 
Episodes and Experiences

By Krishnanand

Published by Mrugank Patel at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition

## Table of Contents

1. FREEDOM FROM FEAR

2. SPIRITS SPEAK

3. DESTINY'S DUAL DEAL

4. SHIVA'S SCORPIONS

5. DEATH'S DISRUPTIVE DRAMA

6. GEORGE CONVERTS GHOSTS

7. COMPLAINANT CORNERED

8. CHAMPA'S CURSE CAME CORRECT

9. A WELL-WOVEN EVENT

10. RAMPA'S ROSARY OF RESOLUTIONS

11. THE TAUGHT TROUBLE THE TUTOR

12. A SOMNAMBULIST

Life Sketch of Swami Krishnanand

Poem: What Statistics Don't Prove

Poem: Alphabetical Prayer

## PREFACE

Beloved reader,

The Hindu monks are so very much revered in our country that even the itinerant spiritual novices like me enjoy a free access to the hearts and homes of the members of the society. It is because of this advantageous situation that I have some u good many interesting and mysterious incidents that have taken place in the lives of people I have et and stayed with during the course of my extensive wandering throughout the length and breadth of India.

I have narrated in this book some such experiences, common and uncommon both; trying in my own way to dig deep and unravel some soul enriching truths behind them. My modest aim in writing this second series of TRUE EXPERIENCES contain in this book is to share them with you in the sincere hope that they may add to your knowledge, hope, cheer and orderly living-so necessary to live a richer and meaningful life on this glorious earth.

As I am wedded to the principle that my writings should reach the members of the public FREE.

Should you find in the contents of this book educative elements and enlightenment, you will please share it with your other friends.

Love and namaskar to you.

May God bless us all.

Your own self,

Krishnanand

This second book was published in April 1966. Swamiji dedicated the second volume of his experiences to "His Holiness Shri Mota" the founder of the Hari Om Ashram (Nadiad & Surat), who was the live fountain of love, knowledge and experiences.

## 1. FREEDOM FROM FEAR

Mental pain engendered by apprehensive feelings is what in short we call fear.

Fear springs out of ignorance. Fear haunts us because we are empty of perspective knowledge of life and rational understanding of situations. With our lacking of courage to face the natural effects of our thought-free and thoughtless actions, fear gets the better of us. When we are not able to squarely meet the eventualities of life which is orderly and just, we invite the rule of fear and oppression. Through attachment and infatuation for people and things we sow the seeds of fear and allow it to enslave us.

Major calamities and pangs that we suffer are born out of our imaginary fears. Onslaught of sickness, failures in examinations, service, or business, insecurity, premature ageing and sundry other unexpected events enter our lives more with the visa of one form of fear or the other. Fear robs us of all charms and chances of life. With gloom-cast faces, we become mere moving machines of melancholy, carrying our fears wherever we wander, withered, weary and weak to meet the little challenges of life.

Fear rakes our nerves, curdles the blood, chills the spine, causes bodily tremors and clouds our thinking-hindering and frittering our great possibilities. Fear is self-detention, deflection, decay and defacement.

When the horses of our self-imagined thoughts of danger and anxieties are let loose by throwing away the reins of prudence, we just jostle about in forebodings and our physical vehicles land in the truculent abyss of fear.

Unless we remain discriminatively awake, fear, the binding and blinding instinct-often difficult of recognition is hard to eradicate. Like other disruptive emotions, FEAR has a tendency to lurk, leap and lash out. We must sharply search, spot it out and slash it away.

Fear in any form or degree is bad. So is fearlessness of every kind. Dutiful obedience is superior compared to obeying out of fear. Overcoming the vices through rightful thinking is more desirable than desisting from it solely out of fear of the inevitable consequences. Likewise, fearlessness which enriches, ennobles, elevates and emancipates is what is worth achieving rather than the type which is disgraceful and damaging to oneself and others.

You will read in these pages how various forms of fears obsessed me and how I gained release from its hold.

Born and bred up in a fairly well-to-do family, I was circumstanced to grow in comfort and free from wants. But through excessive care, ' stick to us ' and ' mix not' codes, my otherwise good parents sowed the seeds of fear in me from my very childhood. I grew in and with fear - becoming a crotchety bundle of it.

I could never sleep alone, without lights or move about in darkness. Talks of ghosts and crocodiles, etc., generated fear in me. Out in the swimming pool, I never swam under water, neither did I swim with the crowd of mischievous boys who generally pulled one by the legs from below. Before going to bed, I always stuffed cotton-balls in my ear - holes to prevent ear - wigs and ants from creeping into them while I was asleep.

People usually wish to hear about or see from safe distance what they fear. For instance, almost everyone fears ghosts, wild-animals and death, but yet they like to hear or read ghost - stories and see the caged wild-animals and dead bodies. As for me, fear of ghosts and wild-animals had so much flooded my whole being that I perspired with shivers when hearing ghost stones or seeing the pictures of wild-animals. The first time I visited a zoo was in the year 1947 - at the age of 27. It was about that time then I saw for the first time a dead body from close quarters. Because wild - animals participate in the circus - shows and because I feared them, I never witnessed any circus-shows, and films of Tarzan or wars.

Of all the things that I most feared was snakes. I shrieked at their sight - both in wakefulness and in dreams. In my book ' Sermons in the Storms ' I have narrated in the experience under the caption 'A night with a python ' the mental uneasiness I suffered at the intrusion of a baby - python in the cave where by mistake I had gone for midnight meditations.

My fears very often brought me face to face with dangers. Fear hindered my progress. I suffered nervous disorders and allied physical and mental complications.

While visionary dreamers dream about good things and of becoming big and thereby feel exhilarated, I dreamt of failures, stings, bites, beats, rebukes, detection, insult, destitution, poverty, accidents, sickness and other negative situations and became sore and sullen.

The only good which my fearfulness did was, to delight my school and class mates to see my funky figure in tantrums. In order that they may not frighten me, I spent every pie of my pocket-money on lollipops and lozenges which I freely distributed to my mischief-minded mates. That's how I had to keep them at bay.

My parents were not religious-at least not in the regular ritualistic way. But because of my spiritual-minded uncle who had also embraced sanyasa, we had good many saints visiting our house. It was a case of water released for wheat crops reaching and feeding the weeds also. I went to them with one question "can you cure my fear complex?" But their prescriptions were such as would arouse more fear in me. Someone asked me to pray seated in a lone room, some said reciting japa in a cemetery would help and others asked me to propitiate the fearful-form of Mahakali. I had no guts, faith or patience for practicing these efficacious methods then. There wasn't encouragement from my parents either.

With this background of fear complex, I left my house in search of peace in the year 1944. I did not set out with the usual preparedness with which the adorable seekers who want God above everything do. Distaste and dispassion for worldly way of living was there in me, yet, lurking in a corner was also the fear of insecurity. So, I carried with me sufficient money to last me for a year-by which period I expected to soar in the state of absolute reliance on God. I didn't know where to go and how to start. But I somehow felt that once I left, I would be led to somewhere and that God's agents would meet me and guide me to the sought for destination.

I went to Hubli in Karnatak and thence to Kumarswami \- a place of pilgrimage near Sandhur State via Humpi and Pampa sarovar. From there I trekked to several places in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra and later decided to go to Sindh.

Possessed by fears as I was, I didn't enjoy the wandering. Fear had already done enough damage to my inner and outer-self. I longed for freedom from its clutches. Through regular prayers and incantations of the japa in which I was initiated as a student, I endeavored without success to keep away the negative and hurtful thoughts. Thereafter, I clung to the following one-line prayer - O' Mother ! out of Thy bountiful grace, do Thou be pleased to free me from fear." Thus, moving from place to place, I kept reciting the prayer, sometimes mentally, vocally at times and occasionally I even bawled out. I addressed the supplication to every name and form in which people prayed and pray to God and also to forms in which people don't worship-perhaps they never will. I was impatient for results - but my prayers went unheard. I didn't then know that my prayers were bereft of technique, persistent faith and poise. Nor did I know or wish to believe that in trying to introduce anything new or endeavoring to drive away anything that is deep-rooted and irksome, one shouldn't expect too quick results. Yet, I continued the same unproductive process.

Whenever people came to me, I freely spoke to them about my plight and begged them to pray for me. Some good souls asked me to stick to prayers, some sermonised, some - who posed to be very practical asked me to return to my home and people. At last, I reached Karachi and after a brief stay there I went to Sukkar.

Sukkar was a town of prominence. There were some ashrams there. As I was not a regular sanyasin in ochre robes - duly ordained and as I wasn't wel-come in any of the ashrams which I had visited earlier on my very long journey from Hubli to Karachi, I decided to stay in Sukkar somewhere on my own.

Moving about in the town, I met a burly man lying in the open-under the shade of a tree. I learnt from people that he was a full-fledged lawyer who had gone mad and that he was lying there since some years. There were others who said that having developed distaste for worldly life he spent some years at the feet of an elevated saint in Mithiana - another place in Sindh - and that for the past few years he was there the way he was - going to none and nowhere nor speaking with anyone. My informants further told me that people somehow believed and even actually experienced that when a plate of food was offered to him after some downward passes on the individuals suffering from the effects of anaemia, paralysis and dropsical symptoms, they got fully recovered. People called him Masthramji and there were daily round of offering of food to him.

Since I had to stay somewhere and particularly near someone, I decided to camp with Masthramji there. With a fleshy face, flabby features and an outgrown ponch, shri. Masthramji was a figure to see. Except for a small piece of cloth tied around his waist.

Masthramji had nothing on his person. Inspite of what people had told me about him, I personally found the dirty and stinking Masthramji calm and quiet - perhaps the quietitude of a person lost in his inner-self; I wasn't very sure. I spent the whole day observing him. He never took notice of any one's presence-much less mine. Somehow, I found myself somewhat peaceful near him.

The place was very filthy, so, the next day I bought a broom, bucket, mug and few cakes of soap and thoroughly cleaned the place and gave it a new look. Masthramji said nothing. Then started his occasional twisted smiles towards me; he seemed to have liked what I had done. Thus encouraged, from that day onwards I braved to give him also a clean-up. He didn't resist and i gave him a bath daily. Because of my that sort of service to Masthramji, people who regularly brought him food, took a liking for me also. About midday everyday Masthramji partook of the food placed before him and I began doing the same. His impassive and contemplative mood didn't abate. Because he didn't seem to dislike my presence and because I also felt somewhat secure in his mute company, I stuck on with Masthramji - doing my japa.

Exactly on the fortieth day of my stay with him, one night, he spoke with me. Because of his long silence he couldn't speak very clearly. He chose choice words - weaving out meaningful and soothing sentences of solace. He said "young man! nature intends us to be buoyant. You must live in the self and be care-free. Don't wander with your running thoughts and weaken yourself. Live in the present, develop love for all, and laugh laugh and laugh. You will come out of your world of fears. From the depth of my studies of human nature and character I noticed in you on the very first day, a pitiable mass of fear and how much you long to free yourself. Don't worry, you will soon be free"-he concluded reassuringly.

He spoke with poise plus pause, adding force to what he ponderingly said. I had read and heard a good deal on fearlessness and had even met a number of persons who claimed to be fearless. As such, Masthramji's utterances were not new to my ears or understanding. However, its impact upon me was something different and definitely dynamic. Everything he said went down deep into my being. Really, words that spring from persons who are living the actual life are strong forces, capable of transforming anyone and anything.

Not till he spoke to me did I know that I had spent forty calendar days in the company of a great soul. With this knowledge i firmly felt, fast flashes of finest feeling.

Night after night he pumped into me thoughts that kindle fear-free feelings. From the rich store of his memorised poems by foreign authors he used to gaily recite many of them and also made me to write them down, ruminate over and repeat them.

Herebelow I give some of them:--

It is what you think that makes the world,

Seem dull or bright to you;

Your mind may colour all things gray

Or make them radiant hue;

Be glad today, be true and wise,

seek gold amid the dross;

Waste neither time nor thought about

The bridge you will never cross.

There's useful work for you to do,

With hand and brain and heart,

There's urgent human service too,

In which to take your part.

Make every opportunity,

Of gain and not a loss;

The best is yours, so do not fear.

The bridge you will never cross.

If life seems drab & difficult,

Just face it with a will;

You do not have to work alone,

Since, God is with you still.

Press on with, courage toward the goal,

With truth your shield emboss;

Be strong, look up-just ignore,

The bridge you will never cross.

\------------------

Bewail the past or future dread-

The less we grieve the better said;

It matters not how we make it,

Our life is truly what we make it.

Repining never makes us strong.

Nor ever yet undid a wrong;

Despair lights not a single woe,

But darkens Hope's enlivening glow.

While anger's but a freak of madness,

That's fraught with only pain and sadness.

No night so dark but day will dawn,

And scatter wide the light of morn;

No storm so drear but that on high,

Will soon be seen the brightening sky;

No souls full of fear and grief,

But trusting heart will give relief.

Before the smile will shadow vanish,

And kindly word doth anger banish;

While cheerful man can drive away,

The cares that fret us day by day,

So that we find however we make it,

Our life is ever what we make it.

\------------------

They say it was a penniless lad,

And nothing nothing to lose he had,

He heard that thieves were at him still,

They must pursue; go where he will.

Thus haunted, worried, he for escape,

Ran uphill, down-ditch into the cape,

He hurried and flurried in fear and fright,

Wore out his body and mind in flight,

Yet nothing nothing to lose he had,

They say it was a penniless lad.

O' worldly man! Such is thy plight,

Thy arrant ignorance and fright,

O' sacred fellow, just know thyself

Away with dread of thieves and theft,

Up, up, awake, see what you are.

There's nothing to lose or fear for

No harm to thee ever accrue,

THY THOUGHT ALONE DOTH THEE PURSUE.

\-----------------

In all, I spent six months with him; listening to his lucid talks, stories and rich thoughts touching upon sane, secure and serene living. I joined him in his prayers. He taught me some Sanskrit hymns and psalms of adoration to Goddess. We prayed together-always after midnight.

Day after day I began to feel in increased degrees - more composed and jubilant. Every morning I woke up with added vigor and cheer. Negative thoughts no more harassed me much. I thanked and prayed to God to bless me with the continuing fullness of that fine inner- state.

One night, Masthramji said 'young man! it is with delight that I note the change in you. By the grace of God, my experiments on you have worked in the desired way. You must have read that thoughts travel and that thoughts can be transferred. I employed the technique of sending out concentrated thoughts of fearlessness to you regularly, thrice a day, devoting 40 minutes for each time. Because you co-operated by praying with me systematically all these days and kept yourself open for the change, we have come by easy and quick results. Now, I will pass you over to a colleague of mine whom you will meet the day after tomorrow. He will do the rest to completely purge out the residual fear in you. When with the progress of your spiritual practices you are privileged to exclusively abide in the self, you shall also be able to operate this unique process for the benefit of others. Don't jump to it before that. "

I felt blest. I fell prostrate at his feet with tears of joy moistening them. What an admirable meekness! He shared with me, a dim - with little novice, the secrets of the whole process.

Alas, when I woke up next morning, the venerable Masthramji wasn't there. That made me sorrowful and bewildered. He had gone, I knew not where. Nor did I know if he would come back. I went into the town in search of him. I roamed all over the town but could not trace him. I quit the search.

I had to leave Sukkar, - I again knew not where to go. I went to the Railway station and with the little money which I had, I purchased a ticket for Mirpurkhas. Why for Mirpurkhas, I knew not also. I reached there the next day. I went to a small temple near the station. The priest there shunted me out. I then went to the town moving about here and there.

At the corner of a lane I saw three Fakirs standing. One of them beckoned me to them. I had never before met any of them. When I went near, the one who had called me, exclaimed ' so you have come eh!, as if he was waiting for me. That surprised me. The Fakir spoke Hindi. They took me to a tomb on the southern side of the town. I sat with them there and did justice to the food which they had brought from the town. After sometime, the other two fakirs left. Left to ourselves, the Fakir talked to me in Burmese and said that his name was Makrana sahib and that two days back he had received a telepathic message from his friend Masthramji who was till then in Sukkar. Continuing further, he told me that Masthramji had given him my description and had also intimated that I would be reaching Mirpurkhas early that morning. He said that he was also asked to be on the look-out for me.

I could understand the telepathic part of the communication to Makrana sahib from Sukkar. But I failed to get at how Masthramji could have known in advance that I would proceed to Mirpurkhas, even long before myself having abruptly purchased the ticket. This and Makrana Sahib's fore - knowledge about my knowing the Burmese language also, amazed me to the core. So. i began, ' Good Sire ! we have not met before'--Butting in, Makrana sahib interjected, "your surprise is understandable, don't labour questioning me. With developed intuition, one can know everything about anyone. "That was revealing. 'What a wonderful achievement ! ', thought I.

Proceeding ahead again, he said, "Little friend! saints of Masthramji's attainments can always implant thoughts that can motivate anyone to act as desired by the operator. Before leaving you, through mental suggestions he directed you to visit Mirpurkhas. Impressionable as you are, you acted under the impulse of Masthramji's powerful mental suggestion and reached to this town here.

I spent the night in that tomb with Makrana sahib. After supper, making me to sit facing eastwards he stroke my brow-centre and sent me into a state in which I had ecstatic visions. When I regained myself from the mystical experience. Makrana sahib - the yogi, said, " There are two types of ties working on the human plane. One is earthly and the other is spiritual. With worldly ties with other souls one gets material benefits, while out of spiritual ties with elevated ones, one profits spiritually. Through communion anyone can cultivate, strengthen and make perennial either one or both of these ties. Your past connections with Masthramji and myself being spiritual, you were drown to us. With your willing cooperation we have been able to do what we have done. Henceforth FEAR will no more persecute you. "

The last sentence which he uttered with modulated intonations thrilled me and instantly every limb of my body became vibrant with bliss. With a former freshness that seven -words sentence rings in my ears even as I am writing this after a period of a year less to a score.

