Letters from Sri Ramanasramam 406
grief. The news spread amongst the people and a feeling of terror arose amongst them. Even at sunrise, the king did not get up nor did the Muni turn up. While everyone was anxiously waiting for some news, one of the servants turned up towards sunset together with Ashtavakra seated in a palanquin. As soon as they saw the Muni, the ministers were wild with anger. But afraid that the work ahead would be spoiled if they expressed their resentment, they respectfully enquired of the Muni if any black magic had been practised on the king. ‘What do I gain by practising black magic on your king? Anyway, why not ask your master himself?’ said the Muni. ‘We did ask, but the king is unable to speak. He has not taken food, nor even water, for the last two days. Please somehow see that he eats something’, said the ministers. Then the Muni approached the king and said ‘Rajah!’ Immediately the king said, “What orders, swami? What is that I have done against your’ The Muni asked, ‘Who said that you have done anything against me? You have done nothing. It is all right. Don’t worry. Now get up and eat,’ said the Muni.
“The king got up, ate and sat again motionless. ‘Please have mercy on us and restore our king to his original condition,’ said the ministers. The Muni promised to do so. After sending them all out, he bolted the doors behind them, and approaching the king, asked him why he was sitting motionless like that. Immediately the king said, ‘Swami, I have no rights whatsoever over this body. These legs and these hands are not mine; this tongue is not mine; these eyes, ears and all the senses — none of them are mine; this kingdom is not mine. In truth, I surrendered to you my body, my mind and my wealth. Without your orders, I am not competent to do anything. That is why I am like this,’
said the king.