Ramana Jayanti Celebrations Jan 2015

Ramana Jayanti Celebrations of our trust were held on 03/01/2015 in Bangalore at the office premises of the trust. The following members attended the function.

1. Sri C L Giridhar
2. Sri D Narasayya
3. Smt C Vijayalakshmi
4. Sri D B V Avadhani
5. Sri CSSS Prasad
6. Sri C J M Rao
7. D Naresh Babu
8. Sri V Prasad 

Others who participated in the function are

1. Smt C. Annapurna
2. Smt. Prasad
3. Smt. D Renuka
4. Mr Siva. 

The function was compered by Sri Narasayya who welcomed all the function. He informed all present that this is the 4th Ramana Jayanti being celebrated by the trust and also this is Bhagavan's 135th Jayanti which falls on the 6th of January as per the Ashram Calender. The earlier Jayanti Celebrated were held at Narasaraopet, Bangalore and Hyderabad. This being the second occasion where Ramana Jayanti is being celebrated in Bangalore. 

The programme was started by the lighting of the lamp by Sri CSSS Prasad and Smt C Annapurna, Sri CJM Rao then sung the invocation song. 

This was followed by was by recitation of Ramana Vijaya Ganamu and Ramana Panasa was done by the members by forming two groups. Sri D Naresh Babu then gave glimpses of Ramana Jeevatha Charitra and discussed the ways and means to practice the Sadhana prescribed by Sri Bhagavan by everyone. 

This was followed by the speech of Sri C L Giridhar, General Secretary who gave a brief of the activities of Ramana Bhakta Mandali Trust. He stated that all the members of the trust should take active interest in the activities of the trust. He also stated that when an organisation is formed there are bound to be some rules which every member has to follow. 

This was followed by the address by the President Sri D V S Sastry who spoke through teleconference from USA on the importance of Advent Day for all Ramana Devotees. Sri D Venkayya also joined through teleconference from Narasaraopet and spoke on the occasion. Sri DBK Murthy also joined the function through teleconference from Tanzania.

'Ramana Tatva Saramu' a handbook on the teachings of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi written by Sri D Venkayya was released on the occasion by Sri CSSS Prasad. 
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks given by Sri D Narasayya. 
Prasadam was distributed to the devotees after the function.

Some of the photographs taken on the occasion are posted below.

Advent Day Celebrations 2014

The advent day celebrations of our trust were held on 04/09/2014 in Hyderabad at the office premises of our member Sri D Narasayya. The following members attended the function.

1.                Sri D V S Sastri

2.                Sri C L Giridhar

3.                Sri D B V Narasiah

4.                Sri D Narasayya

5.                Sri D Chaitanya

6.                Sri K Maruthi Srinath

7.                Smt C Vijayalakshmi

8.                Sri D B V Avadhani

9.                Sri D Venkayya

10.              Sri CSSS Prasad

11.              Sri D Maruti

Others who participated in the event were Sri T Satyanarayana and his daughter, Sri and Smt R Purnachandra Rao, Sri D Madhava Rao, Sri A V S Sastry, Smt D Varalakshmi, Smt Usha, Sri D Bhargava, Smt Sundari, Smt Geeta Madhuri, Smt Gayatri, Smt G.Padmaja, Sri  and others. The total number of persons who participated in the event was around 40. .

The function was compered by Sri D B V Narasiah who invited the dignitaries to the dais. Sri T Satyanarayana was invited to be the Chief Guest and Sri D Venkayya was invited as the Chairman of the meeting. Sri D V S Sastri and was also invited to the dais.

The programme started with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. There after the invocation song was sung by Smt D Varalakshmi.

The recitation of Ramana Vijaya Ganamu, Ramana Sandarsana Gadyam and Ramana Panasa was done by the members by forming two groups.

Thereafter, the welcome address was given by the organizing secretary Sri D Narasayya who welcomed all the guests and informed all that it was a moment of joy for him to host such an event at his office premises..

The welcome address was followed by the speech of Sri C L Giridhar, General Secretary who gave a brief of the activities of Ramana Bhakta Mandali Trust. This was followed by the address by the President Sri D V S Sastry who spoke on the importance of Advent Day for all Ramana Devotees.

