The process of puja is now complete :


As soon as Bhagavan returned to the hall and sat on the couch, one of the devotees put some incense into the stove nearby.

The fumes were a little too intense and as they spread around Bhagavan’s face, he felt almost suffocated.

“Shall we open the windows?”

suggested a devotee.

Bhagavan said, “Let it be. Leave it alone.

In the temples, we burn the incense and fan the fumes towards the deity so that the idol is completely enveloped in the fumes.

Your idea in burning the incense here also is to see that the Swami should enjoy the fumes.

Moreover, they are spreading out of their own accord.

Why are you now trying to drive the fumes away?”

Just as Bhagavan was saying this, a devotee fanned the embers in the stove with his hand.

Suddenly the whole thing burst into a flame.

 We were afraid that the heat of the flame might affect Bhagavan and began to feel anxious.

But Bhagavan said with a smile,

“Yes, now it is all right. The incense has been burnt and the lights have been waved, the process of puja is now complete.”

Then Bhagavan resumed silence.

Sri Ramana Maharishi

(From 'Letters from Sri Ramanasramam' 271)
Thiruvanna Malai

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