Message #22015

[ding dong]

Ramana said unequivocally that Lakshmi the cow had attained full liberation at her death. I heard one story where he looked at some people and said, "Look at Lakshmi. Do you know what state she is in? She is in samadhi." A guy on facebook even claimed that it was because Ramana was a recluse and that "even he couldn't take it" when she died and so he made that story about her enlightenment. Seems like a ridiculous interpretation to me that doesn't really tally with the facts. People make such statements very confidently, though. Who knows? Ramana said that he was visited by Siddhas in animal bodies often. Take it how you will. He also said vegetarianism was one of the best aids to spiritual practice because it produces a sattwic mind.

I personally never eat meat. When I read about Yogananda many years ago, I decided that meat eating wasn't for me. It was the easiest thing I've ever given up because I never liked the taste of meat much anyway. It is really the things on top of meat, like ketchup, that really tastes good to me. But there aren't many options for vegetarians in the small town where I am at this writing. Meat is a staple here. Still I manage. There are scant vegetarian options in fast food, although after 8 years of vegetarianism you learn all the veggie items on the menus. Family gatherings are awkward.