Ramana Maharshi - Does it not pain the tree ?

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DOES IT NOT PAIN THE TREE ?One morning K. was cutting down the ripe coconutsfrom the trees while Bhagavan was returning from thecowshed (gosala). Bhagavan asked K. what rod hewas using to pluck the coconuts, whether it had abamboo bit attached to the end or an iron point.K. remarked that it was only an iron sickle.Bhagavan asked:" Will not the trees be hurt by the sharpiron ? Would not a rod with a bamboo bit at the end servethe purpose ?" And Bhagavan did not wait for a reply.K. went on with his work , nor did he change his instrument,but continued to use the iron sickle every morning.A week later , at the same time as on the previous occasion,while K. was cutting down the coconuts from the trees, onefell on his forehead and struck his nose very painfully.This news was reported to Bhagavan.While expressing pity for the man , Bhagavan also remarked:"Now he will know what it is to be hurt , and also how muchhis iron sickle must have heard the uncomplaining trees."How like is Bhagavan, who finds all nature pulsatingwith life and light!=========================taken from :AT THE FEET OF BHAGAVANT.K. SUNDARESA IYER=========================