Me are still at a loss for words. The last few days have been characterized by thoughts about the Vedic scriptures. A companion from another life took me to visit Nishtha Muller, an Aurovillian who has dedicated his life to the Vedic scriptures. In his very modest accommodation in the forest that he planted himself, he spent almost two hours telling us about Sanskrit, its roots, grammar, pronunciation, the deep spiritual power of the mantras, the cultural history and historical dimension. His remarks on the power of the word have stuck with me the most. In the beginning was the word... which is of course sound. In the Vedic tradition, thousands of years of oral tradition preceded the written word. The mantras are written in rhythmic verses and are arranged in a logical or narrative sequence to make them easier to remember. The method of recitation has been handed down very precisely over many millennia. These mantras therefore bear witness to the beginning of the Word. In the beginning was the word... words, sound, sound production, memory, common recitation, worship of the gods. Perhaps this is the origin of consciousness. OM.
Yoga
These texts are yoga, the yoga of the body and Ayurvedic philosophy are part of this primordial ground. That companion from another life strongly advises me to learn Sanskrit and yoga. And from the masters here, not the new age bloggers. With these thoughts in my heart, I accompanied her and a group from the guest house to Tiruvannamalai.
Tiruvannamalai
The Ramana Maharshi Ashram is located in Tiruvannamalai. Ramana Maharshi lived in a cave and meditated for many years. There is only a small text about him: Who am I. Otherwise, recordings of other people's conversations. His statement that reading is not really necessary because all essential texts ultimately say the same thing disturbs me. I partly understand why he thinks that, but I'm not sure if you should say that. It sounds very arrogant.
Quite different Arunachaleswara Temple. I am still speechless here. Photos and video recordings are not allowed, but audio is, so here is a short clip from inside the temple complex:
