[MillionPaths] Apology to Hornets

[Guest guest]

Dear Michael,

A reply of sorts welled up in me, in that I think this tells us a

great deal about ourselves, about how it is only from our point of

view that intent would matter. Does the hornet know or care if it is

accidental or deliberate?

Ramana has said there is neither free will, nor destiny. So in his

mind the very question would be moot, wouldn't it?

Something similar to this struck me when I picked up a rock and

"accidentally" disturbed a nest of ants. They went scurrying off

trying to rescue their babies, the unhatched larvae, each one

carrying a white wormy egg, and looking so maternal and concerned.

Anyone with a heart would have felt sorry to have intruded, and I

replaced the rock gently. We intrude into nature in so many ways,

large and small, without thinking of consequences. I think Ramana

simply took responsibility for his accidental acts as well.

Thanks for the article,

Gloria

-

michael bindel

atma_vichara ; ;

millionpaths ; namoramana ;

;

the_sage_of_arunachala

Monday, July 11, 2005 11:23 PM

[MillionPaths] Apology to Hornets

Apology to Hornets

Also of note is the question-verse by Muruganar that elicited the following verse from Bhagavan:

When I was stung by hornets in revenge Upon the leg until it was

inflamed, Although it was by chance I stepped upon Their nest,

constructed in a leafy bush;What kind of mind is his if he does not

At least repent for doing such a wrong?

The “Apology to the Hornets” verse pertains to the incident that

occurred during theVirupaksha Cave days.

One day Bhagavan was walking around the hill alone, went into the

forest not to far from the Pachaiamman Temple, saw a huge banyan-tree

leaf drift across his path, which reminded him of the sloka from the

Arunachala Purnam that tells of the banyan tree under which the

Arunagiri Yogi was seated. He started walking in the direction from

which the leaf came and saw a large tree on an elevated spot and,

while proceeding towards it, his thigh brushed against a hornets

nest. Bhagavan appeared to feel remorse for disturbing the nest and

stood still to allow the hornets to sting him to their heart’s

content. He then left the area and slowly made his way back to

Virupaksha Cave by nightfall, with a badly swollen thigh and leg.

After this incident there was much speculation about the giant banyan

tree, its location and the Arunagiri Yogi. Bhagavan never again felt

inclined to look for the tree, for reasons he never clearly

explained. This added even more intrigue to the incident. He also,

unsuccessfully, warned others not to go looking for it, and that is

another story.

Muruganar seemed puzzled why Bhagavan should feel remorse for an

accidental incident, something destined, with no ill will intended.

In verse, he questioned Bhagavan thus:

Sighting an overgrown, green-leaved bush, andWhen stepping on it and

stung by hornets to have legs swollen, Venkata, in truth, why was an

accidental intrusionTreated without mercy, just as a wanton

transgression?

THE MAHARSHI

March/April 2004Vol. 14 - No. 2

Produced & Edited byDennis HartelDr. Anil K. Sharma

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