Makrana sahib then rose and seating himself a bit far from me began to pray. He offered his vocal prayers to the omniscient Lord in Arabic, Persian, Latin, English, French, Burmese, Sanskrit and Sindhi.

Prayers over, he finally said "We shall be parting in the early hours tomorrow. Before we do so, I want to arm you with the following dozen do's and don'ts. You must bear them well.

1) Be moderate in your food habits and remain modestly a model in your ways.

2) Talk less and listen more.

3) Love all without getting lost in them.

4) Keep yourself ever receptive for spiritual unfoldment through faith, sincerity and surrender.

5) Be one-pointed in your sadhana - never change it.

6) Don't look for short-cuts or expect the ' touch & go ' spiritual ripeness.

7) Don't misuse your fearlessness or other attainments which you might come by.

8) Don't snatch the reins of preceptorship.

9) Share with others what you get and have; in doing so, take particular care not to get caught in the dragnet of praise and popularity,

10) Don't get mixed-up with black art and sorcery.

11) Don't cling to considerations of creed cum conventional convictions.

12) Allow God to own you by your owning nothing.

If you followed these principles assiduously, the fearlessness which you have now gained will transport you to higher states of consciousness - making the present more meaningful and the future richly rewarding. It is now well past midnight and both of us need little sleep. So, you will please reserve the formalities for another occasion and leave me now to myself. "Punctuating thus, Makrana sahib suddenly slumped himself sideways to snatch a short sleep. There was no need for me to give vent to my feelings before one who could read them all. So, without saying anything, I spread my sheet of cloth and went to sleep.

Great souls do their job and whisk away without waiting for the vote of thanks. As did Masthramji at Sukkar, so also, Makrana sahib left-leaving me lying in the tomb there.

Wondrous are the results of prayers, autosuggestion and the company of advanced souls. They help us to oust the qualities which obstruct our progress and recharge us with all that we fall short of for self-uplift.

I have included in this book this personal experience of mine, and have dealt with it at length, solely in the sincere hope that it might help you also to become truly and thoroughly fearless.

In the third series of experiences of my wandering life, I shall share with you, beloved reader, more about Masthramji and Makrana sahib.

IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD BLESS YOU TO TIRELESSLY TRY AND TRIUMPH OVER FEAR. Amen.

## 2. SPIRITS SPEAK

The existence of invisible beings is now-receiving the acceptance and recognition from most reflective men of science.

A spirit is a disembodied being not subject to our earthly laws of time and space. Because they are differently constituted, .we can commune with them only under some special circumstances.

Narrated here below is an account of my communion with a spirit. Because I lack adequate knowledge of psycho-physiological subjects, I am not in a position to clarify or freely comment on the strange phenomena which I visually observed and conversed with.

Once, while moving about in Maharashtra, I happened to camp in a village near Sholapur. One night, a farm - owner took me to his farm where sugar - canes were being crushed for the manufacture of Jaggary. It is almost customary with all farmers to invite relatives and friends on such occasions for a treat. As the farm was fairly far from the village, it was earlier agreed that I should spend the night in the fields.

After the reception, I found that with the motor-operated crushing machines making roaring noise, I would not be able to sleep there. So, with the consent of my host I went to another farm about half a mile away, spread my bed at a convenient place and retired to sleep.

As is my habit, I got up at 3 am. and was preparing myself for the regular early morn meditations, when, all at once, I was enveloped with the feeling of some strange presence around me. On looking up ahead, I perceived a silvery outline of an apparent human - form about 10 feet away from me and approximately 3 feet above the ground without being in any contact whatsoever with any normal support.

In the course of my extensive wanderings, I had on several occasions come across such personifications, but this was the first perceptional meeting. As a matter of fact, I had been really longing for such an experience. With delight cum curious countenance, therefore, I fixed my look at that figure in askance and awaited its reactions.

The spirit greeted me with a 'bon jour ami' -(good-morning friend). After fittingly reciprocating, I began conversing with the figure which spoke fluent English in a base masculine voice. The meeting lasted for well over an hour and a half. I give below only some select questions together with the replies of the spirit as I feel they may add to the knowledge of my readers.

MYSELF (1 ) : What prompted you to grace me with your presence ?

SPIRIT : Love of human company.

MYSELF ( 2 ) : Can you tell me who you were in your past life and since when are

you in this state ?

SPIRIT : Known as ' Chidambar Kulkarni ', I was running a decent hotel in a nearby city here. I am one of the fortunate some who can transport themselves into their past. According to nature's plan, my fleshy form was taken away eight years back.

MYSELF (3) : Did you possess this power to peep into your past when you were Chidambar Kulkarni ?

SPIRIT : No-No sooner I left the human frame, this power manifested itself in me.

MYSELF (4): What is the extent of the distant past you can dive into?

SPIRIT : I possess detailed knowledge of my past five births.

MYSELF (5) :'Is it given to you to know the past of others too ?

SPIRIT : Past details about others do at time flash to me.

MYSELF ( 6) : Can you give the exact time and date of my birth ?

SPIRIT : Let me see: -  yes. You were born at 12.18. p.m. on 26th August, 1920 in a Buddhist country.

MYSELF ( 7 ) : Are you also gifted to foresee others' or your future ?

SPIRIT : No Maharaj.

MYSELF (8) : What immediate change did you experience after your last death ?

SPIRIT : Loss of contact with the physical body and consequent inability to use or enjoy worldly things.

MYSELF (9) : Do you mean to say that death has not affected your mental capabilities?

SPIRIT: YES, not only that; death, I personally feel, has positively - increased my mental powers.

MYSELF (10) : Where do you spirits stay ?

SPIRIT: We with the gaseous bodies, need no place as such to stay. But according to our respective predispositions, we are drawn to hover around trees, temples, tanks, tombs: cemeteries, churches, cables, caves, cliffs, collieries and at times reside as DOUBLES in human and animal bodies. There are spirits of superior order who dwell in celestial space and higher planets.

MYSELF (11) : Why and when do you spirits choose to live as doubles in the human or animal bodies ?.

SPIRIT: Only the earth-bound spirits with predominant worldly desires, seeking appeasement of their latent sensual hunger, trespass into living bodies. They generally select one whom they loved in their past life. Or in the alternative, they may even enter semi-vacant bodies, that is, bodies under the spell of suspended animation due to shock or poisoning. When persons, revived from the terminal effects of accidents, and behave too very differently, you have a concrete case of a spirit having taken forcibly possession of someone's body - by driving out the soul which previously resided therein.

MYSELF (12) : Are you spirits capable of moving about freely in space and of visiting higher planets ?

SPIRIT : Spirits which have to undergo further cycles of reincarnations on earth cannot visit places beyond the spatial boundary of earth. But those that are due for transfer to celestial realms after their span of sojournment in the spirit -world, are capable of freely moving about in the vast expanse of space as also of visiting distant planets. I know for certain that beings from higher realms do come down for brief association with the good group of earth - bound spirits and sometimes with advanced souls on earth.

MYSELF (13) : Can you spirits help, heal or harass human - beings ?

SPIRIT: YES - the laws of karma which go vein the possibilities of human - beings apply to us spirits also. The only difference is that with our gaseous bodies we are better placed to work for the betterment or otherwise of the physical beings, with greater ease and speed.

MYSELF (14) : Can you help people on earth with material objects ?

SPIRIT : We spirits can neither create physical objects (finished products) nor do we possess them. So, when it comes to helping people with material things, spirits of the lower an order lift from shops or houses. I know a few notorious spirits which heap upon a well-known Harijan sadhu of South - black monies which they empty from the strong safes of flourishing financial frauds, and he is having a fine time drawing, deluding and deceiving the ignorant crowds in the name of God and incarnation. It must however be said to the credit of the sadhu that because of his these make-believe miracles performed with the aid of poltergeists, many atheists have begun believing in religion and God.

MYSELF (15): Without physical organs, how can such spirits transport physical Object?

SPIRIT: We spirits are capable of bringing about atomic disintegration of man-made articles. Those spirits that do the lifting employ this technique and do the reassembling at the other end.

MYSELF (16) : Will you please enlighten me about the exact process by which the atomic disintegration you talk of is brought about by you spirits ?

SPIRIT: No friend, much as I admire your zeal to know about hidden matters, I observe that you arn't as yet mature enough to grasp the intricate details of working of the psychic forces. Now PLEASE don't ask me to demonstrate - because that would cause dissipation of my spiritual energy for no worthy cause.

MYSELF (17) : Can the evil spirits harm anyone and everyone ?

SPIRIT: No, we have in the spirit world what you may call a ' RESCUE COUNCIL ' comprising of powerful spirits. Its function is to see that no undue harm is inflicted upon anyone - SAVE when, like human beings, the spirits have perforce to act malignantly as a result of their malevolent ties of the past with the human or other beings.

MYSELF (18) : will you please tell me something about what benevolent spirits, like you, do ?

SPIRIT: The spirits of the satwic order never harass or harm anyone. They do help or guide people-but only according to the divine laws. They love the company of the good and noble. They frequent places of captivating spiritual atmosphere.

MYSELF (19) : Can you spirits perform super-natural feats?

SPIRIT: Because of the diversity in the power plus possibilities of different beings, certain acts are viewed by some people of particular state of consciousness-as unnatural or supernatural. The following interesting instances should show you how even our natural feats, are branded by you people as miracles:--

(a). The other day, a spirit, attracted by the singing of a psalm glorifying Lord Shiva, went to the particular temple and caused the garland on 'Shiva-Linga' to travel in space and settle around the neck of the devotee who was singing. All those assembled there watched this with wonder and from that day the popularity of that devotee and the temple has received a boost.

(b). A brother spirit and myself visited a Goddess's temple in Gujarat. In the crowd of visitors present there, we saw a devotee whom we recognized by his astral aura which was rose-red. It also flashed to us that he was poor and without food for the last two days. This brother spirit of mine caused a handful of currency notes lying at the feet of the deity to fly into the hands of that starving devotee. All watched this with raised brows, yet, for us, these are very ordinary feats.

(c). On another occasion, another spirit caused the big bells in Sri Nathji (a prominent Vaishnav temple in Marwar) to ring incessantly for some time. Little later conches blew and drums beat without human aid. These were all viewed by the people as divine miracles.

(d). Once, a female spirit announced from the altar of a shrine that if all present there didn't circumambulate the temple from sun-set to dawn, God's wrath would befall upon them all. Everyone there obeyed - taking it to be an angelic command.

(e). I also know of a foreign spirit who answered the mathematics paper of a son of your friend Shri. X, who is a High - Court Judge. But for this invisible and unknown help, the academic career of the boy would have been badly hindered,

(f). On the 2nd Tuesday of every Hindu month of 'shraavan' a sadhu of a Goddess's temple at Jagannath Puri draws a chain of 20 bullockless carts laden with about 200 pilgrims just by one of his hands. He does it with effortless ease. People in Orissa believe that divine power manifests in the sadhu on that particular day. The pure-hearted sadhu himself shares the belief. But I and others in the spirit world know this to be the job of our fellow spirits. So, you see, in happenings such as this and those told earlier, you earthly beings whose beliefs are more false than true and whose ignorance far more greater than their knowledge, all of you wrongly see miracles and God's hand in them.

MYSELF (20) : Do you consider your present state as superior to human life ?

SPIRIT: People on earth aren't correctly informed about the spirits. Generally, you all dread and depreciate our state little knowing that every soul has to pass through the experiences of the spirit world in the natural course of onward evolution. Leaving aside comparisons, I am convinced that just as a piece of gold has to pass through various processes before being modelled into a beautiful ornament, so also individual souls have to pass through diverse experiences before achieving the highest spiritual beatitude.

MYSELF (21 ) : Can you read my thoughts ?

SPIRIT: Most assuredly yes - I had been doing it all along You have presently in mind to mentally recite a poem which you would want me to orally repeat. Please, go on with the poem.

MYSELF (22.): You're wonderful! - Now, may I hear it from you ?

SPIRIT:

I hold that when a person dies His soul returns again to earth Arrayed in some new flesh disguise; Another mother gives him birth; With sturdier limbs and brighter brain The old soul takes the road again.

All that i rightly think or do, Or make, or spoil, or bless or blast Is curse or blessing justly due For sloth or effort in the past. My life's a statement of the sum Of vices indulged or overcome.

And as I wander on the roads, I shall be helped, and healed and blessed; Kind words shall cheer and be as goads, To urge to heights before unguessed. My road shall be the road I made; All that I gave shall be repaid.

So shall I fight, so shall I tread, In this long war beneath the stars; So shall a glory wreathe my head; So shall I faint and show the scars, Until this case, this clinging mold, Is. smithied all to kingly gold.

John Masefield.

MYSELF (23): Can you spirits appear before anyone whom you choose ?

SPlRIT: YES - those of us who have instinctive love for human beings select for company individuals of refined taste and temperament. Generally, we do not impose ourselves upon those who dread or fear us and those who lack liking for higher values of life. When we choose to make ourselves perceptible to physical sight, we make our form a bit more denser by drawing into it additional matter from space. Amongst us, there are spirits who have a natural apathy for other beings. There are also spirits which just exist like plants and animals taking no interest in anything. Cheap spirits are always after mischief and intent upon harming human and other beings. So you see, just as individuals vary in the physical plane, so is the case of beings in invisible realms.

MYSELF ( 24 ) Do all spirits speak ?

SPIRIT: No, those who for want of realistic understanding of death undergo mental torture at the time of death and near it with fear and terror, get both their physical and subtle vocal - chord damaged and as such, when they reach the other side of the grave, cannot give vocal expression to their feelings. These categories of spirits predominate in the spirit world. Some among them, who are able to reconcile themselves with the new life, then employ the technique of thought-transference when they choose to deal with human-beings. The enlightened type of spirits - as I have said earlier, command developed mental faculties and they alone can speak with a muffled human voice and are also able to see and decipher the form and color of thoughts.

MYSELF ( 25) : What have you to say about seance, raps, typtology. planchette, parakinesis, telekinesis etc.. ?

SPIRIT: These are sportive creations of the third class poltergeists who delight in entertaining that section of society-whose most members desire to master trickery and falsely claim to possess spiritual powers solely with a view to duping the gullible.

MY'SELF (26 ) : Do you ever meet your past relatives ?

SPIRIT: My liking to meet them has always remained nil. For, I do not consider people who can stoop to any level for making money as worthy of association. Moreover, my living children are now past all possibilities of reformation; I however, hold mental communion with my French son of my past third birth who is presently in Perros Guirec, in France. He is very aged now and evinces deep interest in Aurbindo philosophy.

MYSELF (27) : Why don't you visit your French son ?

SPIRIT: My elemental constitution does not permit me of such a long distance movement in space.

MYSELF (28 ) : Will you please name some great saints with whom you have contact ?

SPIRIT: Currently I am in touch with none. I have learnt from the teachings of Bhagwan Ramana Rishi that greatness of a saint is dependent upon the spontaneous reverence which he commands and upon the quantitative and qualitative peace one experiences in his presence.

MYSELF (29) : Who is your close friend in the spirit world and what was he in his past life ?

SPIRIT: I am on very intimate terms with a very advanced spirit - who was an eminent foreign Doctor in his past birth and he is one well acquainted with the Indian life. Only yesterday we discussed health problems of India and my friend asserted that BIRTH CONTROL which is being rashly enforced will be most ruinous to India.

MYSELF (30) : Has your friend given you convincing reasons - if yes, will you please take the trouble to let me know them ?

SPIRIT: My friend feels that due to mass illiteracy and an all-round influence of religious dogmas, the position obtaining in India is that only the educated class of people of the age group of 30-35 go in for vasectomy - after few children - that is, just at the age when better brained children are more likely to come. The ignorant and the illiterate who form about 70% of the total population are not for birth-control. This situation apart, because the Indian wives are not GENERALLY treated with care and understanding, - a principal reason for a very high rate of feminine suicides in the Country, the present-day girls with the background of modern education are beginning to abhor marriage in general and motherhood in particular. All this will bring about a sharp decline in the birthrate of intelligent children and a great increase in the strength of dull - brained ones of the backward parents. In the light of the foregoing, therefore, my friend reasonably feels that commending of birth-control now will not only defeat the very purpose but that within the next 50 years or so, India will lose its prominent place in the world map of intelligentsia.

MYSELF (31) : What are the chances of our meeting again ?

SPIRIT: We must leave it to 'coup de hazard' (Lucky chance). Now I must leave. I thank you for having given me the opportunity to remain in your company for this while, 'dieu vous garde - au plaisir de vous revoir ! ( May God gaurd you till I have the pleasure of seeing you again. )

The gaseous form of the former 'Chidambar Kulkarni' vanished into the thin air. That's how my this exhilarating experience ended. I have narrated it in absolute fairness without any attempt at spicing and only after a dispassionate check - up that it was not something which proceeded from me - hallucination. Yet, I must confess my inability to convince crazy critics about the irrefutable objectivity of spirits.

## 3. DESTINY'S DUAL DEAL

Major events of our lives in this world market of activities are inexorably predestined. None can circumvent them. Our day to day experiences compel us to believe that we have to passively submit to the deals of fate.

Here's a glaring case in support of the above truth.

Once I was camping at the place of one Seth Prabhuji-a prominent businessman of Calcutta. One evening I went out with him for a drive. The car failed on our way back. We hailed a taxi to tow us home. A street boy who picked up our call ran to the farther taxi stand and brought us a cab. The boy was tipped and we returned home.

