Bhagavan's Prasad

Sri Ramana Maharshi

A middle-aged, weak-looking man came with a walking stick in his hand, placed it before Bhagavan, bowed low and sat near Maharshi. He got up and with great humility offered the stick to Bhagavan, saying that it was sandal-wood. Sri Bhagavan told him to keep it for himself. Because nothing of Bhagavan’s can be safeguarded. Being common property but coveted by some, it will be taken away by any visitor with or without Bhagavan’s permission. Then the donor may be displeased.

But the man still humbly insisted. Sri Bhagavan could not resist his supplications, and said, “Keep it yourself as prasad from Bhagavan.” The man then requested that the stick might first be taken and then given to him by Sri Bhagavan with blessings. Sri Bhagavan received it, smelled it, said it was fine, nodded, and handed it back to the man, saying, “Keep it. It will make you always remember me.”