm and walked into the Math.

"I will be not coming to temple. You go." he told the assembled devotees.

Nevertheless all of them followed him into the bookstall. Some of them went to the temple. The Guru browsed through the library. He was accorded a heartfelt welcome by the young swamis of the Math. He looked around the library and said " I collect these books only to disperse them among the devotees."

Two young swamis got into conversation with the Guru. "You have chosen the right path. I am very proud of you." said the Guru. "You too should read Upanishads, Brahmasutras and share your knowledge to the general public." The young swamis nodded. "It all depends on your blessings" said one Swami The Guru smiled. The young swamis then offered him some refreshments and then requested him to accompany them to meet the head of Ramakrishna Math Hyderabad, Swami Jnanananda.
Nannagaru slowly went towards the monks quarters. He reached the Adhyaksha Maharaj's room and asked everyone to leave their footwear outside. He went into the small hall where the revered Swamiji was sitting. I was wondering what would happen net when the Guru saluted the Swamiji by bending and touching his feet!!! I was stunned to see the humbleness of my Guru. Sri Ramakrishna!!! I thought.

A chair was got for my guru and he sat on it. We all sat on the floor. Nannagaru asked the Swamiji his welfare and about his teaching schedules to general public. I watched mesmerized the irony of the situation. Sri Ramakrishna is meeting the head of Ramakrishna Math! What leela! Subsequently Swamiji introduced me to Swamiji. "You should come and spend some times with Swamijis of Ramakrishna Math" my Guru said. "It will help you in becoming a refined soul." I nodded. Swamiji looked at the majority feamle gathering and told them "We have meetings about Sarada Devi. You all shold come" said the Swamiji to the lady devotees. Swamiji looked at Nannagaru. "You should send them to attend satsanghs in Ramakrishna Math.. It will help them in growing spiritually." the Swamiji said to Nannagaru. Nannagaru smiled and nooded. "They know little of Ramakrishna literature" Nannagaru said. At that point Nannagaru looked at me. He had a mystical smile playing on his lips. His hand had assumed the mudra of the snake and Jnana Vel of Lord Subramanya was clearly visible on his forearm. Tears started to well up in my eyes. I thought Nannagaru was angry with me because I had lied a little in the devotee gathering before his arrival. I had boasted to them about my profession. He did not acknowledge me in the Math properly and I was feeling crestfallen and repentant. Now he looked at me with a magical smile. I was bewildered and stunned to see his leela.

It was then that the Swamiji spoke to us all. "If you come regularly here, you will develop love for Sri Ramakrishna" The smile on Nannagaru''s lips widened as he continued to see me. In a second of Swamiji having uttered those words an unknown emotion in me welled up. "To us...our Guru is our Sri Ramakrishna!" I cried. Tears fell from eyes and the darling of Sarada, Nannagaru, took a sweet from the table and gave it to me and he smiled. My sin was forgiven. .......

Nannagaru went inside the monks quarters thereafter and I came out and stood outside and wiped my tears as other devotees exulted in my emotional outburst. I told them It was Nanna's will alone that prevailed. Nanna came back into the room where Swamiji was and touched his feet. "Please bless us Swamiji," Nannagaru said " that all of us attain Truth Realization." With that humble request Nannagaru went out. I saluted the Swamiji and came out. I realized what Nanna had shown me. The humility of Sri Ramakrishna! My Guru was the Thakur of Dakshineshwar. This birth of mine was blessed as I could see the power of Love. Sri Ramakrishna touching the feet of the Head of Sri Ramakrishna Math Hyderabad. I could feel the Gods in the Heavens rejoicing this great act of Humility.

"Nannagaru, Ocean of Love" - (By Ravi Shankar)

2011-05-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

Pranam to Nannagaru's Holy feet ! Pranam to Devotees.

I met Nannagaru on May 15th , 2011 for the first time.It was totally by Gods grace.On May 15th , I decided to go to Ramanashramam which is in bathukamma gunta, hyderabad. I have been thinking of visiting that place from 6 months but no luck.

MY strong desire and inclination to visit holy saints made me ask about Nannagaru to one of the devotees.I requested him to provide me details about how to go to Jinnuru where Nannagaru usually resides to have darshan of him.

Suddenly another good devotee came, to my wonder told me that Nannagaru was in City to attend a marriage and I can have his darshan at SR nagar.I rushed to have my long cherished desire fulfilled.

There Mother Alivelu told me about Nannagaru's greatness and how fortunate I am to have his darshan . She told Nannagaru about what I narrated above.

Nannagaru , Ocean of love , asked me to come near and touched my cheeks with affection.I felt happy and made pranam.

When I came out only I realized about my good fortune when some good devotees patted me saying your are blessed to have touch of Nannagaru on your cheeks which happens rarely.

Nannagaru told me that I can visit Him in hyderabad itself and there is no need to come to jinnuru.He asked my name and I told 'RaviShankar'.

He said that he will address me 'shankar' and I happily said yes Nannagaru.Though it was part of my name, my parents and siblings call me shankar, I felt that Nannagru lovingly named me Shankar again.

I am not sure about my eligibility to receive His grace but I believe that Nannagaru mostly looks sincerity than eligibility.I feel that I am sincere enough in devotion wanting to have his darshan and that's the reason I was able to get his darshan.

I humbly request all devotees to shower their good blessings on me !

"First Experience of Sri Nannagaru" - (By Sai Roshini Surabhi)

2011-05-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am a 10 year old gal, this is my first visit to Nannagaru. When I saw Sri Nannagaru I feel like I saw Lord Venkateshwara Swamy. When I touched his feet I felt like I was touching the feet of Goddess Madurai Meenakshi. He did not look like a regular Swami. He looked normal without tilak and japa mala. He looked very casual. He is a very nice person.

I told everyone that I saw Sri Nannagaru in my family. They were very happy as they did not see him. When I first prostrated to him he did not see me so I did repeated prostrations to him. I felt like new born.

'Why is his throat like that I asked my Babai Dr.Mithin. He said it is because he swallows our sins. I felt very happy with my Babai's answer. There is a clarity in Sri Nannagaru's face like Lord Venkateshwara Swamy.Thats all.'

Self (Aatman) exists within your heart

2011-05-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

# Whether it is Krishna in Gita, or rishis in Vedas they always said that the self (Aatman) exists within your heart but never proclaimed that the self (Aatman) exists in books. But being habituated to extroverted vision we always search for the self (Aatman) in the books rather than in the heart. Books only give you scholarship/scholar hood but will not give self-realization. The Lord said in Gita – “I shine as self (Aatman) within your heart. Search within, and then the self (Aatman) will be revealed”. We came into this world only to have the experience of God. We should never forget the purpose of our arrival into this world. The incarnation of Ramana came onto this earth only to turn the humanity towards the self which is been habituated to extroverted vision since long time.

# Just as a movie screen supports the images. It is the self (Aatman) which supports the entire creation. Moderation in food, speech and sleep are the best tools for reaching the self.

"You will become rich man" - (By NDas)

2011-05-21T00:32:00.000-07:00

When I was doing my Degree 2nd Year, one day I went to attend the usual sittings of Sri Nannagaru. I was surprised to see that there was only one devotee with whom Sri Nannagaru was chatting with. I sat very far being in my own world. By the time the devotee left it was very late. However the owner of the house where Sri Nannagaru stayed went out and didnot return back. So the doors were to kept open till they returned back.So I stayed back without much hesitation. Suddenly Sri Nannagaru called me near Him and asked me abt my percentages in the degree. He was very happy with my percentages in academics and asked me whether I stood first in my college? On saying Yes, He gave a very Big smile and said that I should try to stand first in the University. Then came out the words of His Blessings; He said: "You will become a very rich man." I was totally shocked on hearing these words. It was very natural for me to think that I will become rich in monetary terms.Now almost after 15yrs my father asked me whether I knew what is richness? When I replied in negative he read out a quotation in English:" Richness is neither saving more nor spending more nor earning more. But you are rich when you need no more."
Only today did I understand what Sri Nannagaru meant 15 years back. It took me 15 long years to understand the significance of his words. But better late than never....

Once on request of one of my friends, I accompanied him to Junnor. But the train reached late. By the time we reached Sri Nannagaru's house, Sri Nannagaru was about to take rest and therefore He asked us to come back at 3.00 in the afternoon.
I came back alongwith my friends to Sri Nannagaru at about 3.00 O clock .But Sri Nannagaru was seated in His tiny room seriously reading some book. He didnot notice our arrival. We waited for nearly 1 hour.I was very inquisitive as to what he was reading about? However I felt He was not reading something but he was looking at something very intently. Finally He came out and gave me the book and spoke in a very stern voice, " You must read this book". I took the book but was least interested in reading the same as I hardly have any reading habits. However I tried my best to read the book just to abide by Sri Nannagaru's order. But neither did I find anything interesting in the book nor could I digest whatever I read. I really wondered why Sri Nannagaru gave me this book. But still I felt I was missing out something in the book which Sri Nannagaru wanted me to gain. Gradually I forgot abt the book. Then one fine day came when it was 1st September, the day of Bhagawan Sri Ramana's advent to Arunachala.I was involved as usual in my routine and remembered only in the night that it was 1st September. I took out the book that Sri Nannagaru gave me but didnot feel like reading the same. Suddenly I came across a beautiful photograph of Sri Bhagawan. The mere sight of the photo made me deeply blissful. Then it stuck me suddenly this was what Sri Nannagaru was looking at for nearly 1 hour in his room in Junnor before he gave me the book. I then understood why Sri Nannagaru gave me this book: Just to make me understand that " Truth is Simple(Bhagwan's foto) and Mind is Complex(the contents in the book)". ...

Faith in the self (Aatman)

2011-05-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

# Needs are different from desires. Self (Aatman) is revealed to them who earn according to their needs and spend their remaining time in obtaining the self (Aatman). Don’t you know whether you are living for the sake of your needs or your desires? Even if you don’t know is it not known to the self (Aatman) within you? How can you get self-realization if you are proud of your learning or money? If you are carried away by your wealth how can the Aatman have a place within your heart? In order to separate an item from a pool you are holding your breath and closing your mouth and then you are getting into the water, then is it not required, to obtain the self (Aatman) within your heart of hearts you need to get into your heart regulating your breath mind words and senses? Isn’t it true that your body is more important than your clothes, your mind is more important than your body, your buddhi (discrimination) is more important than your mind and the self (Aatman) is much more important than your buddhi (discrimination)?

# How reasoning is important in knowing the truth, faith is also equally important. But how many of you have faith in the self (Aatman)? People with rajas and tamas can never listen about the self (Aatman) and thereby they can never be peaceful. Shraddha (faith) is obtained only through shravana (listening about self). Is it possible to get faith without shraddha?

"Nothing is impossible to Sadguru" - (By Greeshma)

2011-05-06T23:41:00.000-07:00

My respect and devotion towards Nannagaru has increased tri fold after my visit to India. I concentrated on my studies later on. The more I remembered him, the more I used to get dreams about him. Some were bitter, some were sweet but the thing to be happy about is I had his darshan some way or the other, though being thousands of miles away from him.

After few months, things were not going well, my graduation kept getting delayed , as my professor was not happy with my work. It was almost a year that it got delayed. I lost my patience and was very upset and depressed about this. This went on for an year and ye no result. With my parents consent I decided to visit India to get relieved for few days. This was my second visit to India after a year gap of last visit.

Nanna was coming to Hyderabad on the event of Guru Powrnami, I decided to book my ticket before his visit. The day I landed in India it was my birthday, the next day Nanna was to come to Hyderabad. I decided to celebrate with him, I brought all kinds of sweets, nuts, chocolates and garland, clothes. I prepared myself for the next day in a perfect way,

Next day ,early in the morning, at 5 am I rushed to SR Nagar Colony . I offered all the condiments one after the other to him, Nanna blessed me heart fully, and asked whether the bowls(in which I offered condiments) I brought were from my house or did i borrow them from here. I said I brought them from home, he gave an ecstatic smile. He told to pack everything carefully, all the bowls :) .Such is Nanna.My heart was filled with mirth and joy as I was waiting for this day since long time.

I discussed about my education with him, he said" Definitely, You will complete your Masters."

The next day was Guru Powrnami day, all rituals were performed, and we were in line to have glance of SadGuru. As his eyes fell on me, he continued to look into my eyes for a minute, and I made prostrations. He himself selected two apples from bag and closed his eyes, touching fruits to his heart he gave them to me. He said you will complete your masters. In no time all three days were over, and Nannagaru left to Jinnuru.

As a month passed by, time has come for me to depart to US, I visited Nanna this time before I left. We went around 3:00 AM, I sat somewhere behind, he noticed and blessed me, later he came forward and sat on a chair which was in front of me. As he looked into my eyes, I cried bitterly, couldn't control my tears. He consoled me more than a father, and I almost felt like he wiped my tears with his hands. He assured me that I would complete my masters, but I ,still couldnt stop my tears. He spoke about Abdul Kalam, how he struggled in his early days of career, how he failed in bagging an opportunity to become a pilot. But I still felt very sad in my heart, as this was the first time in my life I was facing such a hardship. Somewhere in my heart I had a feeling that I study well, and I never faced any failures at least in my studies, this was little hard for me to face the reality. He said you are an intelligent student, but destiny is such that you decided to research under such professor. But still seeing my sad heart, he bent forward and uttered these words - "I promise you, you will 100% get your Masters in your hand". Everyone around were amazed and surprised as we never heard a word promise from his mouth, so was I. I felt ashamed of myself, having no faith in him. But my tears have been double folded now, but not because of my concern for my Masters, but because I couldn't leave him, and told him that it was hard to be away from him. He smiled, and said, do call me now and then, then you will feel much better.

I made pranams to him, and left slowly. This time it was hard for me to leave India, but with a very heavy heart I flew to US.

As days passed, my professor was still so stubborn, things haven't changed, but I had faith in Nanna's words. At last I decided to apply for graduation so that he might change and sign my research. But still my professor said, I am expecting a bit more work from you. I was depressed and decided to discontinue my Masters, I consulted my parents, they said do whatever your heart says as you are in a better situation to decide. I called Nanna , told him about the present situation, he said - "Just try once, if not fruitful discontinue". I agreed and obeyed his words.

I did some work, and started documenting on my research. After a week, I visited my professor, after few minutes of discussion, he said - "lets prepare for your graduation" I was awe struck at his words, I literally felt Nanna has done some magic and changed my professors mind. Within three months I graduated and bagged a job as well. Later on my parents informed Nannagaru about this, and he conveyed his happiness. I also gave him a call, he said I am very happy for you amma, you have told such a good news. I didn't know what to say, I told him that's his grace. I had tears out of his grace once I hung up.

This is all Guru's work, there is nothing impossible for a Guru, and this was a perfect example of the same in my life. The more I loved him from then, just not because he fulfilled my desire, but making me understand that he is always there for us and with us in all walks of our life.

Self (Aatma) is pure Jnana!

2011-05-02T00:47:00.000-07:00

# My Dear Friends! There are many people who crave for their health but is there anyone who craves for self-realization? You will get self-realization if you spend at least half of the tears that you spend for your family.

# If the self (Aatman) is divided into four parts – even on aggregating all the visible worlds they all seem to be just in fraction of the self (Aatman). Relative knowledge has at least some ignorance embedded in it. Where there is ignorance, change is inevitable. It is self (Aatman) alone that is perpetual it is pure Jnana.

Self (Aatman) reveals onto you

2011-04-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Whatever forms you may worship, whatever names you may chant, even after one million years ultimately you need to reach the state of Brahmam. Then why don’t you aim towards the self (Aatman) in this birth today itself?