Some days later, we went out for a walk and while we were returning, we spotted that same little boy tending an old infirm beggar who was lying on a foot-path. My host recognised the boy at once and wanting to know who the old man was, questioned the boy. The lad in rags told us that he knew nothing about the old man and that he was trying to do what little he could for that neglected and suffering beggar. From the then condition of the beggar we knew that he wouldn't pull on long.

My friend gave few rupees to the boy asking him to get for the old man something to drink or eat.

Few days thereafter, when we were again walking back home after a brief stroll, that very boy came running to us. He reported to us about the death of that old beggar and about the disposal of his dead body which was removed by the municipality. Then, the boy pulled out Re. 1.25 and placing it in the hands of my friend said that happened to be the balance from Rs. 3/- that was given to him for providing eatables to the dead man.

The young boy's ways seemed to have impressed my host who asked the boy some personal questions about him. Replying, the boy said "I come from a family of cobblers. My late father was working as a railway porter in Howrah station. He was murdered by my mother's paramour. My mother has since run away with someone else leaving me to the streets. From, then, I am doing odd little jobs for a living.

Sethji asked the boy if he would like to stay with him. The boy's silent countenance conveyed convincing agreement. We brought him home. Seth Prabhuji directed his driver to take the boy and get him a pair of good clothes after a clean hair-cut and a cleansing bath.

When the boy was brought back well groomed, we had before us a charming little lad of graceful form. With black curly hair, a broad, high fore-head, round and wide sparkling eyes, Grecian nose from forehead to nose - tip, large nostrils, well moulded chin, slopy jaw-line, triple dimpled cheeks, a spherical face and a shapely well-closed mouth and lips, he showed all the essential physiognomical signs which go to make one who would love nice living, persevere, be loving, and push his way through to success in all walks of life.

Taking the boy by the hand, Sethji took him to the kitchen where his mother and wife were; and presenting that little boy before them said "here's a God's little child - we needn't interest ourselves over the details of his parentage etc., His tender age and present circumstances demand loveful care and help and something within me compellingly commands me to bring up the boy along with Pramodh our only son. From now on we shall call him Pavitrakumar. I take it that both of you welcome my decision.

Sethji's mother was the first to speak out her heart. She said "while I am all appreciation for your this move, I cannot withhold myself from questioning you as to why you shouldn't allow this type of sympathetic feelings to operate in favour of two young children of your late brother also. With their lone mother working as a waitress on a Rs. 80/- p.m., you can well imagine the pitiable state of the children. I still don't understand the wisdom behind your wanting the effects of your past differences with your brother to cause sufferings even to your innocent nephews and sister-in-law. Granting you the freedom to forget their relationship with you, I don't see why you shouldn't view them also as God's little children and extend to them the type of love and care you propose for this stranger boy. In this short and uncertain span of life, it is not good for us to be spiteful. All the good which you are doing and may hereafter do, can never be meaningful in the eyes of God-with your wanton neglect towards those who deserve it more by right of blood ties with you. So, my son, I ask of you to give your destitute nephews the care and love due to them. If you don't feel like giving them shelter here under your roof, atleast give them some monetary aid to enable them to live a standard life of sufficiency."

Sethji's wife also pleaded with him in this very strain - supporting the arguments and suggestion of her mother-in-law.

Sethji countered, "You both misjudge me. All my offers of help - both direct and indirect have been turned down by my sister- in-law. I find it rather difficult to convince you both as to how much I feel for them. But then, the situation is such that none can compel or coax them into accepting any assistance from me or from others. What happens is, when people act under the strong duress and dictates of one's destiny which holds out for them a certain degree of sufferings and privations as a result of their powerful karmas of the past, they generally spurn all offers of help. In the democratic set-up of nature's orderly scheme of working, forceful imposition doesn't prevail. Notwithstanding this subtle truth, I however, still keep myself renewing my endeavors from time to time to do something for them. I invite you both to dismiss all misgivings in this regard.

From that day, all the house-hold members of the sethji's family took a loveful liking for Pavitrakumar and he was treated more as a family member than as a foundling. Sethji himself saw to it that the boy had no cause whatsoever for estrangement amidst them all. With the change of environment, the dormant niceties in the boy began to assert themselves and he came to be liked all the more - by one and all.

Sethji soon engaged a good tutor to teach the boys primary lessons. Pramodh and Pavitrakumar were both of even age and they diligently applied themselves to their studies. After few years, in the year 1949, they were admitted to a high-school of fine educating standard. That institute had on its staff persons who were imbued with a missionary zeal to teach and mould the students for a fine physical, mental and moral growth.

Sethji's dynamic love for Sanskrit impelled him to personally coach the boys in the dying and neglected language of renowned richness. Sanskrit came to Pavitrakumar easily, while Pramodh who laboured hard couldn't make a mark in it.

With the passage of years the boys passed out from the high-school and Pramodh who showed aptitude for general subjects joined the Arts College and Pavitrakumar who had developed interest for commerce joined the college of commerce. In due time, they passed out of the college with distinction.

After graduation, Sethji's son Pramodh changed completely. He began to remain sullen and showed apathy for the luxurious living which his father's wealthy position offered. Much against the will of his ambitious parents, he got married to one Anjanadevi, a deaf and dumb girl. Thereafter, severing all connections with his parents, he shifted to a village and took up teaching work there. By way of explanation to his father, he said, "father dear ! I consider myself very fortunate for being connected with you by birth and blood. I feel genuinely indebted both to you and my affectionate mother for the care cum comfort which I have enjoyed in your fold I quite realise how hurt you both must be feeling over my civil marriage, with Anjana. All that I can now say is, having understandingly done what I have, I feel, I shall be happy as any other married couple. Your goodness towards me can never be repaid in full even in several births. I now don't wish to involve myself in further parental debts by accepting patrimony from you. You have sufficiently educated me and am now in a position to earn a living while life lasts for me. You must not misconstrue my steps as waning of affection for you all.

Trying to reason out with his son, Seth Prabhuji rejoined, "listen, son; your dispassionate outlook towards this fickle life is indeed praiseworthy. I and your mother have no grouse against your marriage with Anjana. What I particularly desire is that, the riches which nature has blessed rne with should be put to useful purposes. My plans are that we start an ultra - ideal educational institution, where destitute children could be housed and given free education with a view to improving their lot. Selfless and serviceable as you are, I want you to help me in the project. Though it wasn't necessary for you to take up service, yet, your innate urge for a simple village life, you say, has prompted you to go to the village as a teacher. My case is that, by heading the institution which I have in mind to start, you will be able to serve a larger circle of people. View the whole thing from my line of thinking. "

Not budging from his earlier resolve, Pramodh added. "beloved father! I still feel that, young as I am, I must first direct my efforts towards achieving mental compunction and purity of consciousness. The onerous work of running institutions and serving the society etc., should be laid on the shoulders of those good old people who can mingle and at the same time remain single, that is, those who can, in true sense of detachment work for the welfare of others. So, I beseech you to release me for a life of religious retirement."

Having failed to bring round Pramodh, Sethji naturally felt frustrated. Pramodh had to be left to himself.

The propensity to acquisitiveness is deep rooted in human-beings. We find people resorting to all types of shady designs to inherit and benefit from the properties of even outsiders. Viewing it this way, therefore, Pramodh's giving the boots to the fortune which was his by birthright and that too while young, was something inconsistent with the common human nature.

Now we come to Pavitrakumar, Selhji's adopted son. Money very often works like 'OPEN SESAME'. Even though people were in the know that Pavitrakumar was a cobbler's son, brought up in the traditional Brahmanical way in the family of Seth Prabhuji yet, because of his rich circumstances which offered a more secure life of affluence to the girl marrying him, even the orthodox families began to dog his heels, offering their daughters in marriage.

Seth Prabhuji selected one Savitri Devi, a Brahmin girl of a fine cultural get-up. Human dignity, which rests more on mental, moral and intellectual growth triumphed over the NONSENSICAL caste considerations and shri. Pavitrakumar was married to Savitri Devi. Their Excellencies the Governor of Bengal and Madras attended the ceremony.

Thereafter, Pavitrakumar and his wife began assisting Seth Prabhuji in his business. Under the able guidance of her suave-mannered husband, Savitri Devi didn't take long to pick up the threads of healthy commerce. And by the dint of their genuine interest in the work, the young couple proved to be an asset to the expanding business of Seth Prabhuji.

Sethji passed away in 1964. His wife and mother have taken up residence in Brindavan, and are leading a devotional life there. Pavitrakumar visits his foster-mother and grandma now and then. He has since succeeded in persuading his foster-aunt to give up the job of waitress and stay with him. Her children are now enjoying partnership with Pavitrakumar who is now running the whole show. Seth Pavitrakumar has his doors ever open for shri and shrimati Pramodh also.

Consulting the 'Surya Samhita' one of the ancient treatises on advanced astrology, with a view to checking up the past link, if any, between Seth Prabhuji and Pavitrakumar and as also between Pramodh and Seth Prabhuji and Pramodh and Anjana Devi, the deaf and dumb girl, I came by the following interesting details :--

Pavitrakumar in his past life was a scholarly brahmin bachelor in the employ of a couple of states as a royal coach, training several princes for academic career abroad. He began investing his monies in the business of Seth Prabhuji who was a wholesale grain-merchant in his previous birth. He died a premature death and had no next of kin. An amount of Rs. 2,00,000/- was then due to Pavitrakumar by way of benefits over his investments. He came back in the present birth as an adopted son to Seth Prabhuji to realise his past dues. It is this ancient tie which brought about a phenomenal rise in the social status and a windfall of riches in the present life of the hero of our narration. There were equally powerful causes for his birth in the cobbler's family and marriage with Savitri Devi. I have not recorded them as they are not very relevant for a place in these pages.

The reading in respect of Pramodh Kumar revealed that he was a fairly well-to-do farmer living in a village. He had business dealings with Seth Prabhuji who swindled him. So, he came as a son to Prabhuji and recovered his past losses. With nothing more due to him, he was urged from within to walk out of Sethji's life. Anjana Devi was the girl, whom Pramodh betrayed by revoking his betrothal with her in the past life. He had to make good that unjust move by being drawn to marry her in the current birth.

Because of the eleventh hour rejection by Pramodh, no one else came forward to marry Anjana. She spent her unmarried life cursing her past unfaithful suitor and also evinced a singular interest to hear unpleasant things about him and his past wife. As a punishment for the wrongful and base usage of her tongue and ears in the past, nature punished her to be deaf and dumb in the present birth.

When dug deep, destiny's this dual deal stands squarely explained thus.

##

## 4. SHIVA'S SCORPIONS

Some places have a peculiar influence about them. Mysterious things which happen there pass our understanding and interpretation. They confound and astound us.

For the last thirteen years I have been annually visiting Galatga, for atleast a fortnight's stay there. It is a village near Nipani, a prominent marketing center for tobacco, in Belgaum district, Mysore state.

Little away from the village proper is a Sidheshwar temple of Lord Shiva. Lord Sidheshwar is the personal deity of the Saivite devotees of Karnatak, they are known also as 'Virasaivas' Clusters of bilva trees near and around the temple adds to its sanctity, serenity and seclusion.

Unfortunately, like other places of worship, all over the country, located away from habitation, this temple also happened to be very much neglected and in the hands of notorious persons who used the holy place for illicit distillation of liquor, gambling and nautch parties. In order that their unlawful activities are not hindered or disrupted, the anti-social elements usually resort to spreading false stories of ghosts etc., and colour the place of their activities as dangerous for visits after sun-set.

The bad, base and brutal people switch on to their black business after the sun switches off. During the still hours of the night, the sober spiritual seekers strive to still their minds and to wipe out the darkness of the soul. The sinners on the other hand, engage themselves in self-debasing and destructive acts and thereby drive away the light of their souls. What a sad contrast !

When I first visited Galatga in 1952, the local people there dissuaded me from camping at the Sidheshwar temple, since, they said Lord Shiva didn't like human presence at nights, around Him there Having grown wiser by freely wandering all over the country and spending the nights at lonesome places. I couldnt' and didn't believe what the simple peasants said. So, against their will and warning, I went to the temple to stay there for some days. My surmise was correct. The human ghosts were there. They began their sly harassment to scare me away. It didn't work. I stuck on. People in the villages still don't believe that graduates also take to sanyas. As such, particularly the English-knowing monks are very often mistaken for persons in the service of the Criminal Investigation Department and are hence feared by bad characters. Because many high placed government officers who had heard about me, used to come to meet me in Galatga, the criminal elements' suspicion about my being a government man was all the more strengthened and sensing possible trouble, they abandoned the backyard of the temple where they daily met for cheap fun and frolick. From then on, people have begun going to that temple of arresting peace.

In and around the fortified stone-built temple with a spacious compound, there abound lots of scorpions and number of snakes. The village folks have recounted to me many interesting stories of how the scorpions there sting only those who attempt to do any wrong within the temple area.

Herebelow I give some of my personal experiences of that mysterious place :-

( 1 ) One day, on my return to the temple after my bath from outside, I found a young man on the threshold of the main gate shrieking with pain. Lying near him was an aluminum pot that belonged to the temple. When he told me that a scorpion had stung him, I pressed him to tell me as to what he had done there. He didn't reply me directly. Instead, he told me that a scorpion from that aluminum pot had stung him. Later, however, he admitted to have come there for stealing that pot. He was incapacitated before he could take it out of the temple premises.

( 2 ) Late one evening, a young pair visited the temple to take advantage of its seclusion and to misuse and pollute the place. Their frantic cries took me to the lone corner where they were. I recognized them both as out-station guests. Their heads hung in shame. The scorpions punished them before they could misbehave in that holy place.

( 3) Once, a gentleman brought me food. As I was then engaged conversing with some visitors, he placed the covered plate inside the temple and joined us. A little lad who was there then, no sooner he tried to take some fried stuff from the plate, scorpion sting was the immediate result. Hearing his wailings, we went in. There we found the spilled stuff which fell off' the boy's stung hand.

(4) A carpenter boy once killed a big scorpion, instantly, two scorpions stung him on both of his big toes.

(5 ) One morning, at about 3-30 a man came into the temple. No one generally came at that hour. The man went straight inside the sanctum sanctorum. I thought, may be, he has gone in to light the incense sticks for placing before Lord Shiva. Within moments, he gave out cries of pain. I went up to him and asked him as to what had happened. He told me that he had come from the nearby tobacco field to soak a piece of doth in the oil container of the lamp in the temple and that he needed it to light the wet fire-wood to warm himself on that cold morn. That was a clear case of stealing and as such, Shiva's scorpions stung him at once.

 ( 6 ) Three shepherd boys tried to disturb the bees which had their hive on a bilva tree. The scorpions there punished them with a sting on each of them.

I have seen scores of scorpions in various crevices of the stone work in the temple and elsewhere within the temple compound. They appear to be everywhere there, on the watch, to see that no wrong takes place in the temple area. My painful experiments have revealed that they don't work outside their jurisdiction.

Dattu the mad man of the village was the sole exception. He has very often given urinal bath to the deity and committed other nuisance there. I had also a taste of his mad treats. Many a time he spat and applied sandal paste on my head. Sometimes he used to cap the ritual by placing his nauseous and muddy leg on my head for a few minutes. Of late, he is very seldom violent. Like the judicial courts which don't take cognisance of the breaches of laws committed by insane people who know not what they do. Shiva's scorpions also don't punish Dattu's mad deeds,

How these little insects sense the intentions of people who attempt to do any wrong there is an enigma. Perhaps, it will remain so for ever. The performance of these scorpions decidedly excel the possibilities of the Police dogs we hear of. The Police dogs, we are told, only help the police to trace the absconding culprits for being dealt with according to the law, long after the harm and losses perpetrated by them. Maintenance and training of the dogs is very expensive and arduous. Whereas, these scorpions incapacitate the persons who intend to wrong and expose them to redicule.

How secure will all of us feel if the omniscient Lord Shiva considered posting a requisite number of such scorpions at each and every place where large scale crime is rampant! This will curb the colossal national expenditure that is annually incurred to maintain law and order and to detect and depose the defaulters. Let's hope, dear reader, that at a time when all are doing something or the other to strengthen the country during the current emergency. Lord Shiva, our Supreme Protector, who has given our country enough and more, will not fail us at the present moment of our helplessness. All that we want of Him is that, as an interim relief, he should donate just 10,000 scorpions with a guaranteed opportunities to multiply rapidly, for special assignments to nip in the very bud all anti - national activities that are let loose to plunder the national wealth without danger.

Scorpion stings can be very painful and, if not treated, its effects may last as long as 24 to 48 hours.

The most effective way to neutralise the poisonous sting is to make the scorpion, if it can be sighted, to sting again, anywhere around the original stung part. Pain will vanish at once.

Herebelow i gave a yantra which I learnt while moving about in Manipur. It instantly cures all scorpion stings. I have tried this tested technique very successfully, hundreds of times by now. This mode of cure is second only to the former.

During my very recent seven months' stay in a scorpion infested Maharashtrian village, I used this relieving method on as many as 20 persons on an average per day and also taught it to 100 persons there.

The process is very simple and anyone can learn and use it on oneself or others beneficially.

Take a pen and draw the following yantra at one stretch on the point upto which the pain has travelled and rests. Then, repeat drawing once or twice at all receding points of pain till you come to the stung spot.

There, do it three or four times in quick strokes. The pain and soreness will totally subside.

When stung in any part of the hand, the poison travels upto the arm-pit and sometimes down the back also. If any part of the leg is involved, the pain shoots up to the groin.

High - blood - pressure patients don't respond to this treatment all at once, nor do hot - tempered persons. In their case, a handful of firewood ashes briskly rubbed downwards from the point of extreme pain, several times, would usher in relief.

If you keep your place clean, free from moist and marsh, you can do away with the scorpions.

