Annamalai Swamigal
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the self inflicted wound
- “The courage to experiment is the key to realize the Truth.” - Paramahamsa
Annamalai Swamigal was a direct disciple of Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharishi. Around the age of 10, Paramahamsa started going to the Ramana Ashram in Tiruvannamalai. He sat with Annamalai Swamigal's disciples regularly at the lecture sessions. One of the attractions of going to him was that he used to distribute candies after his discourses!
One day, Annamalai Swamigal explained the concept of maya or illusion, when he said, 'We are not the body; this body is not real; what is real is the spirit; there is no pain that can affect this spirit; we are beyond pain and suffering.'
With these words ringing in his ears, Paramahamsa ran back home that day, took the kitchen knife and promptly cut his own body on the right thigh to see if he experienced pain. Intense pain and chiding followed.
He went back to him and demanded to know an explanation. Annamalai Swamigal gave him a deeper explanation which intensified his burning need to know and experience deeper Truths. Paramahamsa cites this as a distinct turning point in his early years.
