the cubses' love for Uncle Annamalai

As the four cubses were scampering home, Tirucub remarked in a concerned voice, "Uncle Annamalai looked a little ... thin."



The others agreed.

When they got home to the cave, they told Mum Lioness of their wonderful visit with Uncle Annamalai, and of how Bhagavan had dropped by, and how Bhagavan was going to show them all that Uncle Annamalai had constructed at the ashram. They also confided in her their worry that Uncle Annamalai had looked so thin.



Mum Lioness liked to guide the cubses socratically so they would discover things for themselves. "What would be the best thing to do?" she asked the four.

"If we ask him if he is getting enough to eat, he will likely just say yes -- whether he is or isn't," said Tirucub.

"He may be so close to realising the Self that he is not even paying any attention to whether he is getting enough," added Arunacub.

Mum Lioness listened and nodded.

"I think we should just take him all his meals," said Omcub simply.

"Yes!" agreed Spotty.

"If you do," said Mum Lioness, "you must be consistent and always take them, not just on days when it seems specially fun."

"Yes," said Tirucub, "because if we do, anyone else who is feeding him may think "oh i don't need to anymore ... those cubses are his cooks now.""

"Exactly," said Mum Lioness.

The cubses looked at each other and were silent for a few moments. Then they all nodded at once, as if they had reached a decision at the same second.

"We will go every day," said Spotty, " and take him all the food he needs for that day."

They set to work and made him a nice batch of iddlies and sambar. They packed up a basket with some buttermilk and fruit as well.



Then they set out for Palakottu.



Uncle Annamalai welcomed them back in.



Tirucub swept while the other cubs talked with Uncle Annamalai.



After Uncle Annamalai had eaten his lunch, he told the cubses the most wonderful stories.



From that day on, they brought him his meals and swept his hut each day. They were so punctual that Uncle Annamalai would sometimes watch from the window so he could see them coming along pulling their little wagon.