*** Deham Naham Koham Sohum ***
Once G.V. Subbaramaiah, had brought his two young daughters, Lalita and Indra, to the Asramam. The younger one Indra,who was hardly 5 years old was quite mischievous. In the Hall, some devotees at that time were asking Bhagavan Ramana, how to remain still [to remain Summa], amidst various work in the world.
Bhagavan Ramana said that it is all in the mind. If the mind could be quelled and made to stay in the Self, within, any amount of work could be done, without desire and doer-ship.
Meantime, Indra, was moving here and there in the Hall.She was pulling out books, Bhagavan Ramana's stick, alms-bowl, the time-piece near the sofa etc.,
Bhagavan Ramana asked: "Amma, what are you doing?"
Indra replied: " I am not doing anything.
I am remaining Summa.( I am still)"
Everyone laughed.
Bhagavan Ramana also laughed and said:
"See, this is how the worldly work should be performed !,
She is doing some work there but she says I am still.
This is the essence of atma vichara( Self enquiry).
One can do any work and still be still in mind.
During the same trip, one day Indra took out a Sanskrit book and was seeing it. She only understands Telugu. So she went to Bhagavan Ramana, with a line shown by her from the book and asked what it was.
It read: Deham Naham Koham Soham.
Bhagavan Sri Ramana called her near and read out the line and started explaining.
Deham Naham. "Amma! You are wearing the skirt.
Is it You?
You are wearing nice golden bangles.
Is it You?
The child said: No, they are not I.
They are only mine.
Bhagavan further said:
Amma ! Like these, even this body is not You.
It may be your for some time.
Then, Koham, Who am I?
Soham, I am Siva. Soham shivoham, I am the Heart!
The child was very seriously listening to Bhagavan Sri Ramana's words. She repeated the words and Bhagavan Ramana told her to remember this line always.
Viswanatha Swami, who was listening to all these curious exchanges between Indra and Bhagavan Ramana, asked Him: "What can she understand?"
Bhagavan Ramana replied Viswanatha Swami:
"Oh! Is is known only by understanding?
You have understood everything.
Have you known It?"
Viswanatha Swami kept mum.
On the day of leaving,
Indra said to Bhagavan Ramana :
"Thatha! I shall always say this and remember this.
Deham Naham, Koham, Soham."
Bhagavan Ramana said: "That is good,that is sufficient."
The girl and her father left for Andhra.
In two months, Indra took seriously ill and saying Deham Naham, Koham, Soham,
she left the body and
merged with Pure Space !
G.V.S. constructed a small samadhi for her at the backyard of his house.
Many cannot see Him Only some can see Him.
When G.V.S. informed about the demise of Indira and what he had done, Bhagavan Sri Ramana approved his step.
A few are called
And a fewer are chosen.
Arunachala Siva.