"The very first step in understanding what this is all about is giving up the concept of an active, volitional 'I' as a separate entity and accepting the passive role of perceiving and functioning as a process." - Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Ellaam Ondre (All is One)

This work, titled Ellam Ondre (meaning: All is One), was originally written by an unknown 19th Century author in Tamil. First translated into English in 1951, this carefully revised edition was one of the favorite small Advaitic Tamil texts often recommended by Sri Ramana Maharshi. Annamalai Swami* has said that Maharshi laid particular stress on Ellam Ondre saying, 'If you want moksha, write, read and practise the instructions in Ellam Ondre.'

*Sri Annamalai Swami was one of the intimate devotees and attendants of Sri Ramana Maharshi.

Preface

MEN court happiness and shun misery. It is the same with other beings also. This holds good for the common run of mankind. But the higher order is bent upon right conduct, enduring patiently the good or evil that it may bring. Fellowship with these will be lasting, whereas fellowship with ordinary people will not be. Good will result to the world through fellowship with the higher order only.

The question then arises: "What is right?'' The point is important, but the answer has not been found. Why? Because what is right is determined by circumstances. However comprehensive a work may be written on the subject, there will always be circumstances not envisaged by the author. Therefore it becomes necessary to realize that state which will enable us to assess the various conditions and determine what is right.

That state is one only. There are no states like it. Although it is single, it is extraordinary that the worldly wise consider it exceedingly rare. Nothing can be more extraordinary than this. That unique state is very clearly taught in the Upanishads. In this book I have put down the same truth according to my understanding. I have considered it my duty. I do not claim originality. The six chapters of this book are so closely interrelated that some point which may be expected in one chapter may be found in another. Again a few points which may not be clear on a superficial reading will become clear upon closer study. More may be gathered from major works or Sages.
Universal Mother, Master true, save us!
- The Author 
..........................................................

UNITY

Chapter 1

1. All including the world seen by you and yourself, the seer of the world, is One only.
2. All that you consider as I, you, he, she and it, is One only.
3. What you consider to be sentient beings and what you consider to be insentient, such as earth, air, fire and water is all One.
(To be continued..)

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सर्वभूताधिवासं यद्भूतेषु च वसत्यपि।
सर्वानुग्राहकत्वेन तद्स्म्यहं वासुदेवः॥

That in whom reside all beings and who resides in all beings,
who is the giver of grace to all, the Supreme Soul of the universe, the limitless being:
I AM THAT. -- Amritabindu Upanishad