MVR Sastry’s book traces Ramana Maharshi’s life and legacy

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Renowned writer and senior journalist MVR Sastry has added another significant work to his literary collection with the publication of ‘Karunachala Ramana’, a 166-page research-oriented book on Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. Sastry has so far authored 26 books for Telugu readers and has spent nearly four decades in journalism. Sastry is particularly well known for his long association with the Telugu newspaper Andhra Bhoomi, where he served as editor for more than two decades. His popular columns, including “Week Point” and “Unamata,” earned a wide readership.

Karunachala Ramana differs from many of Sastry’s earlier historical works. The book is the result of extensive research into writings in Telugu and English about Ramana Maharshi. The opening chapter discusses the final moments of Ramana Maharshi’s earthly life on April 14, 1950, and accounts of the unusual celestial phenomenon reportedly observed at the time. Sastry also examines the belief that Ramana was an incarnation of Shanmukha and presents several traditional accounts and sayings associated with the Maharshi.

A subsequent chapter introduces Kavyakantha Ganapati Muni, whom Ramana Maharshi affectionately called “Nayana.” Their interactions and conversations have served as an important source for accounts of Ramana’s teachings and personality. The book also recounts Ramana’s deep association with Arunachaleswara and his lifelong devotion to the sacred hill of Arunachala. The book also explores Ramana’s teaching through silence. Sastry recounts occasions when the Maharshi answered the doubts of visitors without uttering a word.  The book also touches upon Ramana Maharshi’s regard for Mahatma Gandhi. Although the two never met, Ramana is said to have respected Gandhi greatly.

Sastry further highlights the Maharshi’s sense of humor and his ability to reprimand people when necessary. British writer Paul Brunton, author of ‘A Search in Secret India’, receives particular attention. Sastry discusses how an inexplicable inner impulse brought Brunton to Ramana Maharshi and how Brunton’s writings subsequently introduced the Maharshi to a large international audience, including many spiritually curious Western readers .At the heart of Karunachala Ramana is the theme of compassion. The book portrays Ramana as a figure who treated animals with the same affection and respect he extended to human beings.

Accounts drawn from Suri Nagamma’s letters and other documented sources are woven together to portray Ramana not merely as a spiritual teacher but as a compassionate presence whose concern extended to every living creature. The book also incorporates experiences of foreign visitors, references to published sources and accounts of Ramana’s teachings, spiritual insights and extraordinary episodes associated with his life.

For readers interested in Ramana Maharshi, Arunachala and the spiritual traditions surrounding the Ramana Ashram, Karunachala Ramana offers a comprehensive collection of stories, teachings and historical accounts. The book is published by Durga Publications and is also available through Amazon. The review concludes that Karunachala Ramana is a worthwhile addition for devotees of Ramana Maharshi and readers interested in his life, teachings and extraordinary compassion.