Apology to Hornets

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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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