Spiritual Stories by Ramana

THE SIDDHAS’ LESSON
IN THE VASISHTAM it is stated that Rama, after his return from apilgrimage, found that the whole world was full of misery and thatbearing the body was itself a cause of misery. He, therefore lefteverything, even things like eating and drinking, and remainedmotionless. When Viswamitra asked Dasaratha to send Rama to guard hisoblations ceremony (yagna), Dasaratha said that Rama was like a madman and described some of the signs of his madness. On hearing them,Viswamitra said that he was very pleased to hear of those symptoms,that such madness did not come to many people and that he would liketo see him and asked for him to be brought. Rama accordingly came,prostrated before all those present and sat down.
Viswamitra saw him and asked him the cause of his madness, andaddressing Vasishta, said, “Please teach Rama the knowledge of theSelf, the knowledge which Brahma taught you and me.” Vasishta agreedto do so. While he was teaching, siddhas from all over came to listento him and they thought to themselves, “Rama has gained so muchknowledge at such a young age. How surprising! How great! What is theuse of our living so long?”
CONCLUDED CONCLUDED CONCLUDED