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"If you want moksha write, read and practise the instructions in Ellam Ondre."
Ramana Maharshi
Ellam Ondre (All is One)
"The instant you wake up you will know that waking is better than this
dream."
Quote from Ellam Ondre
This small but extraordinary book was written in the 19th century and has been
translated from Tamil into English. The author is unknown. It was popularized by
the sage, Ramana Maharshi, who often named it along with a few others to disciples
who were in pursuit of wisdom. This book, highly saturated in wisdom teachings,
names the single most effective method of attaining to realization (i.e.
enlightenment, moksha or liberation). The Maharshi especially emphasized the book
to those who had difficulty reconciling the concept of multiple gods (as in the Hindu
religion) with the Advaitha concept of a single Universal Creator. This book
explains how there is no basic conflict between these points of view, as long as
things are viewed from the perspective that all the diverse beings and objects in this
expansive universe are essentially parts of a greater whole - or as the book sums it
up: All is One.
Preface by the Author
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 = = = - - -
Links for chapters :
I. Unity
II. You
III. God
IV. Peace
V. Action
VI. Ego
HAPPINESS
Identifying the Self with the body in order
to seek happiness is like trying to cross a
river on the back of a crocodile. When the
ego rises, the mind is separated from its
Source, the Self, and is restless, like a stone
thrown up into the air, or like the waters of a
river. When the stone or the river reaches its
place of origin, the ground or the ocean, it
comes to rest. So too the mind comes to rest
and is happy when it returns to and rests in
its Source. As the stone and the river are
sure to return to their starting place, so too
the mind will inevitably - at some time - return
to its Source".
"Happiness is your own nature. Hence
it is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong
is seeking it outside, because it is inside."
Sri Ramana Maharshi
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