Letters from Sri Ramanasramam, by Suri Nagamma

All the brother and sister devotees residing in and around
the Ashram were busy the whole day making a fuss about
arrangements for the trip. Bhagavan was however sitting as
usual, dignified, calm and unconcerned. If all ask him to go,
he may do so; if they say do not go, he will stay away. Is there
anything for him to pack up or worry about? The kamandalu
(water bowl), the karra (walking stick), the kaupeena (loincloth)
and the towel over him are all the things about him. The
moment he thinks of it he could get ready to start.

Sankaracharya has described only such sages as “kaupeenavantah
khalu bhagyavantah” (he who wears a loincloth is verily the
richest). This Ashram, this programme, these devotees and
this paraphernalia are all like a drama enacted on the stage
for the benefit of others, but does Bhagavan really need them
all? Out of his abundant mercy he is in our midst; thus bound
down. By a mere wish, could he not go away freely crossing
the seven seas? Remember, his staying with us is our special
good luck. I shall write to you again about tomorrow’s
happenings.