CHAPTER - 5

They climbed and clambered the top of the hillock and from there they found that the sky with white cloud was almost kissing their feet.  The hilly yellow flowers were dangling with the cold breezes.  It was really an enjoyable scene.  After taking rest throughout the whole previous night, they were in fresh mood.  As usual, they were in search of trees with fruits so that they can satisfy their hunger.  From the top of the hillock they came near a narrow path surrounded by a small keen-deep brook.  After crossing the brook, they took the straight hilly road and found some strawberry trees.  They plucked the fruits, wiped them of the dirt and consumed them hurriedly to appease their hunger.  They drank water from the brook and began next course of journey. 

In the late evening, they reached a colossal palace beautifully decorated with artworks at the exterior and at the gates.  Upon knocking, they were ushered inside by the gateman, but they startled to see a big lion and quickly ran behind the gate.  The gateman assured them that the lion wouldn’t harm them as it was chained.  The gateman entered the palace and returned accompanied by a gentle looking person with calmness on his face.  He was attired in a pale orange dress with a re ‘tilak’ on the forehead.  He was of nearly six feet height, lanky and well-mannered person who with a very soft voice enquired,

“From where are you coming?”

Mind answered, “We, the pilgrims of the city of pride, are on the voyage of Celestial City to acquire heavenly wisdom and a religious life.”

“But, you could have done that staying in your hometown.  Why do you need to travel to the Celestial City?” The person asked.

Min then narrated his ream and explained to him his mission of this journey which was supported by Godlover.  They were discussing between themselves standing at an entry point of a parlour.  They later came to know that the person who was enquiring them was a respected man in that locality which was called Pilgrims’ Point.  He was the main monk and a knowledgeable person.  His duty was to bless the pilgrims.  He invited Mind and Godlover to listen to the religious discussions. 

After getting satisfied, Knowledgeable signaled them to follow him though the parlour.  They entered in a room where religious songs were played.  The aroma of the room filled up with incense sticks at one corner and with continuously religious songs were so appealing that both of them got mesmerized for a while.  When knowledgeable advised them to sit on the mat, they became attentive. Then, he summoned his three daughters who were introduced to Mind and Godlover.  Upon introduction, it was known that Pride was the eldest, Passion the middle one and Chirpy was the youngest one.  Proud was very beautiful with medium height and was dressed in a pale orange robe.  After some pleasantries, she left the place.  Passion was little dwarf and was attired in a red saree exposing her shoulders. She started questioning them the reason of their visiting this place, which place they belong, what is the mission of their journey?  Although these discussions, Chirpy who was a fair complexion belle was enjoying the conversation an time to time, she was _______ as if sky was showing her bluish emerged from the closed container of clouds.  Mind observed that all three were the daughters of Knowledgeable, still nature wise they were very different.  Proud was very reticent, she questioned and waited for the answer and preferred to talk less.  Passion was mostly interested to show off beauty and was more expert to reveal less, but expect more.  The youngest one was friend of prattling and she questioned Mind and Godlover a lot and advised them to narrate the whole episode of the journey starting from the beginning. 

Proud again approached them and scolded the sisters for questioning much.  She politely informed Mind and Godlover to wash their hands and face so that lunch could be served. 

Mind and Godlover obliged to adhere her advice. 

They entered in a place where five small sized mats were laid down.  Proud insisted them to sit. 

Mind enquired about Knowledgeable.  She said, “He has gone to the temple by the side of this palace to perform meditation.  He will come and meet you people in the early evening.”

Mind replied, “You must be also doing meditation.”

“Yes, I do, but at early morning at 4.00 o’clock everyday,” Proud answered

“What about you two.”

“No, we don’t but we carry out puja everyday under the guidance of our father,” Passion replied this time. 

“In fact, I learned meditation from my father at the age of ten.  Since then I am practicing.  And, it gives me total bliss.  Immediately after meditation, I get so relaxed, as if I am in heaven,” Mind explained with a serious tone. 