The Chief Guest Sri T Satyanarayana then spoke about Sri Ramana Maharshi, his teachings and his own experiences in the path of devotion to Sri Ramana Bhagavan. He later released the latest book of the trust ‘Atma Samvadalu’ written by Sri D Venkayya. After the release of the book, Sri D Venkayya spoke about the contents of the book and explained the various points highlighted in the book. Later Sri R Purnachandra Rao spoke about Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi and his association with Bhagavan’s teachings.

This was followed by felicitation of the dignitaries and presentation of mementos to them. Mementos were also presented to all the participants which was followed by the vote of thanks by Sri D B V Avadhani.
The programme concluded with the distribution of Prasadam to all the devotees. Lunch was arranged for the participants after the event.

Some of the photographs taken on the occasion can be viewed by following the below mentioned link.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j6f94bm0wccg2mx/AAB3TGrheV43IixScG9K7RYza?dl=0

Proceedings of the 3rd Annual General Body Meeting held at Hyderabad

The Annual General Body Meeting of the Ramana Bhakta Mandali was held on 19/04/2014 at the residence of our member Sri D R Sharma at Hyderabad. The following members were present at the meeting.    

1. Sri D Venkayya
2. Sri D V S Shastri
3. Sri K M Sarma
4.  Sri C L Giridhar
5.  Sri D B K Murthy
6. Sri D R Sarma
7. Smt C Vijayalakshmi
8. Sri C S S S Prasad
9. Sri D B V Narasiah
10. Sri D Naresh Babu
11. Sri D B V Avadhani
12. Sri D Narasayya
13. Sri D Chaitanya
14. Sri D Maruti

Earlier in the morning, a Puja was performed to Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi by Sri Naresh Babu. The Annual General Body Meeting started at 10.30 A.M.  Sri D R Sarma welcomed all the delegates to the AGM. He also welcomed the Chief Guest Sri D Venkayya to the meeting. The dignitaries were welcomed to the Dias. They were requested to participate in the lamp lightning ceremony as a token of invoking the all pervading Light.  Smt D Varalakshmi then sang the Invocation Song as per the custom followed in our meetings.

The formal welcome address was given by the Organizing Secretary Sri D Narasayya. The President Sri D V S Sastri gave his Presidential address. He welcomed all the delegates and stated that the all the office bearers should perform the functions given to them with active interest. He also stated that all the members should remit the annual subscription without any reminder. He urged all the members to actively participate in the Satsangs especially on Sundays. The house was presented with the minutes of the previous AGM which were adopted unanimously. The General Secretary, Sri C L Giridhar, then presented his report on the activities of the trust. Sri DBV Narasiah, Accountant then presented the books of accounts to the house. The copies of the Secretary’s report, the audited financial statements of the trust and the auditor’s report were given to all the members for their perusal and further deliberations.  

Sri C L Giridhar in his address asked all the members to actively participate in the affairs of the trust. He further stated that as decided in the previous year’s AGM, all the activities of the trust were aimed at the publication of the book ‘Guru Vachaka Kovai’ in the current year. He stated that the release of the first copy of the book by Sri Ramanasramam was a cherished moment for the trust. He further stated that the book is a jewel in the crown amongst all the publications of the trust. He specially thanked the members namely Sri D Narasayya, Sri D B V Narasiah and Sri D B V Avadhani who had contributed specifically for the publication of ‘Guru Vachaka Kovai’.

The accountant Sri DBV Narasiah stated that the reason for the excess of expenditure over the income for the current year was due to the huge cost incurred by the trust in the publication of ‘Guru Vachaka Kovai’. He thanked all the members for their contributions but stated that in the coming year, the members need to contribute generously for the forthcoming publications. He appealed to all members to do the same in the current year and also to pay their annual subscriptions without any reminders.

Deliberating on the audited statements, Sri D B K Murthy wanted to know as to why the cost of purchase of Calendars was  not  shown in the books of accounts for which Sri C L Giridhar stated that the bills have not yet been accounted and the same would be done in the current year. Sri D Narasayya asked as to why be the audit fees provision was less than the last year. Sri C L Giridhar explained that the fee was not yet paid and the same would be reflected in the next year’s accounts. 