On remembering your Ishta Daiva (personal god) again and again your mind gets concentration, and all the thoughts including the present will perish away and thereby self (Aatman) reveals onto you.

"The Lord of Sweetness" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-04-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

After that visit to Sri Nannagaru, He went back to Jinnuru only to come again ten days later. I was planning to go to China for a conference and wanted to take His permission. I wanted to go and receive Sri Nannagaru in the Railway Station and hence woke up that day in the early morning and made my way. I waited with the devotees and saw the train come in.

I saw Sri Nannagaru through the windows of the train and was extremely pleased. All the devotees had gathered and waiting for Him to get down. I suddenly saw Sri Nannagaru try to pick up a suitcase. I ran to the other end of the compartment and got in hastily and ran to his cabin. Seeing me he smiled and patted me affectionately. The ruse of lifting the suitcase was to make me have his darshan first, I thought excitedly! We got down on the platform and I happily prostrated to him. After the railway station I met him in SR Nagar where I told him that I wanted to go to China. He nodded and gave his agreement.

"How far is China? How many flights will yoou have to change?" He asked.

I said "Three Nannagaru."

He looked surprised "Oh I thought China is so near, you have to change three flights! Thats a lot!" He smiled.

I thought How sweet is your confusion O Doll of Sweetness! Next time I met him was when I returned from China.

I had put the alram at 4 o clock in the morning and was happy when I got up at the expected time. A small sense of laziness in me though made me sleep for some time more and suddenly it was 4 45!

I rushed and got ready. I drove my way to the railway station.

My worst fears seemed to have come true...has the Guru reached and left? I wondered. There was a lot of commotion in the railway station. I seemed to have missed him I thought.

But a sense of devotion in me made me turn back and head back into the railway station. I saw a coolie come out and I asked him excitedly about the train in which my Guru was supposed to come.

"It has just arrived" he said.

Thanking him profusely I parked the car and hastened towards the Darling of Uma.

I saw some devotees on the platform and felt extremely happy.

"Is Nannagaru here?" I asked excitedly.

"We dont know. The train came a long time back." they said.

I felt sad for a moment.

"Wait there he is!" one of them said as I made out the form of the Darling of Lakshmi come walking towards me.

I prostrated to him.

"You have taken great pains to come so early." he said and smiled.

"I came for you" I said. He smiled.

I think he called me Satish.

He asked me about China and my trip.

I answered about it.

The he got into a car and started towards SR Nagar...we followed him.

Once in the satsangh room I sat in the corner away from him.

The people who are sitting in front of Him are me only in other forms, I thought and didnt feel sad that I was sitting away from him.

There was momentary silences interspersed with talks.

He looked at a lady devotee and said " Do you want Moksha or do you want to come to Hyderabad?"

The lady devotee kept quiet and looked at him.

"I am not joking. I am very serious" he said "Moksha or Hyderabad?"

The lady looked on.

He smiled.

"Why the thought? To come to Hyderabad you have no doubts but why doubt attaining Moksha? You think about and tell me what you want. If you want Moksha the doors will be opened for you." He said emphatically.

I watched this all amazed.

Here he is.

Sri Ramakrishna! Distributing liberation as if it were a sweet in one's hand!

My God, this power is unimaginable!

I had two doubts in my mind.

Is Self Enquiry better or Surrender and whether I should do sadhana? the second doubt was about Body Conciouness.

As the mins passed he stunningly answered both my doubts...

Self (Aatman) as your sole goal

2011-04-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

You will find happiness not only in this world but also in other higher worlds,
You will be able to bear your destiny happily,
Your needs will be satisfied

And at last self (Aatman) reveals to you.
Happiness lies in satisfaction but until the self is realized none can ever be satisfied.

"Taste of God" - (By Greeshma)

2011-04-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

I was left with his pure love. At last the time has arrived; I had to depart from India. Few days back, I had a wish, that I could have a glance of my guru before I leave. I think he listened to my prayers. Four days before my travel, I got the news that he would be visiting my city on an occasion of a wedding.

There was no limit to my happiness. It was just a day before I had to leave, that he arrived. I went to the place where Nannagaru resides. As it wasn’t a planned occasion there weren't many devotees for his darshan. To my surprise that day, it happened to be Krishnashtami (Lord Krishna's bday). I felt what a sheer coincidence! I felt how fortunate am I to have a darshan of Lord Krishna on his birthday.

I felt happy that I could spend few minutes at his feet. Meanwhile I was doing chanting of Shree Ram as I do it often for my japa, and to behold!! There my Guru comes; he slowly walked into the hall.

He saw me, and felt happy, and asked “when are you leaving?” I said “tomorrow.”

He said “Very Good.”

Later his attendant came to massage his legs; meanwhile he closed his eyes and was in silence.

After the attendant left Nannagaru opened his eyes and immediately looked at me.

Nannagaru then said "you not only have good intelligence but also a good heart. People often miss one or the other but you have both. A balanced person should have both good heart and good intelligence”

Below are the few words that I wrote in my diary that he addressed on that day -

“More Remember Krishna, remember more and more.” then with a smile he extended saying then people will not address by your name but they will call you as Hare Krishna.

“American people faces have smiling faces, we always have weeping faces. The difference is they do duty towards family, but we get attached. For whom you are shedding tears, 90% of them will not look after you.”

“As you understand Krishna, all the sorrow in your cart will transform to happiness.”

“Ramakrishna on the day before he left his body he said to Naren - Whatever I gained with all efforts during the course I gave it to you, by doing so I became poor man. ”

Ramakrishna says to Naren - “You should teach the world”

Then Naren says - “If I realize that’s enough, I don’t have any intentions to preach the world.”

Ramakrishna replies - “I never thought you were very small minded. Even if you don’t have interest in teaching, your bones will teach the world”

“Don’t have anger on any person. When you realize you and the other person are one, then you will not get anger. This is the state of ONENESS”

Someone offered fruits to Nannagaru, then Nannagaru said - “I am the giver, I am the taker.”

Then he spoke few words on Krishna, -

“Krishna is beauty. If he scolds it is beauty. Krishna is truth. Truth is beauty. Krishna is decorated good.OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYA, is the Krishna’s mantra. Vasudeva means spreaded God. Everything is Vasudeva. ”

“You might think in your mind, there is no second thing than this. It might take thousands of thousands births to get it into experience. This depends on maturity in your mind. It might take thousands of births to get experience in heart on whatever we are saying.”

“This is Kaliyuga Mantra - Hare Rama Hare Krishna.”

“You will become purified by chanting this name. By chanting this all impurities in you will be washed away.”

“If you prostrate once to Krishna, it means you are prostrating to all Gods and Goddesses in Universe.”

At last he said - “We have discussed and talked almost for one hour, what is the use for all these sermons”

He looked into my eyes and with a smile he said - “For you to get the taste of God. If you have not tasted this, your mind will not get introverted. ”

I cried bitterly. He extended saying -

“There is no Nanna, no Subamma, to get this realized it takes hundreds of births. By only purity you will get this realized. He is the God for all five elements, not only for us, he is the God of Gods.”

I felt so much bliss; he addressed all these gems looking into my eyes. Tears did not stop. I felt Nannagaru was drowning in bliss or ecstasy and I clearly could see that ONENESS through him.

Later it was surprise that we all celebrated gopala’s birthday with nannagaru along with cake celebrations.

Nannagaru smiled and did cut the cake, and we all sang, as "OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYA". Our hearts filled with joy happiness and ecstasy around... clapped hands...

He took very small piece and fed into my mouth. I was about to take it with hand, he refused to do so...my mind for a moment became no mind, it was joy,peace, ecstasy ,bliss whatever you call .It was not just a piece of cake, but a taste of God. I felt this is enough for my life. All I had was tears of joy...happiness...

Having experienced those moments, I dint feel like leaving nannagaru. So I planned to stay back for few more hours. Since I couldn’t bring anything for my guru, I thought to get some sweets. I bought some sweets, meanwhile he had his lunch. So I offered him sweets. He gave me one, and gave the rest as Prasad to others.

There were some other devotees who came to celebrate aksharabhyasam (To choose an auspicious day to start the education of a child). Nannagaru wrote OM on the slate in Telugu. He made to write the same with the child. Later someone bought butter since it was krishnashtami, Nannagaru on seeing this butter said "Krishna would swallow you when your heart becomes like butter". He blessed the children with akshintalu (Sacred and holy turmeric rice grains). He then called me and blessed me.

He then asked “Did you pack your luggage?” I said “No.” He said “You will be getting late, weigh the bags and pack them.” I felt I am unable to leave you my lord, but where there is meeting there is parting. I felt I now have loads of peace and joyous moments that I can cherish throughout my life. I left happy.

When I first left to US I cried a lot, but after having these joyous moments, I dint shed a tear though my parents felt little bad. I got an assurance from him that I am with you, so I dint had any piece of sorrow.

After a day, Nannagaru said to my mother - "This is an unplanned meeting amma, we haven't planned for this occasion it just happened within 2 days. We didn’t know we were to come to Hyderabad also, unplanned meetings are more sweeter than planned meetings.”

He also extended saying – “It is good that Greeshma moved to United States”

Guru’s grace is unseen. I am not sure why he made that statement at that point, but, I now realize the depth and will reveal in upcoming notes

Self (Aatma) reveals to purified

2011-03-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

# Self (Aatman) is not revealed to them who is neither Jnani (refined soul) nor tyagi (one who sacrifices). The impurities in your heart and your sins itself are not showing your path towards the self. Even one bad tendency prevents from realizing the self (Aatman). Self (Aatman) is not revealed to weak and lazy people. You have distanced yourselves from the self (Aatman) by enjoying sensual pleasures since many births. The self (Aatman) is not revealed until and unless you travel back the same distance through sadhana.

# Self (Aatman) is invisible it cannot be seen, it reveals to you only when you are purified. You cannot get rid of the sensual pleasures and go beyond nature until you taste the bliss of the self (Aatman). Self (Aatman) reveals only to a truth seeker. Self (Aatman) is truth and the body is nothing but gross. The body works only with the energy of the self (Aatman). Self (Aatman) will be revealed to you only when you use 100% of your energy.

"Spear of Jnana on Sri Nannagaru's wrist" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

After this the meeting broke up.

I arrived the next day to the same house in Jubilee Hills and waited for Sri Nannagaru to come.

His chair was placed under a Granite Sculpture of Arunachala.

He came and sat amongst us and went into Silence.

Gradually he came out of the Silence and said " You have to have a very strong mind to follow the spiritual path. There is no scope for indecision. If anyone comes to ask help from you and you are in a position to help him, you should go all out to extend help."*

He then talked for sometime about his stay in Sri Sailam and the atmosphere there.

After some time he looked at me and said " Mithin I will not be here tomorrow. I am going back to SR Nagar."

I said "I will come Nannagaru."

The meeting soon broke up and Sri Nannagaru stood up to go.

I approached him and said " Nannagaru I want to do Arunachala Giripradakshina."

He did not hear it properly.

Gopika said "Dr Mithin wants to do Giripradakshina."

He nodded and said " Do it. Its very good."

I said "I want to do it HERE."

He looked surprised and asked Gopika "Where does he want to do Giripradakshina?"

Gopika said "He wants to do it here."

Sri Nannagaru became silent. I took it to mean that he was agrreable.

He walked to the lift and myself and Gopika entered it with him.

Upstairs he sat on a chair and indicated that I could start.

Myself, Gopika and his attendant Bujjigaru circumbulated him three times.

He held me and looked into my eyes deeply for a second.

After prostrating to him we left.

The next day I met Sri Nannagaru in SR Nagar but dont remember what transpired there.

The next day we went to Kukatpally where he was put up in a devotees house.

Sri Nannagaru came and sat on the chair and looked at me.

"Allexternal things are false. Truth is internal. But of all external things, ones parents are the highest importance to an individual soul. They too are external but very important."

He smiled. The current went away.

There was the dim darkness of an early morning around us.

Sri Nannagru's gaze had not left me. He seemed to be smiling at someone inside me.

His smile was knowing, charming and mischivous.

I was wondering about Sri Nannagru's love for me, his assurance that I will attain Self Realization in this birth etc.

He caught me wondering and gave a heavenly smile again.

His smile was like a small boy's. Remembering now I think his smile reminded me of Lord Murugan and Sri Ramakrishna.

His body went into a minor spasm as a wave of ecstasy passed through him and his smile broadened.

"You do not know your past lives. I know. Some previous punya has brought you here to me."

His smile did not leave me.

The current came and light was on but his smile kept holding me in a daze.

He raised his right arm in a mudra of the snake.

Below his wrist I clearly perceived the Jnana Vel of Lord Subramanyam formed naturally but the veins of his forearm.

In an abrupt action he made a motion of the hand towards me like a snake biting me.

I clearly perceived a spear like point entering my inner soul and hitting me.

He has pierced me with his Spear of Jnana, I thought!

This ego called Mithin will die...I thought with my heart palpitating...

to be contd

"You are my spiritual child" - (By Greeshma)

2011-03-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

My real spiritual journey and devotion intensified from here.

I was homesick; felt there was nothing here but just a mechanical life. I felt I was all alone and I cried many days for being apart from my parents and dear ones. There was a situation where I felt I should leave USA and go to India, but some force just stopped me from doing so.

I also felt I was far away from Nanna and I cried a lot for him too. But the grace I received was unseen and unheard, that cannot be expressed through words, though I didn’t notice it then.

I slowly started listening to his speeches from his website. Though I was amongst many people I still felt alone and something was amiss. The more I listened to his speeches, the more love and respect intensified for him. I felt some unknown bond is slowly strengthening between us, as his work is unseen and unheard. It is the silent work of GURU.

Though I was physically away from him, often I used to get short dreams where Nanna used to embrace me and shower his love. In one such dream I remember where Nannagaru said, “Please, give way to her. she is the closest devotee to my heart.” Whenever I felt longing for him, he used to come immediately in a dream and bless me.

As a year passed I paid a visit to India, which told me how much did I actually miss it.
It was in 2008, July-August. It was my first visit to India after completion of one year at USA. Everything was coincidental and was fortunate that I had an opportunity to visit Nannagaru on Guru Pournami (On this day, all spiritual aspirants and devotees perform a 'puja' of their respective spiritual preceptor or 'Gurudevs'.). I felt it was such a blessing to visit Guru Nanna on this auspicious day, after so long time and everything was perfect on that day.

At last we reached to the place where Guru Pournami celebrations were taking place. The moment of joy in my heart after having a glance of Guru can't be expressed or narrated. Formalities, rituals were being performed; it was the time where Guru is giving darshan to his devotees. I was in a big queue waiting for a glimpse of my guru. As I had to wait for long, I was chanting his name and was in satsang with my mother and my respected aunt talking about guru's grace, the discussion was endless because such is the grace of the guru - Infinite. Within no time we were few foot steps away to get glance of Guru.

The moment arrived, Nannagaru just looked into my eyes for few seconds, asked when did I come from USA? He asked how was I doing. I said all is well with your grace my father. I could see through his questions he was showering blessings and grace. I offered him chocolates as dakshina (offerings given with respect), he said did you get it from abroad? I said yes Nannagaru. He said very good.

He gave me some fruits and had to leave since there was big queue behind waiting for his darshan. Later on he gave a spiritual discourse.

At last we dispersed.

Fortunately Nannagaru had plans to stay for 4 days in my city. I felt happy that I had some time to spend with Nannagaru, it was again his grace and will. Everyday morning, at 6:00 AM I used to go to the place where Nannagaru resides. Everyday he used to stay in silence or address few words of wisdom. As it has been long time since it happened, I couldn’t remember the words that he spoke , more than his words his silence was as pure as gold, which I can experience till date and I am sure I would cherish that peace & bliss for life long. The four days passed within no time.

