Thursday 4 June 2015

YOGI RAMAIAH

Recently KP from Africa went for a Jeeva Nadi reading at Kallar, she was asked to read Yogi Ramaiah's books by Agathiyar. She wrote that later at Thiruvannamalai, a Swami whom she met promised to help her find Yogi Ramaiah's books in South Africa. On returning home to South Africa, she used to question Agathiyar why he had placed her somewhere "far away from him and the people who knew him." since she "felt disconnected, distanced and lonely." KP was in for lots of surprises. What she did not know was that Agathiyar was working to bring his children to assist her. 

Soon afterwards she received an email from the Swami at Thiruvannamalai pointing her to a person whom he thought could assist her find Yogi Ramaiah's books. After calling the lady to place an appointment to meet her, KP was amazed to step into her office. KP says, "The room was identical to the waiting room at the ashram in Kallar. Babaji, many siddhas, swamis and Agathiyar graced the walls of the room. The place looked like an ashram." The lady offered her personal copy of one of Yogi Ramaiah's book. She spoke about the Kriya yoga classes that she held at her premises. Not only was KP given the Yogi's book, she was shown  her Kriya yoga teacher too, personally initiated by the Guru himself, Yogi Ramaiah. KP was later introduced to several others, all "devotees of the siddhas." KP had the opportunity to participate in their Homa ritual for Agathiyar and the other Siddhas too. All this took place in her very town. 

KP is full of gratitude and writes, "Needless to say I no longer feel disconnected, distanced and lonely. I was shown and taken directly to the place and people I am to walk with.", by "My dear father …. Agathiyar"

It is wonderful to hear that Agathiyar has mentioned Yogi Ramaiah in KP's Jeeva Nadi reading. When I came to know about Yogi Ramaiah many years ago, I very much wanted to meet him. I was told that he frequented Malaysia often. Then in 2006, I came across in a local Tamil daily that carried the news that he had passed away on 12.7.2006, a Guru Purnima day, at 3.30pm in Malaysia and preparations were being made to bring his physical body over to India. He was 83 then.

I rushed to the address, a temple for Babaji, where his mortal frame was laid before he was to be moved to his birthplace. Not many people were around then. His devotees were chanting Babaji’s Naama Japa. I paid my respects to him and joined the chant before leaving shortly. 

Ramaiah was born on May 9, 1923 at Ananda Vilas, the mansion of SA Annamalai Chettiar, in Kanadukathan. His family had served Ramana Maharishi for 3 generations. A Sadhu, Chela Swami used to frequent their home too.

Just as he was to leave for the USA to further his studies, Ramaiah contracted bone tuberculosis which disrupted his plans. The disease took its toll on him and he was immobilized for 6 long years. During that period, his wife and servants cared for him at San Thome in Madras. But Ramaiah used this time to his advantage by reading a lot. During these years, Prasanananda Guru aided him in meditation while Omkara Swami shared with Ramaiah his knowledge of yoga. Ramaiah also published his first book based on Omkara Swami’s life, "A BLISSFUL SAINT." In 1952, he had a visit from Mauna Swami too, a disciple of Shirdi Sai Baba. Shortly afterwards, Ramaiah had a vision of Shirdi Sai Baba himself. Ramaiah asked Baba if he was his Guru. Baba replied, "No, but I will reveal to you who your guru is", and Ramaiah was shown his guru Babaji.

One day Ramaiah succumbed to the pain and misery that he was undergoing and decided to end his life. He held his breath, not letting it go. Suddenly he heard Babaji's voice. Babaji told him, "Do not take your life! Give it to me!" Surprised and taken aback by the divine intervention, Ramaiah surrendered himself to Babaji.

The next day, upon awakening, Ramaiah felt that he was healed. Summoning the doctors, Ramaiah was given a clean bill and certified fit. To everyone's astonishment Ramaiah had indeed healed completely. Very soon Ramaiah regained the use of both his legs. Shortly in another vision Ramaiah saw Babaji limping. He questioned Babaji as to why he limped. To Ramaiah's surprise, Babaji replied that he was taking on Ramaiah's illness (bone tuberculosis)!

Meanwhile Ramaiah seeing an advert on VT Neelakantan’s book, "No 9 BOAG ROAD" which was based on Satguru Rama Devi, requested a copy from VT Neelakanthan. VT Neelakantan met Ramaiah at San Thome and hence began a friendship between the two; the 51 year old Neelakantan and the 29 year old Ramaiah. 

Besides delivering the book, VT Neelakantan shared a secret with Ramaiah too. VT Neelakantan was visited by Babaji at his prayer room in Madras every night! Babaji requested both VT Neelakantan and Ramaiah to collaborate and establish a Yoga society named after him, the Kriya Babaji Sangam in 1952 and also its information arm, the Kriya Yoga Magazine, and to spread his teachings in a series of books, "THE VOICE OF BABAJI AND MYSTICISM UNLOCKED," "BABAJI'S MASTERKEY TO ALL ILLS," and "DEATH OF DEATH." 

Later Babaji began appearing to Ramaiah too. Ramaiah now 31, was summoned to Badrinath by Babaji in 1954. After three days of Ramaiah wandering along the mountains, Babaji revealed himself physically to Ramaiah. Ramaiah received training from Babaji in Kriya Yoga. Ramaiah became acquainted with Babaji's principle disciples, Annai Nagalakshimi Deviyar and Dadaji, too.

Back in Madras in 1955, Ramaiah continued his tapas. He started worship of Kali. He came to be known as Yogi Ramaiah.

Under the instructions of Babaji, Yogi Ramaiah, moved to Bombay with his wife, to study physiotherapy. While there he did many wonders, curing the ill with his knowledge of yoga and physiotherapy. Soon he returned to Madras to practice.

From 1956 Yogi Ramaiah and his wife took to the road to preach, teach and heal, which brought them to Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Vietnam. In 1954, Ramaiah initiated the "Parliament of World Religions and Yoga", which since then was held annually. He published "SONGS OF THE 18 SIDDHAS" in 1968, based on preserved old palm leaf manuscripts of the writings of the 18 Siddhas that he had collected over a span of 25 years.

After his wife passed away, he journeyed again to Malaysia and also to Australia and New Zealand before moving to the United States in 1968. From a small following, known as the "American Babaji Yoga Sangam", it mushroomed to more than 50 yoga centers throughout the world. Ramaiah built many holy shrines and temples too.

Based on Yogi Ramaiah's biography at http://www.babajiskriyayoga.net/english/articles/art25-yogi-ssa-ramaiah.htm, M.Govindan's BABAJI AND THE 18 SIDDHA KRIYA YOGA TRADITION, and Yogi Ramaiah's BABAJI GITA.