Arunachala Ashrama

in The Mountain Path

Arunachala Ashrama

The members of the Arunachala Ashrama Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi Centre, Inc. 342 East 6th Street, New York City, NY 10003, U.S.A report the following^[1]:

"Devotees, seekers and visitors who wend their way to Arunachala Ashrama in New York City and its branch in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, Canada, experience the Living Presence of Bhagavan Sri Ramana in their Heart. We are sure that it is the Grace of Sri Bhagavan that enables us to do our bit to keep these centres of Sri Bhagavan functioning well. Although none of us have seen Bhagavan Sri Ramana during His life-time, yet we distinctly feel Him as Pure Awareness in our Heart by means of His method of Self-Enquiry — Who Am I ?

In the Nova Scotia branch of Arunachala Ashrama the day is begun with recitation of Hymns for half an hour, followed by half an hour of chanting of of His Name. Then we meditate in silence for half an hour or more and conclude with the reading of passages from Sri Bhagavan's teaching.

In April this year we celebrated the 24th anniversary of Sri Bhagavan's Brahma Nirvana along with the celebration of the completion of the first decade of 'Arunachala Ashrama'. Hundreds of devotees and visitors come to Arunachala Ashrama and we extend them a warm welcome, talk to them about Sri Bhagavan and give them books on the teachings of Bhagavan (published by the parent Ashram, Sri Ramanasramam). Though our Ashramas are small in size and we are but insignificant instruments of Sri Bhagavan, He works His miracle of making everyone, resident or visiting, feel His constant and abiding Presence in the hearts of all!"

New Ramana Centre in U.S.A.

Yet another group of Bhagavan's devotees branching off from the Arunachala Ashrama Centre in New York City is the 'Arunachala Ashrama South', situated in the deep South of the U.S.A. in Brooksville, Florida. The Centre presently consists of three resident-devotees — James Earley, Corinne Earley and David Kahn — and several others from nearby towns; it is beautifully located in the hilly region of central Florida, on a small farm in the quiet countryside. The devotees feel the continued guidance and unfailing Grace and support of the Master, as when the Centre was first opened in His Name. Highly valued also is the benefit derived from association with Sri Arunachala Bhakta Bhagawat, with whom they keep in close contact.

This 24th Brahma Nirvana Anniversary of Sri Ramana brought a wonderful blessing for the devotees there. They were fortunate recipients of two large colour portraits of Sri Bhagavan, gifts from Sri Ramanasramam. These will assuredly aid and inspire them in their daily 'growing closer' to Him, through His lustrous gaze, and subtle influence. For this blessing, their hearts are overflowing with gratitude to our beloved Master, Bhagavan Sri Ramana and thanks to Sri Ramanasramam.

The Aradhana itself was duly celebrated with devotional singing, group meditation and readings, and the sharing of Bhagavan's prasadam. The members of Arunachala Ashrama South send their warmest love and best wishes to all devotees everywhere, and extend an open and hearty welcome to all who may wish to join them !