Paul Brunton - The Maharshi and His Message #25

[Guest guest]

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With three rupees in his pocket and an utter ignorance of the

world, he set out on the journey into the interior of the South. The

amazing incidents which marked that journey prove conclusively

that some mysterious power was protecting and guiding him. When

at last he arrived at his destination, he was utterly destitute and

among total strangers. But the emotion of total renunciation was

burning strong within him. Such was the youth’s scorn for all earthly

possessions, that he flung his robe aside and took up his meditative

posture in the temple precincts quite nude. A priest observed this

and remonstrated with him, but to no purpose. Other shocked

priests came along, and after vehement efforts, forced a concession

from the youth. He consented to wear a loin-cloth and that is all he

has ever worn to this day.

 

For six months he occupied various spots in the precincts,

never going anywhere else. He lived on some rice which was

brought him once a day by a priest who was struck by the

 

precocious behaviour of the youth. For Ramana spent the entire

day plunged in mystical trances and spiritual ecstasies so profound

that he was entirely oblivious of the world around him. When

some rough Moslem youths flung mud at him and ran away, he

was quite unaware of the fact until some hours later. He felt no

resentment against them in his heart.

 

The stream of pilgrims who descended on the temple made

it difficult for him to obtain the seclusion he desired. So he left

the place and moved to a quiet shrine set in the fields some

distance from the village. Here he continued to stay for a year

and a half. He was satisfied with the food brought by the few

people who visited this shrine.

 

Throughout this time he spoke to no one; indeed, he never

opened his lips to talk until three years passed since his arrival in

the district. This was not because he had taken a vow of silence,

but because his inner monitor urged him to concentrate all his

energy and attention upon his spiritual life. When his mystic

goal was attained the inhibition was no longer necessary and he

began to talk again, though the Maharshi has remained an

extremely taciturn man.

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