It was the day that Nannagaru had to leave to his native place. He said where there is a meeting there will be parting. I felt this parting time is hard to experience. He usually comes to the railway station 1 hour before so that he could settle down and look at the devotees. He arrived, we all walked along with him to the platform where the train departs from. I felt I was walking with god. Undoubtedly walking with Guru is walking with god.

He slowly looked at everyone and it was my turn, he smiled and blessed. With a benevolent smile he said to an aunt nearby, "She is my spiritual daughter, amma". I didn’t had any words..I was just in silence and so was everyone... I conveyed my reply internally (this might not be completely what I thought at that moment, but summarizing the thoughts I've had and to the best of what I remember)

"Nannagaru, though we all are not well-deserved, in some way or the other you are showering your grace on us. This might not be only on me but all of us this is your grace. Though our minds are egoistic in nature, you elevate us to the level where we deserve your grace and then you shower it on us with eternal love. I apologize for my fickle mindedness, when it tries to understand, because it is beyond our understanding"

He might have said those words that I am his spiritual daughter, addressing to me, but Friends truly we all are his spiritual daughters and sons, he has just chosen me to convey the message, everyone is considered as a child in front of Guru. We all are in his jaws, let him chew our mind and swallow the saliva until we reach to the mind-less state. He has been travelling all the places across South India , some parts of North India, and as well as abroad. If we could dig deep into these actions and inquire the intention of these long sermons, we then know that these are desire less actions, "out of compassion and out of grace", his speeches and efforts are to make us to reach to the ultimate state of bliss. The only way to pay off the debt to our Guru is by understanding and following his words.

Self (Aatma) doesn't need body

2011-03-08T00:52:00.000-08:00

# Self (Aatman) doesn’t need any body but the ego needs a body. Only those who lead their life carefully and humbly will realize the self (Aatman).

# My dear friends! Instead of traveling hundreds of miles externally if you travel at least an inch towards your heart, you will understand the glory of the self (Aatman). Love the truth and it will be revealed to you. Without realizing the self (Aatman) there is no point in studying any number of Shastras (Scriptures). A self-realized soul has no work with the scriptures.

"You will go directly to God" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-03-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

I met Sri Nannagaru the next day in the satsang.

There were already a group of people surrounding the chair he was to sit in and they gave way for me to come and sit right in front of the chair.

Some lady devotees were distributing coffee to everyone and I did not get it.

Sri Nannagaru came slowly towards the chair and sat down and had a foot massage.

After the foot massage the days newspaper was handed over to him for his perusal. Someone brought coffee for him and he began to sip it. He looked at me and said "Has anyone given you coffee Doctorgaru?"

I shook my head and hastily a cup of coffee was procured for me and I began to sip it.

At the end of it, Sri Nannagaru went into Silence for sometime.

His hand raised in the mudra of a snake and he was nodding to someone or something in the depths of his conciousness. His eyes were closed and the margins of his mouth drooped down in an attitude of solemnity.

He gave an occasional cough and would sometimes run his hands over his thighs and adjust his shirt.

He opened his eyes and looked at me intensely.

I felt the waves of peace bombarding me again.

He then closed his eyes and went back into his trance like state.

He opened his eyes again and looked at me for sometime in the deepest of gazes. I looked back not knowing what I had to do.

He scanned the entire room.

He now looked at devotees and broke his silence

"There are many amongst you who will go to punya lokas after they die."

He looked at a lady devotee sitting next to him and said "You will go the Abode of Vishnu. You have the attitude of service in you."

The lady cried silently.

He looked at me and said "You will not have any of these false states of going to various divine heavens. You will come to God Directly."

His look and voice carried a conviction born of Pure Knowing.

I kept looking on at him.

After sometime he said "Tomorrow I will not be here I am going to a devotee's house in Jubilee Hills."

I nodded and said "I will come."

He smiled and asked someone to give me the address.

The next day I headed out to Jubilee Hills residence of the devotee.

It was hard to find and by the time I reached it the morning satsangh had just begun.

Sri Nannagaru was expectantly looking at the door and as soon as I entered he gestured knowingly and asked me to come and sit next to him.

After having seated my self, I looked around.

A lady devotee came and gave me coffee and there were little smiles around the group.

Finishing the coffee, Sri Nannagaru looked at me and said " What is there to desire in another? They are all verily you."

I looked on.

"Fruits ripen either in the basket or on the tree. You will ripen on the tree" he said.

He looked at me and said "Do you have any doubts?"

I nodded and said " How can one lead one's life so that every second is dedicated to Guru's Pure Feet?"

He said " It comes with devotion. It is called the path of Sharanagathi. The path of Surrender. But you should understand that by Guru's feet the physical feet are not implied but what is implied is the Heart Centre. Padam means foot and also root. The true feet of the Guru are in the Heart Centre and that is where one should surrender oneself."

(to be contd)

"How Nannagaru came into my life?" - A Devotee

2011-02-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

It was sometime in June or July 1991. I was going through a bad patch in life at that time and struggling to cope with the difficult situations. Many times I despaired, wondering “is there an end to these troubles and why me?” One night I fell asleep mentally exhausted with all the worries, and had a vivid dream. I was in a big house along with a group of people who were reverentially waiting on a holy man. He was Satya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi. My first thought on seeing him was ‘but he is so frail!”. I had not seen him earlier except in pictures and always imagined him as a hefty figure. The ochre robe he wore reached only upto his knees like Shirdi Baba’s, and his hair was sparse, not the thick mane seen in pictures. (All these details were very clear, and later when I saw him at Puttaparthi, he looked exactly as in my dream.) I was a silent spectator to the day’s activities in that house with the devotees and Baba – conversing with disciples, a short discourse, his meals at a dining table etc. (the same schedule as Nannagaru’s when he stays in a devotees house as I later realized). The scene in the dream then moved on to a large open ground with a hilly backdrop. Baba was reclining in the grass on his side, his hand supporting his head. I was sitting beside him and was pouring out all my woes to him and said that I am unable to take it anymore. He said “Just wait for 3 more months” and he turned the other side. I woke up. Why Sai Baba of all the persons in my dreams, I wondered. Until then I had an aversion to Swamis and Babas, and had a particular dislike for Puttaparthi Baba. I would quickly turn away the page if there was a picture of him in any book I was reading.

This must be a “Divine Plan”. My mind had to be cleared away of the negative feeling I had towards Holy Men and Babas. So the premonition of the subsequent meeting with my Guru came through the one for whom I had the least liking. Since then, whenever I remember Baba, it is with a feeling of gratefulness for being the harbinger of my good fortune.

Two months later I got a job, which gave me the stability and security required for the worldly life. About a month later, sometime in September 1991, I met Nannagaru. Until then I knew nothing about him, even though he was known to many among my relatives.

Those days, Nannagaru used to stay either at Nallakunta or Begumpet when he came to Hyderabad. Initially I used to be reluctant to visit him but my mother insisted (and I am always grateful to her for that). I would go unwillingly and also attended a couple of discourses. Once after a discourse, I was passing by him as I was leaving, and he called me. “So what did you think of the discourse?” he asked; “Did you think, why does this old man repeat the same words over and over again?” I was taken back, because that was exactly what I thought! Later he explained that repetition is necessary so that his message registers in our minds and help us contemplate on it.

A few days later, I had personal meeting with him. Again my mother arranged it and I grumbled at her for doing this without telling me. Still, I went along. Nannagaru called me to his room and encouraged me to speak out whatever was troubling me. It was as if a dam broke. Words gushed out tumbling over one another and he listened patiently until I stopped, murmuring in between in a compassionate voice “oh my dear, what you had to go through”. Then I said “Nannagaru I am not saying all this because I want you to remove my problems. I request you to give me the strength to face life with all its problems”. I did not mean to say these words, they just came involuntarily. It was His Grace, His Compassion that stirred something inside me and came out as these words.

As soon as I said this Nannagaru’s face lit up. He said “very good” several times. He then assured me that all will be fine and I will find peace and happiness. He advised me to read “Amruthavaakkulu” and also encouraged me to write to him whenever I wanted to. He personally wrote out his postal address for me on a scrap of paper.

So the Divine Plan unfolded – first the worldly security and then the spiritual direction!

I continued to visit and keep in touch with Nannagaru on and off, it took almost a year before I was completely hooked. Very gently he pulled me towards him, by singling me out in a crowd and inviting me to sit near him when I visited him; enquiring about my well-being repeatedly whenever someone I know met him; regularly checking on my progress both at work and about my sadhana; and giving me practical advice and guidance all along.

While I did have an inclination towards spirituality from a young age, enjoyed reading books on the subject, and also attended a few discourses of Swami Chinmayanada and few others; I was not consciously looking for a Master. But my Master, no my Father, reached out to me himself. Such is His Love and Compassion.

He is the perfect Guru. With His Grace, He ensured that I did not stray way and showers me with his benediction, as he does with all, that being his nature.

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. When time ripens, Guru pulls his devotees towards him. No doubt our Guru Nannagaru is a Perfect guru.

You will come to Advaita slowly but surely - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-02-21T22:53:00.000-08:00

After seeing the Powerful leela of Sri Nannagaru that day ( At the Sadguru's feet part 2) I waited with baited breath for Sri Nannagaru to finish his Sri Sailam Tour and return back to Hyderabad.

On his arrival in the city I immediately went to meet him the next day early morning for the satsang.

The devotees who had gathered there asked me to come and sit in front of the Guru's chair.

He talks superbly when you sit in fron of him, they said.

I nodded and sat down and looked at the door of Sri Nannagaru's room. He was coming slowly towards the chair.

On seeing me he gave a pleased smile and patted me on my shoulder I think.

He sat down and then his assistant came and gave oil massage to his feet for sometime.

All the while His feet were at the height of my head.

"Lord Nataraja!" I thought "Please subdue my ego"

The Feet of Sri Nanna coveted by Lord Anjaneya seemed to understand my prayer and remained for quite sometime near my head as the massage went on.

After the massage there was a silent satsang for some time.

Sri Nannagaru looked at me and said " Do you like Dvaitam or Advaitam?"

I said " I like both."

He nodded and said " You will come to Advaita slowly but surely."

Then Sri Nannagaru looked at me and siad " When one knows that everything that exists is just one's own Self, he realizes there is nothing to desire in another person or place. There is no coming or going for him. For where can he come to or where can he go to when everything is him alone? There is no heaven or hell for him. He alone is. Non profiting nor loosing. He then becomes Ihaparalabhaheena. A man who has no profit or loss, neither here nor there, for he alone is. Such a man becomes Silent. That was the state of Bhagawan. He saw Himself everywhere and in all. Such a man is free from virtue and sin."

I later realized that Sri Nannagaru had elaborated on the 93 or 94th verse of Aksharamanamalai of Bhagawan.

After this there was some silent satsang for sometime.

I was thinking in my mind "Oh my God! Its really happening! I have a Guru and he knows me...he knows me."

Waves of Peace flooded me from Sri Nannagaru's Gracious looks.

He kept staring at me and I could feel the peace.

I could feel the waves calming my mental waves...my restlessness.

I felt a wave rise in the left lobe of my brain, a thought about to form.

Immediately Sri Nannagaru looked into my left eye and left hemicerebrum.

The wave died.

He continued looking and I felt the peace tangibly.

Even in the most hell of a traffic I was Peace.

When the silent satsang ended Sri Nannagaru took me inside his room.

He gave me a book.

'Meditation and Spiritual Life' by Swami Yatishwarananda of Sri Ramakrishna Math.

He looked at me solemnly and said " You will realize Truth Mithin. You will have Self Realization" he gave a pregnant pause waiting for the words to sink into me and said fervently " ...in this birth."

I absent mindedly prostrated to him and came out.

Self (Aatma) is infinite

2011-02-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

# Even though the electric current is invisible, can we doubt its existence? Similarly we cannot doubt the existence of self (Aatman) though it is not visible. The bulb glows only when it is attached to an electric wire. Incarnations like Rama and Krishna took birth only to manifest the power of self (Aatman), but don’t limit the self (Aatman) to their bodies. If we attach current wire to 100 watts bulb it will emit light accordingly, if we attach to 1000 watts bulb it will emit light accordingly, does the current wire have any limits? Similarly the strength of self (Aatman) is infinite and it doesn’t have any boundaries.

# Prarabdha Karma (Destiny) is limited to body and mind and is in no way related to the self (Aatman). The sun is the witness for all our activities. When our karma (actions) doesn’t affect the physical sun, how can it touch the Atman (self) which makes the physical sun, shine? Except the self (Aatman), everything else is gross. We may be yearning for self-realization but the self (Aatman) is more eager than us for being revealed.

"My first visits with Nannagaru" - (By Greeshma)

2011-02-12T03:26:00.000-08:00

AUM NAMO BHAGAWATE SRI RAMANAYA
AUM NAMO BHAGAWATE SRI NANNA GURAVE NAMAHA

I wish to share my experiences, my life that has been and how it changed and transformed just by Guru’s grace and nothing else.

My mother is used to do lot of pujas and used to worship all Gods and Goddesses. Her prayers have influenced me a lot. I used to believe God as a supreme person who rules and exists everywhere, that was the conception I had with respect to God. Apparently I was joined in a missionary school where they give lots of importance to prayers etc. I used to love to sing songs, and cry sometimes when people talk of devotion, God, or let it be just goodness. That provoked me many times God is not bound to a religion he is a supreme being.

It was in my 5th standard that one of my close relative introduced Nannagaru to my mother and family. After few years it happened that my aunt moved to our nearby house which intensified the belief in my parents. She started attending satsang’s. I remember I used to attend the satsang’s, though not understanding a bit. My mother later made a visit to Arunachalam, wherein she met an ardent devotee of Nannagaru Lakshmi aunty. She happened to be staying nearby my house which we dint know until they met in Arunachalam.

That was a turning point to my mother and to me as well. She was the one who explained the details of the purpose of the life and Nannagaru’s teachings. One day it happened that my mom just played a cassette and Nannagaru was explaining the purpose of our life, and what is our goal etc. I curiously asked question about Nannagaru to mom what is he trying to explain, though I dint get full answer, I was conveyed that there is something that is truth that needs to be realized and that is our purpose.

As days passed, my aunt satsangs, and the way she lead her life, influenced our family very much. Few months later I convinced myself that Nannagaru is my life and he is my path. From then every time when he visited Hyderabad we used to go to station to receive him. He used to pamper my father and said he is a Karma Yogi. There were days that I cried for him just for him to devote towards him. I don’t remember but he used to bless me at least now and then.

I remember one of such days, one day we went to station to give him a sendoff to his native place. He was surrounded by huge number of devotees and devotees sat down on the floor. He was looking at one after the other devotees, and suddenly his eyes fell on me, he called me and I was asked to sit beside him. Everyone was surprised, so was I! I felt it is your grace Nanna.

Later my parents have invited Nannagaru to visit my home. I had school that day so I asked permission in the school without telling to my parents, and this was the first time I ever came back from the school half way. As I reached, in few minutes Nanna came, we warmly welcomed him, did pada puja offered prostrations. He asked how well I study; my father said she is an average student. He blessed me.

I finished my school studies successfully, as I was into my college; I was told I have to concentrate on my studies now. My parents felt that I would neglect my studies because I was so much into his bhakti and spirituality. I concentrated on my studies for a while, though I visited him every time when he came to Hyderabad.

One day as I went to the station to give him a sendoff, I just stood near the door of the train, and I stared into his eyes; he said you are good at your heart. As years passed my aunt left from Hyderabad and I was busy with my studies.

