Self Abidance: Sat Darshanam

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The ‘Sat-Darshanam’, like the Upanishads, is a spontaneous expression of direct spiritual experience, the steady Self-abidance of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. He categorically states that seeking the Self, merging in it and abiding steadily as the Self is truly ‘Sat-Darshanam’. By repeatedly emphasizing the need for getting into the inner movement of grace away from the outward movements of the mind and by his unfailing technique of self-enquire Ramana has provided an easy and direct path to Self-abidance. Is it then not natural to say that ‘Sat-Darshanam’ is truly a delight for earnest seekers of truth?

The ‘Sat-Darshanam’ in Sanskrit is a rendering by Ganapati Muni of Ramana’s original ‘Ulladu Narpadu’ in Tamil. Almost half a century ago His Holiness Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopananda Saraswati, now the revered Jagadguru of Dwaraka Sharada Peetha and Badri Jyotish Peetha, gave a Hindi translation with a commentary and brilliant introduction. This work is marked by reverence for Bhagavan Ramana as an extract from his introduction would evidence.

“For all times to come, the light of knowledge spread by Maharshi Ramana will point out the way to all aspirants who have a desire for true knowledge”.

Now, in the Golden Jubilee year of Ramana’s Mahanirvana, G.Kameshwar has translated faithfully in lucid English His Holiness Swami Swaroopananda’ Hindi rendition. This makes available to readers in English the world over the Jagadguru’s insight into the invaluable text. His holiness has blessed the publication.

Nearly a decade ago when Bhagavan Ramana’s Birth Centenary was being celebrated, I had his special benediction of translating and briefly commenting on the forty two verses of Sat-Darshanam. Then I had the opportunity of reading a publication of Sri Ramanasramam, a Hindi translation and commentary of this sacred work by his Holiness Swaroopanandaji now the revered Jagadguru of Dwaraka Sharada Peetha and Badri Jyotish Peetha. The brilliant insight and torrential power of his introduction were striking. It was overflowing with reverence for Bhagavan Ramana as is evidenced by an extract:

“Although Maharshi Ramana is no longer with us in his gross body, he has become even more pervasive in the form of his teachings. We can always behold him, here and now. For all times to come, the light of knowledge spread by Maharshi Ramana will point out the way to all aspirants who have a desire for true knowledge”.

Now in another epoch making year, the Golden Jubilee year of Ramana’s Mahanirvana, G.Kameshwar is the recipient of Ramana’s abundant grace. He is eminently qualified to do the English translation for he has sound knowledge of Sanskrit, has spent the first twenty five years of his life in New Delhi and all has a thorough grasp of Ramana’s teachings. Undoubtedly a new strength would course through his veins because of this reverential translation. It must, for such is the power of every single verse, the power of the ambrosial and divine words of the universal guru Ramana. The readers would find that he must have kept the company of these energizing verses over months drawing his strength and inspiration from them.

We specially offer our grateful prostrations to His Holiness Swami Swaroopanandaji for conveying his blessing for the English rendition.

The Centre is thankful to Sri V.S. Ramanan, president, Sri Ramanasramam, Dr.Sarada, Sri Muralidhara Hedge and Sri Pandurangan for their help.