Scorpions around the tobacco grown area can be dangerous and their stings claim life. They are blackish in colour and crab-like in shape and size. Beware of them. Should anyone be so unfortunate as to be stung by such a scorpion, take about 3 pounds of water and sweeten it with  Ib of jaggery and drain the whole lot of this water into the stomach of the patient without any loss of time. This will save the individual.

You can always catch the scorpions by their heads without coming to any harm and leave them around the fields. DON'T KILL THEM. They are harmless little things. They sting only in self-defense when apprehending danger.

After you are convinced of the efficacy of this yantra, don't keep the knowledge to yourself. Please pass it on to your friends in the villages where scorpions are in plenty.

## 5. DEATH'S DISRUPTIVE DRAMA

Our this life on earth is so fickle and uncertain that vast majority of us do not know in advance as to when exactly the curtain of death will fall over the stage of our physical existence, restraining us from putting into play our aspirations and attractions and reaping the relative results.

It is true, death does not affect those who are able to meet it with the rational understanding that it is only a fresh form of life in an unknown sphere and unknowable form. It is equally true that death of a guardian may not mean suffering or irreconcilable loss to those fortunate some who may have something or someone else to fall back upon. Or again, their position is also secure who are well - up to stand by themselves to build a life anew with the passing away of a supporter.

However, because our lives are so very much interdependent due-to karmic ties with good many souls, death of a person, particularly if he happens to be the only earning member in the family and that too, should it take place when the dependents are not able to earn a living, the situation can be one of shock, manifold privations and impassable trials.

Here's a pathetic case of two budding young-men bubbling with life, whom death relentlessly removed from the scene of a promising life, causing misery to some, shockful death to two and drove two other helpless sisters to put an end to their lives.

Out of my 29,000 miles trek-tour in the country, the longest happens to be the one from Surat (Gujarat) to Pondicherry. One morning, I was crossing the bridge on river Chitra near Chittoor town, (Andhra Pradesh). A car was coming from the opposite direction. From the movement of the car I felt that either the man at the wheel was under the influence of a drink or that he didn't know driving.

A little later, when I was almost a bit past the bridge, I heard the sounding of horn of another car coming from behind. Next I heard the boisterous noise of something being hit hard. I had only to turn round to see one car being thrown over the railings of the bridge, into the river. The other car lay still one side up, smashed and crushed against the bridge. Its drunken driver escaped with minor injuries.

I ran to the scene of the accident : the wild noise it made summoned many people working in the fields around the river. The car that had fallen into the river which was knee-deep with water, was almost shattered and the two occupants therein were lying dead with multiple injuries.

Many in the crowd recognised the victims to the accidental death as Sundariah and Laxmaniah.

The drunken man of the other car involved in the collision, and later held responsible for the accident, was identified as Krishnamurthy, an apprentice working in one of the local motor work-shop.

During my two days halt in the town I gained, acquaintance with the family members of the dead youngmen and came to know the following pitiable details about them.

Many years back, when Sundariah was still a lad, he had once gone for a stroll in the fields of one Ramchandra. After moving about here and there, wanting to rest a little, he lay on the bushy growth of grass around the well there. Tiredness and cool breeze ushered him to sleep.

It was about that time that the 10 year old Rukmini, daughter of Ramchandra, who was then with her father, had gone to the well to fetch drinking water for him. While she was drawing the little bucket from the well, she happened to notice a big size snake emerging from a pit very close to Sundariah's legs. She let go the bucket - picked up a weighty stone and flung it at the cobra, killing it on the spot. Thereafter, she called her father, woke up Sundariah and beckoned them to see the dead cobra which she had killed.

Sundariah saw the venomous lifeless snake that could have caused his death. He thanked Rukmini profusely and from that day, out of natural gratitude, he was drawn very close to the family of Ramchandra.

Few years thereafter, Rukmini had an attack of smallpox and the disease claimed her sight, making her completely blind. This caused much sorrow and worries to Ramchandra and his wife. Rukmini was their only daughter and even with their little means they were hoping and harping upon a happy marriage for her. But now, with her going blind, their expectations were naturally shattered and even made them to become apprehensive of whether she would be married at all.

On learning of this tragic incident, Sundariah's noble mother prevailed upon her son to consent to brighten Rukmini's lightless life through matrimonial ties with her-even as the girl had saved his existence being interrupted by the possible sting of a poisonous cobra. Sundariah readily agreed to captain the ship of Rukmini's life and to steer it to the shores of domestic bliss. He was formally affianced. This gladdened everyone in the town and both he and his mother came to be loved in larger circles for their generous gesture.

Some years passed and Sundariah was to be formally married to Rukmini. The day was fixed. Just on the day before the wedding ceremony, his friend Laxmaniah in whose partnership he was to float a modern bangle factory, called on him to take him to see the proposed site.

Sundariah's mother advised him to put off all engagements till the marriage was over. The new business partners in the making silenced the old lady by telling her that they would take only half an hour to motor to the place and to return back.

That's how, both Sundariah and Laxmaniah, who seemed to have conspired with fate, left for the site and met the shockful death, in the accident on the bridge over river Chitra on Chitrapournima day.

Rukmini, who was cherishing wishful dreams of a fine married life with Sundariah who for her was to be a good goad and symbol of her future happiness, couldn't bear the news of his death. Her shattered hopes rocked her heart and shocked all her limbs, resulting in her instantaneous death.

As for the details about Laxmaniah, my enquiries revealed that having lost his father some years back, he was living with his mother and three sisters. The day before his death he had disposed off by sale to one Rajabhushanam the family's landed properties to raise money to put up the factory. Laxmaniah allowed the amount of Rs. 25,000/- to remain with his friend, intending to take it when needed.

On the fateful day Laxmaniah borrowed the car of Rajabhushanam for going over to the site and met death with Sundariah.

The news of the death of Laxmaniah came as a thunderbolt to the family members. His wife, who was then ridden with labour pains and from whom the news about the death of her husband couldn't be withheld, collapsed immediately and reached the other world. She was jointly cremated with her husband.

After some days, Laxmaniah's mother went to Rajabhushanam to collect the amount of Rs. 25,000/. He falsely told her that her son had taken away the money from him on the very evening of finalisation of the sales-deed.

This was something contrary to what her son Laxmaniah had explicitly told her before he proceeded to keep date with death. Her feeble heart thudded with ruffled feelings. She didn't know that vile people like Rajabhushanam remain good only for want of opportunities to cheat and run down people.

She pleaded, imploring him with bended knees not to defraud her and her grown - up daughters. She wept, cried and whined, but all this failed to kindle pity in the dark and black heart of Rajabhushanam. He remained deaf to threats, pleas, reasons and arguments. The poor thing could do nothing.

Her experience with Rajabhushanam taught her that foul people are like vultures flying high up in the sky of opportunities eyeing for their prey, and ever - ready to swoop and strike. The difference is that while the vultures only strike the dying and strip the dead, the human vultures prey upon the helpless living persons whom they swindle relentlessly.

Rajabhushanam was a money-lender by profession and, like others in his trade, flourished on human calamity and was therefore factitiously free from fine feelings. He ruthlessly inflicted naked poverty on the family of the late Laxmaniah.

After Laxmaniah's death and the fraud played by Rajabhushanam, two of Laxmaniah's sisters saw no charm in continuing life as it would have given them nothing but misery and pain. They both took FOLLIDOL, one of the most corrosive poisons, openly available in the market, and put an end to their lives.

The forcible removal of Sundariah and Laxmaniah from this world stage of life caused 4 growing souls to sorrowfully stage a walk - out from mortal existence.

While perspectives naturally change with the growth of discrimination and understanding. Yet, till then, for the immature who cannot front life's issues with deadened feelings or dispassionate out - look, DEATH is bound to be viewed by them as an imperious monarch, who without pensive concern is ever enacting this type of tragic dramas, infringing upon the personal rights of frail human - beings who wish to prolong their stay here on earth.

## 6. GEORGE CONVERTS GHOSTS

The lure for making easy and quick money is so enticingly deep rooted in men that the unscrupulous persons devise and resort to all sorts of merciless means to exploit the weaker members of the society. We, who are told that everything is fair in love and war, sadly see that this convenient let - out to practice deceit extends to the dark art of making black money also.

Herein I am to share with you the devilish tactics of a mean landlord who exploited many of his tenants by relentlessly causing them untold mental tensions and monetary losses.

For convenience's sake, let's call him Seth Durgaprasad. This man owned a beautiful double storey building in Bombay, where he lived with his wife, a young son and a servant. He used to rent out the ground portion of his house to well-to-do people after accepting sizeable pugree money and six months' rent in advance from them.

The modern civilisation does not tolerate those who don't make hay while the sun shines. Such people are generally branded as fools and are thrown out of social cycle as misfits. This being the case, perhaps, there is nothing wrong when the landlords who invest a good deal of money on the buildings, taking advantage of the housing shortage, act wise by accepting pugree from those who can pay for the accommodation let out to them. To believe that the landlords alone are the profiteers in the deal is not correct, though of course they certainly are the immediate gainers. The resourceful tenants, we must also know, stand the chance of reaping rich dividends, when they cleverly sell their tenancy rights to others for a higher pugree. Complex though this revolving and involving game of pugree is, no tenant does really lose in the long run.

While sunshine opportunities for subsequent pugrees come to some landlords after very long intervals, only when they are able to cunningly get vacant possession of the accommodation let out to tenants, the wicked Seth Durgaprasad had his own ways of creating paying situations which brought him pugree moneys a number of times from his various tenants, on whom he, in league with his wife and servant, played the ghosts.

The scare that he had villainously let loose on his helpless tenants, infused fear and inflicted on them unbearable losses to their belongings, aimed at forcing the tenants to quit the house in utter disgust and discomfiture. Seth Durgaprasad and his household members so deftly played the hoax that none of the unwary tenants who vacated the place least suspected the sethji to be the perpetrator of their troubles.

His modus operandi was such as would pass the subtle imagination of even the adepts in the coloured art of mischiefs and deceiving. He treated every member in the family of all of his tenants with sweetness and love. He took them out on rides, allowed them the use of his car, invited them to dinners occasionally, and on every Saturday night he played bridge or chess with them. If his tenants happened to be religious-minded, he would read out to them portions from the scriptural texts at least once in a week. For reasons best known to him alone, he rented out his place only to the Hindus and Christians and he happened to possess a superficial knowledge to read and explain the Holy Bible and the Ramayana. Who would suspect such a man?

Outwardly armed with the above detailed love and trust-winning behavior, the smug-faced Seth Durgaprasad saw to it that after the occupants had been in his tenancy for five or six months, his servant caused losses to them by slyly breaking the crockery, spoiling the food by mixing lots of condiments in them, pouring kerosene oil in milk, passing blade-cuts over the clothes put out for drying, throwing fecal matter in the kitchen and the bathroom. The sethji and his wife, who because they had a welcome access to the inner apartments of their unsuspecting tenants, cautiously inflicted blade - cuts on pillows, mattresses, quilts, damaged the clothes in the ward-robe, planted dead lizards and rats in the house and indulged in such other acts of mischief as would involve them in losses.

When the tenants spoke about such happenings to the landlord, the sethji and his wife used to appear very sorry about it. They informed the tenants that similar were the experiences of people who remained in his tenancy in the past. When the tenants countered as to why he had not informed them of it before they took up residence there, the sethji used to convincingly say that he had then thought those happenings had stopped. To cover things and exhibit sympathy, he would bring in a Brahmin to perform some religious rituals said to be capable of driving away the ghosts, which, he told them, might have come to inhabit the place. By his clever arguments he negatived his tenants' hazy suspicion of human hands in the affair. In few cases, he had even engaged private detectives to investigate. The detectives drew a blank and expressed complete helplessness, indirectly suggesting that invisible agencies must be at the bottom of the damages that were taking place in the building. Within a short period of 4 years, eight different tenants hired the place on a decent pugree and vacated it in fear, believing the house to be truly haunted.

Once, when it was lying vacant, the Maharashtra Government requisitioned it for lodging one of its top officers. That officer had also to leave after suffering considerably.

While people were hunting for space to live in and were prepared to pay any amount for even a small house or a room, the ground - floor of Seth Durgaprasad's building remained unoccupied for quite some time. No one hired it because people soon came to hear and believe the place to be visited by ghosts.

Sometime in the year 1957, one Mr. Paranjoti, a devout Christian friend of mine, who happened to be a partner of a firm in Bombay and who then was in need of a suitable residence, chanced to hear about the vacant accommodation in the building of Seth Durgaprasad. As he was negotiating with him, Mr. Paranjoti came to learn from the people around that locality about that ground-floor being haunted and how, the former tenants suffered apprehensions and damage to their belongings. They seriously advised my friend not to take up residence in that building even if it were to be leased to him gratis.

Faced with that sort of frightening reports, Mr- Paranjoti naturally dropped the talks for hiring the house inspite of persuasive statements by sethji's brokers who told him that the ghosts' term of presence in that building having expired, it was no more a fearful place to stay in. Mr. Paranjoti wasn't prepared to test and suffer.

As the ground floor of his building remained unrent all that while, seth Durgaprasad whose palm was itching for some more easy money, saw in Mr. Paranjoti a potential victim upon whom also the old ruse could be advantageously played, he hit upon a handy way to deal with the prospective tenant.

So, through his men, Seth Durgaprasad informed Mr. Paranjoti his willingness to offer the top floor to him on a little higher terms.

As the landlord had been living on the top-floor for some years, it was believable that, that part of the building wasn't visited by the ghosts. So, Mr. Paranjoti agreed to the proposal and occupied the top-floor and Seth Durgaprasad shifted to the so-called haunted ground-floor. When people who very definitely knew the place to be haunted wanted to know as to how he managed to get on with the ghosts, Seth Durgaprasad went about telling them, with airs of triumph, that he had got the ghosts driven away with the help of a Brahmin from Udaipur, whom he said, he was fortunate enough to come in touch with and that, that man possessed powers to control spirits and show them the doors.

All went well for seven months and Mr. Paranjoti felt himself very lucky for having got such a fine residential accommodation in the central part of the city with all sorts of facilities very close by. He was staying there with his wife and his poor - sighted mother.

In response to his loveful request I went to Bombay in the hot month of May 1958 to spend a fortnight with him. During the course of my halt there, Mr. Paranjotrs brother - in-law who was a Security Officer in one of the mills in Delhi came on leave to stay with us.

It was about that time that Seth Durgaprasad, who had relieved Mr. Paranjoti of a good sum by way of pugree, took it into his head to get him also out.

The same troubles soon started. As the landlord had kept the terrace of the building for his exclusive use to store charcoal and dry the clothes, his servant and wife who had to do up down by the back stairs which passed by the kitchen on the top floor, found it easy to snatch opportunities to play their vicious roles. They threw rubbish in the kitchen, scattered the things there, and broke some expensive dinner sets. On few occasions, even filthy matter was thrown in the dining room. The Paranjotis began to look blue and fear further forebodings.

When the sethji was called up and informed of the happenings, he posed to be hurt. Saying that he would ring up his friend and arrange to call a priest who could be of help, he took up the phone directory. Turning on to the page with names beginning with the letter 'S', he searchingly passed down his index finger muttering Uttam... .chand.... Keshava. .. .lal Parikh - ummm 29765, He dialed that number and began speaking instantly, as though, the man at the other end was on the wait to be called. The seriousness or the reactionary feelings of hearing the person on the line was conspicuously absent on sethji's face. I noticed Mr. George, the brother of Mrs Paranjoti, detecting that mock call with his still eves. Over the phone the sethji spoke thus " yes. you Uttamchandji ? Please send an express telegram asking him to start by the next available tram - direct him to come to me straight. I find it very difficult to bear to see my good tenants in a squalid trouble. Okay then, yes, yes, that very fellow from Udaipur. Good day to you". Sethji replaced the receiver, rose and before leaving he asked Mr. Paranjoti to bear it for two more days, till that Brahmin came over to set the ghosts on the flee.

After two days which passed without further incidents, Sethji brought with him a man, who he said was the person from Udaipur come to perform the poojas to drive away the ghosts. As desired by him, he was given a room where he did his poojas by remaining closetted therein for two hours. We were thereafter told that the ghosts have been ousted. A few more days passed without troubles.

One morning, Mr. George had gone to meet his friend in the next building. As his chum was then bathing, he had to wait in the drawing room. While there, he began scanning some sketchy scripts that were lying on a cupboard near a window.

When he casually happened to look out of the window, he noticed the servant of Seth Durgaprasad rushing into the kitchen of Mr. Paranjoti and running back to the terrace from where he had descended. That sight set Mr. George thinking. When he returned to us, he heard his sister reporting to her husband about her having found dead cockroaches in the strawberry pudding which she had prepared and left open on the kitchen table to allow it to cool.

Mr. George saw through the incident. He told his brother - in - Jaw what he had seen from his friend's house and said, " We have now come by an important clue. We must now-onwards be on a regular watch without showing signs of our suspecting and catch him red - handed. The kitchen being on a vantage --point for playing the mischief and escaping unnoticed, we must be more vigilant there. We must also have an eye on the sethji and his wife. For, I don't understand why this otherwise well - behaved servant of sethji should harass you this way for no cause."

" Oh, go steady with the Durgaprasads " broke in Mrs. Paranjoti : " They have all along been nice to us. It would be nothing short of ingratitude to suspect them of foul play. "

"My suspecting the Sethji is not wholly baseless ", retorted her brother.   "Joining the pieces of what I have heard from the two former tenants of this building, the gait of the servant's entry into the kitchen today, particularly when you were not there, the finding of the cockroaches planted into the pudding and, above all, the fake phone call of Sethji to a person whose name and phone number is not in the phone directory compel me to deduce that the sethji is at it full length and that, may be, through this type of harassment he wants to boot you out of his tenancy. "

" No, no, don't be so hard in your conclusion? ", said his sister. " Why should the sethji want to get us out and why indeed when we are not troublesome and are regular in the payment of rents? And what, makes you think that the phone-call which the sethji made on that day was simply a sham? You, security people, like the police and the apothecaries are neck-deep in suspecting. I don't follow how you can sum up that way."

