BABA
-3. The Purposeful Meeting

As the young man gave a puzzled look, Baba continued, “You may be aware that your neighbour Athmaram’s son is a student of Dharmathma.  Terribly upset over the turn of events, Athmaram wants to not only bring back his son home but also does not want to send him to any ashram for his further education.  You can help in changing his mind by speaking with him.  Take your own example before him.   Tell him that if today you are leading a virtuous and successful life, it is largely owing to the guidance of your guru. 

A teacher’s role is very important in a child’s life.  Therefore, they must never be denied education, come what may.  There are so many sages here who with their knowledge and wisdom can lead the people of this kingdom to the path of growth and prosperity.  Why should that opportunity be lost only due to the misdeeds of a few miscreants?” 

The youngster’s look of puzzle now changed to an expression of bewilderment.  Baba came up to him and gently touched his shoulders.  “Brother, when a society is facing a crisis, we should also try and do all that we can to resolve it, rather than presuming it as somebody else’s headache.  After all, each one of us has some social responsibility.  Your guruji did lay emphasis on this factor, remember?”  

The youth’s jaw parted as he heard these words of Baba.  “You may be wondering as to why I cannot speak with Athmaram.  I, too, look like a sage and given the state of mind he is in now, he may not attach much importance to what I say.  I will take your leave now, brother.”  

As the visitors decided to leave, the youth somehow gathered his senses and asked, “W…Who are you?” 

Baba who was walking towards the door alongwith Bhargava turned and smiled at him, “I am just another human being like you.  If you want to know my name, then this boy calls me ‘Baba’.  You, too, can call me by that name.  However, more than thinking about my identity you should think about talking to your neighbour.  Thereby, try to communicate with more such people who have a similar mindset like Athmaram.  This would gradually clear the air of mistrust and suspicion among the people about sages.  That would be in the better interest of the society.  Come, Bhargava.”  Both of them took their leave.

While walking along, Bhargava asked Baba about the young man’s identity. 

“He is Suyraprakash, the owner of a garment shop.” 

“You spoke with him for you knew that he would listen to your advice?” 

Baba agreed. 

“Tell me, this incident about Dharamathma has occurred only recently, right?” 

Again, Baba agreed. 

“Then this reaction of some of the people to not send their children to ashrams might only be an initial outburst of emotion.  As time passes by, better sense may set in and they may revise their decision.”  Bhargava observed. 

“That was a very good observation, Bhargava!  However, things are slightly more complex here.  Most of those who are thinking in these terms are poor and illiterate people.  Educating their children was never a top priority for them.  They wanted their children to enjoy their childhood and later get into whatever work they were doing now.  It was owing to an awareness drive undertaken by some sages that these parents very hesitantly sent their children for getting education.  Now, they are getting this strong feeling that these sages made a fool of them to fill in their own coffers and that they were right in not according any priority to education.  Such a feeling is difficult to fade away with the passage of time unless someone tries to eliminate it from their minds.” 

Bhargava nodded in understanding.  “Now where are we headed to, Baba?” 

Pointing to a tree nearby, Baba answered, “There!” 

Both of them sat under the tree and then Baba gave some instructions to the boy.  Bhargava got up, joined his hands before Baba and went away.     

In a short while, a group of six men walked along that secluded stretch of road.  All of them were much impressed by Baba’s graceful appearance but on seeing him in the attire of a sage, they ignored him and moved along.  After they had passed Baba, suddenly they heard a roar of a lion! 

“O my God!  Did you hear that!” one of them asked alarmed. 

“A lion’s roar!  Never heard it here before!  Could it be that a lion has wandered to this place from some nearby forest?” 

Just then, another roar was heard.  Without speaking another word, all of them turned back and ran away.  Baba sat where he was unperturbed.  He smiled as he saw the men running and then looked in the direction from where the roar of the lion was heard.  Bhargava got down from one of the trees and came to Baba. 

“Well done, my dear boy!  You did your job perfectly well!  How richly talented you are!”  Baba offered his compliments. 

Bhargava puffed with pride, like he always did whenever he heard words of praise for him from Baba.  Thereafter, the boy took his seat under the tree and before he could say anything, Baba said laughing, “I know what you are going to ask!  Just relax!  You will get to know everything.  For now I can only tell you that all of these men are among those who plan to shut the door on their children’s education.” 

After some time had elapsed, two men in that group of six returned.  As they were trotting along, Baba called out to them. 

“Brothers, I know you are in a hurry.  I just want to speak with you for a few moments.  Please bear with me.”  After they agreed, Baba asked them, “Are you not afraid to come back here?  Last time you only heard a lion roar.  What if that lion comes and stands before you now?”