Passion laughed loudly only to get admonishment from her elder sister and immediately kept quiet.  After a simple lunch consisting of rice, vegetables, fruits and some varieties of sweets, Mind and Godlover were feeling sleepy.  Proud offered them a mattress in the adjoining room to relax.  They relaxed and slept.  Passion called Mind, “Get up, why are you sleeping so much, you won’t be in a position to sleep in night.  Here night means sleeping hours start at 9 in the evening. “ 

“No problem, we will gossip with you.  You are so nice in your looking as well as in behaviour that we will be uch obliged to get your company.” 

“If I gossip with you, who will perform the routine work of the temple?”

“What are these works.”

“As per instructions of my father, I have to charge the flowers, wash the utensils in which we offer sweets to God, to charge the clothes of various idols.  It takes atleast one hour.  After completion, I call my father and then he lights the God, performs puja and again sits in the meditation like morning hours.  If I ignore this work because of any reason, my father gets very upset.”

“OK, then you go and visit temple. We will wash our face and come there.”  After an hour, they visited the temple which was full of idols of many Gods started from Laxmi to Shiva.  Ushering inside the temple, they found Knowledgeable was in meditation.  Passion simply signaled them to sit.  Mind also sat for meditation.  Godlover closed his eyes and started chanting some hymns. After two hours at 8.00 o’clock, the surrounding was completely dark.  The different types of birds were returning back to their nests with chirping sound. The cold breeze of early winter made the atmosphere very pleasant.  Mind and Godlover were thinking as if they were in the celestial city for which they undertook this journey.  Knowledgeable opened his eyes, “I am observing your friend as an expert in meditation.” Godlover nodded.  Mind came out from the stage of meditation and touched the feet of Knowledgeable. He blessed both of them. 

All of them sat for dinner which were mostly fruits, sweets and milk.

“Can you manage with these or you want cereals?” Proud enquired.

Not at all.  It is preferable to consume light food at night for good physique and peaceful mind.  In fact, pungent foods being indigestive, uneasiness and disturbed mind.  To get up early in the morning, I always consume fruits and milk in night as you have offered, “Mind replied.  “All religious minded people will be alike in their nature,” Knowledgeable expressed his opinion.

In the next day morning, Mind and Godlover were getting ready to depart but Knowledgeable did not agree for the same.  He then went to the temple with an advice to her daughter Proud to look after them.  After morning breakfast, Mind concentrated on meditation whereas Godlover devoted his attention to stud some religious books.  No sooner they finished their bath, Knowledgeable returned from the temple and sat with them.  He started religious discussions with Mind and Godlover.  He said, “Are you aware about conscious and unconscious stage of mind and how it affects one’s character and various traits?”

Mind feebly replied, “He is aware but he has no in-depth knowledge about this.”  Godlover silently heard them.

“The human mind is divided mainly in two parts; the conscious and the unconscious.  These are integral parts of every individual mind whether male or female.  The difference between this two stages is that conscious mind deals with everything that is within the purview of our awareness whereas the unconscious mind deals with all those thoughts that the individual is unaware and the same is beyond his control.  But this definitely influences his behaviour.” 

“I am not very clear. Would you mind to explain it more in detail”?

“Look our body is a highly complex organism.  There are numerous functions going on at all times in our bodies like seeing, hearing, digestion, respiration and different types of movements.  Most of these functions are controlled by the unconscious mind.  Some little efforts are required on the part of our consciousness for the smooth functioning of these bodily requirements.”

Mind interrupted, “How is it possible that an unconscious mind dictates us for this sensual activities of hearing, seeing, etc?” 

“Perhaps, you are mistaken. The conscious mind has a tremendous role and its main function is the ability to think and analyze facts without any limitation.  But, if everything is placed in charge of the unconscious mind, according to the divine plan of creation what is the role of the conscious mind?  God has made us with us all blessings to have a conscious mind which is free to search the truth of life and its all activities.  And to search the truth, is our greatest task.  You have taken a mission to visit the Celestial City to embrace divine life.  But, do you have any search mission behind this plan?  Have you anytime analyzed the fact behind this purpose?”

“Yes, I am absolutely clear in mind that to follow religious path of life, I must get detracted from the worldly atmosphere.”

