Bhagavan continues the story of his journey

The cubs sat around Bhagavan. One devotee was fanning Bhagavan gently. He asked the cubs, "How is dear Annamalai today? Did he like the iddlies?"
The cubs were astonished that Bhagavan knew, but then rememberd that Mum Lioness used to remind them everyday that there was nothing that Bhagavan did not know.
The cubs assured Bhagavan that Uncle Annamalai had enjoyed the iddlies, and Mum's cooking was improving day-by-day.

I reached the station late, Bhagavan said. The cubs and other devotees immediately straightened themselves out, all sat in rapt attention. But the train was also an hour late!
I looked up the chart for Tindivanam, what i thought was the closest to Tiruvannamalai. Had i looked a little further i would have noticed that a new line had been opened to Tiruvannamalai.

I bought my ticket for a little less than the three rupees I had and waited for the train. Later i was sitting in the compartment silently, not speaking to anyone, sunk in bliss, oblivious of my physical body.

Every now and then the cubs edged a little closer, thinking that Bhagavan would not notice. Or maybe they were drawn closer unintentionally.



Madurai passed by, the Dindigul fort where i played as a child passed by, there was no longing, no nostalgia, just a desire to be with my Father.

It was evening. A moulvi was telling stories of saints and sages to the passengers. They listened with interest to him. Then he noticed me sitting with eyes closed, and asked me where i was going. When i told him then he informed me of the newly opened line.

And where are you going, silent young lad of mine?

He said he was going nearby to Tirukoillur. When he asked me for which station I had bought my ticket, he was surprised. Oho, he said, you will have to alight at Villupuram and take another train for Tirukoillur and Tiruvannamalai.

As the train rolled into Tiruchirapalli at night, I opened my eyes to see that the moulvi was no longer there. Now I began to feel a little hungry. I bought two apples, had a bite or two and felt satisfied.

"Why didn't you ask your Aunt to pack you some iddlies, Bhagavan?", asked Omcub. By now the cubs were practically touching Bhagavan's knees. Bhagavan picked up Omcub, placing him on his lap and said, "If i had told my aunt i was going, no one would let me leave. I had to keep it a secret"
The cubses eyes lit up on hearing the word "secret". They loved secrets.

Om: Bhagavan, if you had only told me, I would have come running with a bag of Ramana Munch!

"Were the apples tasty, Bhagavan?" asked Tirucub with concern.
"Yes, of course.", replied Bhagavan, not wanting to tell the little cubs that he was unaware of eating. The cubs were happy to hear that Bhagavan had enjoyed the apples and was no longer hungry. At that moment a peacock made a loud call and Arunacub grabbed this opportunity and jumped onto Bhagavan's other lap hoping the sudden move would go unnoticed.

Bhagavan put his other arm around Arunacub.

Two cubs grab positions

In the morning, He continued, I alighted at Villupuram. I looked around for signs of Tiruvannamalai but could see none. I found a hotel but the owner said the food would be ready by noon. So i sat down and closed my eyes.
When the food was ready, the kind man woke me up and served me. He refused to take any money from me, and told me to take a train to Mambalapattu. Aah, I had seen many signs of Mambalapattu on the way.

Bhagavan picked up Tirucub and placed him between the two other cubs. He picked Spotty and placed him on Tiru's lap. Fluffy swami was adjusted on Om's lap (altho all the other cubs put their paws out hoping to have him on their laps). Balanandaswami managed to fit on Arunacub's lap, and with Bhagavan's arms around all of them, they continued the narration without anyone falling off.

The money I had on me was just enough to get me a ticket to Mambalapattu. The cubs all tried to pronounce the name but could get no further than "mumble". I reached Mambalapattu in the afternoon. Tiruvannamalai was about 30 miles from there and I set out to walk the distance.

At that moment, the lunch bell rang. Bhagavan invited the cubs for lunch.

Plight of the Troublesome Sadhus

Jagaswami and Krackaswami woke up the next moahning. Jagaswami groaned in pain. His head hurt. He had a hangover. Krackaswami was feeling sick, eating mea* and no whole-grains or fruit had given him a touch of constipation. Jags called out "Bala, where are you?" angrily. Then he remembered that Bala had not been seen for some time. "Must be rotting in some corner of the forest", he cursed."Useless chap!"

He took a deep breath. Aah, the place smelt good at least. The aroma was of course of rotting garbage which was blocking the doors and forming little mounds outside each window. Jags and Krackiswami rolled in some rotting garbage and felt distinctly better. That allowed Jags to launch another volley of curses at Balanandaswami.

