Oh, Godda beautiful

This photograph of the Arunachala mountain reminds me of Sri Nanagaru, one of the many ice-cream toppings in Tiruvannamalai. Nanagaru is a disciple of Ramana Maharishi, and he has is own ashram at Tiru, which has a terrace that has the mountain as a huge backdrop.

Basically, there are two kinds of seekers at Tiru. Those that Guruhop, and those who stay put. Ever seen a grasshopper that doesn't jump?

Nana Garu's satsang started at eight and Johnathan and I were a few minutes late. Johnathan is an English friend I met at Ramesh's in Mumbai. As we hurried up the steps, we heard this song in a child's voice.

Oh, Godda beautiful,
Oh, Godda beautiful,
Oh, Godda beautiful,
Oh, Godda beautiful!

'That is Nana Guru singing!,' I whispered to John, before I saw him. He peeked out at the terrace door as we were removing our footwear.

'Yes, by jove, it is. How sweet. He sounds just like a child.' he whispered back to me.

We tiptoed our way in and sat with the devotees, on a big mat on the floor, with white sheets blowing softly in the mountain breeze.

Nanagaru was seated on a revolving chair, his back to the mountain, eyes closed, singing away in Tamil-Hinglish. (Godda for God, etc.)

Yoou are the blue of the ocean, Yoou are the high in the mountain!

Yoou are the flow in the river,
Yoou are the bliss of the Yogi!

Oh, Godda beautiful,
Oh, Godda beautiful,
Oh, Godda beautiful,
Oh, Godda beautiful!

After the song was over, he slowly opened his eyes. And looked at us. Very slowly, he moved his revolving chair in a semicircle, looking at everyone, holding each gaze, showering bliss in slow motion.

And then he turned the chair completely around, his back to us, now looking at the mountain. A simple gesture, but it melted all duality in that moment. There was no him, no me. The debt to the Guru was finished. He was one with us, beneath the magnificent Arunachala.

A ripple of laughter passed through us and he started singing again, raising his arms to the mountain.