“No, that is not enough.  The fact is that you are not able to search the truth by staying in the midst of your family members, neighbours and friends and so you contemplate to undertake this journey and are desirous to have the company of people who are not bothered and affected anymore by their sensual lust. So what is the truth? In other words, it is the reality of life.  We must try to find out the secret of life, its purpose and goal to know what is right and what is wrong, what are all the pluses and minuses, what is the consequence of negative and positive thinking and then what is good for the individual as well as for society.  You won’t find answers to these questions in any prescribed form in a book.  You have only to pursue and search using the profundity of your mind.  It is upto us to discover the truth.  Knowledgeable of truth is so important that God has consigned our bodily affairs to the unconscious mind.”

Proud was listening to her father in between her household work being assisted by her two sisters.  She politely insisted to take a lunch-break. 

All of them went to the luncheon room to have a simple food of rice and different types of vegetables dishes followed by some sweets.  After lunch, they laid down for a while.  In the meantime, the sky was thickly covered with black clouds with a strong breeze blowing making the atmosphere a bit cold.  They also relaxed some more time.  The rain started with gusty mind when forced the girls to shut all the doors and the windows of the house.  The chained lion roared which prompted Godlover little curious.  But, soon he was assured by Passion not to be frightened because the beast was hungry and asking for food.  Knowledgeable again started his unfinished religious preaching.

“People frequently live in an utter state of frustration.  This stage cannot make them capable to find the truth.  In fact, even great people also pass through this phase.  Everyone is a seeker by birth, but everyone lives his life without knowing what the real purpose of life is.  They lead lives aimlessly.  This only develops the state of confusion.  They speak and write but without any defined clarity.  They live lives fraught with full of contradictions.  They always yell and always hawker for something without finding the truth behind that something.  On the contradictory, a tension-free mind is one that can function with positivity despite contradiction.  For example, people work without job satisfaction.  People chase money, but without experiencing the inner satisfaction.  People believe that to enjoy the life one must adopt the magic wind of enjoyment without knowing what the life is and what the real enjoyment is.  It is nothing but a paradoxical situation and everyone is living in this state of self-contradiction.”

“I am overwhelmed with the teachings of yours and privileged to have your company.  Your these preaching will definitely make us courageous to overcome the obstacles in our ensuing journey, of course, with your permission.” 

Who am I to give permission? I only take pleasure to distribute the knowledge and wisdom for the welfare of the human beings.  With my teachings, if your knowledge increases, that is my satisfaction and service to the mankind.

Mind woke up as usual at 4.00 o’clock next day morning and upon completing his rituals focused his attention in meditation.  Godlover joined him after half an hours.  One they finished, Passion brought breakfast mostly of varieties of fruits and milk and requested them to eat.  She was draped in a colourful saree with hairs spread throughout her back which made her more sensual and the same was augmented because of her blue eyes with broad face and vivacious countenance.  Godlover noticed this which she also could make out.  She blushed like a morning blossom flower being feigned with the first ray of the sunlight.  She again requested them to start their breakfast and quickly disappeared. 

“She is very gorgeous.  Though she belongs to a very pious family, sometimes her behavious and demenour make me little suspicious otherday.  I saw she was almost swallowing you mostly and also your words as if the honeybee is taking the ambrosia of honey from the flower seed.  I also observed that whenever you are meditating with bare body, she watches you with an oblique eye.  I can swear that her other two sisters are totally different.  They attire completely and they seldom find any time to gossip with us except the time when his father is busy in preaching religious discourse,” Godlover told all these to Mind.  He heard with rapt attention and informed. “I feel, you are getting perturbed much.  Don’t provoke yourself to include any thoughts which may only bring your despondency.  In journey, you will come in contact with very many characters, obstacles, peculiarly, hindrance and even sexual inducement and all these are to be ignored by your mental stamina and strength.  I know that Passion’s behaviour is not that in the line with religious strictness, but sometimes some people are not able to curb their sensual desires.  Her dress code, her watching and way of giggling only reflects her adolescence stage and I am sure that she will be able to change all these under her father’s guidance.”

“I know that your wisdom and knowledge are more powerful than me.  Still I feel before something happens let us flee from here.”

“What will happen.”

“Supper she involves herself in any sexual posture with you, there will be scandal and his father will blame us because we belong to male fraternity.  As usual in any scandal, men become mostly accused even though the fault entirely lies with the opposite sex.”

“I don’t think you are completely incorrect.  Now, I am in a bit of confused stage of mind.  I ignored your plea last time and entered into the market to purchase happiness and the end result was evident.”