The General Body then unanimously adopted the General Secretary's Report and the Financial Statements for the year 2013-2014. The proposal for appointment of Sri Ravikumar of M/s Ravi Kumar K and Associates as the auditors by for the  financial year 2013 -2014 was also unanimously agreed by the house in view the good service provided by them. 

Sri D Venkayya then addressed the gathering and stated that the trust should have a single point focus on devotion to Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. He asserted that Ramanasrama Yatra should be compulsory on the agenda of the trust and other activities should be given the least importance. He also stated all the members should compulsorily participate in the tele- Satsangs being organized by the trust. He praised the organizing committee for  the activities done by them during the last year and appreciated the fact that  the tele- Satsangs were being held for almost three years without any break. Sri C L Giridhar then explained that in light of the bye laws of the trust, the conducting of AGM is necessary. He also stated that due to the practical issues involved in the participation of most of the members like leave, travel, accommodation and other arrangements, conduct of meetings at Sri Ramanasramam was not being done. 

The house then deliberated on the organizational matters. Speaking on the subject, Sri K M Sarma stated that one meeting of the trust should be held in Tiruvannamalai based on the earlier suggestion given by Sri D Venkayya and the venues of the all the three meetings should be decided in advance for all the three meetings namely the AGM, Advent Day Celebrations and Ramana Jayanthi Celebrations. He also promised that now that he has been transferred to Ongole, he would be actively participating in the affairs of the trust. Sri CSSS Prasad also agreed to the view that Ramanasrama Yatra should be made compulsory for at least one meeting. The President assured that every effort will be made to hold the meetings at Thiruvannamalai as far as possible.

After the deliberations, the elections for the executive committee for the year 2014-15 were held and the following executive committee was elected unanimously. 

1. Sri DVS Sastri -President
2. Sri KM Sarma - Vice President
3. Sri C.L.Giridhar - Managing Trustee and General Secretary
4. Sri D.Narasayya - Organizing Secretary
5. Sri DBV Narasiah - Accountant
6. Sri DBV Avadhani - Treasurer
7. Smt C Vijayalakshmi - Office Secretary       

After the meeting, a Satsang was held at the same premises. The Satsang was started with a song sung by Smt D Varalakshmi. Sri K. M. Sarma spoke on the subject Mahaprasthanamu.  Ramana Panasa and Ramana Vijaya Ganamu were recited by some members. Devotional songs were sung on the occasion by Sri K M Sarma and others.

Smt Vasantha wife of Sri D R Sharma narrated her vision of her seeing Sri D Venkayya Garu attending a Puja of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba and how he explained to her that both Sri Sai Baba and Ramana Maharshi were Siva Swarupas. She explained that as soon as her dream was over, she got the news of their hosting the AGM at their residence. She stated that this coincidence is nothing but a miracle of Lord Ishwara.

A token book release of the trust’s next publication Atma Samvadalu was done and the brief about the book was read by Sri D Naresh Babu. The house was then addressed by Sri D Venkayya who spoke on the subject ‘Saranagati’. Sri D V S Shastri spoke on the subject ‘Silence’ and Mangalam was sung by Sri D Narasayya. Concluding the session, the vote of thanks was proposed by Sri D R Sarma. He thanked all for attending the meeting and also thanked the executive committee for giving him an opportunity to host the event at his residence. The meeting concluded with the distribution of Prasadam. 

Some of the photographs taken at the function can be viewed by clicking the following link.

https://plus.google.com/photos/105306407743597441081/albums/6010516833297212513?authkey=CPTQyojAr97SngE

Ramana Jayanthi Celebrations

Ramana Jayanthi Celebrations by our trust were held on 21/12/2013 in Hyderabad at the residence of our member Sri D Narasayya. The following members attended the function.

