Ramana Maharishi:
The Necklet of Nine Gems

1.
In the court, Siva,
though motionless,
dances
before Shakti
in stillness.

In Arunachala,
in solemnity,
He stands.

She withdraws
there
into His still Self.

2.
'A,' 'Ru,' and 'Na'
Sat, Chit, and Ananda --
the Supreme Self,
the individual self --
their union is Absolute;

Thus, the great saying--
'You are That.'

'Achala' bespeaks
perfection.

Worship Arunachala
shining, golden;
simply remembering
unlocks the door.

3.
Touching
the lotus feet
of the Lord of Arunachala,

freed from attachment to
wealth,
family,
place,

ever purer,
seeking Grace --
darkness recedes.


In the rising sun,
golden,
steady,
full of grace,
there abide,
joyously
sunk in the Sea of Bliss.

4.
Annamalai!
Don't let me pine
forgetful.
Don't crush me to dust
leaving me
confused
between body and Self.

Turn Your restoring glance
upon me,
eye of my eyes!

You
Who are all Consciousness,
You
Who are neither male nor female,
don't fail me!

Seat Yourself
in my heart.

5.
You
Who are all Consciousness,
ruling over sublime Shonagiri,
forgive the stumblings
of this little one.

Rain Cloud,
shower me
with Your gracious glance.
Save me from being lost
once more
in the dreary waste.
I cannot ford the grim stream
of manifestation.

Mother,
what can match Your care?

6.
'Killer of Kama,
Destroyer of Desire,'
tied to You
we know Your name.

A question, though,
if the title fits:

How can mighty Kama
continue,
bold and conquering?
How can he creep
unseen
upon one sheltered
beneath Your feet?

Tell me,
You Who killed him?

7.
Arunachala!
As soon as You claimed me,
I was Yours,
body and soul.

What is left
to want?

You are success
and You are failure
both,
Oh my life!

They are
meaningless
without You.

Beloved,
do as You will
with me,
but promise me
ever greater desire
for Your Feet!

8.
To rescue me --
born of virtuous
Sundara and Sundari
in holy Tiruchuli,
seat of Bhuminatheshware --
from the pain of the world,
He raised me
to his seat,

His heart rejoices.
Siva shines
forth.

And the Self
flowers.

Such is Arunachala,
known
across the universe!


9.
Bearing me in the world
as my father and mother,
You hid in my mind.

Before I drowned
in the deep
illusion,
You drew me,

Arunachala,
You Who are All Consciousness,
such is the wonder
of Your Grace!