Later I joined my bachelor studies; the root of my devotion has strengthened much more. I felt all the enjoyments my friends were experiencing are just for a second, so I dint put my mind into those enjoyments. I concentrated on my studies, and I passed with flying colors. So there I had a question of what’s next. Every step in my life was driven by nanna’s hands, and let this shall be I thought. Later we approached him and had a proposal to do Masters in USA, or join in a job that I bagged during my bachelors. I had a dream to be abroad for a while to be independent some time, without everyone. He said you will go to USA, so I did. It was my visit to Arunachalam, indeed my second visit I think, the first visit was just with my mom and aunty but this was one with my parents along with Nannagaru and aunt.

I went to the Embassy got Visa and took a bus to Arunachalam. I told him that I got visa, he said everything good will happen to you. We four friends went for Visa, but I alone got I said. He said there is a destiny that drives people. I took rest that day, and immediate morning I rushed upstairs to bag a seat near him, and I did. I also heard that I got my results of final year, and I bagged very good marks, so I said the same to him. All good news for you he said smilingly, as I smiled.

The four days with him just flew away. On last day when I visited him, he said when I think of your name I remember Bheshma, because Greeshma goes with Bhishma. I smiled and left respectfully.

I started preparing for the journey to abroad, and in no time I left India. My actual spiritual journey started from here, (to be cont…)

The self (Aatma) is the true Arunachala

2011-02-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

# The self (Aatman) that is shining within us is much brighter than millions of suns put together. It is not visible to these eyes which are just made of flesh. To realize the self (Aatman), one needs goodness, patience, humility and faith. As the sun is hidden by the clouds, the self (Aatman) is covered by the cloud named ego. Only those who can kill their ego when their body is still alive can obtain self-realization.

# The self (Aatman) is the true Arunachala. The self (Aatman) is deathless, hence every man wants immortality. The self (Aatman) is ever free, hence every man wants freedom. The self (Aatman) is embodiment of love, hence every man loves himself. The self is embodiment of all happiness hence every man thrives for happiness always. The self (Aatman) is not sorrow, hence everyman doesn’t desire for sorrow.

"Nanna is Sri Ramakrishna" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-02-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

After meeting him that day during his breakfast I vaguely remember what transpired with him.

I got busy with my running around for surgeries and practice. I was in a freelance practice with a small slot in a corporate hospital. I remember having met him for Guru poornima 2009.

I had bought a garland of Jasmine flowers for him and climbed the stage. When he was informed about my coming he got up happily and allowed me to garland him. He asked me about my practice and asked me to continue in the corporate hospital as it would increase my financial inflow and better my practice. I nodded and took leave of him.

Slowly over the next few months my initial zeal of trying to get some patients from amongst Sri Nannagaru’s devotees decreased and I started to treat them with an attitude of service to Guru. He would talk to me whenever I phoned him and ask me about my materialistic welfare.

One day I found out that he was coming to Hyderabad for a meeting in Ramana Kendram. I met in Sanjeev Reddy Nagar flat the day before and told him about an opportunity I had to shift to a better corporate hospital. He nodded and gave his consent. He said you will improve financially and also garner more experience of surgery. The next day I went to Ramana Kendram to listen to his speech. I don’t remember what he told that day but remember that he stood with an idol of Nataraja in his hands.

I felt that the idol was living Nataraja Himself having been sanctified by the touch of Sri Nannagaru. I clearly experienced that Sri Nannagaru was holding a small Nataraja in his hands and that the idol was very pleased about it. I also felt that Sri Nannagaru is Lord Nataraja Himself.

After the speech I went to meet him as he was surrounded by 40 to 50 people. He singled me out from the crowd and exclaimed “Join the corporate hospital. You will increase your experience and financial success.”

I happily thanked him and came away.

The next few months I clearly perceived my development both in financial and surgical skill fields.

It was during this time that I became active in facebook and became friend of Greeshma. Her devotion to Sri Nannagaru was awe inspiring and I realized that there are people around Sri Nannagaru who love him deeply and without motive. It was on her insistence that I decided to attend the satsang’s by Sri Nannagaru.
Till then I had approached Sri Nannagaru for my materialistic happiness and success and also because I felt he was Sri Ramakrishna Himself. For the first time after having known him for two years and having met him about 7 to 8 times I decided to attend his spiritual satsang.

( what transpired next was At the Sadguru's feet part 1 and 2 )

"Guru chooses us" - (By NDas)

2011-02-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

I met Sri Nannagaru for the first time in my teenage.But as Nannagaru says'Teenage is the worst age';A sudden struggle started in my life, perphaps it was hormonal imbalance which is very common in that age. I visited various mahatmas and Ramakrishna math to seek solace but didnot get the required peace.I didnot share my state of mind with anyone at home. One day my mother said that a mahatma who is a devotee of Bhagawan Ramana is going to visit a nearby house.I asked her the name of the Mahatma. She replied as Nannagaru. I was expecting the name to end with some ananda but was surprised and infact also laughed within myself hearing such name.However the name Bhagawan Ramana aroused interest in me to see this mahatma. I never read about Bhagawan Ramana but I remember my mother showing me his photo in my childhood and so I had great reverence for him unknowingly.Finally we reached the house and waited in a room filled with few people for nearly half an hour.

Nannagaru came out of his room and sat in a sofa.I did not feel anything special about him. He was looking very very simple. As I already visited few mahatmas perphaps swamijis, I expected a similar kind of thing here but it wasnt the same for much of my disappointment. After 5 minutes, he started drinking coffee. I felt I am wasting my time. But suddenly a deep silence overcame me which I never experienced before. I could feel a very great inner peace indescribable in words for which I have been struggling throughout.Then Nannagaru chatted with people around asking them about their sadhana. I remember one devotee asking a question about Sri Ramakrishna. I dont remember the question exactly but I remember Nannagaru answering " Even Ramakrishna attained the same Self(pointing to the right side of His chest). This was a stunning reply for me.

I used to feel Ramakrishna paramahamsa is my guru and there can be none on this earth equivalent to him. But this reply of Nannagaru surprised me.Somehow after spending nearly 2 hrs, the time has come to depart.I wasnot bold enough to introduce myself. Also I didnt feel the need to talk with Nannagaru.But somehow I felt that I should prostrate to Him.Many people were prostrating and taking leave of Him. He was Blessing them in chinmudra of Dakshinamurhty with one hand(even this surprised me as I rarely saw any mahatma blessing so vividly till then). He was not looking at me when I wanted to prostrate.I mentally prayed to Him thus:"I may not deserve salvation but atleast I must get rid of my lust in this very birth".

Praying thus I prostrated to Him not expecting Him to look at me. But when I got up, to my wonder of wonders, I saw Him Blessing me with Both the Hands(placing his both the hands on his chest and again Blessing in chinmudra); Perphaps an indication that I belonged to Him and I neednot worry.This was my first experience.
I heard a lot about the importance of having a Guru and getting initiated by the guru in the Ramakrishna Math.

So I felt I should get initiated in the RK Math. One day I approached the RK math and asked for initiation.

I was shown a list of conditions to be fulfilled to get initiated there.It included reading few books of Sri Ramakrishna. I told them that I started reading but could not complete the book. They replied me that I can complete the book and come back for getting initiated.I felt very sad. I had enough faith to get initiated but still they were pressing for book reading. I had three choices for Guru then: Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Math, Swami Chidananda of Divine Life Society and Sri Nannagaru. I felt all the three were equally great. But I felt as Nannagaru was most accessible I should get initiated by Him.But I get laughter when I think of this now.It is the Guru who chooses us and not we who choose the Guru.Some how I made my decision to ask Nannagaru for initiation. I had great faith that Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is a Divine Incarnation. Those words of Sri Ramakrishna," The One who is SriRama and the One who is SriKrishna, not as per your advaita, He is this Ramakrishna" built up this faith in me. Oneday I asked Nannagaru for initiation. He gave a big smile (divine smile) and asked me," who is your favourite God?" I replied Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa but requested Him to give that which is good for me. Then to my wonder of wonders, Nannagaru repeated the same words,"Sri Ramakrishna used to say, the One who is SriRama and the One who is SriKrishna, not as per your advaita, He is this Ramakrishna."Nannagaru asked me to do SriKrishna mantra which ofcourse I did for a day or two only. But however this initiation concluded my quest for the Guru.

Thank you for your inspiring experience. It is so true that Guru chooses his devotees, rather than the opposite. He just waits for the right time to ripen for the interaction and initiation.

Aham Brahmasmi - I am that

2011-01-27T17:03:00.000-08:00

# “I” am self (Aatman). The thought of I is ego. “Aham Brahmasmi” implies “I am that” i.e., I am embodiment of Brahman. “I” that is referred here is not the limited “I” that you all experience. “I” here indicates the self.

# The Adi Guru (first Guru) Dakshinamurthy himself couldn’t explain the self (Aatman) in words and hence remained in silence. Dakshinamurthy = Dakshina (Right side) + Amurthy (Formless). It means right side of our body, positioned at heart, the one who resides without form is DakshinaMurthy and i.e., the self (Aatman).

You are Aatma (Self)

2011-01-25T16:31:00.000-08:00

# Your nature is self (Aatma). Your nature is itself God. Your nature is itself the Kundalini Shakti and the kingdom of heaven as proclaimed by Christ. There is neither beauty nor truth higher than that of self. After you taste the bliss of self, even if your ishta daiva (favorite God) stands in front of you, you will not have a desire to look at him, such is the glory of the self.

# The self that is shining within your heart is the only truth. There is no God higher than the truth. There is no religion higher than the truth. There is no nation higher than the truth. The self (Aatman) has the power to enslave your senses, your mind and your destiny. But, are you wholeheartedly having a desire for self (Aatman)? Is it not true that only when you desire that, self (Aatman) reveals itself?

"Divine Love" - (By Padmaja)

2011-01-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

I just visited Arunachalam and followed it with a visit to Jinnuru to visit Nannagaru.I was visiting with my two daughters and my husband Venu from Cleveland, Ohio.Nannagaru sent us a car to the station to receive us, a thought crossed my mind which guru sends a car to pick up his disciples? I have only heard of gurus who require their disciples to go through a million rules!! But that has been my experience with Nannagaru, no rules!!

We stayed in a building opposite to his house and I was getting my kids ready to go see him when he sits outside. From previous experiences I know that the silence and presence you feel during those sessions can not be missed. But I took my time obsessing over the bathrooms, other silly concerns like what my kids would eat for breakfast etc., then I saw him at the entrance of the door of the house which we were staying. What kind of Guru walks over to meet his devotees? When I saw him at the door,I had no words,I was overwhelmed with his love, he asked me not to rush and sat in the Verandah. He inquired about my kids and how my job is, advised me not to put gold jewelry on the kids for safety.I was not surprised though, it was like a visit to my father's house, no rules, just plain love.

We had lunch at Nannagaru's house. Kannamma invited us kindly into her kitchen , we ate a very tasty lunch. I was surprised how my kids asked for seconds , thirds and ate whatever they were served, I felt he took care of my concern about what they would eat!! I was overwhelmed by Amma's love, I was visiting her after 12 years. After lunch we went to Ramanashram, Nannagru sat in silence for a while , chatted with the devotees, told me about this website and Greeshma. Ramana Jayanthi was the next day, every body was busy preparing for it. He spent the whole day with us. Which guru makes you feel like you are the only one? I had been to a spiritual retreat in London earlier to this with Nannagaru, but I was much more ignorant than now, but even then I could sense how special he made everybody feel.....you feel like you are the only one getting his attention and love.

I remember vividly the trip with Nannagaru to chinchinada in a car to a devotee's house. He was looking outside through the window.

He turns and looks at me and says , do you think this world is real?

I nodded yes and no in confusion, wondering of course why he is asking me .

He looks outside contemplating, and says, it is not real, but it is real as part of the "Brahman". Everything exists inside Brahman, there cannot be anything exclusive to it, do you understand?

I remember it because it was an Aha moment for me, I was amazed at the clarity in those words.

Before my leaving we sat in silence again in the verandah with him. I felt like I have somehow failed him, since I was not doing or practicing anything related to the "subject", so I asked him if anybody would fall from grace? When I mustered enough courage to ask that question , he looked at me lovingly said there was no falling from grace, it would see you thru till the end.......again I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, wanted to weep but with joy, ego being washed away...
I tried to remember the details of the words that he spoke to blog here , but all I remember is his love and Amma's love. amma packed food for the train journey for us. We left Jinnuru with his love in abundance to see us thru the end like he said....Om Ramanaya Namaha

Thank you for sharing this lovely experience with us. Guru has a special, unique relationship with each of his disciples individually.And it doesn't matter if the Guru has many disciples; he still has time and grace for each one, even sometimes simultaneously appearing in different places at the same time! Your note conveyed the same.

Aatman is Sat Chit Ananda

2011-01-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

# Your nature is self (Aatma). God and Aatma (self) are not different. Realized soul (Jnani) calls it as Aatma and devotee calls it as God. It is the self alone which is omnipresent and you are that. There is nothing different from you, then how can there exist anything that is superior to you or inferior to you?

# Aatman is knowledge, existence and bliss (Sat Chit Ananda)

# Aatman is embodiment of happiness, peace, light, truth, bliss and knowledge.

Guru is supreme self

2011-01-18T17:28:00.000-08:00

# My dear soul mates! We can clear the debt of the mother, debt of the father and the debt of the teacher in our school. But we always owe to Guru who puts his all efforts to make you realize. Any God greater than Guru doesn’t exist, doesn’t exist and doesn’t exist.

# Our Vedas proclaim thus: “Guru is brahma, Guru is Vishnu, Guru is Maheswara and Guru is supreme self itself.”

# In the Gita the lord promised – “I will liberate you even if you remember me in your last moments”. But at the time of death all the hidden tendencies in heart rush out to the brain and man can remember only those things at that time for which he longed throughout his life. That last thought in his last moments leads a man to his rebirth. But if we are pure and have true surrender, Guru can help us out here. He can create a state of good tendencies in our last moments and thereby lead us to higher/good births. Is it not the greatest help that one can ever obtain in this world?

# It is difficult to worship God as Guru. Therefore God himself comes as Guru taking a human form. It is God’s grace only that has taken the form of Sri Ramana.

Test

2011-01-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

"Nanna's Gracious Love" - (By NDas)

2011-01-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

It was Guru poornima perphaps for the first time that I attended in Junnor.
As usual after the speech was delivered Nannagaru went to Chinchinada.
I knew no one in Chinchinada. Somehow one of the devotees promised me accomodation and so I accompanied him to Chinchinada. I silently spent 2 days there. And the time came for my departure. I was naturally sad about it.

Nannagaru blessed us as he usually does by moving his hands in the chinmudra of the Dakshinamurthy.We came out of the house and were waiting for the car.But still Nannagaru was visible to us and we were visible to Nannagaru.

Suddenly Nannagaru looked at us and raised one of his Hands.I was overwhelmed at that flow of Grace and did a pranam with one hand keeping it on my chest.

After a moment, He raised both the hands. He was still like a rock with both the hands raised.

This time I couldnt bear that Grace and had to make pranams with both the hands.

After such a delightful darshan I had to get into the car.I hardly ever cried for God. But this time I couldnot stop sobbing.

Thank you for sharing this with us. When it comes to his grace, tears roll down unknowingly.