“Another one aspect that you are very good looking, thin, lanky and your face glows whenever you utter sermons, religious discourses.  My friend, frankly speaking, any female will be easily attracted to you.  There is a proverb ‘iron cuts iron’ and so is the case with yours.  The loveable nature supplemented by amicable behaviour of yours easily attract people including opposite sex.  So again, I repeat, let us disappear from this place quietly. 

Mind accepted but he was not interested to do so without taking the blessing of Knowledgeable.  Further, he was so inflamed with the power of his religious knowledge, he ultimately decided to take his permission and then leave.  Godlover also nodded. 

That was fourth day.  Mind was bit puzzled and woke up little early.  Godlover was fast asleep.  Because of some reason, he was morose and he remembered her wife and sons which he almost forgot since leaving the city of Pride. Godlover consoled him and proceeded for completing the morning rituals.  When he came back, he found that Mind was preparing himself for the meditation and went to the temple.  Godlover did not follow. 

Temple was in the country yard of the palatial building.  Everyday at 5.00 o’clock, Proud opened its doors and used to complete the cleaning and changing he flowers.  His father then performed puja and other religious ceremonies.  Seeing the door of the temple closed, Mind decided to sit in one corner area to do meditation.  With folded hands, closed eyes and in a particular straight posture which he does always, he was concentrating on meditation.  After a few minutes, he felt the touch of a soft hand on his bare shoulder.  Slowly the touch was intensified and it was almost a hug from the backside.  He opened   his eyes and saw Passion and to his utter surprise, he found that she was kissing her cheeks.  He got nervous because he left the fragrance of sexual life, long back.  Suddenly, he was entangled with the bodily lust which was not only desirable but also scandalous and that too in front of a temple.  Further, he found that Passion was completely nude and the saree was lying in a small heap at certain distance. 

Mind very politely requested her to wear the saree immediately. 

She refused, “Why? You don’t like my body.  Am I not beautiful?  Don’t delay, just touch me.  I am burning out.  Before someone comes, you touch me, hug me and do whatever you like.”

Mind scolded her this time and ordered her to wear saree.  He also observed her tight shaped body with good bosom and since he was not at all prepared for these happenings, he started sobbing.  While hearing , Passion wore her saree and started trembling and then quickly disappeared in the washroom.  Proud came to open the gate of the temple and saw Mind was sitting in one corner with a dejected and sullen face. 

“What happen? Why are you so gloomy in the morning hours?”

“Nothing, just some foreign particles entered my eyes and created a sensation.”

Mind too disappeared fast.  Godlover just finished his mediation. 

“You are very correct. She came to the temple at wee hours. I was meditating. She started al her lustful activities and also shed her cloth.  I somehow managed not to be caught by Proud.  It could have been a shameful incidence.  If her father knows, he will kill her,” Mind informed.

“Let us quickly finish our breakfast and detach all our feelings of this place right now and disappear,” Godlover replied.

By the time they finished their breakfast, their father came and enquired the reason of abrupt leaving.

Mind explained, “Sir, if we stay here for long time, our mission to reach Celestial City will be delayed.  Moreover, we will again visit as and when needed. Who can forget your hospitality and wisdom?”

All of them with bit of tears bid adieu them.  Mind mumbled religious songs which was gleefully watched by Godlover. 

He continued, “Though I am not that older then you, but still I am addressing you as my child.  Don’t indulge in this activity now itself.  Complete your study and religious knowledge under your father’s guidance. Then, if you don’t want to follow the step of your elder sister not to become a monk, you can lead a worldly life and still can be a devotee to God.  There are numerous instances of people who continue family lives with complete devotion to religious activities.  They are not ______ any monk.  I have been observing your passionate behaviour ever since I visit here.  No one can fool me because by leading a complete religious life for the past ten years now I can presage anything which is going to happen in near future.  Somehow, I was knowing that you will follow me today in this place and hamper my meditation but I could not be able to make out that you would take this much perverted path to satiate your lust.  Precisely, that is the reason I am giving you a befitting sermon that do not be provoked by your bodily lust.  Please concentrate all your attention on divine issues because you will get enough time to perform mandate activities.  

TO BE CONTD........