Ramana Kids Corner
On the day before Bhagavan’s
Jayanthi (birthday), some of the members of
the Ramana Kids Club, were having a meeting.
They were planning a grand birthday celebration
for Bhagavan. Let’s see what happens,
shall we?
Sam: Let’s start planning
for Bhagavan’s birthday party!
Priya: Sure, I prepared the guest
list, it is for 650 people.
Sally: Oh good, I have already
ordered the 10 layered cake, which is made with
the richest ingredients.
Madan: Check out all the gold
ornaments to adorn Bhagavan’s figure!
Sam: We are going to be so busy
arranging for this function that we might not
have time to do our usual prayers.
Priya: Since Bhagavan is the greatest
of greatest saints, we have to do a very extravagant
celebration, to please Him.
Madan: All this will cost thousands
of rupees, but our parents will be willing to
pay for a good cause.
Sally: After all, this is for
Bhagavan.
Sam: I have already ordered tons
of flowers from the florist shop. However I
am also going to pluck flowers from all my neighbour’s
gardens.
Priya: I am sure, they won’t
mind, it is only for Bhagavan.
As they planned excitedly, they
heard a knock on the door. Guess who was there!
Lo and behold, it was Arunachala Paati! They
eagerly conveyed their plans to Arunachala Paati.
How do you think Arunachala Paati reacted?
You guessed right, she was shocked
beyond measure!
Instead of acting violently, she
gently taught the kids the true meaning of Bhagavan’s
Jayanthi.
Arunachala Paati: Bhagavan was
the epitome of simplicity. If He had desired
He could have had all the money in the world.
Instead He chose to lead an utterly simple life.
What do you think would please Bhagavan most?
Is it gold ornaments, cake, flowers, lots of
wasted money and time OR is it abiding in silence
and complete surrender to God? Think about it.
Did Bhagavan want anything from His devotees?
Sam: Paati, now I understand.
It is wrong to take the life of a flower, in
the name of Bhagavan. Bhagavan would never have
approved of hurting any living being.
The kids were very inspired with
what they heard from Arunachala Paati. They
immediately sat down to recite the Aksharamanamalai
in complete devotion. This truly set the mood
for the most joyous celebration of their dear
Bhagavan’s birthday in each of their Hearts!
* * *
Activity
Arunachala Paati: Children, listen
to the words of Bhagavan, relating to the celebration
of Bhagavan’s birthday.
“At least on one’s
birthday one should mourn one’s entry
into the world (samsara). To glory in it and
celebrate it is like delighting in and decorating
a corpse. To seek one’s self and merge
in the self: that is wisdom.”
Children, discuss the meaning
of the above words of wisdom with your family,
and celebrate Bhagavan’s birthday in your
Hearts!