1. Sri D V S Shastri
2. Sri K M Sarma
3. Sri C L Giridhar
4. Sri D Naresh Babu
5. Sri D B V Narasiah
6. Sri D Narasayya
7. Sri D Chaitanya
8. Sri K Maruthi Srinath
9. Smt C Vijayalakshmi
10. Sri D B V Avadhani
11. Sri D Venkayya
12. Sri AVS Sarma
13. Sri V K Satyanarayana
14. Sri CSSS Prasad
15. Sri D Maruti

Others who participated in the event were Sri Pannala Radhakrishna Sarama,  Sri T Satyanarayana, Sri D Durgaprasad, Smt Adi Lakshmi, Smt C Annapurna, Smt D Varalakshmi, Smt Usha, Sri D Bhargava, Smt Sundari, Smt Madhuri, Smt Kameswari, Sri Madhu and others. The total number of persons who participated in the event was around 30.

The function was compered by Sri C L Giridhar who invited the dignitaries to the dais. Sri Pannala Radhakrishna was invited to be the Chief Guest and Sri D Venkayya was invited as the Chairman of the meeting. Sri T Satyanarayana, Sri AVS Sarma, Sri V K Satyanarayana were also invited to the dais.

The programme started with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. There after the invocation song was sung by Smt D Varalakshmi. 

The recitation of Ramana Vijaya Ganamu and Ramana Panasa was done by the members by forming two groups. .

Thereafter, the welcome address was given by Sri D Narasayya who welcomed all the guests and informed all that it was a pleasure for him to host such an event at his residence.

The welcome address was followed by the speech of Sri Naresh Babu on the life history of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. Sri K M Sarma then spoke about Ramana Jayanti and its importance. 

This was followed by the formal book release of our latest book 'Guru Vachaka Kovai' by Sri Pannala Radhakrishna Sarma Garu. 'Shatdarsanalu' written by Sri Ambatipudi Venkataratnam was also released on the occasion by Sri D Venkayya. Sri T Satyanarayana then released the audio CDs of talks by Sri D Venkayya on Self Enquiry. A brief introduction of the book 'Guru Vachaka Kovai' was given by Sri C L Giridhar and Sri D Venkayya spoke about the Chief Guest Sri Pannala Radhakrishna Sarma and also about the book 'Shatdarsanalu'.

This was followed by the address by the  Chief Guest Sri Pannala Radhakrishna Sarma who spoke about Guru Vachaka Kovai. He stated that the author has done exempleary work in translating this book which is like a bible for Telugu speaking devotees of Sri Ramana Bhagavan. He also praised the efforts of Ramana Bhakta Mandali, Bangalore for their efforts is bringing out this book. Sri T Satyanarayana spoke about his own book 'Gurupadesa Ratnamala' and how 'Guru Vachaka Kovai' is different from it. He stated that if one reads the book  'Guru Vachaka Kovai' on regular basis, then he need not read any other book. 
This was followed by the address by Sri AVS Sarma and Sri V K Satyanarayana. 

The next item on the agenda was felicitation of the dignitaries and presentation of mementos to them. Mementos were also presented to all the participants which was followed by the vote of thanks by Sri D Maruti. 

The programme concluded with the distribution of prasadam to all the devotees.

The related photographs can be viewed by following the following link. 

http://flickr.com/gp/55582466@N00/i58E1J/

First copy release of Guru Vachaka Kovai

Guru Vachaka Kovai (The Garland of the Guru's Sayings) is the most authoritative collection of Ramana Maharshi's spoken teachings. The first Tamil edition of the book, published in 1939, was personally checked and revised by Ramana Maharshi himself. 

There are two translations of Guru Vachaka Kovai, one by Sadhu Om and Michael James, and the other by Dr. T. V. Venkatasubramanian, Robert Butler and David Godman.

The English translation done by Dr. T. V. Venkatasubramanian, Robert Butler and David Godman contains Muruganar’s expanded prose renderings and his explanatory comments on all the verses. It has been edited and annotated by Sri David Godman and this book has been translated by Sri Donepudi Venkayya into Telugu. Such a book has not been published until now in Telugu. It can therefore, be said that this Telugu translation of Guru Vachaka Kovai is the most authoritative book available on Ramana’s teachings in Telugu.