"Nanna is everywhere" - (By NDas)

2011-01-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

It was the first time that I visited Kasi. I had a rare opportunity of being accompanied by my Guru(Nanna garu) and my parents.We stayed in a hotel which was 10 mts walk from the place where Sri Nanna stayed. We heard that Nanna will be going out but the place he would be visiting was kept as a top secret.However we had an information that Nanna would be visiting the sankata mochana temple. Hearing this a huge crowd of devotees already left to that place and kept waiting for Nanna. My Father was pressing us that we will go out for sightseeing. But as usual I was being dragged towards Nanna. However I didnt want to disappoint my Material father in the name of my Spiritual Father.So I gave up and said to the Lord Visveshwara 'Let thy will be done'. We hired an auto and were advised by the autodriver that we first visit the Kala Bhairava temple. I consented for this. However my Heart was at Sankatamochana temple. We did accordingly and as we turned back from the temple, to our greatest astonishment, we were facing Nanna in front of us.He had a very grave composure,glowing with serenity and approached us majestically.We were standing aside giving him the way to enter the temple premises.He stopped beside us and Blessed my Father by touching his cheeks and entered the temple very quietly. We felt Blessed at this unexpected darshan and Blessings from Nanna garu. But the saddest part for me was that as Nanna was entering the temple we had to leave the temple.Many devotees were rushing towards Kala Bhairava temple on coming to know that Nanna was visitng the same. Few of them enquired as to the whereabouts of Nanna and few of them were shouting at me that Nanna is in Kalabhairava temple. But I had no other choice but to accompany my parents. It was a kind of mixed feelings for me. I didnt understand whether to be happy with the unexpected darshan OR be sad for not accompanying Nanna into the temple. The Only thing I understood was nothing is in my hands,Whether it can be called as God's will OR as Destiny.Leaving behind Nanna we visited Sarnath,Bharath Mata temple, Sankatmochan temple etc.,Finally we went back to the hotel at about 6.30pm in the evening.I knew that it wld not serve the purpose even if I rush to Nanna. Somehow I felt being dragged from within and ran towards Nanna's place. By the time I reached there, Nanna was sitting in a very deep silence. I was able to see only the feet of Nannagaru as many devotees were in our midst.Suddenly a deep silence overcame me in His presence and I experienced a very deep ecstasy inexpressible in words.This experience has put aside all my regrets of missing Nanna garu and totally rejuvenated me. I felt I would not have experienced this if I had been with Nanna throughout the day. Nanna took leave from us very shortly.While returning back to my hotel room, one of the devotees told me that most of the devotees waited for Sri Nanna in the sankatmochan temple but had to return disappointed as Nanna never visited the temple.When she explained me how they chased and traced Nannagaru and about how they spent the time with Him, I again felt sad of missing out the day with Him losing all the Bliss and ecstasy experienced in His presence till now.

When I ponder back and rethink of the situation I feel I have been very foolish in my thinking. Had I not accompanied my parents and Had i not surrendered myself to the Lord's will, Perphaps I would have been in sankatmochan temple waiting for Nanna through out the day. Naturally we wouldnt have got the darshan at the Kala bhairava temple.And also the Bliss that I experienced was a result of the longing due to separation thru out the day.I wouldnt have had this if I were with Nanna through out the day. So the following were my lessons:

1)Nanna knows what is best for me.
2)Abidance by God's will leads to oneness perphaps much faster than devotion.Surrender is greater than Devotion.
3)True Devotion leads to True Suurender which in turn leads to Oneness.
4) Man is not where his body is; Man is where his Mind is.
5)Limiting Nanna to a Body is a CRIME.
6)Do never imitate others.
7)Everything happens in its own time.

I shared this experience with my sister who could not visit Kasi. She felt consoled. Hope this experience would console all the devotees who thrive for Nanna's presence but cant attain the same.

Perphaps I can take an Instance of Bhagwan here. Rangan,a very intimate devotee of Bhagwan in his deep longing to see Bhagwan gets down from a running train and gets hurt. On being asked by Bhagwan he narrates as to why and how he gets hurt.
Listening to the same Bhagwan says,'Rangan seeing me is not important. Longing to see me is important.'

To take one more Instance:

The Gopi's Love for Krishna is considered to be the Highest form of Love.
After Lord Krishna left Brindavan, He never came back to see the Gopis. The Brindavan was just few miles away from Mathura.Still He never came back.There was a strong reason for this.After Krishna left Brindavan, His entire life was involved with the Politics involving kings and kingdoms.The Gopis adored Krishna as Gopala which made up their pure Love for Him.And Krishna never wanted the Gopis to lose their Gopala.

Had Krishna come back to Brindavan, The Gopi's impression about Krishna would have changed. They would have viewed Him as a King maker, Political leader, warrior etc., etc., and all their pure Love for Krishna would have been lost.Krishna never came back only for the welfare of the Gopis.Whether the Gopis knew or not as to why Krishna didnot come back to them, they accepted this gracefully without questioning Him.True devotion leads to Surrender and True Surrender leads to Oneness.It was only because Krishna never came back the Gopi's Love became eternal Otherwise this would have turned into an attachment only.Therefore whatever the Lord does is always for our Good and accepting the same will make us eternal.

This experience consoles everybody who feel that they are far away from Nanna, and also to those who think they are unable to accompany him. Limiting Guru to a body is absolutely crime, and this revealed practically through your words. He exists everywhere and in our hearts!Thank you for sharing this consoling experience.

"I" and "mine" are Big Stones

2011-01-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

# “I” and “mine” are two big stones that cannot be removed without Guru’s help. “I” implies ahamkara (ego) and “mine” implies mamakara (that belongs to me) As long as this ‘kara’ exists, man cannot become pure and cannot go beyond nature.

# The help that you receive from Guru internally is immeasurable. Guru’s grace works much more than your self-efforts. It is Guru alone who accompanies you throughout your births and protects you. You don’t know the address of your Guru, but Guru knows your address wherever you are and whatever may be your birth. Guru never leaves you until your goal (Self-realization) is reached.

# Though the outer Guru is false, but is still required. If God gets angry with us, it is only Guru who can protect us but if Guru Gets angry with us, even God cannot protect us. Only polite people can listen to the Guru. Is it not that only when we listen, we come to know what needs to be obtained?

Guru is the real Mahatma

2011-01-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

# He, who takes you closer towards inner self, is the real Guru. Do not restrict Guru to a body. He is the only means who will protect us from the vicious circle of birth and death.

# By mere looking at whom your mind is introverted is the real Mahatma, he is the real Guru. The first task, the middle task and the last task that the Guru does for you is introverting your mind. One who leaves the self and talks other things is not a Guru but a demon (Rakshasa).

# Guru, out of grace can remove various past tendencies within a second, which you were unable to do since several births. There is nothing equal to Guru’s grace in this world. There might exist several Gurus in this world but if a self-realized soul (jnani) becomes your Guru, he will certainly lead you to your goal (Self-realization).

"All is Nanna, Nanna is All" - (By Devotees)

2011-01-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

“O my father, you are the saviour of so many devotees
Please do also accept us and be our saviour”

Neither am I the great saint sabari, to wait for you endlessly, nor Radha with eternal patience,

I am a commoner in this vicious cycle of samsara(The endless cycle of birth and death), be my saviour by relenting the devotion of Sabari and eternal love of Radha.
“O my Father”

Neither am I the “Tyagayya” to be able to praise your goodness nor “Meera” to sing & dance in sheer bliss for you with pure devotion.

Please do bless us with the devotional bliss of Tyagayya and Meera as we are trapped in world of desire and anger.
“O my Father”

Neither am I the most learned as “Jayadeva” nor “Vemana” whose ‘mind was quiescent’(Vairagyam).

Please do give us the joy of the divinity of the humble knowledge of Vemana and Jayadeva as we live in the ignorance of proudness of our ego.
“O my Father”

Neither am I the great devotee as “Ramadasu” to suffer karma as your blessings nor the blind poet “Surdas” to worship you.

O my father make us learn to surrender to you as Ramadasu and Surdas , as we are only filled with jealousy and hate.
“O my Father”

To just be in the divine presence of my grace, my master Sadguru Sri Nanna Bhagavan of Arunachala Ramana. All is Nanna, Nanna is all.
so humane and complete,
so kind and lender,
so generous and joyful,
so lovely and wonderful
so simple, silent and still,
so heartful and beautiful,
so virtuous and committed,
so kingly and graceful,
so benign and sagacious,
so on and on and on and on ...................

Guru Bramha Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwara Guru Sakshath Parabramha Tasmayeesri Gurave Namah .

All is Nanna, Nanna is All.

Every moment let all of us affirm to throw our little ( i ) self at the feet of my grace Sadguru Sri Nanna Bhagavan of Arunachala Ramana. Who is the ultimate and the Real - i.

The Parabhramhan, the Paramathman. who lives in our heart. That Place is the heavenly kingdom of god. Which is our real home, live there.

"Everything was Perfect" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2011-01-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

I went to meet Sri Nannagaru today knowing that the great man was in my city. The moment I thought of meeting him today...everything was perfect.

My driver arrived on time, there was no power cut, and I got ready within minutes.

The view outside the car too seemed too perfect. I had to cover nearly 12 km of distance in morning traffic and I knew it would take me about half an hour or so. I decided to watch the scenes outside to while away the time.

Everything was perfect.

Schoolgirls with white ribbons and long plaits, the traffic constable with a rayban replica cooling glasses, the peasant carrying a bundle of coconut leaves, commuters waiting for the bus at the bus stop, a youth indulging in helmetless bike driving, two shy lovers hiding from all sitting under a tree shade in a small park...the boy talking excitedly and the girl listening shyly, the vendor with the mangoes for sale :), cars trying to overtake from the wrong side....everything...everything looked perfect.

Today was a day when everything was left uncared for...no analysis...only something that needed to be seen and loved...from sheer ugliness to enchanting beauty...everything was the same...

PERFECT.

Reaching the house where the saint was staying I bought some apples for him and took the lift up to the fifth floor.

There were already a hundred people trying to catch a glimpse of him and trying to get in the small flat that the saint usually stays in.

I was ushered in by his trusted lieutenant whose wife is a patient of mine and made to sit on a sofa as the saint ate his breakfast.

Finishing breakfast the saint looked at me and smiled. He introduced me to the crowd and asked me to come and sit next to him. I refused and tried to sit down. He vehemently opposed this and made me sit next to him.

He inquired about my professional life and family. I answered.

He looked at the fruits I bought for him.

"You have brought a lot of fruits" he said.

I nodded shyly.

"Do you read any other books apart from your subject books?" he asked.

I replied that I read Sri Ramakrishna's books a lot.

He nodded.

"Do you think there is a difference between Sri Ramakrishna's teachings and Bhagwan Ramana's teachings?" he asked.

I shook my head "No"

He smiled and said " Ramakrishna delved into all aspects of Advaita, Dvaita, and other forms of philosophy more than Ramana. Bhagwan was more Advaita oriented." He said.

I nodded again. It seemed to echo an inner feeling of mine.

I looked at him and said " Sri Ramakrishna and You are One. I consider you as God."

There was an instant ripple of joy across the crowd surrounding us.

The saint gave a slight pause as a divine smile played on his features and he looked like Grace Personified.

The Divine glow persisted for a few seconds and then it was gone.

He extended his palms and patted my cheeks.

In another meeting I had said to him

"I worship you as God. I know no other. You are my Sri Ramakrishna."

He had smiled and said

"Protect that feeling of yours and cherish it throughout life." He said. " That one thing is enough...that one thing is enough."

His hands raised in a mudra of blessing as I bowed low before him.

Guru,God and Self are ONE

2011-01-04T16:14:00.000-08:00

# Guru, God and self are one and the same and not different. The self (which is your nature) takes a form as Guru and gradually lessens the force of your past tendencies and thereby turns your mind inwards (Antharmukam). The beauties of heart are revealed only to that mind that is introverted. If you love your Guru, it implies unknowingly you are loving yourself.

# God created this world and did not leave it abandoned. He also explained the manner of life that will lead to Jnana. Therefore God is our first Guru (Adi Guru).

# Only a self-realized man is eligible for the word Guru. A self-realized soul can only see Atman everywhere.

"An Epitome of love" - (By Vani)

2010-12-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

Early in the morning, my mom wakes me up to get me ready to school earlier than usual, my little mind of 10 yrs wonders,Whats up with her today?? why is she hurrying me up?.

I asked her casually as a 10 yr old would," Mom what is it with you? why is it that you want me to get ready early today?".

Then my mom explains I have to visit one "Nannagaru" today so I better get you out my way.

I wonder "Nannagaru" means father in our language, did she mean my "Granddad" by any chance?

She replied, No he is a saint and brushed me off saying I wouldn't understand anymore..

Nevertheless I rushed off to school.I clearly remember it being a saturday and I came home earlier than usual and found my mom missing.

I asked my dad "Where is she?".

He replies to me that she is in swarajyam aunty's house as she was visiting the "Nannagaru".

Bang the word again.As a 10 yr child I was curious to see"the Granddad", who the person is?

I hopped off to the aunt's house which was nearby, playful as much a 10 year old would be.I entered the room which was full of people , absolute silence, all eyes on one person who is sitting on a chair,a warm posture ,a simpleton in white clothes, his eyes closed, his left hand cupped up in shape of an "Ashirwada" as blessing ,and I think is that "Nannagaru"?

He wasn't talking to anyone much, just looking around and looking into people's eyes.I was shocked to see some people who were silently crying with tears running down their cheeks.I was like why are they crying?I went and sat nearby his feet.

He looked at me and gave a smile,I returned it by smiling, I felt special.

His eyes wandered over the room , he spoke to few people mostly inquiring about their families,jobs and insisting are they happy?

His looks again wandering over the room came back to me.

He smiled again, a very warm and compassionate smile, an assuring smile, a smile which still is with me ,this very moment,after 18 years and guides me at all times.

All elders around me were saying words which were difficult to understand, words like "Moksham(Salvation), Atma(Soul) and on and on, but for one thing on that day, I found him just a simple old man who is "An Epitome of Love"

Thank you Vani for such a lovely experience. It is the same feeling that all devotees have when we first look at him. He is an incarnation of love itself.

Purity Brings Perfection

2010-12-31T05:34:00.000-08:00

‎# Love and sacrifice are great, but even they reflect duality. We should go beyond them.

# My dear friends! Don’t think that you are wasting your time in listening to my words. The moments that you spent in listening to my words are the sweetest moments in your life.

‎# Sri Rama killed Ravana. Sri Krishna killed Kamsa. I am killing your time.

# If charity brings purity, purity brings perfection. Emotion is not devotion. Act but don’t react. Reaction increases your distance towards reality.

Bhagawan's grace

2010-12-28T04:11:00.000-08:00

# Do not think that you don’t have Bhagawan’s Grace; otherwise you wouldn’t listen to these words.

# Can we ever lighten the wet match sticks? We are like wet match sticks. Bhagawan is drying out our wet minds. Once they are dried completely, he will certainly lighten the lamp of Jnana in you.

# Even though all types of water are similar, only certain water is used for drinking. Similarly even though all people look alike be very careful in making friends.

"Guru Bhyo Namaha" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2010-12-26T04:41:00.000-08:00

After having met him in Arunachala nearly 6 to 7 months later I met him in a flat in SR Nagar.

I was waiting for him for a long time outside his room and a common friend called Vasundhara garu promised to introduce me to him. Many devotess during this few months time told me that whenever they mentioned my name to Nannagaru he told them "He is soulmate of mine. Our bond is not of this birth." I used to feel happy whenever I heard that. My arrogance, ego, and pride of being a young successful surgeon did not go though. I remembered a few times in the past few months that I had called him and spoke with him. He was very pleased with that.

One particular time when he came to the phone I said "Guru Bhyo Namaha ...salutaions to the Guru."

There was a pregnant pause from his side and he finally said in ecstasy "Mithin, I will come to your home one day."