The kitchen was charred beyond recognition. It was providential that the mansion had not burned down. "Look if Bala is not returning, we need to find someone else to serve us" said Krackaswami.

Jags answered smoothly "Why, there's you, Kracks. After making coffee you can press my aching back." He then added softly, "You know I never forgive those who betray me."

Kracks did not move, although his ear wiggled at the last sentence. Jags understood that now was not the time to push Kracks to the edge and lose him. Maybe Kracks too was thinking of leaving. "Yup, you are right, Kracks. We need to collar some more devotees. For the moment even a poor one will do, to clean up this place, and cook for us. Later we can look for a rich one whose house we can take over, if need be."

He then added "Oh by the way Kracks, talking about titles, I was thinking of promoting you to Acharya for your unparalleled devotion to me. If you continue, you will be made paramacharya later.
I, of course, will remain Bhagavan for all, although i spent all of last night toying with Jagadguru. Perhaps that can be added on official communications and publicity. "

"Bhagavan Jagaswami Jagadguru", Jagaswami said with a flourish, and found he enjoyed the sound of it. Although it should be much longer, he thought. Perhaps 108 "Sri"'s could be added in the beginning.

Krackaswami thought that being called Acharya was a great idea. It would help him later when he needed to take over Jagaswami's followers.

He made a little fire with a pawful of garbage and prepared a pot of coffee. How sad to burn garbage, he thought. Lovely rotting garbage.

Meanwhile Jags was thinking about what he had recently found in the attic. That should take him a long way.

Bhagavan, please tell us more!

In the morning the cubses had their math lesson. They had absolutely no idea someone was spying on them.



"What has happened to your turban, Arunacub?" asked Mum Lioness, a little while later.

"I don't know where it went, Mum Lioness," said Arunacub. Then he quickly changed the subject so Mum Lioness would drop the topic. (He had no clue where it had gotten to). "Let's be elefinks!"



"But it is almost time for Uncle Annamalai's lunch ..." said Mum Lioness.

"He won't mind four elephinks delivering his food," said Tirucub. "It will make a nice change for him. Has he ever had his food brought by four elephants before? I bet not!"

"Oh all right," said Mum Lioness.

"Om Om Om, let us be elefinks," said Omcub.



They packed up Uncle Annamalai's food which they had made a little earlier, and set out.

Uncle Annamalai, looking out his window, was quite startled to see four elephants coming his way, pulling the cart he associated with the cubses.



"It is only us, Uncle!" they called out to him.

"Only who? I did not know I had any elephant nephews!"

"Just us ... Om-elly and Spotty-elly and Aruna-elly and me, Tiru-elly," Tiru explained.

Uncle Annamalai laughed and took all this in his stride. A delicious aroma filled his little hut as the elephants unpacked his lunch.



Afterwards, the elefinks dashed home to collect Mum Lioness.

"We must go to Bhagavan! Let's see if he will tell us any more of the wonderful story of his setting out toward his Father."

On the way they met Balanandaswami and Fluffaswami, who of course wanted to go too.

When they arrived at Bhagavan's feet, they begged him to continue with the story of his journey to Arunachala.

"Bhagavan, please tell us more! What happened after you left the note?" Arunacub coaxed. "What azackly happened next? And please don't leave anything out!"

One hundred and eleven years ago

It was the 29th of August, 1896. Venkataraman's English teacher had asked him, as a punishment for indifference in studies, to copy out a lesson from Bain's Grammar three times. The boy copied it out twice, but stopped there, realizing the utter futility of that task.

This game is totally rediclious

Throwing aside the book and the papers, he sat up, closed his eyes, and turned inward in meditation.

O Arunagireeswara! Father, I long for Thee

His elder brother, Nagaswami, who was watching Venkataraman's behaviour all the while went up to him and said : "What use is all this to one who is like this?" This was obviously meant as a rebuke for Venkataraman's unworldly ways including neglect of studies.

What use is all this to such a one?

Venkataraman did not give any reply. He admitted to himself that there was no use pretending to study and be his old self. He decided to leave his home; and he remembered that there was a place to go to, Tiruvannamalai.

"THERE is no time to waste. I must reach the lap of Arunagireeswara. How to do so? Won't He show the way?", thought Venkataraman and got up at once.

His brother asked him where he was off to. "I have a special class on Electricity at twelve. I have to attend it," replied Venkataraman. The brother said, "Very well, there are five rupees in the box downstairs. Take the keys from aunt and pay my college fees. After all, the college is close to your school." The brother was not at all aware that he was facilitating the journey of Venkataraman who must have thought that his Father was coming to his help. It also confirmed his feeling that his departure was at the command of his Father.

