A TRIBUTE TO BHAGAVAN
SRI RAMANA MAHARSHI

By Jack Dawson

PROSTRATIONS to Bhagavan Sri Ramana, ever-living, ever-
present sage, who is lighting lights throughout the world!

Several years had passed since I was at Sri Ramanasramam.

Now the real work began, as the understanding that had been
grasped there was slowly supplied to life in the West, with all
its complexities. Years of arduous mountain-climbing, a
foothold here, a handhold there, several feet upwards and not
infrequently a disappointing slide downhill, and then the
ascent towards the summit was resumed. At times
breathtaking, panoramic views would present themselves, but
the climb itself remained of utmost, desperate importance.

As time went by, something kept saying, as though a
compassionate voice from a peak far above, "Why all this
strain? Who is it that is climbing this mountain"? At first, I
paid little heed to these words, which, while comforting,
were as yet beyond my understanding for any practical use.
I went on with the climb, struggling harder than ever, hoping
to reach the topmost summit, hoping possibly also to catch
another word from this quiet voice, a refreshing drink of
cool mountain water. Sometimes feelings of guilt and
hopelessness and the like would nearly engulf my being,
extinguishing most of my remaining strength to climb any
further. The voice would say again, "Stop, relax, take rest.
Be the witness of this ascent". Gradually the words began
to make a little sense, if for no other reason than that I was
worn out by then. The climb continued, although somewhat
differently now. Attempts were made at standing back a little.
Then to my surprise, foot and handholds would become
apparent when needed; downhill slips would occur, but
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recovery would come almost instantaneously, leaving barely
a scratch. The beauty of the mountain also began to reveal
itself, with its glistening rocks, enchanting lakes and
flowering meadows. "Who are you? Become now
comfortable with the Self that you are and will be forever
-- it is right here, and now! Bliss is obtainable only through
Self-enquiry". A totally new kind of relief came over me.
The wielder of the magnificent divine weapon of Self-
enquiry, Bhagavan Ramana, had taken a stand -- a mighty,
yet gentle and completely rational stand -- against ego.

Not only did sadhana ^[?] begin to improve, but relationships
did too. Where previously there had always been a gnawing
need to be liked by others, simple application of the enquiry
would replace these thoughts with a natural self-esteem, a
knowledge that one truly is all right, and that the best business
to engage in now was to silently acknowledge others as Self,
infinitely worthy of esteem. Worried thoughts such as, `How
am I doing in my sadhana'? also vanished instantly. The
answer came in question form -- `Who am I??'

Whence came this mountain-like sage, benevolent giver
of the powerful medicine of Self-knowledge, whom we
affectionately call Bhagavan? That we could have such a
Master in times like these, capable of guiding millions to
peace, is almost unbelievable.

Endless thanks to Bhagavan, fountain of grace!

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