"You never will. It needs a good deal of training in the field of penetrative and analytical observation coupled with a little knack to dig deep " said Mr. George. " When the sethji left us after putting in that mock phone call, I discussed it with Swamiji and he has concurred with my findings. What confirmed it more was, my meeting that Brahmin last evening near the Bandra Railway Station. It made me whistle in surprise when I saw him hawking " Free Press Bulletin" there. I went up to him and purchased a copy. He didn't recognise me as being from here. I offered him a cigarette and got talking to him first about his sales and what he gets out of it and when by the by I asked him the particulars of his native place and where he stayed in Bombay, he told me that he was from Cawnpore and that he lived in Andheri, a suburb of Bombay, with some of his townsmen. That puzzled me. To doubly make sure that he was the very person who visited us in the company of our sethji and performed the poojas here, I asked him, '' What is the truth about people from Cawnpore being good at driving away the ghosts ?" He said, " That's wrong, sir, I have only heard of people in some parts of Rajasthan capable of doing that and that too, particularly the Adivasis around Udaipur I know to be adepts. " Giving himself out, he added. "I myself learnt the art from that side and by the grace of God, I have mitigated the troubles of quite a many here. It is not very often that we get cases, nor do we receive much from the line. Why! only some four days back i had been to a place to perform the poojas and was paid just Rs. 5/-. Not that it is bad as a little extra income." When I questioned, " Did you find the ghosts there, " the hawker said, " What I do when I am called by people who suspect their places being haunted, I go there and perform the rituals and the troubles cease. There are certainly people who invoke ghosts, make them talk, work and all that. But I only perform the rites in which I have been initiated and I find that it works wonderfully well. "

" What would you say to that ? ", hit back Mr. George to his sister. "It is all very fishy and can only mean that this sethji is the creator of this game of ghosts. What would happen is, if these troubles continue, sooner or later you are sure to leave this place and the sethji would rent it out to someone else and make more money in the process. Hasn't he done it in your own case ? "

" If everything that your brother - in - law has told us is wholly and really true, it is all going to be very terrible for us, " sighed Mrs. Paranjoti. " He wants us to believe that Seth Durgaprasad is the master mind behind all this play of ghosts and that it was his machinations which forced the former tenants to leave the house, after some month's stay here. Now that we have been here for seven months, my brother wants to warn us that ours is going to be the next turn. "

" Yes. you get me right, " thumped her brother. " That's exactly what I think must be cooking in the head of sethji. My enquiries have revealed that these mischiefs generally take place in the mornings when the members of the tenants' household happen to be engaged in their early morning routine work. And speedily so, during the afternoons when the male members are out and the housewives are resting. I have, also gathered, that people with cooks have suffered lesser damages than those who hadn't one. Doesn't this appear odd and suggest that there must be physical bodied persons in this game who fear detection? For, otherwise, why should these ghosts be so partial or fear human presence when none can see them and much less do them any harm ? My professional norms require me not to disclose to or discuss with anyone my findings while the case is still in the primary stage of investigation. Yet, I have shared it all with you just to enlist your co - operation. So, please help me to help you and save others as well. "

"Swamiji, what do you make out of all this ? " questioned my bewildered host.

I said, "The existence of ghosts can't be reasonably denied. They can harass people. In the course of my wanderings all over the country, I have heard of and encountered ghosts. But the happenings that I hear about and see here is something very peculiar and i can say with certitude that they are not of ghosts as people have been made to believe. As our Mr. George has logically opined, I am also inclined to believe that human hands are craftily at work in all that has been happening in this building. Mr. George has come by some vital links, I am also disposed to agree with him that, contrary to the judicial procedure, we must proceed with the assumption that seth Durgaprasad and his people aren't innocent till the results of our further digging into this sordid affair proves them to be otherwise."

What happened in the next two days puzzled all of us. For, we learnt that troubles began in Sethji's house too. They found the clothes put out for drying on the terrace stripped with blade cuts, a dead cat was found in the kitchen, lots of rubbish thrown there and in other rooms and their electric clock was battered.

The sethji and his wife, who had been advising others to be detached and cheerful in times of troubles, began to appear expectant and pale.

The course of the events made Mrs. Paranjoti, who had earlier discounted Sethji's having anything to do with the ghost's game, naturally ask Mr. George and me as to how we accounted for the troubles at her landlords's house. Mr. George only waved his hands expressing surprise and inability to say anything. I myself couldn't tell her anything.

Seth Durgaprasad used to very particularly visit the Paranjotis on every Saturday at 8-30 p. m. to read the Bible with them. But, he didn't do so on the Saturday that preceded the troubles in his house. What surprised the Paranjotis most was that none of Sethji's family members liked to talk to any of them, even when out of true courtesy cum concern they went to the Sethji's house to know the extent of losses the ghosts had thrust upon them.

Sunday came and all of us were preparing to go to the church. In the meanwhile, Seth Durgaprasad and his wife called on us, they appeared fresh from their beds and also showed signs of not having slept well. They sat on the floor instead of making use of the settees It was strange. They acted like the guilty, who, when nabbed doing low deeds, shrink and cringe. Sethji obsecratively burst out. "My mania for monetary gains drove me to act satanically. I am guilty of having harassed many people in the name of ghosts by tricking them to trust and believe me through my pretentious affection for them. I have sinned enormously. I implore you good souls to forgive me for my devilish deeds. Not till my own tactics were turned upon me by all of you, did I realise how much harm I had done to you and others out of avarice for the transient wealth. As a proof of my sincere repentance and desire to make amends, I have resolved to make good all the losses suffered by you and my past tenants. In the name of Christ, the embodiment of mercy, please forget and forgive my wrongs even as the gracious Lord had pardoned those who slandered against and harmed Him. " His heart-rending confession concluded.

When I turned my eyes towards Mr. George, I found him laughing in his sleeves.

Like the good Christians, Mr. and Mrs. Paranjoti lifted the Durgaprasads by their hands and patted them to cool down. They were asked to hurry up to join us to go to the Church. We sped to the house of worship and returned reverberating with added cheer.

The whole of the next week saw Seth Durgaprasad returning the pugree moneys and making good all the losses which his former tenants suffered at his hands. Mr. Paranjoti was the first to be compensated. The sethji, however, refused to accept Mrs. Paranjoti's offer to pay for the losses suffered by the sethji on account of Mr. George playing back the ghost.

Akin to a season swimmer who, when thrown into the waters or having accidentally fallen in, comes up and swims back to the banks, even so, Seth Durgaprasad who had fallen to bad ways redoubtedly retraced his steps and reascended to the platform of a virtuous life.

When Mr. George played back the ghost on the Durgaprasads, causing them a little loss, all that he expected was the cessation of harassments to his sister and her husband. But, it brought about a miraculous change of heart in Seth Durgaprasadji who acted quickly and saved himself from landing in the hell. A discriminatively tactful conduct when placed in annoying situations surely does good to all.

A fortnight later i heard that Mr. George succeeded in persuading Seth Durgaprasadji to embrace Christianity. He was baptised according to the solemn rites of the church and admitted into the community. His Christian name is Miranda, which in Latin means ' admirable. '

Mr. George's fine detective work and adroit action did an abundant deal of good to so many, including the sethji who from a bad Hindu has become a good Christian. May Lord Christ bless him to remain so.

All those, who benefitted out of Mr. George's intelligent handling of the case, entertained him at the "Bombay's popular Tajmahal Hotel, in turns, where, I was informed, Mr. George the ghost-burster dined and danced delightfully.

That's how this educative episode ended.

## 7. COMPLAINANT CORNERED

The Railway Board formulates various rules for the convenience of the travelling public. But the staff generally flouts them and often applies those very rules so literally to the letter as to trouble those who incur their displeasure.

The Railways, like other government departments have their own codes of working. Any interference or even a mere expression of dissatisfaction can land one in hot waters.

"DON'T LOOK FOR OR ACCEPT FAVOURS - INSIST ON YOUR RIGHTS & GET THEM "-so read the placards displayed in the Railway stations. But the moment you assertively insist on your rights, you invite unpleasant situations.

No one likes to be complained against and should the victim be a man of position or pushy, the complainant is likely to be harassed as often and in as many ways possible.

Like an average moneyed man, those who are assigned the job of handling money are also haughty, harsh and harassing. The Railway Booking-Clerks belong to this despicable class of public servants.

Here then read on.

Some years back I was waiting at a small junction station to catch a fast passenger for Jetalsar junction in Saurashtra. The train was scheduled to arrive at 00.22 hours.

All stations have their own working hours and the public notice board giving the details of the timings is put up at every station for the information of the public. The booking office of the station from which I was to commence my journey was to open half an hour before the scheduled arrival of the train and like elsewhere, close five minutes before the train's departure. As during all marriage seasons in Gujarat, there was a good rush of passengers on that day and I happened to be I the first in the tall end of the queue.

According to its own rules, the booking office ought to have opened at 23.52 hrs. When it didn't open even till 00.10 hrs., I made some mild knocks on the window trying to awaken the booking-clerk who could be heard snoring behind it. There was no response. I repeated the knocks. At long last, the window opened and the man on the other side of it bawled out in furious tones "what's all this mad hubbub of knocking---can't you patiently wait like a gentleman?" Drawing his attention to the clock in his office, I politely pointed out that he was unpunctual and late by 18 minutes and that with as little time as 12 minutes only left over to meet the requirements of over 100 passengers, it would cause a lot of scramble and inconvenience to the passengers - many of whom might even miss the train on that wintry night.

"To hell with you, i am not here to take orders from you-go and do what you like." The Station Master who was also in the booking office heard all this coolly.

Many other passengers in the queue also rightly felt that the clerk's attitude towards the tax payers - his pay masters, was cheeky and most discourteous. So, with the backing of few other passengers I left the queue and went into the office and demanded for the complaint book. It was given to me. When I asked for a pen to write, the S. M. there said "rules only require us to give you the complaint book-there are no extra pens here for public use." That was stretching the rules too far.

The gentlemen who had gone with me to jointly complain had no pen on them and. unable to hold on any more, they left me midway. After an hurried unpacking of my baggage, I brought out my pen and recorded my complaint in the Railway register. As I was going to sign it, the Station Master stopped me and said '' rules are rules, I am not to allow you to sign while this complaint is incomplete without your ticket number. The rules also require you to get your ticket from the queue outside. "

I went out to get my ticket. Handing in a tenor. I asked for a second class ticket for Jetalsar Jn. Even though there was enough change to pay me off, the clerk insisted that J should tender the exact amount. That was another rule. I hadn't the requisite amount. Just then, the guard whistled and waved the green light ordering the train to move.

Without getting a ticket and leaving my complaint incomplete, I ran to the guard and requested him to permit me to travel by that train and collect the fare from me at the next halt. The railway rules permit such an arrangement. The guard shoved me into a vacant IInd class compartment. In there i heaved a sigh of relief from the misadventure; not in the least knowing that the worst was still to come.

At the next junction, a Travelling Ticket Examiner came into my compartment demanding to check my ticket. Offering to pay for my fare, I told him that I didn't possess one and that I had boarded the train from the last junction with the permission of the guard.

" You are without a ticket and that too in a ladies compartment. Do you want me to believe that a responsible official like a guard has put you into this compartment?"

" You see, the train was on the move and my little scuffle with the booking clerk at the last junction drained away all my time and because of that I couldn't get a ticket, rather, I wasn't issued one. The guard will surely testify to the fact that it was he who had helped me into this compartment while the train was moving out of the platform. All this while I didn't know that this happens to be a ladies compartment. In any case. I didn't get into this bogie on my own. Let's go to the guard and square it out. "

I wasn't aware that even the guard had leagued with the Booking-Clerk and the Station Master of the station from where I had entrained. When the T T. E. took me to the guard. I found that he had put on a face of estrangement and outright denied my having sought his permission to board the train with the preparedness to pay my fare at the next stop.

" Book this guy for travelling without a proper ticket and charge him with offence of making use of the ' Ladies compartment." ordered the guard. That was indeed a blow below the belt

The Travelling Ticket Examiner prepared an excess fare penalty ticket and made me pay the amount. Done down that way, I had no alternative but to pay and wriggle out of the mess I got involved into. As for the second charge, ' travelling in the ladies' compartment ', they perhaps didn't want to suffer the laborious process of charging me in a Railway Court. so they stiffly warned me and I was Jet go.

Habitual defaulters have a natural flair for remembering faces and they are usually spiteful. They keep themselves armed with cooked tactics to corner those who attempt to proceed against them.

True to this, when after a month I had again to take a train from the very station which had brewed up the trouble for me, the same Booking - Clerk cleanly pocketed Rs. 11/- which I had paid in for a ticket and fired me out as attempting to deceive the Railway. I had again to take it lying low.

Number is strength in everything right or wrong. Had only a band of people from that long queue at the starting station backed my just complaint, I wouldn't have been nagged and penalised the way I was

The callous public apathy towards their own legitimate rights is what fosters in the Railway servants - mismanagement and mischievousness; and consequently, a lone complainant like me fails and gets fooled.

## 8. CHAMPA'S CURSE CAME CORRECT

Mythological works are full of stories depicting the materialisation of curses. Shravan's curse of Ramayana fame is a glaring case in point.

Thoughts are creative forces. Our thoughts and its emitted energy can do good or cause damage not only to us, but its subtle effects can work for the welfare or for the ill of others also.

Just as loveful thoughts of full - measure good feelings, springing from the depth of our being, can bring into effect auspicious conditions in the lives of others, so also, the concentrated thought forces of ill-will, released in an intense state of utmost anguish, can create bad situations for others. People with absolute deadened feelings don't gain or lose through blessings or curses. This category of human - beings are too very rare.

Blessings or curses operate more effectively and rapidly on persons so blest or cursed, depending upon the quantum of their qualitative openness and receptivity. Said otherwise, good or bad wishes of others react upon our lives commensurate with the degree of our acknowledgement of the mental powers of the persons who have fine or foul feelings for us. The emotionally sentimental people, in whom the cerebro - spinal system happen to work clearly, are easily affected when blessed or cursed. Our own self- blessing or self-curse aids or mars the force of others' healsome or harmful will - power.

Presently, you will read in these pages the shockful details of how an ideal Doctor was effectively cursed by a woman.

My friend Dr. Sukumar lived alone. Like the rare good medicos, he didn't enjoy a good practice. As lie was a propertied man enjoying an even economic security, the money - making craze of the medical line didn't touch him.

A Sanskrit verse portrays the Doctors as surpassing the cruelty of ' Yama ', the God of death. The verse says that Yama only takes one's life. Whereas, the Doctors take away both the money and the life of a patient.

The professional Physicians and Surgeons are not only expensive, they are exacting, too. When the patients go to them, most of these Doctors generally put on a very grave face and colour even our very ordinary illness as something very serious and force the sick to run round to the doors of the various so called specialists and laboratories with whom they have vested interests. Coming as most of them do, from wanting stocks of our poor Country, their avarice for a good flow of quick money and the lure for a gay life, may'hap doesn't merit grousing on our part. But their professional tricks are certainly condemnable.

Excepting in very special circumstances where surgical or medical treatment is really necessary, to place ourselves in the hands of these Doctors would be the most foolish and harmful thing to do. For, because they are making a living out of diseases and are always complaining of slack season, they can't be and aren't genuinely interested in the promotion and preservation of health of the society.

Our Dr. Sukumar was very different. Whenever the sick went to him, he first traced the cause of their ailments to their own faulty living instead of blaming the belligerent bacterias. With his cheerful bearing and visible interest in his patients, he lightened their sufferings and fears. His diagnosis never read 'CONDITION CRITICAL, CAUSE CLUELESS CUM CONFUSING.' It is however true, that in some very complicated cases, the discerning Doctors doubtlessly declare that delitescent diseases do defy definite diagnosis.

Dr. Sukumar's advice to his patients always centered around asking them to avoid hungerless and excessive eating, late hours, alcohol, narcotics and drugging; the need for moderation in sex, physical exercises, clean living, regular habits, harboring of thoughts that promote health and other initial preventive measures.

He never got up to greet his rich patients nor did he shrug his shoulders at the sight of the poor ones and remain rooted to his revolving chair. He treated greeted all his patients as a benevolent brother and not as a dictating Doctor. His very presence cheered the patients. His words consoled and created for them, confidence in themselves and faith in him and his treatment. He never dis-eased his patients by first talking to them about fees or expenses. He patiently listened to their cases and then did the needful thoughtfully. A seasoned Doctor that he was, he knew wrong emotions to be at the root of all causes of diseases. Where home remedies would usher in a cure, he never indulged in the professional tactics of prescribing expensive or harmful antibiotics. His emphasis was more on nature's effective way of healing. Whether to prescribe pills or the painless pricks, he reserved for his own decision. He always told his patients that he was not there to give them what they wanted, but only what was needed to do them good. In curing pains, he employed painless techniques. Where pain was inevitable, if possible, he did his best to minimise it.

He recommended to his patients the warfare strategy of stopping of the food supply to the enemies to force them to retreat, i. e., to starve the bacterias to death by methodical fasting.

He was a mobile model in health and habits. He radiated health and charmed his patients with his winsome ways. He was a dedicated whole-timer with no time for the trifles like the Rotary, the Lions or the Juniors, where the members gather to become chummy and the tables treat the tummy. He never made money out of the free samples of medicines, tablets and tonics he received from the various manufacturers.

