BABA
-11. Baba's Departure

“…Years ago during one of his evening rounds, my father found Bhargava, barely three years old then, aimlessly wandering around the street.  Seeing his distraught face, he decided to use his yogic powers and find out the sorrow that such a small child carried in his heart. Just like Abhinav and Pami, Bhargava’s parents married outside their caste which turned their village against them.  Fearing for their lives, they eloped to another village where they stayed with a different identity for three years.  Bhargava was born in a few months after they had come to this new village.  As everything was going on smoothly, someone from their village happened to learn about their whereabouts and informed the others.  One fateful day a frenzied mob attacked the couple in a bid to “punish” them for their “sin” and orphaned Bhargava.  He escaped from their fury only because he was out playing at that time. My father brought him to the ashram which thereupon became his new home.  As days went by he became a darling of the ashram with his childish pranks.  At that time he used to refer all those males who were elder to him as ‘Baba’.   In that tender age, he felt that those males who showered love and affection on him like his own father were to be called by that name!  Over the years although this reference apparently underwent a change he continued to call me ‘Baba’ under my persistence.  Bhargava became a disciple of my father and his extraordinary intelligence can be gauged from the fact that he finished his education in just nine years!   When I was about to leave on my mission, my father asked me to take Bhargava alongwith me for he was certain that this boy will be of immense assistance to me. He wanted to speak up against the injustice happening to Abhinav and Pami. However, he resisted such a move considering the fact that people may not take him seriously given his young age.” Bhargava looked at Baba and smiled faintly.  Seeing that the boy was finding it hard to suppress his emotions, Baba patted him on the back tenderly. “Do not grieve over my departure.”  He stated to the people.  “If my teachings have in any way influenced you, put them into practice.  That will be the greatest parting gift you can provide me with.”  Everyone agreed and then Baba announced that he would leave the kingdom early morning the next day.  He agreed to stay in the place where he was now till evening so that it could be easier for his followers to meet him during the day.  Thereby, as everyone slowly began to retreat with a heavy heart, two men came towards Baba.  While one of them walked normally holding something in his hands, the other was deprived of legs.  He was sitting on a squared wooden plank which had four little spook wheels at the ends.  He thrust his hands on the ground and then pushed them backwards to make the plank surge ahead.  As they neared Baba, they greeted him who smiled at them.  The person who was standing handed over a white shawl and a small bundle of cloth to Baba. “You must be knowing everything but still we have to say this to express our gratitude to you.  Your advice that fateful day when we were begging near a temple changed our lives.  After much effort, I got employed as a domestic help in some households.  That small bundle contains my first income which I have earned on my own efforts, Baba!”  The seated man on the plank spoke up, “I too was much inspired by what you said!  I learnt stitching and this is the first complete product of my own making.” “Wonderful!”  Baba exclaimed.  “May you always make such great progress in life.” All of them spent some time together and then the visitors took their leave.  Bhargava was much enlivened after this meeting. In the afternoon, a middle-aged man came to see Baba.  After he was seated near Baba, he began, “I am Neelkanth.  From the events which Bhargava narrated about your life, it is plain that you are a sage.  Then, why is it that you always mentioned yourself to be like a sage when you are actually one among them?” Baba gave a very composed reply, “Those who are sages are truly dignified and honoured.  I do not want to glorify myself by putting myself in their esteemed positions.”    Realising the greatness of Baba, Neelkanth said in appreciation, “Today, after I heard the events relating to your life, I realized as to why God remains elusive to our eyes but reveals his self to you in your heart.  Baba, what you have achieved is divine and impossible for people like us!” “Brother Neelkanth, if what I have gained can be termed as an achievement, then you too can achieve it!  All you have to do is to make optimum utilization of the qualities of determination and dedication which God has given you.”  Baba replied with utmost humility. “I have something to ask you, Baba.  Why is death so uncertain?  Why can’t there be any age bar for death to approach us?  It pains me to see youngsters meet an untimely death.”    Baba smiled at him and deduced, “After coming in to this world by the grace of God it is our deeds and circumstances that decide our fate.   While we have perfect control over the deeds that we perform in our life, the same cannot be said about circumstances which, many a times, are way beyond our control.  A bad circumstance can befall a good human being owing to the misdeeds of others anytime that may even cost his life.  This is a natural happening which cannot be averted.  If God intervenes in this cycle, it would adversely impact the natural course of events which is undesirable.  Agreed, that in the past God has come to the rescue of his devotees on more than an occasion but then those people were priceless gems which are a rarity these days.  Try to view things positively in life.  If death is untimely, it indicates that life is short.  Thus, let us utilize this short span of time to perform as many noble deeds as we can so that it would be beneficial not only to us but for generations to follow.  In that case, even after death you would attain immortality.  That is all I can say in this regard.” Neelkanth thanked Baba and took his leave. In the evening, Baba and Bhargava went to their home to stay there for one last night. ———– Sage Suryananda who was narrating this story concluded, “Next day just when the sun began gracing the earth with his radiant rays, Baba and Bhargava left the kingdom of Maireshwar.  An extremely large number of people gathered to bid them adieu alongwith King Harshavardan. Dear children, tell me what you have learnt from this story.”  There were several opinions from his students about the story like “Be positive in life” , “Do not shy away from your social responsibilities”, “Think from the perspective of others” , “Be broad-minded” , “Do not be superstitious” , “Stand on your own feet” , “Have determination in life.  Use your powers for the benefit of others like Baba.”  The sage was much pleased at this buoyant response from his students.  Endorsing their views, he summed up, “Very well said, dear children.  I hope that you apply all that you have learnt in this story in your life and be a noble soul like Baba.”