Dhyāna-p-Paṭṭu: The Song on Meditation
தியானப் பாட்டு ( Dhyāna-p-Paṭṭu ), the ‘Meditation Song’ or ‘Song on Meditation’, is a joyful song that Sri Sadhu Om composed for young children to help them learn the practice of meditation on self ( svarūpa-dhyāna ) or ātma-vicāra (self-investigation or self-enquiry), as it is also called. Because of its uplifting and joyful tune and its simple and clear meaning, it is very popular among devotees who like to sing Tamil songs on Sri Ramana and his teachings. Although this song was written for the benefit of children, it explains the practice of ātma-vicāra in such a clear and simple manner that it is useful for any of us who are seriously trying to experience ourself as we really are. Though at first glance the first two verses seem to be describing the practice of dualistic meditation — meditation on God as other than oneself ( anya-bhāva ) — between verses 3 and 9 the attention of the meditator is gradually and gently turned away from the idea that God is anything other than onese...