Now as I remembered all those thoughts as I was sitting outside his flat I was also thinking of a great medical problem that my family member was facing. It was a life threatening complication and as a doctor I knew it could get worse. I had come to him to ask a miracle from him. I had realized my limitations.

I had prayed till then to all deities like Lord Venkateshwara, Durga and Sri Ramakrishna throughout my life.

For the first time in my life I was going to pray to a Living God to give me a boon.

I was ushered into his presence by Vasundhara garu.

He looked at me and said " You need not wait outside. You can barge into my room anytime. Our bond is such." I was amazed by his love.

I told him the reason why I came. Till then I had prayed to idols to fulfill my needs. For the first time in my life I was praying to a living deity to vouchsafe a miracle.

He folded his hands in concern and pointed at Ramana's photo.

"I will ask Him" he said " He does everything."

At that moment an unknown assurance came into my mind and I knew everything would be well. ( everything did turn out well as in the next few months I saw a medical miracle unfold in front of my eyes!)

I got up to go.

"I consider you as God," I told him.

He craned his neck and said "What did you say?"

"I know you as God. You and Sri Ramakrishna are the same." I said fervently.

He looked at me and smiled "Yes...protect that feeling of yours and cherish it diligently. That is enough."

A few months later I met him again on his birthday ( or guru poornima ) I dont remember.

He asked me about my family member's health.

"By your grace a miracle has unfolded in front of my eyes" I told him.

He looked on disinterestedly.

A few weeks later I got a call from him.

"I have pain in my knees" he said.

I was scared to prescribe a medicine for him.

I could treat human beings but how could I treat God?

I was at my wits end as I prescribed a medicine for him knowing very well that if the pain did not come down I would die of shame that I could not cure his pain!

Thankfully he let me know after a few days that his pain had come down.

It was then on one such occasion that I came to know that he was in Hyderabad and I went to meet him.

On the way I thought 'There are lot of elderly people around Sri Nannagaru. If I become more and more known to him then I would get more number of patients from amongst his devotees and then I could earn lots o money and fame.'

Congratulating myself for my cunningness to use the Guru's name to forward my materialistic success I happily climbed upto the flat where he was staying.

He was having his breakfast.

Surrounding him there were many elderly devotees.

I could see that one of them had an Xray with him. He looked like a man with a hip problem.

This could be a patient for surgery I thought excitedly!

I could make money out of this. My colleagues will be jealous to see me operate.

I will gain in name and fame.

I felt very happy.

I approached the Guru.

Sri Nannagaru was having his breakfast.

His attender told him that I had come.

It was as if Sri Nannagaru was expecting me.

He nodded slowly as he wiped his hands on the towel.

He looked down at the floor for a minute and then looked up and said "Ah Mithin!"

He looked at the devotees now and said suddenly "If anyone of you have an orthopaedic problem go and show it to Dr Mithin."

He looked at me and smiled knowingly.

I hung my head in shame in front of the Pure Being.

What a Great Guru I have and what silly things I desire I thought.

Since then whenever I see devotee of Sri Nannagaru I started to see them free of cost as a service to Guru.

He found out about this a few months later when Gopika told him.

"Dont see free of cost" he said.

"Tap the rich and pat the poor" he said and smiled.

Understand my words

2010-12-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

# As your body needs food, your mind needs my words. If you digest the food that you intake your body becomes healthy. If you understand my words, your mind becomes healthy.

# If you understand my words, it’s not me who gains; it is you who will gain. My words will help you to know yourself. You will not get happiness in knowing me but you will definitely get happiness in knowing yourself.

# If you are told that a snake bites, you will definitely recollect these words when you look at a snake. Similarly you may not understand the importance of my words today but you will understand them on some day, in some or the other birth.

Purify your hearts

2010-12-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

# If I cannot consider your sins as mine, I am not eligible to preach. Try to reform others instead of addressing others as sinners.

# My Dear Friends! Your intellect cannot grasp the spiritual help or progress that you receive from me.

# Whatever name you may take or whatever form you may worship, I always wish for your welfare wholeheartedly. It is only for this good quality that God has given me Jnana. You also try to purify your hearts. "Blessed are the ones who are pure at heart, for
they shall see God. They are consoled who cry for God", said Jesus.

# I don’t expect your money, prostrations and garlands, if you understand my words properly, that itself is the real honor to me.

"My Connect with Nannagaru" - (By A.R.Roop Kumar)

2010-12-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

I was 12 years old. It was through my grandfather that I heard of Sri Ramana Maharshi. He told me that he was fortunate to have met him at Tiruvannamalai. As per him, mostly Ramana Maharshi was a man of few words and very short tempered. He used to say that “God is within you, search for him within rather than look for him in the polluted outside world”. As per my grandfather, it seems that when Ramana Maharshi died people saw a shooting star, as it happens when very great souls leave this physical body. It was witnessed with Lord Krishna too. As per my grandfather, he also said among many rishis, only Sri Ramana was as addressed as Maharshi – a title only befitting him.

Years rolled by as I grew up, completed studies, got employed and married Shanthi who comes from a very religious background. Pooja phat gained prominence at home ever since.

We came to know about Sri Nanna Garu in the year 1998, through Mr K.V.K. Raju who was my colleague, friend and our neighbour. My wife started attending satsangs and Sri Nanna Garu lectures as and when he was in town. Since I was occupied with my work I could not accompany Shanthi, but she would come home and narrate his preaching of Ramana Maharshi. This was also the time when we were going through a lot of mental stress regarding my daughter’s preference of her marriage, for which we had our own reservations. Then, we were not matured enough to understand that only God’s will prevails, not ours.

One early morning during those days of turmoil, I went to meet Sri Nanna Garu in private, at Smt Lakshmi’s residence (Madhuranagar). I expected to meet someone with flowing hair, long orange robe and weathered beard. But he was a simple man who could have been my elder brother in a plain dhoti and banian with a towel flung across his shoulder.

My very first meeting with Sri Nanna Garu attracted me to him like iron ore to that of a magnet. His simplicity, calm face, gracious presence impressed me. As I sat at his feet he looked into my eyes and asked me if I was happy in life. I do not know how these great people can read one’s mind. Though that was my first meeting with him, I felt like sharing my feelings - about my daughter’s preference – with him. He listened to me without interrupting and in the end just closed his eyes for a while. He then looked into my eyes with a smile and said “ROOP, ANTHA BAGHA AVUTHUNDI” (Everything will be alright). I came out a relieved soul. Believe me, that within a week I agreed to perform my daughter’s marriage as per her choice. Today she is happy and so are we. It was a win-win situation for both. It was Sri Nanna Garu who convinced me to see the reality in life.

I do not know the connection but each time he sees me he calls me near to him and I am blessed by him.

Since then, every time I attend his lectures, it gives me a new HIGH that I have never felt before. Our visits to the Ramana Ashram at Tiruvannamalai have drawn us closer to Sri Ramana Maharshi.

We all pray God more as a routine and chant slokas and mantras that we learn from our parents and teachers. Mostly, we are confused between so many Gods we have, that we sail and drift in life like a rudderless boat. We may know that path but due to the darkness cannot navigate. This is where we need a guru, who like a rudder gives you direction in life and also sheds light in darkness for you to navigate the right path of life. In our case Sri Nanna Garu has done it for us. Let us make the best use of it.

Thank you Roop Kumar for sharing such a simple and profound experience. Guru brings or calls his devotees at his place at his will. His connections and ways are beyond our imagination.

Bhagawad Gita

2010-12-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

In this world, we celebrate birthdays of people but not that of books. This fame only belongs to Gita. Even though this is a small book, it has got great reputation.
Gita Jayanti implies the birthday of Bhagawad Gita. Gita has been orated and preached by God himself nearly 5000 years ago. “The one who preached Gita, the one who listened to Gita and the one who wrote Gita is Narayana himself” said Lord Krishna himself in Gita.
Krishna preached the Gita to Arjuna just before the commencement of Mahabharata war in Kurukshetra which is located in Haryana now. Many people have questions like how can anyone preach in the battle field? Is it really possible to do so? Impossibility may exist for us but is there anything that is impossible for God? If there is anything that is impossible then how can he ever become God? One who is attached is ever bound. One who is bound has fear. But how can God be bound or have fear? If Krishna had any attachment for his nephew Abhimanyu, would he allow him to die? He (Krishna) has become God because he is unattached, and doesn’t have any bondage.
Sri Madvacharya said - “It was initially Bharata only, but since it was encompassed of Bhagawad Gita it was renovated as Mahabharata”
Mahatama Gandhi said - “Bhagawad Gita has filled up the emptiness of loss of my mother”
Sri Sant Jnaneswar said - “The whole world can be converted to gold or all the salt water in the sea can be transformed into fresh water, but one can never understand the Bhagawad Gita, it is very difficult to understand”
Piling up all the valuable diamonds in the world at one place, becomes Bhagawad Gita.
Bhagawad Gita is the compilation of the goodness of all the good hearted people in this world.
Tilak said – “Just as Hanuman somersaulted from one end of the sea to the other end of the sea to reach Lanka, even I jumped from the first chapter to the last chapter of the Gita, but I never understood the depth of it”
Krishna said in the Gita, “Bhagawad Gita is his abode. In Gita, God exists in the form of Akshara (letters). Akshara implies that never perishes. It is a sin to separate God from Gita. They are never separate.
Gita may contain that which doesn’t exist in the world, but which doesn’t exist in Gita cannot be found in the world.
If you just read 18 chapters of the Gita you might get punya (fruit of virtuous deeds) but if you understand and practice the same, you will get Jnana.
Our lives are being driven very fast by the great tides of ego, then how do we have place for the Gita in our hearts? That’s the reason we are unable to understand Gita. Is it not true that, only when we give our heart that the Gita gives heart?
I take the courage in saying that Arjuna did not get Jnana just by listening to the Gita from Krishna. Arjuna implies a white man (with pure heart). Krishna said – “O Arjuna! You are anasuya (one who don’t know what jealous is) hence I am preaching you the Gita. Jealousy is the foremost bad quality amongst all of us. Arjuna mourned for the sake of the world (society) this made him Jnani, this Jnana took birth in his heart only. Arjuna’s Shoka (grief) became his yoga (path), but why does our shoka (grief) lead us to Roga (disease)? It is because Arjuna grieved for the society and we grieve only for our selfishness.
My Dear Friends! Arjuna’s punya (fruit of virtuous deeds) is that God himself became his Guru.
Lord said in the beginning of vibhuti yoga that I reside in the heart of all shining as the self. All the further sayings in vibhuti yoga are only for understanding the body minded people like us.
Lord said in Gita – “Work but don’t expect any result.”, but he never said that – “I will not give you the fruit of your deeds”. God resides in the heart of those who work without any expectation. What is worth achievable than this in the world?
The Lord said – “O Arjuna! None can overcome my maya. I am revealed only to them whom I select”. Why? This is because Maya is in the hands of God and we are in the clutches of Maya. Therefore Maya releases (shows the path) only to those who take refuge at the feet of God.
My dear friends! When Krishna promised in the 9th chapter that – “Self-knowledge will reveal the self here and now “Why don’t you believe the same? Though God repeatedly says that –“Leaving all your duties surrender unto me/ I will cleanse you of all your sins and liberate you. “Why do we still not trust his words?
We cannot get Jnana until we have a collaboration of God’s Grace, Gurus Grace, Shastras (spiritual science) grace and the time.
In Gita the Lord preached –
- “Karma Yoga to those who always want to work”,
- “Bhakti Yoga to those who get emotional very easily,”
- “Jnana yoga to those who always try to find reason behind everything”
The goal of all these yoga’s (practices) is to “know thyself” as preached by Bhagawan Ramana.
Lord says Kama (lust), Krodha (anger) and Lobha (misery) are the three big gates to enter into hell.
In Gita Lord said – “It is only the Jnani who obtains my swarupa. There is nothing in this world that equals the Jnana. All the people are nothing but puppets in my hands”
In Gita God has narrated all the qualities of a Stitah Prajna (one who maintains equanimity in all conditions) and all the divine qualities (Daivi Guna), further he said that the greatest dirtiness is being weak at heart. The dirtiest thing is the weakness of heart. He also said this world is temporary and it is the residence of all miseries. He never said this world is a temple. It is the body that takes birth and dies. The atman neither is born nor dead. He further said – “You are that Aatman”, and then are we considering ourselves as Aatman or the body?
My Dear Friends! We can never understand the Gita as long as we have perception as Krishna is mere body. God and Gita are not different. God said in Gita – “People are considering themselves as just bodies, and they are also limiting me to a body by doing so they are insulting me”
As we clear dirt on our faces using a mirror we have to clean the impurities of our mind by taking Gita as the basis. Gita is the upadesa grandha (Greatest Preacher) and is very useful to purify the mind. If we abide by the teachings in Gita our weakness and sins perish automatically.
God asked us to love him, remember him and believe him but what will he get by saying this? My dear friends! It is only out of love and grace he spoke. He further promised that even a greatest sinner will be liberated by him if he has unwavering faith in his existence.
My Dear Friends! It is only the work that is in your hands and not the result which is in the hands of God. Therefore if you do your duty selflessly and with utter concentration, God will certainly give the appropriate result. God is always thankful and not thankless. Friends! Do believe my words, if you do your work with doership you are bound and if you do your work without doership you will be released by the work. If you love Krishna in your hearts wholeheartedly, he will purify and liberate you. What we need to have for him is Bhakti (devotion) and what he gives in return in Mukti (freedom). Is there anything worth achievable than this in the world?

My dear friends! Lastly I would like to say a word that even Gita is a VEDA. Bhagavad Gita compasses of the words uttered by God himself. Who among us has the capability to speak about God? We will not understand him if he doesn’t speak about himself. Therefore he spoke about himself, thereby killing his self-respect, why? It is because until and unless if we don’t understand his greatness we cannot love him and respect him, further loveless hearts are like godless temples. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa said “A person who cannot become a tyagi (one who sacrifices) can never understand the Gita”
Sri Malayala Swami said Gita comes into the hands of those whose fate is good.

No coming, No going

2010-12-14T15:35:00.000-08:00

One who thinks who is leaving, will definitely come again, where there is going there is always coming. But once you reach that Brahman state, there will be no going, no coming because there is no person who goes and comes.

"Offer thyself to him" - (By Hima)

2010-12-11T17:31:00.000-08:00

AUM NAMO BHAGAVATE SRI NANNAYA

Once I was sitting right in front of Nannagaru holding fruits in my hands. I was waiting for the opportunity to offer the fruits, after he finishes the speech.

As soon as Nannagaru finished his speech he bent forward and laid his hands in front of me, as if asking for the fruits.

Immediately I passed the fruits onto Nannagaru’s hands, then

He asked me – “what are these called?”

I just kept quite as everyone could see that they are bananas.

Nannagaru said –”These are called offerings”.

He took them and closed his eyes for few seconds and then opened his eyes and said –

“You take these fruits to home, children will eat. “

H was about to give them. I laid my hands forward to take them, then he again asked me “what are these called “? I was silently looking into his eyes.

He repeated the question again.

I felt Nannagaru was trying to convey something else to me and my heart was dying to know what it was as I continued to stare into his eyes.

After few seconds he said –
”This is called prasadam”.

I felt Nannagaru was trying to convey that "He is ready to accept anything that I offer, and he will turn it into prasadam and give it back to me, and in this case let it be my mind."

All the way back home I was thinking why I am not able to give a little place to my Guru in my heart so that he could turn it pure and make it into prasadam or like a butter, that butter which lord Krishna loves to eat. I tried to find out the reason and I came to know that my heart is already filled up with so many people, and then I started to beg and fight with my mind to give a little place to my Guru.

I tried to formulate this battle in the form of a poem.