Very well, Lord in the form of my little brother, here is some money for my fees (your secret trip)

Venkataraman went down, hurriedly ate the meal served by his aunt and took the amount as directed by his brother.

He could not bid farewell to his dear little sister, Alamelu, or little brother Nagasundaram, for they were living with a relative in another town after his father's passing away.

Little sister Alamelu was living in another town

How was he to know the way? He did not feel like asking anyone nor could anyone have guessed his plan.

Checking atlas for Tiruvannamalai

Years later, Bhagavan's class fellow Ranga Iyer had his darshan, prostrated before him and asked, "How is it that you did not even tell me that you were leaving home?"

The reply was, "I myself did not know till I actually left the house."

Farewell letter left behind for brother

I have, in search of my Father, and in obedience to his command started from here. This is only embarking on a virtuous enterprise. Therefore none need grieve over this affair. To trace this out, no money need be spent.

Your college fee has not been paid. Rupees two are enclosed herewith.

Thus,
--------

Please see One hundred and eleven years ago, and this.

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.

Spotty shares a secret !!

Spotty woke up early this morning. He went bouncing over to the Lions cave. The door was locked. No problem he thought as he used the secret passageway. Only he and the cubses knew about it.

The cubses were farst asleep in Mum Lionesses arms. All four of them were purring away, they sounded like an orchestra! One was draped over Mum Lioness like he had been put out to dry.



He tickled them softly and whispered in their ears. One by one they got up. "I have a BIG secret to share with you!".

Mum Lioness sleeps while cubs follow Spotty

All three looked at him wide-eyed. They gave one look back at Mum Lioness, who was completing the symphony on her own. A great solo performance. It was safe.

Spotty brought them out of the cave. Om asked "Are you going to tell us the secret of how you are always six months old."
"No"
"How Unca Stripes found you?" asked Aruna cub with ascitement.
"Nope"
"About how you defeated the troll once?" asked Tirucub after much thinking.
"No, again"
"About the troublesome sadhus ?? " "Balaswami?" ...

Spotty realized he was about to lose their interest, so he quickly continued.
I have for sometime been meeting someone.
The cubses eyeses opened wide.
Before they could start their guessing game he went on.
"I go over once a week to him. We meditate together. He lives a reclusive life now."
Spotty started walking towards the asram.
"Wait a bit", i would like you to see him.
"I have been telling him about you three for some time. He has been listening with interest. He has been asking to meet you. But you went off camping."
"Uncle Muruganar?"
"Nope, can't you fellers wait without guessing?"
"Uncle Andavane?"
"No. and its not Uncle Kunjuswami either, or Uncle Nayana or ..."
"Ok", they said meekly, resigned to having to wait.

They then took the path away from the ashram to the Sadhu colony.
"Oh I know.", screamed Omcub "Unca Chadwick!"
"NOOOOO", said Spotty triumphantly, "You have been unable to guess, and we're ommst there, so hold it will ya?"

They neared a hut. There was sound of a broom swishing the floor. Some one looked out of the hut on hearing the ascited squeals of the cubses. The person was thin, and quite dark, with a very pleasant face.
Spotty smiled with delight. The three cubs looked with amazement their jaws dropping till they ommst touched the ground.
The person grinned with obvious joy and welcomed them in. All four cubses threw themselves on his feet like they were raiders falling upon a heap of diamonds.

The person lifted them up one by one and kissed them. "You must be Arunacub" he said recognizing the torban. "And you definitely are Omcub," he said tussling his long hair (almost grown back to original length after that awful lice infestation). "Tirucub" he said hugging Tiru who could not conceal his delight.

"We have seen you so often" Tiru said, "in the earlier days."
"I remember well" replied the person "I once stole a glass of water drunk by Bhagavan to you when you were this tiny". He bent down to knee height to show how small Tiru was then.
"Did you?" Tiru asked in amazement, a little sad that he could not recollect the incident.
"You were the first person to sip water drunk by Bhagavan at lunch?"
Tiru glowed with pride to know this.

"Mum Lioness has told us all about you, Sir." the cubs said, " About all the buildings you have constructed here."
"Perhaps you will take us around yourself some day and show us yourself." implored Omcub in his most impossible-to-refuse cutesy voice.
The person did not answer, there was a sad look in his eyes.

Spotty told the cubs "Uncle does not go to the ashram now. Bhagavan has told him to concentrate on meditation."

As he said that the person looked up at the hut door. The cubs swivelled around instantly and gasped.
Standing at the door was Bhagavan. Bhagavan said, "Oho! Annamalai swami, whom do you have here today?"

