Ramana Gita Chapter Ten
We record in this, the tenth chapter, the conversation between Yati Yoganathan and Maharshi Ramana, which will make the members of society rejoice.
Yoganathana: Oh, Great Sage, what is the relationship between society and its members? Lord, be pleased to explain this for the welfare of society.
Bhagavan: In a society consisting of followers of diverse ways of life, Oh best of Sadhus, society is like the body and the members its limbs. Oh, ascetic, a member prospers by working for society like a limb serving the body. Through mind, speech, and body, one should always conduct oneself so as to serve the interests of society and should also awaken his circle to do likewise. One should build up one’s own circle so as to serve the interests of society and then make it prosper so that society itself may prosper.
Yoganatha: Among the wise, some extol peace, others power. Which of these, Oh Lord, is the better means for promoting the well-being of society?
Bhagavan: Peace is for the purity of one’s own mind; power is for the progress of society. Society should be raised through power, and then peace should be established.
Yoganatha: Oh, Great Sage, what is the supreme goal on earth to be attained by human society as a whole?
Bhagavan: Brotherhood based on a sense of equality is the supreme goal to be attained by human society as a whole. Through brotherhood, supreme peace will prevail among mankind, and then this entire planet will flourish like a single household.
The above conversation between Yoganathan, the ascetic, and the gracious Maharshi took place on August 15, 1917.
I woke up in the middle of the night. Mosquito alarm, my arms and legs were strongly itching. Although it’s quite warm at night I put on some long pants and a hoodie to protect my skin.
This morning I went shopping for mosquito repellant. Also got some fruits, biscuits and nut-things.
Within the Ramanasramam are several shrines and temples from Ramana Maharshi’s mother or disciples. A quiet but busy place, many people sitting around or walking in all directions. I am feeling very relaxed here, have time to be in stillness. I would say, 95% are Indians, 5% foreigners.
In the garden of my guesthouse there is a source for fresh drinking water, well filtered. While filling up my bottle an Indian woman started talking to me, where I come from, the most common question here. So I told her and she told me her name, Atila or so. She had two beautiful small children, a 5 years old boy and a very little girl. Educated Indian children are very polite and open. I experienced this many times. Of course we had to take some photos, with me and the boy and all 4 of us together.
After lunch I was resting in my room and at 16:00 is Tea or hot milk served in the Dining Hall. Daily procedure. This evening I decided not to join the dinner but walked along the road and saw a nice looking Restaurant. It was very clean and nicely arranged with wooden walls and decoration. Pictures of some Swami’s are obligatory. I had some Paneer Butter Masala and rice, which is a gravy, creamy stuff, a Roti (Indian bread) and a papaya lassi (lassi=yogurt with water). A chai after the meal. After finishing my meal I went to the counter to pay. The Indian lady asked me if I am German. “How do you know?” I said. “Your accent” she said. She asked me where I come from in Germany. I said I am born in Hamburg. She said her husband is from Hamburg and she spoke even a little German, that was fun.
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