The Chemists and Druggists who deftly adulterate medicines for profittering, pay fat commissions and handsome gifts to the devillish doctors who send their patients to them to purchase their requirements. Our Dr. Sukurnar not only abstained from this dirty practice, but he has successfully exposed some such crooked Chemists and landed them in prisons.

He asked his patients to be carefully careless about the causes of their complaints. His patent advice in verse was:--

When you sigh over your illness,

It grows and worsens every day.

Learn to laugh over your sickness,

And get the disease - dust blown away.

Unlike other Doctors who force their patients on false grounds of exigencies to call on them too very frequently to knock-out more money, Dr. Sukumar called his patients to him or visited them only when really necessary. Once they were cured, he told them. "I beg of you to take sufficient care to see that you don't come to me again as a patient." He even mildly threatened them with non - treatment.

Our Country needs such dedicated Doctors and not those who exploit the sick, perpetrate diseases and ruin the health of the nation.

Now let us come to the main incident.

Many years back a poor collegian from Layola college in Madras approached Dr. Sukumar for a little monetary help. The generous Doctor promised the young man Rs. 100/- and asked him to call on him at 7 a. m. on the morrow.

On the following day morning Dr. Sukumar took out one hundred rupees note from the amount of Rs. 700/- which he had withdrawn from his bank on the previous day and folding it, placed the note on the table to be given away when the collegian called.

Dr. Sukumar had in his employ a Gurkha Servant named Vir Bahadur. As usual, on that day also, he went to the Doctor's bunglow at six in the morning to tidy the things therein and give a cup of coffee to his employer. At about seven or so, when the Doctor was preparing for an electric shaver, Vir Bahadur left.

Little after, the doorbell rang. Dr. Sukumar opened it to let in the collegian. When he looked for the hundred rupees note which he had himself placed on the table, it was not there. After a short search here and there, the Doctor took out twenty fivers and gave it to the young man and sent him away.

After that, he did a little more searching and thinking. However he thought it only struck him that Vir Bahadur alone could have taken it away. Even a little before Vir Bahadur left, the Doctor had seen the note. Next, he heard the servant leaving, closing the self-locking door. No one else did or could have come in. All the barred windows were well closed and the note itself was securely placed under a paper weight. Only the day before, Vir Bahadur had asked for a loan of Rs. 50. Viewed and summed-up in the light of the above facts, all the circumstances clearly led the Doctor to hold, beyond all reasonable doubts, his servant alone as the culprit responsible for the theft. Anyone would have felt and done so.

Vir Bahadur had been in the service of the Doctor for the past one year and the Doctor had always been very good to him. It was he who got Vir Bahadur's wife Champa also employed as a ward-maid in a hospital. As such, he did not expect to be repaid that way. The Doctor saw no use in calling Vir Bahadur for an interrogation. Because, having surreptitiously taken the amount, no one would admit having theived. Continuing Vir Bahadur any more in the service would mean exposing himself to further losses thought the vexed Doctor. He also felt that Vir Bahadur shouldn't be allowed to get away with the theft. So, Dr. Sukumar rang up the suburban Police Station and reported the case to Inspector Rudrappa, asking him to investigate. He told the Inspector that he would soon send in the written complaint.

Acting on the written complaint of Dr. Sukumar, a prominent Medical Practitioner, Inspector Rudrappa sent his Head Constable to inquire and bring the accused to the Police Station. The Head Constable couldn't get anything out of Vir Bahadur whom he traced in a chawl's room. Vir Bahadur was however, roughly treated, handcuffed and dragged to the Police Station.

All the neighbours of the chawl where Vir Bahdur lived, collected there to watch the whole show. Some were surprised, some pitied him and some shameless sluggards stared and sneered sarcastically. Vir Bahadur went through it all with his head held high, reminiscent with the trait of an honest man. But his wife and the seven year old daughter who could not stand the blame and the brusque behaviour of the police, kept on weeping intermittently and blowing their nose.

When at about 8 a.m. I called on the Doctor, as I daily used to do whenever in the city, I found the Doctor somewhat sombre and sullen. I had never seen him that way. Without in any way exhibiting my surprise, however, I took my seat beside him and remained silent.

As I had expected, Dr. Sukumar poured himself out. He first gave me the details of the theft, the search and the complaint which he lodged with the police, and then he began. "Swamiji !  you know Vir Bahadur my servant. Last year I told you how, when he first came to me, I instantly employed him without asking for any references and how again, I later on, also get his wife a ward-maid's job in the General Hospital here. I have always treated him gently, helping him also with extra moneys now and then. Inspite of all this, he has now proved to be ungrateful. The common expedience is, these fellows when first they come to us, they put on a long-drawn, wry face and introduce themselves in such other ways as to enlist our sympathy. And once their foot-hold in service and the city gets strong, they show their colours and commit breach of trust. Such being the general situation, I don't see how, when we who want and can't do without a servant, can ever be able to select an honest one and remain assured that such an one would stick to be so. Can you, swamiji, point out some practical way?. "

Argumentally replying, I said, "Now listen, Doctor, even on the face of what you have told me, I cannot help but feel that you have acted a bit in haste. You ought to have given Vir Bahadur a chance to explain himself before contacting the cops and complaining to them. May be, the hundred rupees note you speak of, got placed somewhere or even misplaced by your man while he was cleaning and dusting the table. On few occasions I have myself seen big amounts lying here open. And according to your own admission, there has never occurred any thefts at your place till now. What I want to affirm is, Vir Bahadur had opportunities to thieve bigger amounts in the past. But he hasn't done so. You have yourself praised his sense of honesty, always pointing out Vir Bahadurs sparkling eyes, reminding the people Harendra- nath's following verses in praise of honesty :--

" There is RED light in the ruby

And blue light in the sky,

But nothing is more beautiful

Than the light in the honest eye. "

As such, just because a small amount of Rs. 100/- is now missing, in the tight circumstances, exclusively pointing him alone as a culprit, I am inclined to assert, called for a little rethinking and restraint on your part. Just place yourself, for a moment, in his place and reflect how you yourself would have wanted to be dealt with in a similar situation. It would be well for us to remember that runaway conclusions can cause loss and lamentation.

This aside, assuming that Vir Bahadur did take away the money, even then, in a stray lapse like this, and in the case of a person like Vir Bahadur, quick recourse to police and prosecution, without attempting to find out as to what could have made him to steal, isn't at all a wise move. For, by the rash step, you do him injustice, harm and hurt his innocent near and dear ones. Said differently, everything unjust is certainly worthy of condemnation cum check. But it should be so brought about as to do good and justice to all. We shouldn't make our love for law lame by our lacking loveful leniency towards the lay lawbreakers. Your following versified conviction that:--

"He who wilfully betrays a friend true,

By his conduct who does ungrateful prove;

And he who commits breach of trust,"

Upon these three, troubles should be thrust.

-isn't just and as such not commendable. At least, it is not the proper way of dealing with casual offenders.

Now, as for being able to confidently choose an honest servant, we must know that life is a gamble, a game of chance. We must go about it with trust and in good faith. If we careered through life suspecting and mistrusting at every time, everyone and everything, our this short sojourn on earth will become most unpleasant. And that wouldn't be nice.

Fresh as the case is still and not past the possibilities of amends and withdrawal, you may yet consider cancelling your careless complaint, concluded I.

The experienced Dr. Sukumar, who was quick in grasping and open to reasoning, heard me reflectively and without interrupting me. He seemed to agree and welcome the sifting I gave to his earlier thoughts. I then rose to make use of the privy.

As I came out of it, at the corner end of the wall's bottom, near the bathroom, my eyes caught a rat-hole and protruding from it was what appeared to be a piece of some colored paper. At second thoughts, I went near and saw it clearly. Lo! it was a partially nibbled hundred rupees note. Without disturbing it, I called the Doctor. When he came, I pointed it out to him.

Dr. Sukumar picked it up, fizzed and stood flabbergasted for a few seconds. After that, we went to the main room where the meticulous medico checked-up the number of that currency note with the written details from his pocket-diary. He became visibly repentant and with his open palm he smacked his forehead. He then picked - up the receiver of the phone and dialed a number. On getting connected, he spoke thus, "Hullo, is it Inspector Rudrappa? Good-morning to you, Inspector, this is Dr. Sukumar here. It is with hurt feelings that I have to inform you that I have found the hundred rupee note in a rat-hole near the bath-room in my bungalow. Now, who could have thought that a rat might have carried it to its place? Had I allowed myself a little more time before lodging the complaint, I could have not only saved you all the trouble you must have by now taken to investigate the case; but would have also obviated unnecessarily scandalising my good and innocent Vir Bahadur. Please release him right away, if you haven't as yet registered the cognizable charge. Oh! you haven't eh ! - that's fine. Thank you. I now needn't bother the District Magistrate over this. I am sending my car to pick-up Vir Bahadur. My driver will hand in my formal application withdrawing the case. Had I not taken a purgative, this morning, I would have myself come over personally. Once again, Inspector, please forgive me for the trouble." Dr. Sukumar replaced the receiver, jotted down on his letter - head his request to quash the case against his servant and ordered his chauffeur to race to the police station with that application.

That done, wrapped in uneasiness, Dr. Sukumar was pacing in the room while I looked on leisurely. In the meantime, the door-bell rang. I rose and opened it. Champa, the literate wife of Vir Bahadur and their little daughter had come. Her presence startled the doctor. With remorse and rushing tears, he invited her to come in. Her eyes were swollen and wet In an inimitable tone and gesture, Dr. Sukumar began, "Please hear me, sister! I honestly feel sorry for what has happened. I didn't know when I reported to the police that a rat could and had in fact removed the hundred-rupee note to its hideout. I know, the degree of mental pain I caused you has been great. Now that it is all over and your husband will very soon be with us, I beg you to forgive me for my hasty action."

No sooner did Champa hear all this, with contempt surging all over her. she paced out of the room in a state of fury and standing, near the door, excitedly shouted out aloud. "I was right, my husband would never stoop to do anything so low. But you, Doctor, in the pride of your well - being heartlessly involved my husband in a police case and caused him to be dragged to the Police Station, like a dog. You big people, in your false love for fairness, under estimate the ethical get-up of the poor."

When I tried to cairn her, she brushed me aside and leashed out saying, "Keep out, Maharaj, you ochre-robed parasites shadowing the company of these relentless butcher like richmen needn't pose to be wise."

The commotion she caused summoned quite a many neighbors to the Doctor's bungalow. We all had to helplessly witness the dismal drama. The Doctor himself was colourless and shuddering.

Champa continued, "For a paltry sum of Rs. 100/- you harassed us, not in the least caring to weigh our past good conduct. You didn't pause to think of our honour, home and hearts, which you have broken and damaged by the false charge of theft on us. We from the hills, who value self- respect and fine behavior more than anything else, can never forget the ignominy Inflicted on us, You, who first received us kindly and kept our milk-like lives in a silver vessel, have now ruthlessly transferred it to a brags one, to be spoilt; all for a mere hundred rupees. Fie upon you! Now hear it clearly, you who are the cause of this unjust action against us will soon become a physical wreck even as you have wrecked our peaceful lives. These words springing as they do from the wounded heart of a troubled woman shan't go in vain. My this curse will surely come to pass before the close of the seventh sun - set from today. Don't laugh it away. You will loathe fully languish and leave. "

She then banged her head hard to the wall, collected little blood that oozed out of it, and splashed it at the doctor. She finally sealed her curse, cracking the knuckles by joining her hands clenched, and speedily walked away.

Dr. Sukumar slumped himself on a sofa and buried his face in his open palms. He remained that way for a while. Some well-meaning neighbors consolingly told the Doctor to forget it all and left us.

The driver, who returned with the empty car, told us that Vir Bahadur was released by the police and that he has gone home.

With a sorrowful voice the noble doctor told me, "Swamiji ! you have seen how the unusual twist of the situation has snatched away my mental peace and caused great sufferings to Vir Bahadur, his wife and their little daughter. It would have been better, if this day hadn't dawned. At least not for the Bahadurs whom it has shaken, shocked and saddened. Now, Swamiji. what do you say to our going to his house to bring home to him my very sincere regrets and persuade him to rejoin me ? I have also in mind to give him Rs. 1000, as damages. "

Placing my suggestions, I said. "Immediate treatment of all physical wounds is necessary and it certainly gives relief and does good, But we shouldn't forget that the wound, which you now propose cleaning and dressing, happens to be a mental one, one that will grow and swell if attempted to treat right away, when still fresh. With the passage of time, all mental wounds heal and get erased off. The honour-loving Bahadurs will spurn all offers of money, especially, if given now, to compute the disgrace they have suffered. Our immediate going to them, can however, do one good, and that is, it will raise them to the original estimation in which the chawl people have held Vir Bahadur. So, let's go with this end alone in view. "

 The driver took us to an obscure chawl. We entered Vir Bahadur's room. He was lying on a cot with the effects of over-reception by the police and his weeping wife was giving him hot-water fomentation to the affected parts. We weren't welcome. They ignored our presence. The doctor spoke to Vir Bahadur first, expressing his heartfelt regrets and then implored him to forgive. Vir Bahadur kept quiet. I also put in some words and failed to get him round; he couldn't be persuaded. We had to return back.

After few days, Dr. Sukumar sent one of his colleagues to go and enquire about Vir Bahadur's health and to pay him the thousand rupees as damages in fulfilment of an earlier resolve. The Doctor's friend found Vir Bahadur quite o. k. But the offended Gurkha refused to touch or take the thousand rupees. He only claimed his dues and that was paid to him in full.

Another visit of ours also failed to coax Vir Bahadur. After that, the humanist Dr. Sukumar who was genuinely upset over the affair, renewed his attempts through other Gurkhas in the city. But unfortunately, the adament Vir Bahadur couldn't be persuaded by anyone to change his decision.

No more wanting to continue in the post which she got through the good offices of the doctor, Champa resigned her job and they three took the train to Delhi to go to Almora where they had some relatives.

From the very day of the incident, Dr. Sukumar couldn't apply himself to his routine work. He became morose and broody. The good doctor had taken the whole unfortunate incident too much to his heart. On the second day, he developed migraine and cramps. On the third morning the doctor complained of loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness and sleeplessness - all essential symptoms leading to flaccid paralysis. Best treatment failed to show signs of checking the attack. Perhaps, the excessive mental tension which increases adrenal secretion, giving rise to high-blood pressure had damaged one of the arteries that was ready to burst. He began to reduce and on the sixth day he became a paralytic unable to get-up from his bed. He hasn't been able to do so till today. It chills me writing that CHAMPA'S CURSE CAME CORRECT.

Just like fire, which can cook or kill and warm or wreck, so also, expressed thoughts can heal or harm, bless or blast. THERE CAN BE NO DOUBTING THIS.

## 9. A WELL-WOVEN EVENT

Just as it is difficult to say as to what set of clouds in the sky would come down as rains, equally so is it to say as to which of our dormant wishes might emerge upon the vast invisible expanse of our minds and materialise into an actual incident.

Here's a true event portraying the above truth.

In the first week of October 1963, one Dr. Mata Prasadji, a research-minded educationist who was formerly the Vice-Chancellor of Vikram University came over to Bhadran - my monsoon HQ for spending a few days with me.

Before leaving, Dr. Mata Prasadji entreated me to visit Agra during the Diwali which was then fast approaching. On my accepting his invitation, he informed me that his eldest son Dr. Rajendraji was also to go over to Agra with his family from Saurashtra. He therefore suggested that I may join the party on 14-10-1963 at Mehsana Junction.

As I had earlier planned to leave Bhadran around that date and proceed to Sri Nath Dwara a popular place of Vaishnav pilgrimage, it was convenient for me to agree to join Dr. Rajendraji and be with him atleast upto Marwar Junction where one has to change for Sri Nathji. So, I wrote to Dr. Mata Prasadji's son. He confirmed about his departure and informed me that he and his family members would be at Mehsana to catch the Delhi Express on 14-10-1963 at about 10.40 hours.

Now, I on my part made arrangements and got my seat booked for 14th October 1963. I reached Ahmedabad in time to be connected to the Delhi Express which leaves about 7-35 a. m. or so.

While the train was nearing Mehsana, a stray feeling in the shape of an urge to visit Ambaji - a shrine dedicated to the worship of the Goddess, near Abu Road - flashed in my mind and passed off instantly. Four long years had elapsed since I had last visited that temple. A little later, delightsome memories of my many past visits began surging up across the threshold of my conscious mind-all impelling me to go to Ambaji. But because I had already promised my friends at Sri Nath Dwara and Agra to be with them on definite dates, the time at my disposal wasn't enough to negotiate the trip. So, I dismissed the compelling desire and sat quiet.

As the train was steaming into Mehsana Station, I stood on the doorway of the compartment with a view to spotting my friend Dr. Rajendraji. The train dragged past the long platform and came to a halt at the farthest end. There wasn't much crowd and my Chemico friend wasn't there either.

The Delhi Express usually halts for 25 minutes at Mehsana. I got down and went straight to the waiting room hoping to find Rajendraji there. Not finding him there, I returned to the train and peeped into every compartment without any result. I couldn't believe that he will not have come. So, I went to the enquiry office to check - up if any reservation had been made for Rajendraji and his family members. The clerk behind the counter attended to me and took up a register to find out from therein. Just then, he had to answer a phone - call. While the clerk was so busy, I was restlessly looking into every car that pulled - up in the station - yard. Dr. Rajendniji and party were not in any of them.

As I was waiting there, I heard the guard's whistle. That gave me a jolt and I ran into the platform only to see the tram at the far end of the far-reaching platform, in motion, picking - up speed at every waving of the Gaurd's flag.

The train with my luggage had left. None could have caught it from that distance. I stood on the almost empty platform with a down-cast face, trying to think as to what course I should take either to rejoin the same train or to get back my luggage.

