MAYA

“THE World is Maya, an illusion; fools, don’t chase after the transient, it will cause heartache. Follow the holy path, its difficult brothers and sisters but if you’re vigilant, nothing can delude you. You are free, eternal and full of bliss; don’t become attached to petty material objects. Look to me for inspiration, I’ve taken Sanyasa and donned the ochre robes. I’m only twenty-five with life before me and yet if I can succeed then all of you can!”

     Spontaneous applause filled the hall for the Swami, who had entered the monastic order just a year ago. He was an eloquent speaker, knowledgeable but he forbade anyone from touching him; this would have polluted his sense of worth. People fell at his feet from a distance. He was a strict vegetarian and berated everyone for their worldly attachments to relatives and wealth. Give them up! He exclaimed everywhere.

Of course people admired such detachment but complained that his advice was extreme. On several occasions the Swami had grown angry at this perceived weakness. He was an expert on the Bhagavad Gita as well as other holy texts. He read them to impress his listeners.

     In July, he came to a village. A young woman of nineteen was assigned to serve the Swami his food. She had large eyes, dark hair and comely hips. She placed the plate in front of him and would say nothing apart from ‘would Swami like anything else?’ He liked her sincere attitude and service. Each night after the sermon, he made her sit and gave her religious knowledge. She sat gazing boldly into his eyes.

The Swami extended his stay and the people were delighted. He wanted to teach the young woman more topics as she was an eager student. When he asked her after six days whether she had understood his teachings, she replied that she didn’t care for them at all. He was astonished.

She grabbed his hand and at the touch electricity passed through him. She had fallen madly in love she said and would commit suicide if he left without her. Then she embraced him and kissed him passionately on the lips. He tried to push her back without success.

The next day, villagers were shaking their heads in amazement. They saw the Swami skipping lightly after the wide eyed beauty in a field, happy and full of joy.

ps. This was a lighthearted short story I wrote and was selected in the Inspired by Tagore Competition. I hope people who visit this site enjoy it. Vijay Medtia.