The Path of Ramana

 From verses 1, 2 and 3, the path towards salvation through right actions and attitude has been laid out. This can broadly be said to cover Karma Yoga.  Let's see verse 4 now திடமிது பூசை செப்முந் தியானம் உடல் வாக்குளத்தொழில் உந்தீபற உயர்வாகும் ஒன்றிலொன் றுந்தீபற Meaning: This is certain; Worship, praise and meditation performed through body, speech and  thought, is each one higher (subtler) than the other. The use of "திடமிது" or "this is certain" is very interesting, an uncommon assertion coming from Ramana. Makes us wonder if there is more to be understood from this verse than the literal meaning of worship, praise and meditation. The likely inner meaning, is the 3 step Jnana marga, which is Shravanam (assimilation), Mananam(introspection) and Nidhidhyasanam(absorption). In this verse, the switch is made from Karma Yoga to Jnana Yoga. The usage of "உயர்வாகும் ஒன்றிலொன்று" or "higher than the other", is also an uncommon assertion coming fro

We learnt from Verse 1 and 2 that Karma(actions) could be a tool for spiritual progress, and that result oriented actions puts oneself in an endless loop of cause and effect. In the 3rd verse, Ramana shows what kind of actions would show the way out of this loop.  கருத்தனுக் காக்கும் நிட்காமிய கன்மம் கருத்தைத் திருத்தியஃதுந்தீபற கதிவழி காண்பிக்கும் உந்தீபற Meaning: Action done without any desire for the result as an offering to the Lord, correct the purpose of the actions and show the path towards salvation.  I have translated "கருத்தைத் திருத்தி" as "corrects the purpose" rather than "purify the mind", which is what the Sanskrit verse says by using the phrase "Chittha shodhakam". I find the former to be more easy to assimilate as Ramana hasn't yet talked about what really is the mind.  Instead of chasing results through actions, which is a circular path, when actions are done purely as an offering to God, those very actions will propel one i