As I was mentally working upon few possibilities, a middle-aged gentleman came to me and querulously questioned, "Swamiji, why, you a Sadhu should look so shrunken and upset? The scriptures and the society expect you people to be moving about, with cheer born out of unconcern largely lit over your faces. "After I told him as to what had set me to appear so, his adverse attitude abated and he appeared genuinely interested in helping me out."Some of my friends who have been directed in a common dream of last night are to go to Ambaji before noon-today. If they haven't already left, I can request them to give you a lift in their car upto Abu Road station and you can resume your journey by the Delhi Express from there. Now hurry along, "said he.

I was taken to a nearby bungalow. The car hadn't left. He spoke to his friends and I was told that they would first take me to Ambaji by a short-cut and, after their communion at the temple, they would drop me at the Abu Road station before 1340hrs. - the scheduled departure time of the train. The prospect of visiting Ambaji cropping-up so mysteriously made me feel really joyous.

The driver brought the still vehicle to life and we moved on and reached Ambaji when the temple was being closed after the deity had been laid to rest. The ritualistic rules rigidly require that the temple should close by noon and reopen only at 4 p.m. I became despairful. But the moneyed men from Mehsana were shifty enough to tackle the situation. They did some whispering in few ears and planted some vitamin ' M ' in the practical palms of the pliable priests. The scriptural law was broken and the temple was thrown open. Indeed, all physical gates leading to earthly gains open to the moneyed, if they spend. It hasn't been VERY wrongly said mat:--

"Money is sweeter than honey,

It is brighter than sun,

Without money nothing can be done."

We offered our prayers and the temple authorities entertained us with special food reserved for the rich. After all that, we were able to leave Ambaji at about 1240 hours. Somewhere when we were past midway to Abu, the car developed engine-trouble. The driver hurriedly set it right and by the time we reached the station, it was already 1340 hrs, the time by which the train ought to have left.

It was with great relief and satisfaction that I learnt on alighting from the car, that the train was late by 40 minutes. The train was to arrive at 1350 hrs. as against 1310 hrs. and leave at 1420 hrs. after the usual 30 minutes halt. The train arrived after ten minutes and I boarded ray compartment. One can depend upon the safety of one's luggage in the upper-classes, particularly during the day-time. I found my belongings intact.

I Changed at Marwar - Junction - visited Sri Nathji's temple and taking a convenient train reached Agra on the morning of 16th October 1963 (DIWALI DAY).

The little Bhaiyu - Dr. Rajendraji's son was the first to greet me with a ' Happy Diwali ' on my reaching Dr. Mata Prasadji's doors. When I asked Dr. Rajendraji as to by which train they all had come, he cooly explained, "why, by the Delhi Express, of course! Continuing further, he said, "I knew for certain that you would positively come and that you will contact us. Where then was the necessity for me to publicly exhibit my anxiety, search for you and get out of ease? " As for myself not having seen anyone of them at Mehsana station or none of them having seen me, all that I can say is that it was something very odd and inexplicable.

The circumstances which brought about the materialisation of my visit to Ambaji \- with no efforts whatever on my part, obviously reveal that, had I met Dr. Rajendraji at the Mehsana Station, I could not have gone to Ambaji. Had that person who took me to his friends no prior knowledge about his friends' Ambaji's programme, I could not have visited the Goddess's temple. Had he not taken me to his friends, had his friends left before we reached them, or had there been no accommodation in the car, I could not have gone to Ambaji. Then again, had they planned to take the regular route, instead of the short - cut which they chose at considerable risk of damage to their new car, in that case, they would have dropped me at the Abu Road Station and that also would have come in the way of my having visited Ambaji.

What subtle forces or processes actuated all these seeming chain - coincidences is beyond the possibility of my explaining. Yet, I cannot withhold myself from asserting that while great many of our thoughtfully planned physical actions go barren, some of our involuntary off-shoots of passive desires, at times, mysteriously bring into being a well-- woven event like this.

## 10. RAMPA'S ROSARY OF RESOLUTIONS

In the year 1951, I trekked into some parts of the Naga Hills. There, in Ukhrul, a small hill town, I came in touch with a Tibetian monk and got friendly with him. I was privileged to be in his saintly company for a week.

Besides Tibetian, his mother tongue, the holy Rampa had a working knowledge of Burmese only. In his talks with me, he laid greater emphais's on ethics. He talked of meditation and NIRVANA only through the meaningful language of good-conduct.

Virtue, ethics, morality, good-conduct and religion are all synonymous terms. All the ills and strifes that are currently prevalent throughout the world are wholly and entirely due to our ethical poverty.

A persistent practice of moral values is the strong base on which the edifices of worldly happiness, spiritual growth and perfection can firmly and lastingly stand.

A mere intellectual knowledge of the various scriptural and philosophical treatises without a virtuous living can only be compared to rowing an anchored boat which will only fatigue us, make a laughing stock of us, and above all, take us nowhere beyond its stationary place. He who though not versed in the scriptures, should he be of humane conduct, such a person is far more great than he who is a Pandit in learning but ETHICALLY EMPTY.

Here below I present the hundred and eight resolutions of the holy Rampa for your knowledge and guidance. If we practised them all with due diligence, we will evolve even as all greatmen who attained the highest goal of life did by passing through the royal bridge of virtuous living.

(1). HENCEONWARDS, I shall love one and all in a sincere spirit of true love in every conceivable situation without any reserve whatever.

(2). HENCEONWARDS, I shall to the degree of my possibility always help the deserving and the needy.

(3). HENCEONWARDS, I shall always endeavor to rightly understand all those I may have to deal with. Never shall I commit the mistake of misunderstanding anyone.

(4). HENCEONWARDS. I shall be very cautious in exclusively relying upon my own opinions, but shall always honor others' reasonable and deserving view-points.

(5). HENCEONWARDS, I shall readily share God's good gifts with all those whom I may come across

(6). HENCEONWARDS, with the potential sparks of love, I shall reduce to ashes all hatred that may be directed towards me.

(7). HENCEONWARDS, I shall openly admit my faults and shall earnestly strive to make suitable amends.

(8). HENCEONWARDS, I shall be slow and thoughtful in making promises, but, having once made them, i shall zealously and quickly fulfill them.

(9). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not make others to attend to the works which I myself can conveniently do.

(10). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not take undue advantage of other's kindness, nor shall I swoop to exploit the ignorant.

(11). HENCEONWARDS, I shall particularly see to it that my pleasure-seeking pursuits do neither disturb nor hinder others' peace or happiness.

(12). HENCEONWARDS. I shall not expect and accept favours; but shall remain content in the enjoyment of my legitimate rights.

(13). HENCEONWARDS, with due esteem for my benefactors, I shall gratefully and openly acknowledge favours received: but shall outright forget the privilege of having helped anyone.

(14). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not pry into and interfere in the affairs of anyone.

(15). HENCEONWARDS, retaliate if I must, I shall always take recourse to constitutional means.

(16). HENCEONWARDS, I shall endeavor to suitably reward all those who may help me; but shall not myself seek any gains for having helped others.

(17). HENCEONWARDS, before indulging in the activities of reforming the society, I shall first perfect myself.

(18). HENCEONWARDS, I shall in all humility, keep myself open to learn from one and all irrespective of their age and station of life.

(19). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not burden or bother others with the details of my distresses, but shall silently suffer it all with courage and with an earnest determination not to charter them again.

(20). HENCEONWARDS, as a servant of the Saviour and the society, I shall practice fidelity, submissiveness and obedience.

(21). HENCEONWARDS, in obedience to the serious scriptural injunctions, I shall neither detest nor deride other religions and their venerable votaries.

(22). HENCEONWARDS, through the cultivation of true and selfless love, I shall first redeem myself from the marshy meshes of mental monotony and thereafter alone shall I enter into the onerous social service.

(23). HENCEONWARDS, I shall tactfully tackle the tough task of rearing children and mould them into useful and responsible beings.

(24). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not allow my thoughts to peep into the faults and shortcomings of others.

(25). HENCEONWARDS, never in the course of my daily life shall I hurt or harm anyone through my thoughts, words or deeds.

(26). HENCEONWARDS, I shall never attempt to deceive or dishonour anyone.

(27). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not harass my creditors through wilful delays, under-payment or non-payment.

(28). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not adopt an exacting and inhuman attitude in dealing with my distressed and displaced debtors.

(29). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not thrust upon others my beliefs and convictions.

(30). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not follow unwholesome customs and traditions.

(31). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not commit the blunder of forming an inconclusive, hasty or prejudicial opinion about anyone or anything.

(32). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not indulge in the unproductive lip-praise of anyone's admirable conduct and qualities, but shall sincerely and silently strive to imbibe and imitate the traits and dispositions that are worthy of praise.

(33). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not become a tool to the whims and wonts of the rich by allowing myself to be influenced by their wealth.

(34). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not desert or denounce those distressed and deserving, who need and seek my solace and support.

(35). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not butt in and crush the chances of anyone rightly receiving the required relief from others.

(36). HENCEONWARDS, I shall so conduct myself as to do away with diseases, drugs and DOCTORS.

(37). HENCEONWARDS, I shall practise discriminate moderation in the selection of my food.

(38). HENCEONWARDS, I shall wholly and entirely avoid the usage of narcotics, stimulants and such other items which imminently and at times even immutably impair my health.

(39). HENCEONWARDS, I SHALL AVOID HUNGERLESS AND EXCESSIVE EATING AND LIKEWISE, SUCH STUFFS ALSO AS ARE NOT NECESSARY FOR THE UPKEEP AND NOURISHMENT OF MY BODY.

(40). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not talk while taking meals and thereby hinder the natural process of digestion and assimilation.

(41). HENCEONWARDS, I shall reduce my wants to the degree of barest minimum necessity.

(42). HENCEONWARDS, I shall punctually devote some time, daily, to productive spiritual practices.

(43). HENCEONWARDS, I shall always remember that, with a firm will and strong determination, there is nothing in the world which I cannot accomplish.

(44). HENCEONWARDS, I shall talk little, hear sufficiently and act abundantly.

(45). HENCEONWARDS, by remaining impervious, I shall serenely suffer slights and slanderings.

(46). HENCEONWARDS, I shall decisively develop a detached disposition.

(47). HENCEONWARDS, I shall court the company of the pure plus pious hearted persons and avoid the vile and villains.

(48). HENCEONWARDS, with mental equanimity I shall face all the vicissititudes of life.

(49). HENCEONWARDS, I shall only read healthy and inspiring literature.

(50). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not coax or persuade others to break or give-up their worthy resolves.

(51). HENCEONWARDS, I shall effectually erase the empty egoism.

(52). HENCEONWARDS, I shall regularly rotate the rosary.

(53). HENCEONWARDS, I shall speak the truth and truth alone. Never shall I even entertain the soul-sullying thought to lie.

(54). HENCEONWARDS, I shall visit a temple daily and benefit myself from the elevating atmosphere there.

(55). HENCEONWARDS, I shall develop and maintain a habitual countance of cheer which springs from contentment and full freedom from false apprehensions and cares.

(56). HENCEONWARDS, I shall retire to bed early in a prayerful sway and likewise rise also early.

(57). HENCEONWARDS, when confronted with doubts, confusions and complexities, I shall first relax myself mentally and then pray for God's gradely guidance.

(58). HENCEONWARDS, I shall share a portion of my daily food with birds, insects and animals.

(59). HENCEONWARDS, in this world market of activities, I shall always respect the element of time by being prompt plus punctual in everything I do.

(60). HENCEONWARDS, I shall stubbornly resist all temptations.

(61). HENCEONWARDS, I shall checkup before retiring to bed all bad actions committed by me during the day with a view to entering and negotiating the next day bereft of such heart-defiling moves.

(62). HENCEONWARDS, I shall lead an ideal, orderly and a planned life.

(63). HENCEONWARDS, I shall readily forego all benefits if they should come to me through pain plus privations to others.

(64). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not squander my time and energy in PERISHABLE PLEASURES PLUS PAINFUL PURSUITS.

(65). HENCEONWARDS, I shall overcome all my weaknesses and limitations through perfect piety.

(66). HENCEONWARDS, with a vigilant watch I shall sternly ward off all persons and all those things that may attempt to impede or stampede the prosecution and progress of my high, holy &. honourable aims.

(67). HENCEONWARDS, in the rational belief that it is not right to anticipate a wondrous and instantaneous success in everything I do, I shall act my part well and leave the rest to time.

(68). HENCEONWARDS, I shall especially see to it that my thoughts, words and actions are in absolute co-ordination with one another.

(69). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not maim myself by swimming in the imaginary waters of dead yesterdays and unborn tomorrows. Instead, I shall determinedly dive deep into the ocean of the living present and procure therefrom, the precious pearls of infinite bliss.

(70). HENCEOWARDS, I shall respect and venerably treat all elders and the wise.

(71). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not allow myself to be chained by the lures of lust and luxuries.

(72). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not allow my mind to evince interest in anything evil.

(73). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not surrender myself to the haunts of vain and negative fears of sorts.

(74). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not hanker after the transient fame and fortune.

(75). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not indulge in the sinful and inhuman practice of eating the dirty, decomposed, disease-carrying flesh of dead animals.

(76). HENCEONWARDS, unless it is absolutely unavoidable and pressingly necessary, I shall not indulge in or encourage borrowing and lending.

(77). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not pollute the places of pilgrimage by behaving there in a questionable manner.

(78). HENCEONWARDS, in the knowledge that it is never profitable to throw oneself to despondency over the inevitable events of life, I shall never WEEP over the dead.

(79). HENCEONWARDS, unless it is. essential to make up the previous night's

sleeplessness or when too tired, I shall never get used to sleeping in the daytime.

(80). HENCEONWARDS, I shall neither myself accept nor induce others to take bribes.

(81). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not indulge in the practice of plagiarism.

(82). HENCEONWARDS, I shall abstain from the foul habit of putting on a pretentious appearance of what I am not and profess to know what in reality I don't.

(83). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not revel in the habit of falsely praising anyone.

(84). HENCEONWARDS, I shall desist from exhibiting my intellectual, attainments by refraining to speak unless asked to do so.

(85). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not take part in such critical, controversial and challenging discussions as are unproductive and thereby pervert my precious time.

(86). HENCEONWARDS, I shall put to proper use all my possessions. Never shall I misuse or callously waste any of them.

(87). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not commit the error of expecting permanent pleasure plus perfect peace from the transient things and mundane activities.

(88). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not delay or hesitate to put my good thoughts to speedy action.

(89). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not take upon myself the questionable and offending vocation of testing the intellectual, mental or spiritual get-up of others.

(90). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not blame anyone but myself for the inequalities present in my life.

(91). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not give room to the binding tendencies of infatuation and emotional sentiments.

(92). HENCEONWARDS, I shall not in any way foster false beliefs and faith.

(93). HENCEONWARDS, I shall, with cheer accept God's gracious dispensations with the full knowledge that they all are for mv exclusive good.

(94). HENCEONWARDS, I shall always perform virtuous actions and avoid the vicious ones.

(95). HENCEONWARDS, with an awakened interest I shall efficiently discharge my temporal and spiritual obligations.

(96). HENCEONWARDS, I shall conserve the vital energy by practicing continual continence.

(97). HENCEONWARDS, I shall perform all my duties in a true spirit of dedication to God.

(98). HENCEONWARDS, I shall forgive with ready sympathy the lapses of others, but shall severely censure myself and suffer mortification for all my errors.

(99). HENCEONWARDS, I shall sincerely pray daily for the welfare of one and all.

(100). HENCEONWARDS, I shall season my prayers with an unflinching faith - the only way to enlist sure and quick answers to them.

(101). HENCEONWARDS, bearing in my mind that it is the only aspiration which will secure sure and sublime success, I shall earnestly yearn to achieve the highest spiritual perfection in this very birth.

(102). HENCEONWARDS, I shall gratefully receive all that God may choose to give me and thankfully surrender all that He may want to withdraw from me.

(103). HENCEONWARDS, I shall so guard myself as not to allow others' evil to contaminate or take roots in me and shall also see to it that no evil gets any support from me, whatever, for its spread and sustenance.

(104). HENCEONWARDS, when the powerful latencies of my innumerable past lives lure me into taking to sinful ways, I shall implore the omniscient God to rouse my sense of discrimination and prevent me from yielding physically.

(105). HENCEONWARDS, I shall treat life as given exclusively for the realisation of Brahmic union, the highest goal of human birth.

(106). HENCEONWARDS, I shall sincerely repent for all my past transgressions and rigidly resolve to absolve myself from the taint of future violations.

(107). HENCEONWARDS, I shall be constant in the conviction that no sooner I do away with the downward desires, anger, greed, infatuation, pride, and jealously, I become fit to be ushered into the higher horizons of spiritual unfoldment.

(108). HENCEONWARDS, out of an ardent love to attain the rich realms of PERFECT POISE PLUS PERENNIAL PEACE, I shall daily beseech the most merciful Lord God to nurse and bless all the resolutions which I may make and ACT upon.

## 11. THE TAUGHT TROUBLE THE TUTOR

We needn't believe that our jails abound with the guilty or the criminals alone. You will see from the following account that there must be good many individuals-innocent to the core - yet involved in criminal cases ingeniously levelled against them by the clever - minded schemers.

Kumari Nalini and Narendrakumar-both from rich families were school-mates studying in Matriculation. One Nirdoshkumar, an honours graduate happened to be their teacher in English & History - in the local High school.

Because children from rich families are freely pampered and are allowed to get used to a fast life right from their very childhood, they don't, on the whole, make bright students. Generally, it is through bought favours from the trickish teaching staff that they pass out from the lower classes. As for the University results, which are somewhat hard to purchase they make up their weak knowledge of subjects through private tuitions.

Nalini and Narendra were weak in principal subjects, so, Nirdoshkumar offered to teach them privately.

