The Strange Dream Of Feeding Beggars

Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 17:30

Numerous were the experiences of the devotees of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, the sage of Arunachala. An experience of Shantammal, one of his devotees marks the significance of the words of the master.

It was customary in Ramanashram to feed the beggars regularly. During the Karthigai Deepam festival, there was a huge crowd in Thiruvannamalai and beggars would flock the ashram for a confirmed meal. It so happened one day that the beggars behaved in an unruly manner that the attendants refused to feed them. It was then decided to stop feeding the beggars. On that particular day, Shantammal had a dream.

In Shantammal's dream, she found Bhagavan's hall crowed by people. She also happened to be one among the crowd. On the sofa, Shantammal spotted a small creature which gradually grew in size until it took the shape of a bright red horse. Suddenly the strange horse began to go about the hall sniffing each and everybody in turn. Shantammal was afraid that it might come near her too. Shantammal was afraid of the horse that it might come near her too.

Immediately Bhagavn reassured her not to harbour fear for the horse. He also explained, that the horse was not an ordinary one. Once the flags were hoisted at the Arunachaleshwara temple for the Karthigai Deepam festival, apart from swarming devotees, Gods descended to take part in the divine festival. They joined the crowd and some mixed with the beggars at the ashram gate. Bhagavan then advised not to stop feeding beggars and sadhus at festivals.

The next morning, Shantammal related her dream to Chinnaswami who managed the ashram. He immediately ordered seven measures of rice to be cooked in order to feed the beggars.

Would the embodiment of compassion rest until His folks are fed?

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