When we go to Nannagaru, some of us may offer bananas, some may offer apples and others sweets. Whatever they are, once they go into the hands of our Guru they are turned into prasadam that’s the greatness of a guru.

I wish there would definitely come a day in the life of every devotee when he or she could completely offer (surrender) his or her heart to the Guru.

Thank you for the beautiful poem and sharing your inner thoughts with us. Your words are inspiring and very near to practicality. It is true that we need to make friendship with mind, and educate with goodness.

"Fault is mine, not yours"

2010-12-08T06:33:00.000-08:00

God has explained about Bhakti, Karma, Dhyana and Jnana as different yoga’s (practices). But if you ask me, even mere understanding is a great yoga (practice). Don't you get faith (Shraddha) by only understanding?

My Dear Friends! If your mind doesn’t divert towards self, by just looking at me then the fault is mine not yours. If you cannot grasp my words then the fault is mine not yours. If I have true purity in my heart, my words will chase you even if you want to forget them. My words work on you only if I have peace in my heart. If you are unable to receive the peace by remembering me, then it implies there is lack of purity in myself. If you don’t have love for me, it is my responsibility to propagate that love.

"Great transformation by Guru's Grace" - (By Abhishek)

2010-12-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

I would like to share my experiences, about thy grace Sadguru Nannagaru .

From my young days I and my family were devoted to Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharishi.Though I was blessed with all material comforts in my life, yet personally I felt I lacked some thing within me. My first meeting with Sri Nannagaru happened in the year 2001, when I was introduced to Sri Nannagaru by my uncle Mr Marish at Banjara Hills. In the first meeting itself , Sri Nannagaru gave me an insight that he was none other than the manifestation of Bhagawan himself.

I could understand that there were inherent tendencies of my mind that was really preventing me to get really closer to Nannagaru. In my subsequent visits towards the guru, the guru himself hinted out some of the tendencies directly and indirectly that I needed to get rid of. Guru's words really inspired me to work on some aspects which I needed to change. Nanna said to me that ," if you really have the urge to get realized you need to first get rid of the tendencies that is
stopping you" .

Shravanam and Mananam were two important aspects that made me to work within myself, that is continuous listening and repeating the teachings of Nanna. Gradually I could find that there is lot of change within me. Nanna , as helped me to develop serene feeling within myself. My heart could experience bliss many a times in his divine presence.

All I would like to mention is Nanna's grace is beyond words, it can only be experienced.His love .and compassion is boundless and it showers on us by a way of a word , a touch and a look .We are not able to really sustain the bliss experienced by Nanna's presence continuously, though our heart longs for his
divine presence , but the mind camouflages to back its worldly pursuit Nanna's grace as had a great impact in my life. There is been a great transformation within me from an aggressive, mentally disturbed state to a peaceful serene human being.

Thank you Abhishek for sharing your wonderful connect with Nannagaru. Sravanam Mananam (Remembering and Understanding) was the way that Nannagaru greatly focuses on his teachings and it is a great practice for real Sadhaka.

Guru's ways

2010-11-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

A lady (a devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba) had a dream in which Baba asked her to follow Sri Nannagaru. She questioned him saying that, ‘He comes to Arunachala very rarely, what to do?’ Then Baba replied, ‘Even if Nannagaru comes only once a year, that is enough for you. Don’t leave Nannagaru.’

Jnana Deshikar got spiritual training at Chidambaram and then came to Arunachalam. He attained samadhi at ‘Isanya Matham’, He accrued about a hundred acres of property for Arunachaleswara Temple.

At Virupaksha Cave at Arunachala there lived a saint Guha Namasivaya. Once he vomited and told his disciple Guru Namasivaya to throw it away at a place where people don’t move around, the disciple swallowed the vomit. He attained self-realisation and the guru said, ‘Two elephants (jnanis) shouldn’t be in the same place,’ and sent him to Chidambaram.

Jnana Deshikar came from Chidambaram to Arunachalam. Guru Namasivaya went from Arunachalam to Chidambaram. These are God’s ways.

"Ramana is him, he is Ramana" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2010-11-27T05:05:00.000-08:00

I returned to Arunachala in the month of December just two days after the MahaDeepam. My stay was in Nannagaru Ashram. There was a good crowd still lingering in the ashram despite the conclusion of the Deepam festivities. The main reason though was that Sri Nannagaru was still there in the ashram.

The MahaDeepam would be lit for a few more days on Arunachala peak and I wanted to see it.

I arrived by afternoon in the car and went around Girivallam road capturing some pictures of Arunachala. Then on returning to the ashram I was informed that Sri Nannagaru would be leaving to Ramana Ashram at three in the afternoon.

I went to the ashram with some local friends and found Nannagaru surrounded by devotees. He first went to the Mother shrine and then to Ramana hall. I first tried to see him through the windows of the Hall. A few elder devotees seeing me gestured to me to come nearer and see the master.

"Ramana is Him, He is Ramana. There is no difference" one woman told me. I nodded not knowing what to say.

As the master entered the Ramana shrine, I saw devotees take strategic places around the samadhi so that they can come in line when the master sees them.

I too decided the same and hoped that the Sadhguru would remember me from our meeting in Hyderabad.

And so I stood with bated breath as the great man circumbulated Ramana Samadhi. Finally when he came close to me he looked at me. I watched him and willed him to smile at me. There was no hint of recognition from him. And then he walked past.

I chided myself for having a 'Vivekananda Complex'...that is hoping for the Sadhguru to smile at me and say with love "Where were you all these years my beloved disciple? I have been waiting for you.":)

I decided to meet the master later in the ashram in the evening.

I respectfully saluted him and left the place for a car girivallam.

I met the great man in his chambers that evening after returning from pradakshina (by car).

I was introduced to him by a common friend and the saint smiled and asked me to come in.

He asked me to sit beside him and enquired about my well being and my profession. Knowing that I was a practising joint replacement surgeon at a young age he expressed surprise and joy.

"Are you happy then with your life?" he asked

I did not know what to say but blurted out a 'yes'. His question was more of a prod for me to introspect rather than a question searching for superficial confirmation.

He looked at me.

His eyes were reputed to be piercing, purifying.

But as I gazed into his eyes I felt a different emotion. I could see a little surprise, a little enquiry and a little mirth in them. I could also see changes in them due to old age.

What was he seeing in me? Was he seeing in me all the sins I had ever commited? All the people I have cheated? All the people I have lied to?

What was he seeing in me?

The very thought was scary.

Finally the saint smiled at me.

And in that moment I knew that, despite my sins, my shortcomings, I had been accepted.

"Manasa Bhajore guru charanam, dusthare bavasaagara taranam.

Guru Maharaj, Guru Jai Jai. Sri Sadhguru Nannagaru Jai Jai."

( O mind chant the glories of the Guru's feet, they take you across the ocean of phenomenal existence, the Guru is Emperor, Victory to the guru, victory to Sri Nannagaru."

Nannagaru Live Feed

2010-11-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

Nannagaru live feed available. Please don't miss this opportunity.

Reduce the use of mind

2010-11-24T16:06:00.000-08:00

If we don’t have God’s Grace even our thoughts won’t be proper and there will be madness (mental illness). Without poorva punya (past good karma) we can’t get good thoughts.

By criticizing others again and again our respect is lost and then we don’t become purified or become mahatmas. The respect that is already accrued will be lost by criticism. If we don’t have respect for God, we will feel that we are very great. Although you use the mind to go to the source it is better to reduce the use of the mind. If we stop listening to the mind we will get knowledge.

A person came to Vivekananda and asked to be initiated through mantra. Then Vivekananda told him the nature of duties of a sishya, that he should get up earlier than the guru, take care of all his needs etc., then the man said, ‘It seems to be better to be a guru than a sishya.’

"My first encounter with Karunachala" - (By Dr.Mithin)

2010-11-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

I saw Arunachala for the first time on Nov 22, 2008. It was a few days ( ? month
) after having been touched by Sri Nannagaru that I finally was able to see the
Hill.

After a few hours drive from Chennai, my cousins and I could make out a form of
a hill in the distance. We immediately stopped our car and made salutations to
it. However when we rechecked it with our binoculars we found to our dismay that
it was not Arunachala. Later we came to know that we could see Arunachala from
that point and our salutations were not in vain.

I was praying in my heart to Arunachala.

"Please dont be covered in clouds. I am coming to see you. Please."

We continued for some time whence suddenly the great Hill could be seen with the
temple towers in the far distance.

It was covered with a rain clouds! :)

Only the portion of it from base to the middle could be seen. We made our
heartfelt salutations to it, though I was a little disappointed.

We continued into the town with the Hill growing larger every mile we crossed.
We got down into Nannagaru ashram from where the Hill looked magnificent and
mind numbingly infinite.

That night I slowly crept to the terrace of Nannagaru ashram to spend some time
with Arunachala. But seeing the overpowering infinite form of the Hill with a
magnificent cloud hugging its peak, my knees shivered in fright and my spine
gave way unknown power, prostrating before an unknown Power which was emanating
from the Hill.

I felt that I was seeing the Himalayas.

Infact I was soooo scared to see it that I asked my cousing to come up and be
with me. lol

After that everytime I think of Arunachala...the first time I saw it and more so
whence I saw it from the terrace of Nannagaru Asramam in the night, all
alone...I shiver.

I pleaded to the Hill to show me its form.

But the clouds did not relent.

Next day we woke up at 4.00 am for Girivallam.

It was Nov 23 2008

My fist day of Girivallam and it was Sathya Sai Baba's Birthday.

I was happy at that coincidence.

I rushed out to see whether the Hill was free of clouds.

It was not.

Dejected I started the Girivallam.

It was at a place near Adi Annamalai that I finally lost my control and
prostrating to the Hill I beeged it to reval to me its form.

And finally the Hill relented and the clouds moved away and I saw Arunachala for
the first time near Adi Annamalai.

And then I thought...

I have seen the most beautiful monsoons hit the parched soil of the western
coast bringing with it a joy unlimited to my heart when in Mangalore...

I have swam in the beaches of Iran dancing as a child with jellyfish surrounding
the shallows with their unmatched beauty...

I have driven in an auto on winter evenings in surreal Delhi the evening street
lights throwing out a yellow orange color of supreme beauty as the cold winds
lashed my face and I felt warm in my heart...

I have watched with awe as the great river Ganges slowly joined the sea carrying
in its bosom a billion sins on the banks of Kolkata...I have seen the city of
the Goddess saturated with her, everywhere Kali...everywhere the Mother Goddess
in Kolkata...

I have watched with fascination at the beauty of the deity in Tirupathi with my
heart beating wildly out of pure love for Him...everytime I saw Him...

I remember my first time when I saw the Taj Mahal, the first time I saw my
college mates on a rainy day, the first time when I trekked across the dense
jungles of South Karnataka discovering virgin waterfalls and lush greenery...

I have seen Frankfurt in the snow, I have gazed stunned and amazed at the
Universe and varied galaxies, stars from my telescope, went boating across the
lake district in Cambria, UK.

I have seen the London Bridge, I have seen a child laugh, I have seen friends
cry as they departed at the end of college...

I have seen beautiful butterflies...

.
.
.
.
.
but I have never seen anything like Arunachala.

It is beyond beauty, beyond speech, beyond thought to even describe its presence
in front of my eyes.

Tears well up, the mind melts, the heart is aware.

Friends, in all my life with an infinite experiences...I have had the greatest
of all...

I have seen GOD.

Its name is Arunachala. It exists in the form of a rocky Hill 200kms from
Chennai.

It is the SOURCE, the Alpha and the Omega.

It is the spiritual heart of the universe (Ramana Maharshi)

It is my Arunachala...my darling Arunachala.

Videos on Nannagaru - Part 1

2010-11-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

Sadguru Nannagaru - "At Geetha Chanting Ceremony"

Sadguru Nannagaru - Sai

Sadguru Nannagaru - Aarti

Sadguru Nannagaru - Vandemantaram

Sadguru Nannagaru - 'The Self'

Sadguru Nannagaru is Saravam (Everything)

Sadguru Nannagaru as Badhrachala Rama

Sadguru Nannagaru, The Essence of Mahakavyas

Sadguru Nannagaru, The Absolute

Sadguru Nannagaru, Sarvam Madhuram

Prayer to Nannagaru AUM TAT SAT

Nannagaru, Padalu(feet)

Nannagaru, Amazing Grace

Nannagaru, to him we bow

Omniscient Nannagaru

Nannagaru Suraj Ki Garmi Se

Nannagaru as Shiva Shambho

Nannagaru as Poorna Jnani

Nannagaru with Devotees at Arunachalam

Nannagaru Blessings

Showers of blessings.

Nanna Pahi

A dedication at his lotus feet.

Nannagaru Hanuman

Nannagaru bowes to Hanuma.

Nanna Mahanubhava

A tribute to Nannagaru.

Nannagaru Shivoham

Nannagaru indeed a form of Shiva.

All in One and One in All

Nannagaru is present as Brahmam in all of us.

Nannagaru in Kasi

Nannagaru doing Japa of Shankara.

Nannagaru, 'Oh God Beautiful'

Nannagaru sung this song. - (Shared by Nanna Das)

Nannagaru in Tiruvannamalai

Nannagaru during Arunachala Pradakshina

Nannagaru during Deepam

Voice of God!

Three yagnas

2010-11-16T18:25:00.001-08:00

Daiva Yagna Meditating on the Lord, hearing good words about God.

Nara Yagna God gave you at least something, so share it with others whenever possible. If he has put you in a giving place you should help others. We study in a school, but we didn’t build that school. Someone else built it by sacrificing something. In the same way you can also do something for society.

Pitru Yagna Our elders brought us up with great effort. Even if they say something, which hurts us, there is nothing wrong if we bear it. We should respect our elders. Disrespect isn’t proper. Suppose our elders give us a plot of land we shouldn’t say, ‘They gave something but not much!’ We should have gratitude. That we exist is due to the sacrifice of our elders.

"Moments spent with him" - (By Gopika)

2010-11-13T16:37:00.000-08:00

I met Sri Nannagaru after some time in a marraige reception. I came to
know that he was going to Sri Sailam.

I asked him eagerly whether I could come.

He nodded and gave his permission happily.

I went with him to Sri Sailam and spent 3 days in absolute bliss. I
would accompany him wherever he went and he too was loving and caring
towards me.

I remember that he was very particular about Vruddha Mallikarjuna
Swamy temple in Sri Sailam.

Whenever he went to Sri Sailam he would spent a lot of time sitting
near the sanctum sanctorum. The idol of Shiva here was a linga which
bore the destruction of a muslim invasion.

The linga was a special attraction to Sri Nannagaru.

He would sit near it and one day he said " I like this Old Man very
very much." He would be in a different mood whenever he was with the
linga.

Subsequently I joined college in Chidamabaram for my degree. The first
year passed away quickly and it was in the beginning of second year
that I felt I should go and visit Arunachala one day. On coming to
know from my parents that Sri Nannagaru was supposed to be coming to
Arunachala soon, my desire to see the Hill increased manifold. I made
enquiries in my hostel and amongst my friends regarding the directions
to reach Arunachala. None of them had even heard of that place.

It was on one such day when I had asked my friend Sarah about
Arunachala.. She was a Christian from Pondicherry but had never heard
about Arunachala. I asked her to let me know if she came across anyone
who did and quietly left for my dinner.

It so happened that Sarah was ragging some juniors later and one of
them was from Tiruvannamalai. She sent her to my room to meet me and I
was very happy at this oppurtunity given by God to fulfill my desire.

I accompanied the junior girl and their family that weekend to Tiruvannamalai.

It so happened that Sri Nannagaru was there in Tiruvannamalai then and
so were my sisters.

