SATYAN
-14. True Mahatma

“…Here I will mention that not one of my disciples came forward and offered to drink the ‘amrit’ on my behalf.  Though I would not have allowed them to do so, they could have taken an initiative only to show their regard and reverence towards me.  Anyway, I can now neither expect anyone to drink this ‘amrit’ for my sake nor can I do the same for anyone’s benefit for I have already considered it to be needless for me.  I am now left with only one choice – which is to hand over it’s custody to someone else.  Vasudev, if your King has to be relieved from the curse, you will have to drink the amrit.  But, then, his curse will have it’s effect upon you!”  Pradayumna concluded.

Vasudev was unperturbed to hear these words of the sage.  “I can do anything for my King, O revered one.  It may be a fact that he had his own benefits in mind when he employed me to work under him initially, but without him I would have never been what I am today.  He gave me a chance to mend my evil ways and serve the people of my kingdom for which I shall be forever grateful to him.  If you permit me, O sage, I shall drink this pot of ‘amrit’ and liberate my King from his curse!” 

Pradayumna was moved to hear Vasudev speak thus.  He lovingly moved his hand on Vasudev’s head and gave him the ‘amrit’.  Vasudev closed his eyes and invoked Lord Krishna in his mind, “O Lord!  May King Bharadwaj be relieved from his curse after I take this ‘amrit’.”  And then, in one gulp he drank the pot of amrit, which appeared like crystal water and tasted like nectar.  His body glowed for a few moments, which indicated that the amrit had fulfilled his desire. 

“What a great soul you are, Vasudev!…” exclaimed Pradayumna, “…I am touched by your love and devotion for your King!” 

Pradayumna called over his disciples and narrated the supreme act performed by Vasudev.  They hung their heads in shame over the fact that none of them had the guts to do a similar act for their guru.  As for Vasudev, he was jubilant!  At last, his King’s worries had been laid to rest!  He fell at the feet of the sage and thanked him effusively for showing him the proper way to accomplish his task.  Pradayumna blessed Vasudev and gave him a warm hug. 

“O Vasudev, even I find myself to be very ordinary in front of you.  Sage Tejananda must have been surprised when he heard my wish of improving my looks.  It is after all, very unbecoming for a sage to attach so much importance to his physical appearance.  When I got this amrit, I should have realised that if not for me, I can certainly drink it for the benefit of others, like, for instance, your King.  But I did not do that.  I considered this offer by the goddess of beauty to be a waste immediately after I decided that I won’t allow anyone to drink it on my behalf.”  said the sage. 

The sage wanted Vasudev to stay in his ashram for the night but he wanted to return back to his kingdom and apprise his King of this ecstatic news.  Pradayumna, finally, consented and Vasudev hurried back to his charioteer.  Seeing his joyous face, the charioteer could make out the positive outcome of Vasudev’s visit with the sage.  But when he learnt of his supreme sacrifice for the sake of his ruler, his eyes became wet with tears.  He bowed before Vasudev and rode the chariot back to the palace.

On reaching his destination, Vasudev met his King and filled him in with all that had happened.  Bharadwaj was aghast to learn that his associate had taken the curse upon himself to relieve him from it’s shackles!  “What have you done, O Vasudev?  How can I live with this favour which you have bestowed on me?” 

“O King!  I have not done any favour upon you.  If a ruler like you abstains from getting married worried about the aftermath of that curse, in your own words, there would never be a suitable heir to this kingdom.  This could prove fatal, my lord.  If I do not marry due to the ramifications of your curse, no harm would befall the kingdom.  I have only done my duty towards my ruler and the kingdom!  You must understand that, Maharaj!”  the noble Vasudev explained.

Bharadwaj was stunned to see the greatness of Vasudev and embraced him.  “You are a Mahatma, Satyan!  I feel honoured to have someone like you at my disposal!  Why should anyone go to see a sage or a ‘muni’ for seeking their blessings?  If people come and have your darshan, they will be blessed!” 

Bharadwaj made public the events relating to his curse and what the noble Vasudev had done to relieve him from it.  Everyone was amazed to see the devotion and selfless dedication Vasudev possessed towards his King and flocked to see him for offering their salutations.  His exceptional deed not only made him the talk of the town but also made everyone refer to him as ‘Mahatma’. 

In the evening, after meeting the people, Vasudev came to his chambers for resting awhile.  He knew that he could sleep peacefully that day as he had succeeded in his mission.  And indeed he did!  As he went into a deep slumber, he saw the most memorable and wonderful dream of his life!

Even in the dream, Vasudev was sleeping in his chamber when a bright light flashed over on his face.  He tried to open up his eyes but couldn’t do so due to it’s resplendence.  In a few moments, he heard a soft voice calling out to him, “Vasudev! Vasudev! Open up your eyes!  It’s me!”   The very voice gave him complete tranquility of mind and he opened his eyes. 

(To Continue)