Bhagavan Ramana And The Mischievous Squirrel

Ramana Maharshi

oi-Staff

By Staff

Monday, July 20, 2009, 17:20

It is only natural for animals apart from humans to flock Bhagavan Ramana's presence. It is not surprising that His infinite love and compassion naturally sent forth vibes that drew animals and humans alike to His feet. There are numerous interesting stories of Bhagavan's interaction with animals, like Lakshmi the cow, Nondi the monkey, Jackie the dog and so on. Not to miss the squirrels that formed an integral part of the Ramana family.

An interesting incident involving a mischievous squirrel, like all other day to day happenings in the ashram is impregnated with spiritual potency. An earnest eye like that of Suri Nagamma, who has recorded this incident in her 'Letters From Ramanashram' will not miss out the spiritual message hidden beneath the stories.

A squirrel was accustomed to eating from Bhagavan's own hands. It was customary of Bhagavan to feed the squirrel with nuts. One day when the squirrel came for his food, Bhagavan was occupied with reading or some other activity that He delayed in feeding it. The squirrel, perhaps angered by the delay, bit Bhagavan's finger. Amused, Bhagavan said that, as a punishment He was going to stop feeding it with His own hands.

Saying so he left the nuts on the window sill asking it to fill its belly. The squirrel was virtually upset. It ran all over the body of Bhagavan as if to plead with Him seeking His forgiveness. Bhagavan, however was unmoved. This continued for two to three days. The squirrel was also obstinate enough not to eat until Bhagavan fed it. Ultimately Bhagavan gave in, feeding the squirrel with His own hands out of His immeasurable compassion.

The spiritual import from the incident as Suri Nagamma has recorded is that, perseverance as exercised by the squirrel is what is needed for a devotee to attain salvation.

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