My sisters were conversing with the Guru and saying " Gopika stays in
Chidambaram. If she knew she would have come here."

Sri Nannagaru smiled and said " But Gopika is coming."

My sisters were surprised at this statement.

The Guru got up to leave and went to his room.

It was at that point of time that I landed in Tiruvannamalai and
reached the guest house.

My sister's were surprised and wideeyed they said " no wonder the Guru
said you were coming. Hasten fast before he retires for the day!"

I had taken a bunch of flowers on the way and with that I rushed
towards Nannagaru's room where in he opened it and saw me and smiled.

"Oh! So you have come Gopika." He smiled.

I nodded happily and spent a blissful six days with him in Tiruvannamalai.

He used to treat me like his child and showered me with Love and
blessings. Infact everytime he came to Tiruvannamalai from then on I
would spend the time with him irrespective of my college and studies.

The second time I came to Tiruvannamali Sri Nannagaru along with
other devotees including me went to Skandaashram and Virupaksha Cave.

He was barefoot.

We requested him to wear chappals.

But he said " There is no problem if you wear chappal. But I wont wear."

That showed his unalloyed respect for Arunachala.

In Virupaksha cave Sri Nannagaru spoke a lot on Bhagawan, his days at
the cave and his teaching. The peculiar trait of him that I saw was he
would become the saint about whom he would be talking in a piligrimage
centre..

Whether it be Shankaracharya, Buddha, Ramakrishna or Ramana.

He would become That.

That day in Virupaksha cave he looked at us solemnly and said " I used
to play here as a child." (Sri Nannagaru saw Arunachala much later in
this life of his)

It was on rare occasions like these that he used to give glimpses of
his past lives.

He used to have his food always in Ramanashram.

He would keep me always by his side. He used to have a sugar box which
he used to sprinkle some sugar on his idly.

He would do the same for me in my plate. He would also pour coffee
from his cup into mine and asked me to drink it.

Thus he would shower me with Love and Affection. I used to cry seeing
his love for me.

Where were you all these years? Why were you so far away? Why did you
come in so late into my life? How could I miss you so long? How come I
am so impure and you are so pure?

Many such questions would run in my mind as I kept on crying.

My Atmananda experience had made it clear to me that Sri Nannagaru was
my everything. He was inside me and I had to attain him. He was mine.

The love he showered on me during those times would make other
attractions pale into insignificance.

Even if he was surrounded hundreds of devotees he would single me out
and shower his love.

It was extreme compassion. Even after leaving him and coming back to
Chidambaram I would be in his thoughts and would radiate happiness and
peace. My friends and teachers were so impressed by the changes they
saw in me that many of them subsequently visited and met Sri Nannagaru
and got his blessings.

Once in Tiruvannamalai I was with Sri Nannagaru doing Giripradakshina
in a devotees car.

I was looking at him with open eyed wonder and even though his face
was turned away from me he said suddenly

"Gopika! look at Arunachala not me."

I said ok but continued to look at him.

"Gopika look at Arunachala" he said again.

I nodded again but kept looking at him.

He turned and faced me now and said " Make Arunachala your pillar of
support. It will always be there. It is an Ocean of Grace, Bliss and
Peace. Karunodaya Samudram Aayana, If you see Him, you will develop
Love for Him."

I thought in my mind "You are enough Sri Nannagaru."

--

Thank you All!

Gopika is one of such profound devotees of Nannagaru who always wish to be in company of Nannagaru. She is near and dear to Nannagaru. Ever since she met Nannagaru, she has set the goal as him, and only him. Such pure devotion and love towards Guru is exemplary for any devotee.

Self,God,Guru, all are same

2010-11-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

Whether you say Self, God, Guru, all are the same. Bhagavan didn’t have a Guru in physical form. The Grace of Self as Guru gave him the death experience. In order to reveal to the world his knowledge in the immovable state, Arunachala granted Bhagavan his state. You should have devotion, respect, and proper faith in God. You should do your duty without disturbance.

All thoughts arise from the ego. Where there is doership, there is a result - good for good and bad for bad. If there is no doership, there won’t be anyone to experience so where then is the experience? Krishna told us to leave attachment, fear and anger. If we remember somebody a lot, it means we have attachment. We get misery due to attachment and also due to fear and anger.S

Faith in God

2010-11-09T15:49:00.001-08:00

Theism is important. If you have the belief that God exists; fear reduces, self-confidence increases, problems get solved and thoughts and imaginations get reduced. If you have complete faith in God, then there is no need for sadhana. Even atheists have a nagging fear, ‘What if God exists?’ If you think of God the mind rests in the heart cave. Faith in God gives you the strength of a thousand elephants. Even if there is no one else in creation one can live alone that is the strength you get by belief and complete faith in God.

Sabari is a great example for guru-bhakti. She underwent spiritual training under Matangi Maharshi, who on his deathbed promised her that an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu would give her moksha. Though many years passed she waited patiently with deep belief in her Guru’s words. In the end Rama came and ate the fruits tested by her and given to him as prasad and gave her mukti.

"Either show me what you are or take me away" - (By Gopika)

2010-11-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

AUM NANNA GURAVE NAMAHA

I became spiritually inclined the day I identified myself as having a body. It was a tender age of young adolescence, the time when I didn’t know about Sri Nannagaru that many spiritual queries used to be a part of my life.

I used to wonder What am I? Where do I come from? Why do I exist? To what purpose is this life of mine?

Many times I used to become silent in thought and wonder about these questions. My family members would ask me why I was silent and I had no answer for that.

These bouts of Silence were followed by alternating phases of jubilant behavior and socialization.

Many times I would gaze myself in the mirror and stop combing. I would ask myself ‘Is what I see as a body in the mirror me? Or is it the thinking faculty? What am I? What is this God? Where to know? How to know?’

I gradually got introduced to Shirdi Sai Baba and I used to pray to Him internally to clear my doubts. I asked Baba who are you? What are you? Who is the Guru? How to find him?

I used to have wonderful visions but none assuaged my grief completely.

I used to spend many evenings on my terrace enjoying Nature and its Silence.

Again I used to wonder Is this Silence God? Or Is God something more?

Slowly as age progressed Baba became my everything. I used to pray to him like a friend.

It was on one such occasion that I journeyed to Shirdi with my aunty and friends. The thoughts that were uppermost in my mind then was Why do you give life? Why should we suffer?

I was insecure when I went to Shirdi. I had many questions and confusions. It was then that one fine morning at darshan my friend asked for a rose from Baba idol’s decoration. The priest smiled and gave her a rose garland! My aunt asked for a lilly and she was given a garland of lilies from the idol!

I smiled to see their happiness. I wondered What Baba should we ask for you to give something? Wont you give without asking? I chided Baba internally like a friend.

It was then that I went to Chaavadi. Here Baba had meditated looking at the wall.

I stood there watching. I wondered. Baba is God. Then why did he meditate here? I was thinking thus when someone jabbed me on my shoulders. I turned and looked at a man who was dressed with a head scarf resembling the one which Baba wears. He gave me a garland and asked me to offer it to the altar in the Chaavadi. I asked is it for me? But he persisted. I took the garland and offered it. I turned back immediately and he was not there! I was stunned and ran out searching for the man but he was not to be found. I sat down and cried.

I jubilantly thought ‘You are dynamically present Baba! You will respond to every call! You have to protect me always!’

On the way back in the train I had a beautiful vision. I was standing in vast field and numerous dark forms were approaching me. I cried out in fear, Baba please help me. Baba suddenly appeared by my side and drew a circle around me with his staff. The circle blazed with fire and none could approach me. I hugged Baba and the vision ended.

As the years rolled on and I was completing my intermediate studies. My inner quest continued and I was wondering that time was passing by.

I came into contact with Swami Rajarajeshwarananda of the Swami Shivananda ashram near my house.

One day when he was giving initiation I refused and told him “I want God as Guru.”

He smiled and said “ But my child God is everywhere. How can I say that the same Pure Power will come as your Guru?”

I was adamant. He nodded and asked me to read Lalitha Sahasranama sthrothra once a week and Sri Suktham daily and chant OMNAMAHA SHIVAYA.

I did the recitation reluctantly because I didn’t understand it.

When it comes to God I needed to understand.

I used to disrespect customary approaches to worship and many times argued that changes in body physiology should not dictate devotion. My mother seldom agreed.

One day my sister came and told me to come and meet Sri Nannagaru as he speaks very well about God.

I asked her ‘Is he God? If he is not I have no reason why I should see him.’ She was nonplussed.

Another day Sri Nannagaru had come to my neighbor’s house. After sitting he had asked pointing to my house

“Who lives there?”

On finding out he immediately got up and came directly into my house without invitation! He introduced himself to my mother and sister and myself and then nonchalantly went around inspecting the house and its rooms! After that he sat on the sofa and talked to me for one hour regarding my schooling.

“Tell me your school prayer” he said

I recited the famous sloka Purnamidam etc.

“Oh,” he exclaimed “you have been worshipping consciousness since childhood it seems.”

And then he smiled and said to me

“Keep meeting me often”

I forgot about the incident later thinking that here is a Godman who did not talk a single thing about God.

One day on Shivarathri ( 16/17 yrs of age ) I was crying. I have been seeking you and you haven’t answered. What are you? Either show me what you are or take me away.”

I woke up crying and went to the refrigerator for some water. On the fridge I saw some audio cassettes of Sri Nannagaru. I paused and decided to listen to them.

I was claimed!

Every doubt that had vexed me since childhood was answered in them in sequence! Every thing was laid bare before me and I woke up to life giving teaching.

“You are not the body for it dies. You are not the mind or the thinking faculty for they don’t exist in deep sleep. You exist in all states. The peace of deep sleep in the waking state is realization. You are the eternal Truth. It is within you. To realize this is jnana. You have no death or birth. You are all pervasive.”

I wondered! ‘Nice words! But where is the experience? How should I achieve that? Unless I experience it how am I to try for it?’

Thinking thus I went back to sleep crying.

And then I saw!

Something in me opened up. I was very very happy. I could see that my body was crying and tears were flowing down my eyes, but it was not me. I was not the mind also. I was that Blissful state. I was Peace,Bliss, Blessedness.All adjectives could only give a hint of that Pure State. This is the state that Sri Nannagaru talked about, I understood. Let me be. This is the doorway of jnana! I tried to ask my family members to come and enjoy this bliss. But none heeded in the vision. The state continued for some time and then abated.

In the morning I asked my sister as to what was it that I experienced.

She shook her head and said “ Sri Nannagaru is coming in three days. Why don’t you ask him?”

I decided to do just that.

I went to him with my sister.

He looked at me from far and told the devotees happily

“Make way, make way she is coming.”

I went and sat near him. My sister tried to tell Sri Nannagaru about my experience.

He interrupted her.

“Let her tell, let her tell” he smiled.

I explained to him everything that had happened to me.

“What was that experience Nannagaru?” I asked.

“That was the Bliss of Brahman. Atmananda.” He said solemnly. “It was momentary but many do not get it after hundreds of years of sadhana..”

“Why did I get it without any sadhana?” I asked.

“You asked for it 'wholeheartedly' and God gave you a taste of it. You don’t know your past life and punya. Now you will live your life in trying to reattain that experience.”

“Even if thousand people come and argue with you that this doesn’t exist will you be convinced?” He asked.

“How can I be convinced when I have experienced it?” I answered

“You felt you were on top of an elephant?” he asked smiling.

“There is no comparison” I said.

“I just asked in a slang that’s all” he said and smiled again.

“Why was the experience momentary?” I asked. “ I would love to continue to be in the same state.”

“That was just a drop in the ocean.”

“I have known meaning of life. I don’t want to study anymore” I said.

“All at once, the experience will kill you. You will achieve it gradually.” He said.

“I do not crave for attractions of the world but I feel I am highly body conscious. How do I get rid of this?” I asked

He smiled and said “If you get rid of this you will be a jnani.”

After that for the next two years whenever I was with Sri Nannagaru I used to weep inconsolably.

One day he looked at me weeping and putting aside his newspaper he said

“Look at her! This is Akaarana Bhakthi…love with no cause. When this love awakens in a time when temptations are more especially in teenage life God cannot be without giving Jnana.”

Thank you all.

Eventually will share more experiences.

Thank you Gopika, for sharing such an wonderful experience. There are some devotees that Guru selects, and brings them along with him. It is no doubt that you are one among them. This is an exemplary that Guru searches for you, follows you until you reach that state where he is in. His grace cannot be narrated.

Good and Bad

2010-11-01T16:47:00.001-07:00

In the world both good and bad people act as our gurus. The good teach us to be like them, and the bad teach us not to be like them. Everything is God’s presence, enveloped by consciousness.

In the Ramayana, Vibhishana surrendered to Rama and Rama promised to give him Sri Lanka after the war ended. Rama’s well- wishers advised him thus, ‘Although You are very intelligent you are not gauging the whole situation. Ravana is still alive so suppose he repents and sends Sita Back. Then what will happen to your promise to Vibhishana?’ Rama replied, ‘Your argument is good. If Ravana repents to keep up my word I will give Vibhishana my city of Ayodhya.’

"Guru's presence" - (By Devotees)

2010-10-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

AUM GURUBHOYA NAMAHA

I always feel his existence wherever I might be. I always feel him beside me.Even though I dont get time in attending his satsangs, but whenever I get time in office I visit his site to update myself.When I close my eyes I see him in front of me, indeed he exists everywhere.

(By Jaya Garu)

Last DEC or so I read about him and sent a mail in his website. He came to Chennai and his assistant(whom I met recently along with Nanna Garu(in Dr.Mithin's house) phoned up to me (it was Jan 2010 or so)I don't remember exactly,he gave the phone to Nanna Garu and I heard him saying that he would speak to me when he comes to Hyderabad in between I had been to USA and returned in August end. I forgot about Nanna Garu, to tell frankly. Last Sunday someone in Sri Ramana Kendram Hyderabad told that Sri Nanna Garu would be in Hyderabad during this week. Then I had a chat with Sri Dattasway on Tuesday it was first time I did a chat with Sri Datta Swamy.He took pain and gave me our Mithin's number and at 10pm reluctantly I disturbed Mithin over phone.He was instrumental in my having Sri Nanna Garu's dharshan.I was blessed.

Sri Nanna Garu is very simple and is full of love towards us.
Such a great personality/saintly man asked me to sit by his side means,there is something remarkable in him which I cannot tell in words.
On top of it he did not want me to wait for his audience and called me through his assistance when many were waiting. HE knows everything.
I can only say that I was blessed.
And Dr.Mithin was instrumental in this.

(By Ranganathan Garu)

Those were the days when the Heart was searching intensely for the Guru.

Bad Prarabdha was present intensely at that time.

I met Sri Nannagaru then through the introduction of Jhansi garu.

The first words that escaped His lips when he met were " You will be blessed."

The inner desire which was intense seemed to have come out in the form of that blessing.

The Guru with body is none other than Sri Nannagaru, this thought increased in my mind clearly.

Lord Arunachaleshwara who was in the form of Arunagiri whose best devotee was the Cow Lakshmi, like that I surrenderd my family burden to Him.

This same Arunachala solidified into the form of the Guru Sri Nannagaru.

Lord Dakshinamurthy whose leela is in Mouna ( Silence ) is Sri Nannagaru who is that same Brahmapadartha ( Bliss of Brahman ) who is walking.
This I realized by experience.

I am now trying to realize that I am just a mere instrument in Bhagwan Nannagaru's hands.

Om Shanti.

(By Unknown Devotee)

Thank you for all of the devotees who've shared their wonderful feelings that they had under his presence. These anecdotes are valuable.