17/06/2025
In an ancient monastery, nestled deep in the heart of China, the aging master faced a timeless task: choosing his successor. He gathered all his monks and announced, "One year from now, I will choose the wisest among you."
Excitement buzzed through the monastery. Each monk hurried back to their rooms, thinking of how to prove their wisdom. The cook aimed for the most delicious meals. The scholars buried themselves in books. Those who loved to serve the village worked tirelessly. Some even left to prove their courage in the world.
But one monk, who tended the monastery garden, seemed untouched by the sudden shift. He went about his days as always. He lovingly cared for his plants, watered them, watched them grow. He looked after the bees. When his chores were done, he would walk into the fields, listen to the birds, and watch the sun set. He seemed to find deep joy in every single thing he did. The other monks just shrugged, thinking, "He's too happy with his plants and bees; he'll never be chosen."
The year ended. The master called his monks. One by one, they stepped forward, recounting their valiant deeds, their vast studies, their acts of great service. The master listened, often noting, "You acted to show your strength, and your reward was being called brave." Or, "You read books to be called learned, and you are, but you didn't look between the lines. There is no deeper wisdom in that." Each monk had sought an outer reward, a title.
Finally, it was the gardener monk's turn. "Sir," he began, "I have done nothing special compared to my brothers. I simply did my daily work with joy. I care for my plants and bees. I love being with nature, spending my free time with birds and trees."
The master's face lit up. "Your actions were good because you desired no gain from them. And you were joyous. I think you are truly wise, and so, you shall succeed me."
This simple story speaks to a profound truth, a wisdom often overlooked in our pursuit of goals. It speaks to Ramyam.
Ramyam is a subtle idea, deeper than just happiness or enjoyment. It's an inner experience, a spark of delight and beauty that not only inspires you but can uplift those around you. Think of a piece of music that moves you, a painting that stirs your soul. Ramyam is that deep resonance, a sense of spiritual upliftment.
But what happens when Ramyam is missing? Many of us know that feeling. Our days can become a blur of monotony, boredom, and routine. We get trapped in endless to-do lists, responsible for so many things, and tomorrow feels exactly like today. This absence of Ramyam can lead to a quiet futility, a sense of meaninglessness.
The Power of Play and Natural Joy
One key aspect of Ramyam is play. Think about children. They approach everything with boundless curiosity and wonder. They play! And play, in its truest sense, is vital for learning. It allows us to look at our mistakes with humor, to laugh them off, and to keep trying. We can't learn to walk without falling, or sing without hitting a wrong note, or truly live without experiencing setbacks. But so often, as adults, we block ourselves from this playful self-expression. We get caught up in judgment, pushing down our natural curiosity.
Ramyam is about "serious play." It’s about celebrating ourselves just as we are, and expressing that authentic joy. Nature is truly soaked in Ramyam. A flower blooms simply because it is. It doesn't bloom for your approval, or because it has to. Its beauty is its presence.
This innate quality of nature reminds us of rasa, the deeply felt essence of living. There are many rasas – love, anger, courage, wonder, even peace. Ramyam is about being able to flow through all these feelings without getting stuck or blocked. It's about finding an inner beauty that resonates, creating coherence within yourself and with others. When your creativity springs from this place of Ramyam, it doesn't just evoke fleeting emotions; it touches a deeper chord, bringing about true enjoyment and even transformation in those who experience it.
Seeing Beauty in Every Aspect of Life
Ancient Indian wisdom, particularly in the Vāstu tradition (which is about design and space), talks about three essential qualities for any creation – be it a home, a work of art, or even our day-to-day life:
1. Bhogādyam (Usefulness): Does it work? Does it serve a purpose? This is our practical side.
2. Sukhadarshanam (Aesthetics): Does it look good? Does it appeal to our senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, smell? This is about beauty.
3. Ramyam (Delight/Spiritual Upliftment): Does it fill you with delight? Does it create deeper meaning? This is the elusive spark that transcends mere function or beauty.
We can apply this to everything. Our work might be useful (bhogādyam) and well-organized (sukhadarshanam). But if Ramyam isn't present, it can feel like a chore, a burden. Ramyam is about savoring the taste of life, truly being attentive and present in each moment. It's about finding that deep satisfaction.
Your Invitation to Experience Ramyam
Ramyam invites us to cultivate an inner quietness, a sense of balance, and a clear purpose. It's about creating a life that has the fragrance of true joy. How often do we truly savor a moment, look for a "mini-miracle" in our day, or approach a task with an attitude of "serious play"?
The SaptaSvara online program: An inside-out journey to discover one’s rhythm offers a unique space to delve into Ramyam and the other powerful svaras. It's a contemplative journey for self-reflection and experiential learning from timeless wisdom. You'll gain practical tools to infuse your everyday life with this precious sense of joyous wonder. You'll learn to:
Break free from monotony and find fresh engagement.
Approach challenges with a sense of playful curiosity.
Deepen your appreciation for beauty and meaning in all aspects of your life.
Experience that subtle shift within that uplifts not just you, but those around you.
Whether you're a leader, an educator, a professional, or simply navigating your everyday life, if you feel that pull to regenerate yourself and discover deeper meaning, this program is for you.
Are you ready to embrace the joyous rhythm of Ramyam and truly live a life filled with delight and purpose?
Join us in the SaptaSvara online program to truly understand this powerful idea. Come, discover your inner rhythm and align with the wisdom of Ramyam!
Learn more and register here:
Website: https://bit.ly/ssonline4
Email: [email protected]
Ankush Vij Namrata Anantharam