Bhagavan on Arunachala Hill

Before Annamalai Swamy could answer Bhagavan asked, "What were you asking, Omcub?"
Om cub gulped. His voice would not come out. Arunacub opened his mouth but had lost his voice, too.
Tiru somehow managed to squawk, "Bhagavan, we were asking Uncle Annalamai if he would take us around the ashram and show us what all he has constructed."
"Well, if he won't, I certainly will", replied Bhagavan.

Then Bhagavan added, "Tomorrow bring along Mum Lioness and Unca Stripes. I will show you the wonders Annamalai Swamy has created."

Saying so Bhagavan continued on his walk.
The cubs were speechless. No one knew what to say.
Presently Omcub found his voice. He couldn't wait to tell Mum Lioness.

They kissed Uncle Annamalai's hands. It was impossible to tear themselves apart from him. Then they sensed that Mum Lioness would be getting up anytime. Uncle Annamalai said, "Next time you come without Mum Lioness, do tell her first so she doesn't worry."
He gave the cubs some nuts to munch on the way back.

"Can we tell Mum Lioness this secret?" Om asked as they came out of the hut.
Spotty nodded vigorously (not wanting to tell them that she knew about this beforehand). The cubs scampered home ascitedly each wanting to be the first to tell Mum Lioness.

As they approached home, they detected a heavenly aroma. All four burst into the kitchen sniffing and smacking their lips.

"Annamalai cakes!", announced Mum Lioness, "With maple syrup. And Spotty's favorite berry shakes."

Bhagavan tells a story

Bhagavan had told the cubs to come back to hear a story. "Oho!", said Bhagavan, "Where were you the past two days?", as though He knew nothing. The cubs said they had gone camping. "Without telling poor Spotty?", asked Bhagavan with concern.
The cubses were about to say they had told Unca Stripes to tell Spotty, but then realized that would put Stripes in a spot. So they hung their head embarrassed. Bhagavan smiled and asked them if they were going to stand all day, if so then he would too.

Then Bhagavan began the story (in third person). This story goes back to the days when one 16-year old boy had left his home in Madurai and set off alone for Tiruvannamalai.

Lord Arunachala was guiding him back to his real home, the Arunachala Hill.

But now the young boy, earlier known as Venkataraman, was tired and hungry.

Tired young swami

He had walked many miles and had no strength left in him. He asked people at a temple for food.

Young swami asks for food and water

After many attempts he reached the house of Aunt Lioness. She saw an opportunity to serve a brahmin boy. She looked at him and thought, how fortunate am I. It is Gokulashtami today, the birthday of Lord Krishna. And this boy looks just like Krishna himself.

Dark boy looks just like Lord Krishna

She called out to him and served him a plate of food. He ate sparingly. She had to scold him a bit so he would eat more.

Aunt Lioness telling young boy to eat well

After eating a little he fell asleep, so azhausted was he.

Tired, young swami falls sleeps

Unknown to all (until now), sensing something in him, Aunt Lioness fell at his feet, surrounding them with her paws.

Aunt Lioness hugs swami's feet, cubs watch to see how its done

She then pressed her face on his holy feet and washed them with her tears.

Mum Lioness presses head on Bhagavan's feet

Her little cubs also took turns in kissing the brahmin boy's feet. Om apparently thought it was a good moment to steal a nap.

Lion cubs prostrate at Bhagavan's Feet, one goes into bliss

Arunacub lies at young swamis feet. Tiru getting impatient for his toahn nudging Aruna

When it came to Tiru's turn (praps this was the second or third time he was trying to kiss the boy's feet) the boy got up and tried to hug Tiru. He was not instraded in being worshipped at all.

The young swami trying to hug Tiru who is intent on stealing a third prostration

However, obstinate Tiru kept trying to dive for Venkataraman's feet.

Tirucub tries to dive at the young swami's feet

Then feeling a rise in energy (and perhaps realizing that the three cubs were a bit much for him to handle), young Venkataraman got up to continue his journey home. He toahned to them and bade them farewell. He said, "Goodbye Tiru Swami". Tirucub was taken aback. "Goodbye Arunachala Swamy! Goodbye Om Swami!". All three cubs were stunned. The little boy had addressed them as Swami out of respect.
He then turned to Mum Lioness and said, "Goodbye Amma Lioness! Take care of the little ones."

Mother Lioness and her cubs tried to hold him back but couldn't. They hid their tears as he departed.

Cubs comfort Mum Lioness on young swami's departure

Little did she know then that one day they would meet Him again on the hill, and that He would often recall her motherly love and care for him on that day (in 1897 was it?) when reminiscing the childhood days.

Little did she know that the one she had fed was Krishna and Siva himself.