How did that happen?
It happened as meant to be, because it was destined. I had broken my leg in 1971 and was laying in hospital, catching up with my reading. I chanced upon a description of Bhagwan Ramana Maharshi in Paul Brunton's book "In Search of Secret India". He had come to India in the 30's, in search of the meaning of life. He had met countless so-called saintly people and gurus, but none had appealed to him. He was in Bombay, about to catch a ship back when someone told him about a fakir in Tiruvannamalai. He felt drawn to him and left for that place. The moment he reached, he felt rivers of peace flowing through him and had no more questions to ask.

When I read about it, I felt a profound desire to see that place, even though Bhagwan Ramana Maharshi had left his mortal frame in 1950, not knowing exactly what I would find or feel there. I only managed to do so years later, but Ramana Maharshi's sayings became my guidance.

How so?
When I read Ramana Maharshi's sayings, I feel the need for search is not there anymore. I have arrived.
He did not utter much but answered questions, which were compiled by his devotees. You might say that his book of sayings became my Bible. I read five pages of it every day, I finish the book and then start all over again. It is like a constant reminder. And it is the only ritual I have in my life.

... contd.