the Guru who swallows the capital

[Guest guest]

Dear members,

this story is so lovely and deep - that it must be shared ...

a chapter by Kanakamma in: Ramana's Muruganar, pp 26f:

The Guru who swallows the capital ...

so is Bhagavan ... may he do so ...

 

Kind regards

Gabriele

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Once some disciples of Swami Vilakshanananda came for a

visit to the ashram. They told Bhagavan, "Our guru has directed

that each disciple should do a particular japa a few thousands of

times each day and dedicate its fruits to him. We follow his

instructions. What is the method prescribed here?"

 

Bhagavan had a hearty laugh and said, "Is it so? A fine arrangement,

isn't it? The disciples do not trouble the guru. They do what is needed

and the benefit accrues to the guru!"

 

While he was saying this Muruganar entered the Hall.

 

Addressing him Bhagavan said, "Just listen to what these peope are

saying. Their guru asks them to repeat their 'mantra' a few

thousands of times and surrender the fruits to him. What would remain

for his disciples? It is like keeping the capital but parting with the

interest to the guru. A fine arrangement, isn't it?"

 

In a choked voice and with tears Muruganar said, "This is not that

bad. At least the capital remains intact. The Guru here swallows

even the capital! Afterwards who remains to give the interest. Both

the interest and capital would be eaten up."

 

What Muruganar meant was that Bhagavan graciously destroys

the minds of staunch devotees. This is like swallowing the capital

since who can do japa when the one to do it is not there? What can

be dedicated when the one to dedicate is not there?

 

Mind is the capital. The japa done by using it is the interest.

What is left to do when the mind is destroyed? In the world if

persons depending on interest lose their capital it would be a

disaster. But when Bhagavan's grace dissolves the mind it is

the best thing that can happen, for then one experiences the

bliss of the Self.