Shall We Listen to Him?

September 27, 2003

S. Rajam is a distinguished South Indian musician, painter and a keen amateur photographer. Now 84, he lives in Chennai.

Sometime in the 1940s, S. Rajam visited Sri Ramanasramam. Rajam sang a song in the Old Hall and was rewarded by the gracious glance of Bhagavan.

On coming to know that Bhagavan took a walk on Arunachala after breakfast, Rajam decided to photograph him. He set up his tripod near the steps at the back of the ashram and waited. When Bhagavan returned Rajam prostrated before him and requested him if he could take a photograph. Bhagavan agreed and asked him whether the camera was a "plate" type camera. The astonished Rajam who did not expect Bhagavan to know about the latest techniques in photography, replied that it was and requested Bhagavan if he might take a photograph. Bhagavan agreed and he took a photo. Then Bhagavan asked him whether he needed another shot. Rajam replied in the negative saying that one was fine.

When he returned to Madras, Rajam discovered that the negative was spoiled and was blank. He then realised why Bhagavan had asked him whether one shot was enough.

Often, Bhagavan's words or actions may be so subtle that it is difficult to understand them in the first instance. Whatever Bhagavan said or did, the foremost purpose was the welfare of the devotee. It is possible that we may miss the true significance of Bhagavan's advice and pass it over, later to our regret. The suggestion may be something very simple as in Rajam's case but the inner import could carry a deeper significance of which we are not aware at the time.

Bhagavan may not also repeat the suggestion - all the more reason why one had to be deeply attentive to him. Just because he is not in the body it is not different now.

Devotees need only to turn inwards and pay attention to the guidance that emanates from the deep within. And more important, abide by it.

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