SATYAN2
-14. The Divine Dream

Bharadwaj came near Udhyog and passed his hand softly over his head a couple of times.  “By God’s grace, he would be fine!”  He told the parents with a grin that betrayed the brewing grief in his heart.  He, then, came and sat near his ailing minister.   As Vasudev clutched his hand, Bharadwaj forced upon a smile on his distraught face.  Hari’s grief only amplified seeing the sorrow of the King and looked elsewhere in an attempt to hide his emotions.  He was so sure that this herb would weed out the illness of his friend and Udhyog, and this had happened! 

“Maharaj, do not despair!  I have a few Sugandha plants growing in my ashram.  If Udhyog recovers, we shall take Vasudev to my ashram.  Although it would be a long journey, still we will manage.  Please do not worry!  God is merciful!”  Pradayumna tried to alleviate the King’s melancholy.  Bharadwaj thanked the sage but his sorrow showed no signs of dissipating. 

It was decided that they would return to the palace and plan the next move only after witnessing the effect of the herb on Udhyog’s health.  The boy was to stay in the palace for a brief period so that Paradayumna could keep a watch on his health. 

Bharadwaj made Vasudev’s head rest in his lap and then the chariots raced back to the palace.  Vasudev felt like closing his eyes and in a few moments after doing so went into a deep slumber.  Suddenly, he felt brightness all around him and opened his eyes.  For some moments he could not see anything owing to the brilliance of the light!  As the light faded, to his utter amazement and happiness  he found himself resting on the lap of Lord Krishna himself, who was looking at him with an endearing smile on his red lips!  The Lord touched his forehead and lo!  At that very moment, Vasudev got relief from his illness and felt rejuvenated.  He joined his hands before Krishna and spoke with gratitude, “O Lord!  I am honoured to have your darshan yet again!” 

“No, Vasudev!”  The Lord replied in his deep voice, “It is me who is honoured to have a devotee like you!  That is the reason as to why I come to see you again and again!” 

Vasudev was overcome with emotions at these words of the Lord. 

“To tell you the truth, Vasudev,…” disclosed the Lord with that mischievous smile back on his face, “…. there were quite a few plants bearing the magical herb on that very spot where Pradayumna and Prahasta were searching in the jungle.  However, they could get only one leaf because I made the others disappear to put you under a test!  I wanted to see as to how you would react in a situation like this.  And Vasudev, you performed exactly like I had anticipated.  Such selfless concern for others is divine! 

In fact, fate always puts noble souls like you to rigorous tests so as to expose your benevolent qualities to others from which they can learn the proper way to live life.   People often grumble that it is only the benevolent who are often encompassed by hardships but fail to see the essence behind it. 

 O Vasudev, anyone can make strong resolutions but what is important is the element of authenticity you attach to this resolution practically.  Even your friends had decided to follow your path of honesty and virtue but faltered when the moment of reckoning arrived.  The greed to win the singing competition made Shiva do something evil and the desire to make his friend win prompted Sridhar to do injustice to his profession.  It is only Hari who adhered to his principles which has impressed me. 

Vasudev, he who does not allow his mind to ride over his emotions and passions is truly a great soul.  You should be to your mind what a charioteer is to a horse!  You become a human being not by birth but by your deeds. 

Neither the love for your friends nor the lure for money could shake your resoluteness to stick to your principles, which is exemplary.  It was your generosity that brought out the best of character in Manohar.  He, who was involved in a temple fraud, did not think twice to risk the life of his child for your sake!  Therein lays the beauty and greatness of munificence!”  Looking lovingly at his devotee, the Lord complimented him, “ O Vasudev, I am really proud to be the father of children like you!” 

Vasudev could no more hold back his emotions.  Tears flowed freely down his cheeks.  “Thank you, my lord!” he managed to say.  The Lord made him sit and held him close to his heart.    Vasudev soon regained his composure and asked, “O Lord!  What about Udhog?  I hope he recovers from his illness after taking that herb.” 

“Certainly, Vasudev!  It is just a matter of time.” The Lord asserted. 

“What about the future of my friends who are languishing in jail?” 

“They are only paying the price for their misdeeds.  Their future depends on how honest they are in reforming themselves. From what I see now, after their term ends in jail they may become the disciples of a sage in your kingdom and lead the life of ascetics.” 

Vasudev was somewhat relieved to hear this for he atleast now knew as to where his friends were headed to in their future.  “My Lord, although I felt to have had your consent, let me ask you this in person.  I hope my decision of parting with my idol was right!”

“Of course, it was right because you had a noble cause in mind for doing so.” The Lord emphasized.

Vasudev nodded in understanding. 

“As for your illness, indisposition is a part of life.  No one can escape from it.  However, this is not to state that you should not take good care of your health, Vasudev.  I have also a piece of advice for you.  In your eagerness to serve others, do not ignore yourself.  If only you are hale and hearty can you serve your people.”   As Vasudev nodded in agreement, the Lord continued, “Neither you nor Udhyog recovered from Prahasta’s treatment for destiny had decided to snub his arrogance.  He had taken his success in treating his patients far too seriously and begun to feel that there was no one above him in this profession.  Once you are overcome with such pride, the hunger to learn more is doused and with that your further growth and development gets stymied.   Prahasta was suffering from this defective quality and his failure to cure you and Udhyog humbled his pride.”

The Lord also appreciated Vasudev for his wonderful speech and assured him that it would be remembered by many of his people for a long time to come.

As Vasudev listened without battling an eyelid, the Lord beamed at him, “It is now time to leave, my child!” 

  Both of them got up and Vasudev touched the lotus feet of the Lord who blessed him.  They hugged each other for a long time and then the Lord disappeared. 

(To Continue)