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The enclosed story has been documented by V Ganesan in his book: The Human Gospel of Ramana Maharshi. The sage was Ganesan’s grand uncle and Ganesan had the tremendous fortune to spend the first 14 years of his life in the Maharshi’s divine company.
Echammal adored Bhagavan Maharshi Ramana as God incarnate. One day, she took a vow to pluck one hundred thousand leaves from the sacred vilva (also known as bilva or bael) tree and offer them to Bhagavan’s picture.
She was able to pluck only fifty thousand leaves, so she complained to Bhagavan, “I wanted to complete this ritual, but I could only manage to find fifty thousand leaves.”
“Did you try all the trees?” asked Bhagavan.
“Yes Bhagavan. I tried all the trees but I could pluck only fifty thousand.”
Bhagavan‘s face changed, “Then why don‘t you pluck the flesh from your body and offer that instead?”
Echammal thought Bhagavan was joking. She said, “How can I pinch my own body? It will hurt.”
Bhagavan then turned to her, “You are plucking leaves from the tree. Will it not hurt the tree?”
“How could I know that?” she replied.
Bhagavan retorted, “When you knew pinching your own body is painful, why did you not recognize that the tree will be equally pained if you rob it of its leaves? Do I have to tell you that?”
This transformed her completely. (Echammal realized that she should try to feel oneness with all creation).Uplift your consciousness! Receive daily spiritual quotes from great Rishis. Subscribe on WhatsApp.
