I
Dr. V. Srinivasa Rao

AMONG THE FOREMOST DEVOTEES, Dr. V. Srinivasa
Rao found in Sri Bhagavan the greatest solace and support
in his life. He was born in the former native state of Pudukottai
and is happily still with us at the age of eighty-seven(in1972). He
was intimately associated with the growth of the Ashram for many
decades. Childlike by nature and outspoken, his sincerity and
frankness gained him easy access and familiarity with Sri Bhagavan
who treated him like a pet child.

Born poor and orphaned when hardly four years old, he
grew up to be self-reliant. He took his degree in medicine and
surgery, and prompted by the good wishes of the doyen of his
days, Dr. Singaravelu Mudaliar, he entered Government service.

He was medical officer in several district headquarters hospitals
and retired in 1940 as the superintendent of the Royapettah
Hospital, Madras. After this he spent a good deal of his time in
the Ashram in a life of devotion and service to Sri Bhagavan.

To begin with, Dr. Srinivasa Rao had no interest in a spiritual
life and seemed more an agnostic, if not a downright atheist.

Through the friendship of spiritually highly evolved people like
Sri S. Doraiswami Iyer, one of the oldest devotees, he came to Sri
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Bhagavan. Before taking leave of Sri Bhagavan he asked him,
"Will I come again for your darshan?" Sri Bhagavan with a tender
and compassionate look patted him on the shoulder saying,
"What will happen is sure to happen." That was all! He felt
somehow thrilled in the core of his being by his touch and the
gracious reply which strengthened his faith and surrender. Since
then remembrance of Sri Bhagavan was constant.

Sri Bhagavan directed his attention specifically to Upadesa ^[?]
Saram among his works and emphasised ekachintana (fixing the
mind on one thought -- of the One) as essential for the mind to
get free of thoughts; and that constant remembrance of God is
better than a recital of hymns or silent invocation. On one
occasion he told Sri Bhagavan, "It is said that one should
contemplate on God Vishnu from head to foot. Is that the correct
thing to do?" Sri Bhagavan reminded him, "It is all One from
head to foot." Yet again he discussed the efficacy of Rama Japa
and the like and asked Sri Bhagavan, "Why not do Ramana Japa
instead of Rama Japa?" to which Sri Bhagavan gave his assent.

After 1940 Srinivasa Rao had the unique opportunity of
staying in the proximity of Sri Bhagavan rendering some
personal service or other. He treasures the privilege he had of
massaging Sri Bhagavan's limbs and of ministering to him during
his bodily ailments as a doctor. His simple but total love and
attachment to Sri Bhagavan's person generated many happy
incidents. Once Sri Bhagavan's knee caps and legs did not
function owing to stiffness and Srinivasa Rao with folded hands
implored him to permit his massaging for a few days only. Sri
Bhagavan would not agree saying, "If allowed to do so you will
continue endlessly." But he beseeched him like a child and Sri
Bhagavan yielded but said it would be strictly for ten days. Sri
Bhagavan was counting the days and on the last day when
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Srinivasa Rao was actually massaging his legs Sri T. P. R.'s father
who arrived just then, entered the old hall and perceiving the
doctor massaging the legs of Sri Bhagavan repeated a Sanskrit
sloka and exclaimed, "Oh, Raoji, do not give up what you are
doing. You need no other sadhana ^[?]for your salvation." Sri
Bhagavan burst out laughing and said: "Well, well; I have been
counting these days and waiting for this last day and you have
come to recommend continuance!" Leaving his massaging, the
doctor stepped before Sri Bhagavan and went on doing obeisance
imploring Him to listen to the elderly gentleman if not to him.

Sri Bhagavan yielded for another ten days!

During the two years preceding Sri Bhagavan's Maha
Nirvana the doctor gave whole-time attention and assistance to
Sri Bhagavan's health and comfort in collaboration with the
team of medical men who devoutly rendered service during the
last illness.

He happily spent his days remembering Sri Bhagavan and
his memorable days with him, and deriving all the solace needed
from his writings and utterances, which he revered.