True Stories, Shared in Stillness

I was working as a Business Development Manager, looking after the south-eastern suburbs. I loved the variety and being out and about...

I’d been spending some time in front of the computer, writing blogs. I’ve found that writing just flows out of me, I rarely think about...

I was 23 when I woke up in a way I still can’t fully explain. Something in me cracked open. The old life didn’t make sense anymore, but...

When I first arrived in Tiruvannamalai, I spent the first three weeks just wandering around, not taking much too seriously. One...

It was 2010. I was sitting in class, 17 years old, when my name was called over the PA: “Chris Hatzis to Mr S's office.” Fuck , I...

It might sound strange but if I had to choose between devotion and a million dollars, I’d choose devotion. If it were a billion? Still,...

I was meditating in the Ramana Ashram. It was the afternoon. Usually I’ll sit for an hour or two in the morning, then head back again in...

Before I left for Darwin, I spent three months working at a local council. While I was there, I made a new friend, G. As soon as we met...

I was meditating in the Ramana Ashram, feeling blissed out. A normal feeling when the mind is at rest. Bliss is our nature. I packed up...

It was late 2019. It had only been a few weeks since I’d started this role as an account manager, and I’d been picked up by a good friend...

It had been nearly three years working as an Account Manager since I’d asked for divine assistance in finding a job. And things were...

I was riding home one day when I saw a stray dog I’d never seen before. She was cute, with kind eyes — a sensitive little doggo. I liked her immediately. But as soon as I rode past, she looked at me and ran away.

It was November 2023. I’d moved to Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land a few months earlier, in August, and I was loving it. I remember sitting...

I was standing under the covered area opposite the shrine hall at the ashram when she asked me what I did for work. I’d seen her around,...

It was getting toward the end of my stay in Tiru in 2018. I didn’t know how long I would stay, it was only ever going to be a short,...

I made my way back to Colombo and caught my flight to Chennai. There was a massive shift in the vibe from Sri Lanka to India.

It was September 2018. I had just quit my job as a State Sales Manager. I knew deep down it wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing with...

Over the months in Tiru, I’d noticed a man in a wheelchair around town. I’d often see him near the streets or in the Ramana Ashram at...

At one stage in my seeking, I used to take the train into the city and head to the Theosophical Society in Melbourne. They had a curious...

I get around Tiru on a scooter. It’s easy to navigate the place whether I’m heading to the gym, the Arunachaleswarar Temple, or just...