BABA
-9. The King Meets Baba

Thereby, Baba offered his advice to the grieving woman, “I can well understand what you are going through now, O Sister.  Gradually, you need to put the past behind you and start life afresh.  Consider your talent to stand on your feet.  May God give you the strength to bear this grief and lead you to a bright future.”  Blessing her, Baba took his leave with Bhargava.  Everybody stood stunned looking at him.  They were sure of his divinity.

On the way, Bhargava asked curiously, “How can such a devil exist in human form, Baba?” 

Baba only smiled in response. 

“Why did he want his brother’s money so desperately?” 

“While his brother was a rich merchant, fortune was not favouring him, Bhargava.  Thus, he had an eye on his brother’s property after his untimely death due to illness.  He thought of this plan to get rid of his sister-in-law.  He brainwashed her to perform sati and she very reluctantly agreed to it.  Even now you must have seen how hesitant she was in walking towards the pyre which she would not have done without his persistence.” 

Another question crossed Bhargava’s mind.  “There are injustices happening around in this kingdom.  Doesn’t the King make any attempts to stop them?” 

“A very good question!  You shall get to learn more about King Harshavardan very soon.  I, therefore, shall resist from speaking about him now.”  Baba stated.

As they were moving along, suddenly Baba changed course and led Bhargava to a jungle.  After walking a few miles, he softly put aside some bushes which were obstructing their view ahead.  From there, they could see some students practicing the art of warfare under the watchful eyes of their gurus.  The striking feature of this view was that some girl students were not only in combat with their male counterparts using different weapons like mace, swords and arrows but even outsmarted them in skill and swiftness on some occasions!  Baba and Bhargava smiled at one other and moved away from there. 

“Remember the sages who had come to see me?”  Baba asked his companion.  After getting a favourable response from Bhargava, he continued, “They have begun a vigorous campaign to include students of all categories in their ashrams.  Efforts on their part are also underway to make those sages fall in line who do not appreciate this move.”  Bhargava was pleased to hear about this development.

These couple of incidents involving the Panchayat and the sinister plot of the brother-in-law against his sister spread like wildfire in the kingdom.  Many believed Baba to be a divine incarnation which was, however, stoutly denied by him.  His adversaries who were gradually trying to turn the people against him could not stop his popularity from reaching its zenith. 

A few days later, Baba preached during his discourse to the people, “Many of us may envy a King’s position.  After all, being a King can make us command respect and lead a luxurious life in a magnificent palace. However, only a King knows the difficulty and challenges he faces in his life!  We struggle to look after a family.  Then imagine the faith of a King who has to look after the entire kingdom!”  There were pearls of laughter around the large crowd as Baba spoke these words in a lighter vein.  “Sometimes owing to false notions people not only err but their actions end in a grave crime.  Under such circumstances, a King finds himself in a very piquant situation.  An ethical stand on his part would appear unethical to his ignorant subjects which may even jeopardize his popularity.  Still, a King puts the better interests of the society ahead of all other considerations and does justice.  Such is his greatness.  We, too, should do our bit to make his task easier of leading the kingdom to glory and prosperity by being abiding subjects.  May God bless all of you!”           

As people got up to leave, the temple priest Aman approached Baba who made his visitor sit by his side.  Thereby, he began, “As per your bidding, I have gathered some information about Mohanlal.  Apart from being hard-working he is very devoted to his family. He leaves no stone unturned in meeting all their demands.  It was on learning about this that I found a stark difference between him and me, Baba.  Although I too am sincere at work, I do not care much about my family.   Is this the reason behind that dream?” 

“You are right, dear brother!  If you want to please God, then you must perform all the responsibilities that he bestows on you satisfactorily.  You can never win over him by ignoring or hurting others.  Besides, Bhargava’s argument also holds true.” 

Baba reproduced his young companion’s viewpoint.  Thanking both of them, Aman took his leave.

“I was wondering as to why you touched upon the life of a King in your address to the people today!”  Bhargava mused thoughtfully. 

“Everything would be clear to you, my child!  Have patience!”  Baba advised him. 

The next day just as they had finished eating some fruits in the morning, they heard the sound of hooves.  Seeing Bhargava alarmed, Baba calmed him down, “We are going to have a royal visitor to our home!   Let us welcome him!” 

As Bhargava looked at him puzzled, he directed him to look in the direction from where they were hearing the sound.  In a few moments, they found a few men on horseback coming towards them.  Riding in front was a person who looked majestic in his height and looks.  The glittering crown that adorned his head only added to his impressive personality.  He dismounted from the horse after he neared them.  The others who were following him too halted their horses and got down.  Coming close to Baba, he folded his hands in reverence and revealed his identity, “I am Harshavardan, the ruler of this land.  Please accept my greetings.” 

Baba clasped his hands, “I was waiting for you, O King!   I am glad that you have come!”  Bhargava was elated to have met the King. 

“Baba, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for this kingdom.  I was very inspired to hear your speech yesterday which made me realize my culpability.”  The King stated.

Bhargava was startled to hear this!  He certainly had not seen the King around the day before during Baba’s oration.  Then how did the monarch hear it?  As this question troubled his mind, the King continued to converse with Baba.