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| OM HAIDAKHANDI
A Brahman (A story based on the Chandoga Upanishad)
Amidst the dark shadows of the forest, on the bank of the Saraswati the evening sun has set. The sons of rishis have returned to the quiet ashram, carrying wood from a distance on their head. The tired cows with cool, calm eyes, have returned with them to the forest hermitage. Their evening bath taken, the boys sit together Around guru Gautam In the courtyard of the cottage, Where fire burns for homa sacrifice. High above in the endless sky eternal peace reigns, Rapt, as it were, in meditation. There clusters of stars appear Like attentive disciples, sitting in rows, Noiseless eager to learn. Suddenly the solitary ashram is startled as it resounds to the Gautam's voice, "My sons, now attend, I speak of Brahma" At this moment enters a young boy To this courtyard Carrying a handful of offerings. Fruits and flowers placed at the lotus feet of the sage in greeting, Devotional obeisance done, he says, "Your Reverence, I am come for initiation, Desiring Brahman knowledge, my home is in Kusakshetra, my name Satyakama" Hearing this, the sage, with a soothing smile on his face, Replies in soft affection, "I wish you well, my boy, what is your lineage? only a Brahman has right to this sacred knowledge". In a slow speech the boy replies, "Your Reverence I have no Knowledge If you permit, tomorrow, when I have asked my mother, I shall come back". So saying he touches again the feet of the sage And returns Through a dark path Flanked by rows of trees, To his mother's cottage That stands on the edge of a silently sleeping village, on the sand bank.
At home the evening light burns, his mother, Jabala, waits by the door Looking out for Satyakama She takes the returning boy to her bosom and murmuring words of blessing places a kiss on his head. Satyakama asks, "Tell me mother, what is the name of my father? Of what lineage am I born? Today I went to guru Gautam, desirous of initiation, The guru's words to me were That only a Brahman had right of access to supreme knowledge." At this Jabala's head bends and she says in a mother's soft voice, "In my youth I was poor, In attendance on many men, When you were born, You are a child of Jabala Without husband, My son, your lineage is not known".
Next day the dawn breaks, Fresh, content, on the head of trees in the forest. The hermit boys look like young light, bathed in soothing dew, around them hovers a glow of refreshing virtue that sentiments of devotion produce. They sit circling guru Gautam Under the shadow of the old banyan tree. The guru's locks are still wet from his morning bath. A gentle picture, he shines bright like a figure of peace and purity. In the courtyard the birds chirp, the bees hum, The sound comes of splashing water, And mixing with these arise The tranquil sama chant, Deep, delectable, Sung in a beautiful chorus Of a variety of young voices.
At this moment Satyakama enters, Obeisance done to the guru's feet He stands in silence, opening widely his noble eyes. A blessing is uttered by the teacher, And then he asks, "I am pleased to see you, but tell me dear boy, What is your lineage? The boy lifts up his head and replies, "Your Reverence, I still do not know, My mother said she was on attendance on many men When I was born to her without a husband. My lineage is not known".
The effect of this news on the boys present Is like the scattering of restless insects That takes place when a beehive is stoned, They begin whispering, struck by surprise, Some laugh, some heap abuse On this shameless non-Aryan for his pride. Guru Gautam alone leaves his seat and stands, Embracing the boy with open arms And says "You are not a non-Brahman, my boy, You are amongst the best of the twice born, Your lineage is truly noble"
OM Haidakhandi Bhole Baba Ki jai Muniraj Maharaj Ki jai
Love and Peace Narayan 26-10-2007 |
