The following is taken from Aham Sphurana 19th July 1936:

Sri Bhagavan [Ramana Maharshi] was given a sheet of paper filled with questions. He asked the interpreter to read them out:

1. The heavenly realm of Shambala is said to be located somewhere in Tibet. One who merely visits it once is said to be absorbed in Bliss forever. Is it so? Is it acceptable for ordinary mortals to aspire to locate and enter the place? Does the place actually exist, or is it a mere mythical construct? If it is there, how to find it, since the mountainous region is largely unchartered?

2. What is the secret of Mount Kailash? Does Lord Shiva really reside at the top of the peak?

3. It is said that if a sinner touches the mountain, he suddenly ages 2 decades in a span of 2 minutes. Is this true?

4. Is Mt. Kailash the axis mundi of the earth? Does it give access to the hidden realms of heaven that are frequently mentioned in the Hindu scriptures?

At this point, Bhagavan asked the interpreter to stop reading, and said to the young man who had presented the questions:

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi: Look here, I don’t know anything about such things.

Questioner: But B. is widely regarded as a Sarvagnar [Tom: ‘all knowing’ or omniscient].

B.: People foist on me whatever they like. What am I to do? The kingdom of Heaven you seek is within. It is to be found by turning the mind inward, not by journeying to all sorts of impossible places.

Q.: If all places are the same, why did Bhagavan leave Madurai and come to Tiruvannamalai?

B.: Always the same question! You want to go to all sorts of exotic locations. I did not [personally] desire to go anywhere; rather, I was pulled here.

Q.: The same fascination you have for Mount Arunachala, I have for Mount Kailash. What is wrong in it? Both are dwelling places of Shiva.

B.: Right. You may do as fancy pleases you. Why solicit my opinion?

Q.: It is difficult to reach the mountain. Not many have succeeded. I want Bhagavan’s blessings so that I may succeed in safely reaching there. If I once have darshan of the mountain, it will do. Even if I drop dead the next moment, it
matters nothing. Will Bhagavan please Bless my endeavour? I plan to start 2 weeks hence.

B.: [smiles]

Q.: Can I take it that Bhagavan’s blessings for my journey are descended upon me?

B.: Yes.

[Tom’s comments: what is it that we really need to know for liberation?]