THE WORST ENEMY
-5. A Meeting With A Sage

The Queen continued, “…It is not that your father is biased towards Viswajeet.  Do not forget that he is not only your father but even a ruler.  Therefore, he has to take decisions, which are in the better interests of his subjects.  This is the reason as to why he always takes your opinion and that of all his trusted ministers before taking a final decision regarding any issue as that will help him to view things from a broad perspective.  Thus, whoever gives an opinion that does full justice to the cause of his subjects, he rules in his favour.  In the Udhyamnagar land case, what Viswajeet opined was excellent for reasons the minister had himself explained exquisitely.  Even I liked his suggestion very much and therefore there was nothing wrong in your father favouring him once again.”  Mahirat nodded his head in understanding.  His parents also asked him not to have any grudge against Viswajeet.

From that day onwards, Prince Mahirat underwent a metamorphosis.  He treated his parents with utmost respect and honour and acted as per their bidding.  No such events occurred in these days that would incite the Prince’s anger and therefore it was unclear if he would show adherence to the promise he had given to his parents.  One day, Queen Surekha came to see her son. Mahirat received her with full honours and then the Queen spoke up, “Son, the great Sage Aditi has come over to our kingdom to visit the ashram of one of his disciples who has built it in the beautiful forest of Amravali.  Your father and I are going to visit him in the evening and we will feel happy if you also accompany us.”  “Certainly, mother.  I will come along with you.”  Mahirat consented.

“Good! Mahirat, this sage was a very angry person during his younger days.  Then due to some event, which occurred in his life, he completely transformed himself.  I want you to meet him and get to know as to how he got rid of his anger so that you can take inspiration from him.  This is the main reason as to why I want you to accompany us. ”  the Queen concluded.

 “Yes, mother.  I will take an inspiration from his life to keep my anger at bay.”  said Mahirat with assurance.

In the evening, King Sulochana took his wife and son in his chariot and asked his charioteer to take them to the forest of Amravali.  After a long ride, they reached their destination.  On seeing them, Aditi’s disciple, Suman, who had opened his ashram in that forest hurried to welcome them.  The ashram children who were playing around stopped and bowed before their King.  Sulochana responded by waving out his hand at them.  Suman led the three to his cottage and made them sit on a mat.  He informed them that his guru was in deep meditation and thus they would have to wait for some time to meet him.  After speaking with them for some time, Suman went to see if his guru had finished his meditation.  He came back with a negative answer and then excused himself to bring some fruits for his guests.  While the King and Queen patiently waited for Sage Aditi to come out of his meditation, Mahirat was slowly getting restless.  Thoughts like “Why can’t Suman go and wake up his guru from meditation?  After all, the ruler of this land has come over to meet him and it was not good to keep him waiting for so long.” came to his mind. These thoughts disturbed him and he started getting angry.  However, he remembered the promise he had given to his parents and tried to control it but could not succeed much.  His parents observed that something was wrong and inquired about the matter.  “Would you let me to just have a stroll outside till Sage Aditi finishes his mediation?”  Mahirat asked his parents.

His parents agreed and Mahirat came outside.  He met Suman who was collecting fruits and told him that he wished to walk around in the ashram.  Suman, too, acceded and Mahirat walked along. 

It was a wonderful sight outside.  The trees which were all around the ashram swayed pleasantly in the cool breeze which blew over.  The sweet fragrance which emanated from the blossoming flowers would have gladdened the hearts of any nature lover.  The sound of a nearby waterfall, which fell over the rocks, made music to the ears.  Birds of all colours were flying mirthfully from one tree to the other and the occasional opening up of feathers of the peacock only enlivened the atmosphere.  Besides, it was always a delight to watch children at play! 

All this scenic beauty appeased Mahirat’s anger which achieved the very purpose of him coming out of Suman’s cottage and having a look at the surroundings.  Just then he heard his mother call out to him, “Mahirat, what are you doing out here?” 

“The atmosphere is very pleasant out here, mother.  I am just enjoying it!”  exclaimed Mahirat.

Queen Surekha smiled and said, “If I am not mistaken, you were upset that we have had to wait so long to see Sage Aditi.  Therefore, you came outside to divert your attention elsewhere!” 

Mahirat was surprised to hear these words of his mother.  “How did you know all this?”  “I am your mother, Mahirat!  I know that you get annoyed if you are made to wait for anything.  But I am happy to see the efforts you are making to curb your anger!”  complimented the Queen.

Just then, Suman came there and asked them to join the King in eating the fruits, which he had brought. 

As they were eating the fruits, much to their glee, Sage Aditi entered Suman’s cottage and greeted all of them.  “I am so sorry to have kept you all waiting for so long.  I was lost in deep meditation and forgot the world around me.  Suddenly, something inside told me that some royal guests are eagerly waiting to see me in Suman’s cottage and I opened my eyes.  Please be seated!” 

The face of Aditi was a picture of serenity and had an unusual glow to it which filled the hearts of one and all present there, including Mahirat, with peace and bliss.  The Prince was now eager to learn about the incident in the sage’s life which transformed him completely.