Ramana Bhakta Mandali takes pride in publishing this book which has been done with the kind permission of Sri David Godman. The first copies of the book were released by Sri V.S.Mani at Sri Ramanasramam on 01/11/2013. Some copies of the book were handed over to him for their distribution in the Ashram. Some copies were also given to Sri David Godman who liked it very much and put his appreciative signatures on the book.

Some related photographs are being posted below.

Advent Day Celebrations on 01/09/2013

The advent day celebrations of our trust were held on 01/09/2013 in Hyderabad at the residence of our member Sri D B V Narasiah. The following members attended the function.

1. Sri D V S Sastri
2. Sri K M Sarma
3. Sri C L Giridhar
4. Sri D Naresh Babu
5. Sri D B V Narasiah
6. Sri D Narasayya
7. Sri D Chaitanya
8. Sri K Maruthi Srinath
9. Smt C Vijayalakshmi
10. Sri D R Sarma
11. Sri D B V Avadhani
12. Sri R Sriramamurthy 
13. Sri AVS Sarma

Others who participated in the event were Smt D Varalakshmi, Sri D Maruthi, Smt Usha, Sri D Bhargava, Smt Sandhya Rajesh, Smt Sundari, Smt Kanthi, Sri M Phani, Smt Madhuri, Smt Sudha, Smt Rajyam, Sri Narasimham, Smt Vasantha, Sri Sarma, Smt Gayatri and others. The total number of persons who participated in the event was around 30.

The function was compered by Sri D Narasayya who invited the dignitaries to the dais. Sri AVS Sarma was invited to be the Chief Guest and Sri R Sriramamurthy was invited as the Chairman of the meeting. Sri D V S Sastri and Sri K M Sarma were also invited to the dais.

The programme started with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. There after the invocation song was sung by Smt Sandhya Rajesh.

The recitation of Upadesa Saramu was done by Sri Maruthi, Sri Chaitanya, Smt Vijayalakshmi and Sri DBV Avadhani. The recitation of Ramana Suktamu was done by Sri DBV Narasiah and Sri D Naresh Babu. The recitation of Ramana Vijaya Ganamu and Ramana Panasa was done by the members by forming into two groups.

Thereafter, the welcome address was given by Sri DBV Narasiah who welcomed all the guests and informed all that it was a moment of joy for him to host such an event at his residence.

The welcome address was followed by the speech of Sri Naresh Babu on the life history of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. Sri D B V Avadhani then spoke about the advent day, its importance and why it should be celebrated by Ramana Devotees.

Sri R Sriramamurthy then spoke about Sri Ramana Maharshi, his teachings and his own experiences in the path of devotion to Sri Ramana Bhagavan.

The participants broke for lunch at around 1.15 PM and after reassembly, Sri K M Sarma spoke on the subject 'Practice of Self Enquiry by Grihasthas'

A tele-message was then given by Sri D Venkayya from Narasaraopet. Sri D B K Murthy also joined via Skype from Tanzania and spoke on the occasion. Smt D Chaya sang songs on Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi at the same time.

Sri A V S Sarma then spoke about his experiences in his spiritual journey and also on the importance of practice by devotees.

Sri C L Giridhar then spoke about the activities of the trust and future programmes after which Sri D V S Sastri gave his presidential address.

This was followed by felicitation of the dignitaries and presentation of mementos to them. Mementos were also presented to all the participants which was followed by the vote of thanks by Sri D Narasayya.

The programme concluded with the distribution of prasadam to all the devotees.

Some of the photographs taken on the occasion are being posted below.

Advent Day Celebrations on 01/09/2013

Advent Day Celebrations

The advent day celebrations for this year would be held in Hyderabad at the residence of Sri D B V Narasiah on 01/09/2013. The celebrations would start at 11 AM. All are members are requested to reach the venue by 10.45 AM. 

The celebrations will include Ramana Puja in the morning, recitation of Ramana Vijaya Ganamu, Ramana Panasa, Upadesa Saramu and Ramana Suktamu. Bhajans and Songs would be sung by members of the Bhakta Mandali. 

There will be distribution of prasadam after the meeting.

All are requested to attend the meet and receive the blessings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi.