A. Devaraja Mudaliar - Recollections of Bhagavan, #2

[Guest guest]

.....

 

As a precaution, however, I used to take a vegetarian tonic known as

Chyavanaprash for many years in addition to my food. Once later, after

I had become a permanent innate of the Asramam, and when Bhagavan

had become very weak, I again went up the hill one morning, and meeting

Bhagavan as he came down begged him to try this medicine, telling him

it was really a food and that the base of it was the Nellikai fruit which is said

to be very good for health and to supply vitamin deficiency. Bhagavan said:

"Yes, it is really very good. We have the recipe for it here in the Asramam.

Take it. But it is not necessary for me. I am all right." So my mission failed.

 

However, a few months later some Chyavanaprash was brought

by Kunju Swami from an ashram at Conjeeveram which he was visiting, with

a prayer from the head of that ashram that Bhagavan should try it as it was

sure to improve his health. I and others added our prayers and Bhagavan did

finally take it for about three weeks. Referring to this, he told me some time

later: "I did not want to take this Chyavanaprash. Apparently it was your sankalpa

(referring to my original request) that has brought this about".

 

On another occasion also a devotee by the name of H.C. Khanna,

brought this tonic specially prepared for Bhagavan for the Punjab and

begged him to take it. Then again I and others entreated Bhagavan to

do so and eventually he took it for a day or two, but then he asked his

attendants to serve it to everyone at breakfast one day. I several times

remonstrated with Bhagavan on such conduct. I used to plead: "It is

all right if Bhagavan says food must be distributed to all impartially,

but that cannot apply to things like fruit juice or medicinal tonics

which are necessary only for those in ill-health."

But Bhagavan would say: "As though this will not be good for all!

If it is good for me, it is good for them also."

 

 

___

 

My Recollections of Bhagavan Sri Ramana

By A. Devaraja Mudaliar

___