To vast majority of teachers and tutors at the higher level, private tuition means extra income. Most of them tire and dull themselves running from house to house teaching students, that during the regular classes in the schools, one finds them doing a lot of yawning and dozing.

Nirdoshkumar was different. He rightly felt that he was employed by the institution to give his time and self to train students and sharpen their brains and that if there were any students who didn't catch up with the rest of the class, it was his duty to give such students extra attention and bring them upto the mark without charging them tuition fees.

Because shri Nirdoshkumar's house was near Nalini's bunglow, it was arranged that Narendrakumar should go over to Nalini's place every morning to be coached by Nirdoshkumar there.

Day after day Nirdoshkumarji punctually called at the bunglow of Kumari Nalini to teach her and Narendrakumar. There were six other poor students also benefitting from his free tuition. He never expected or accepted any gifts or favours from them or from any of his other students. Barring the temptable teachers and the leisure-loving lecturers, all admired and adored him.

Annual examinations came and both Nalini and Narendra went through them all-claiming to have done well. During the summer vacation Nalini was to go over to some hill stations with some of her girlfriends.

It was earlier slyly arranged that Narendrakumar should join her at Delhi. With few days left for leaving on the trip, Nalini, who wanted extra money for an enjoyable time in the hill-stations, persuasively planned to pilfer from home.

Pilfering wasn't going to be easy. She needed a big amount and she feared detection. Servants were away on a short leave - otherwise, things could have been easy-for, then, the theft could the pinned on to them and they would be the natural suspects. There were just few days left for her to leave on the trip. She had promised Narendra and now she had to save her face by keeping her word. All the while she was simply pondering as to how to get the amount. Just then, Nirdoshkumar who was all along busy during the annual examination and who because of that could not go to Nalini's place all those days, called on her that day to check up as to how she had fared in her examinations. He remained with her for some time and left.

Now, Nalini grabbed the opportunity which so naturally presented itself. She removed a small jewelry box containing Rs. 5000/- in currency notes and few items of gold jewellery worth about Rs. 1200/- from the cupboard which was in the suite where Nalini and Nirdoshkumar met and passed on the booty to Narendra with hints to visit Nirdoshkumars place and plant the empty box and two gold rings there. Her intentions were plain.

Accordingly, Narendrakumar went to the place of Shri. Nirdoshkumar - casually, as he sometimes used to do and managed to leave behind, unnoticed, the empty jewelry box and the two rings and left as casually as he had gone there. He took care to see that his finger prints were wiped out from the box and the rings.

Nalini desired that the loss of that amount should be discovered by her parents before she left on tour. Her desire came to pass. While rearranging the contents of the cupboard Nalini's mother found the box which contained the amount of Rs. 5000/- and some jewelry missing. Nalini herself began a sham search with her mother. The amount couldn't naturally be found.

Nalini's father was informed of the theft and their suspicion centered around Nirdoshkumar. He consulted his friends and finally reported the case to the Police. Nirdoshkumar's house was searched and the Police recovered the tell-tale empty box and two gold rings from there. He was arrested. It was a strong case for the Police and a sensational one for the local papers.

With the police finding the empty jewel-box and the two gold rings from his room, Nirdoshkumarji openly surmised that it was the frame work of Nalini and Narendrakumar. But the poor fellow couldn't place as to why they should have falsely involved him.

The Police paraded Nirdoshkumar to the Magistrate's residence handcuffed and bound by ropes for securing a remand. Hardened criminals may perhaps need to be handled roughly but, our indiscriminate police force has a common rule for all. They take upon themselves the task of punishing and harassing the accused persons throughout the pre-trial period.

At the material time, I was camping at the place of the local Magistrate who happens to be a good friend of mine. It shocked me to see Nirdoshkumarji being brought before the Judicial officer that way. I knew Nirdoshkumar from his college days and I always had and do have a very high opinion about him. The Magistrate ordered that he be released on bail. The Police took Nirdoskumar away.

After that, my host exclaimed "so, swamiji, you seem to know the accused!. The charge against him is very serious. The Police have booked him for theft."

This magistrate friend of mine happens to possess not only a high acumen of legal knowledge, but is also a gifted physiognomist well versed in the science of phrenology. So I asked him as to what his knowledge of physiognomy revealed about Nirdoshkumar. He said "swamiji, a man with the dominating features such as that of the accused can never even think of doing any wrong - his case adds to my past surprises of innocent fellows landing in prisons for no crime of their own." When questioned by me, "will not your this observation influence your judgment of this case were it to come up before you for trial?" He said, "no, we, as is expected of us, dispassionately proceed with the case exclusively on the strength of the facts presented in the court at the time of the trial. Giving weight to personal preferences plus prejudices will not only amount to the denial of justice but also decrying it and that isn't the function of an independent and upright judge. "

Shri Nirdoshkumarji had none to stand surety for him, so he had to remain in Court custody for over 2 months. Finally, the case was put up for trial. He wasn't in a position to engage a pleader either. His request to the City Bar Association for a free legal help went unheard.

Unless it is for name and fame, we don't hear of lawyers who lavishly lie for a liberal living going to the aid of the poor accused persons who are falsely charged with criminal cases. With pain plus pride, the puffy pleaders perspire their heads persevering to secure acquittal for seeded criminals. If the legal practitioners all over the country pledged not to defend the habitual offenders, the high incidence of crimes in India could be done away with.

The police, Narendrakumar, Nalini, her father and shri Nirdoshkumars Land Lord were examined by the Court as witnesses for the prosecution.

The police deposed about the recovery of an empty jewel box and two gold rings from the house of Nirdoshkumar-in the presence of the panchas-identified to belong to the complainant. The panchas corroborated the deposition of the police

Narendra was next examined. The questions put to him were of a preliminary nature aimed at identifying the accused as Nirdoshkumar. As he was being examined by the Government pleader, the Magistrate's knowledge of character-reading began to instinctively work-even as he was consciously attentive to the proceedings in the Court. The sweeping gait of Narendra's walking revealed to the Magistrate Narendra's vacillating and untrustworthy nature.

Kumari Nalini next took her stand in the witness box. Her statements were akin to Narendra's. Kumari Nalini's pointing eyebrows towards her nose made it clear to the Magistrate that she was crafty and quarrelsome. He instantly recalled the axiom. 'Believe not those whose eyebrows meet, for- in their hearts they harbour deceit. 'Her triangular head and dull deep-set eyes openly showed the criminal intention in her. The protruding lips-the sign of cruelty. The shape of her ears indicated selfishness and smallness of nature. The beak nose suggested a natural tendency towards mercenary leaning.

Undoubtedly, human organs unmistakably do reveal a wide range of facts about the taste, temperament and traits of individuals. It is a dependable key to human character confirmed by observations and experiments.

Nalini's father told the Court about his having kept Rs. 5000/- in currency notes at his house a week before and that he positively saw the jewel-box in the cupboard before noon on the day of theft. Asked by the Court if any of his household members were ever suspected of having stolen money or of having misappropriated them, he gave a negative reply with emphasis.

To add to the strength of the prosecution case, the land lord submitted to the Court by supporting evidences that Shri Nirdoshkumar had paid him Rs. 2000/- on the very day in question against the balance payment of his late father's debt.

Now, it so happened that from few years before this incident. Nirdoshkumar used to be attending upon an old invalid lady in the neighbourhood of his locality. When on the day previous to his arrest, he went to her on his usual evening visit, he found her somewhat different. As never before, seated erect, she appeared to be calmly reflecting upon something serious. When she became aware of Nirdoshkumar's presence, slowly yet sweetly, she said, "son, you have all along been very good to me. I can never forget nor can I ever repay your loveful services. Now, please listen, I have something important to tell you. 'DEATH' the eventual exit from this scene of earthly existence is now drawing near for me. I have an inkling that it will be obligatory for me to vacate this worn out physical vehicle in the early hours of tomorrow. "Punctuating here, she brought out a bag and giving it to Nirdoshkumar, informed him that there was Rs. 2001/- in it and that he should spend that sum towards feeding Brahmins in Bodh Gaya during the shraadh month (September.) Indeed, she passed off in the early hours-the next day. Nirdoshkumar collected few people, told them about the amount which the old lady had given him and cremated her according to Hindu rites. Since there were still five months left for him to use the old Lady's money at Gaya, and as by that time he would also receive an equal amount from a pending litigation, he paid off his Land Lord - in full and final settlement of his father's debts. This payment, unfortunately coincided with the theft at the place of Nalini and he could not convincingly explain the source of receipt of that Rs. 2000/-.

When Nirdoshkumar's house was being searched, even those friends of his, who had joined him in the funeral and who were earlier told about that amount from the old lady, were not inclined to believe that the dead old lady who had been subsisting on the favours of the charitable-minded people from the neighbourhood could have owned that big sum.

Summed up, all the circumstantial evidences strongly pointed to the guilt of the accused beyond all reasonable doubt, and so, the court had no alternative but to sentence Nirdoshkumar to a term of rigorous imprisonment.

Eighteen months later, I met Nirdoshkumar in Gaya. He was there to feed the poor brahmins according to the wishes of that late old lady. These days he is in Assam-managing one of the tea estates there.

Through unlawful and sinister means alone can people amass wealth. The children of the wealthy who inherit these disgraceful traits are generally criminal-minded. With resourceful ease they manage to escape the consequences of their offences by simply shifting the blame on the poor and innocent persons like Nirdoshkumar.

If all the-Newspapers and Magazines in the country just called for true cases under the caption of 'I AM INNOCENT', lakhs of shocking incidents will flood their offices revealing the hard-hearted tactics of the clever and the rich who are able to pin their crimes on the innocent.

## 12. A SOMNAMBULIST

Somnambulism is not mere sleep-walking. It is also an active state of physical expression of dreams, causing one to dive into one's distant past and act under the impulses of dormant desires and latent knowledge.

Amplified, it can be said that in dreams the physical body remains senselessly passive, whereas, in somnambulism it unconsciously and partially acts. People very often are able to recollect their dream experiences on waking up. But sleep-walkers who generally work in that state don't remember anything done by them under the somnambulistic sway. Nor do they complain of fatigue after coming to wakefulness.

Somnambulating in its plain form is more common in the exerting children of nervous disposition. Such children just walk over unconsciously and lie down close to their mother or elders in whose nearness they may be used to feeling more secure. Because infantile somnambulists don't perform abnormal or supernormal feats in that peculiar state, sleep-walking tendency in children pass off for ordinary childish pranks.

It is only when the adults are found sleepwalking and somnambulistically performing different works do we take it seriously and View them with astonishment.

There are in the sleep-walkers' world old-men and women, young people of both sex, children who are on various age steps in the ladder to adolescence, intellectuals and dullards, the physically strong and the weak, persons living in extreme climates and those inhabiting the temperate parts and also the non-vegetarians and the vegetarians. But, to what extent of time, how often and what order of somnambulistic performances come to be displayed by each of the above category of persons hasn't been adequately probed into by those who are doing research work in para-psychology.

One thing, however, is certain that somnambulistic attacks occur only during the nights and never when the individuals who are susceptible to it happen to be in sleep during the day time. Though in a stray case I did notice a lady preparing jam during the day time with her eyes closed and snoring all the while. She did it as skilfully as she used to do the same when wakeful.

Temperamental analysis of somnambulists reveals that they are generally irritable, emotionally sentimental, nervous and that they usually swim in the deep seas of negative imaginations. They are light sleepers but distinctly different from those who can be awakened by a slight touch or sound.

Sleep-walking is not hereditary as some physical and mental diseases are.

While we do come across people talking or babbling in sleep, sleep-walkers on the other hand are never somniloquous. Some are however found to be amenable to orders. They can be commanded to do something silently.

We should be very cautious in dealing with people when they happen to be in a somnambulistic state. If they are aroused tactlessly and made to know of their performances in sleep, it might shock them, make them more nervy, generate in them apprehension of personal harm and also induce bad feelings of embarrassment.

It can be dangerous to leave alone people who are prone to somnambulism. For, we hear now and then such unprotected persons losing their lives during the course of their night adventures in sleep.

Herebelow I place before you a mysterious account of a judge friend of mine who acted clairvoyantly and composed good pieces of poem in Persian. On earlier occasions I have seen him preparing hot beverage, dressing vegetables, typing, starting his car, and once he actually donned a saree and painted himself with all the nonsensical make-up materials which SENSELESS ladies and those women who lack the beauty of virtue lavishly use to attract attention and actuate foul feelings in themselves and others.

My friend Justice shri. Satya Prem, a High Court Judge with whom I have very often stayed in his bungalow happens to be one of the odd somnambulists I have come across and observed them acting too very strangely in sleep.

The knowledge of his somnambulistic feats have been wisely withheld from him and his children. His scholarly wife has been very cautiously attending on him during the nights with a view to especially seeing to it that he came by no physical harm while sleep-walking and working somnambulistically.

Justice shri. Satya Prem acted somnambulistically, only during the bright halves of the months and generally between the hours of 3 and 6 a. m. Sometimes, 3-4 months passed without a single attack.

Whenever I happened to be his guest, Justice Shri Satya Prem used to particularly allot for my use, the room next to his bedroom. The urinal and the bathroom being on the other end of his apartment, the door which connected our rooms were kept open during the nights in order that I may also be able to make use of the same when necessary, by passing through his room and without disturbing him.

During the course of my one such stay with him, early one morning at about 4a.m., I clearly saw him with the aid of the moonlight which spread in our rooms, getting up from his bedstead and advancing into my room. Shri Satya Prem could have had no cause to come into my room, much less at that opening hour of the day. But, he came all the same, walking with the graceful gait of persons holding high position. He went past my bed on the ground and seated himself near the place where I had stored my books and stationery material. He then removed a foolscap paper, took my pen and began to write. After few seconds, he stopped, jerked the pen and moved it over the paper. I found the paper in which he had made writing motions completely blank. Evidently, there wasn't ink in the pen. Little later, he rose with the pen in his hand and went into his bed room. From the flashes of my torchlight which I directed into his room, I saw him filling the pen with ink. After that, he returned back seated himself at the place where he had left the paper which he had earlier taken to write on and resumed writing.

He wrote with the seriousness and swiftness of a person who is jotting down some memorised matter. His eyes were all the while closed and he breathed like one in sound sleep. Unusually enough, however, he was writing from right to left. He wrote in what appeared to me as Urdu. After he finished writing, he folded the paper, placed it on a book and laid the pen beside it. Thereafter, he rose, crossed over me and going to his bed laid himself over it-covering his body with the quilt.

Immediately, after he left, I removed the paper on which he had written and switching on the torchlight I saw the matter thereon. I couldn't make out whether it was Arabic. Persian or Urdu.

When after sunrise I took it to a friend of mine who happened to be well versed in Arabic and Persian, I was told that it was a poem in chaste Persian, exhorting people to keep away from bad persons. My Muslim friend Mr. Seedat translated for me the Persian verses in English prose and I have attempted to versify them as follows in acrostics :--

KEEP AWAY FROM THEM who lack in true love.

Entirely avoid them who without cause pick-up a row.

Ever-remain aloof from them who with contempt treat,

Pass-over them who bow too low and greet.

Always shun them who are masters in outward shows,

Watchful be, don't near those who sing songs of woes.

Attention pay, mingle not, with them who are fools,

Yes, befriend not those who are devils' willing tools.

Flee from them who just talk but don't act,

Run away from them who cheat others with tact.

Of them beware who pride's drums fastly beat,

Mix not with them who aren't clean and neat.

Turn away from them who arn't their salt worth,

Have no intimacy with them who lack healthful mirth.

Eschew their companionship who only value money and gem,

Malevolent, these persons are, so, KEEP AWAY FROM THEM.

In his normal life, Justice shri. Satya prem didn't know even the ABC of the Persian language, so, his exquisite composition in sleep, in that rich lingo of the Moghul courts openly suggests that in that subconscious state he was transported into one of his distant past lives. For, it stands to reason that what is not in store in the deeper most part of one's consciousness can never come to be expressed or demonstrated. This is a fundamental law of mental recollection.

The most wondrous part of the whole feat was that, he must have been clairvoyant in sleep. Or else, he couldn't have known that the movements which he made with the pen, on the paper, didn't produce any writing.

I have not been able to get as to why he should have chosen to make use of my writing material when there was a good deal of them on the table so very close to his bed, in his very room. Could it be that he was semi-consciously adding strangeness to his super performance in sleep?

A serious search of the occult significance of somnambulism-particularly with a view to probing into the possibilities of cultivating and developing this unique and non-fatiguing technique of working in sleep-in all its dangerless aspects should make our life here on earth very much interesting, richsome and tensionless.

## Life Sketch of Swami Krishnanand

Man is the superb and supreme creation of God. Among all the animals, he has distinguished himself by his sense, intelligence and awakening to the highest level of life. Even among all the human beings, there are very few who have devoted their lives for others by offering them peace, happiness and mental satisfaction. Though few in number, such Saints are welcomed and worshiped by people. Among such saints the name of Swami Krishnani is glorious, unique and worth to be proud of. Despite having a common name "Krishnanand" he was a very unique and charismatic human being. This is only life sketch of Swami Krishnanand of Shanti Ashram, Bhadran.

Biography or Autobiography is a description of man's life right from his birth till the end, in chronological order. Swamjii never wrote or allowed anyone to write about his life. He very firmly believed that his life was not meant to get exposed in words as he didn't want publicity. Long back in 1980 I very humbly tried to get his consent to write about him, but very quietly and peacefully he denied my request. Every person's spiritual progress is really a personal process.  Swamiji believed, when right maturity is achieved by a human being, he does find a Guru [a pathfinder, guide and teacher] who shows path to the follower. It is now for the follower to go ahead on the path. He firmly believed, one person's life and progress cannot lead or encourage other person to live such life. This personal belief did not allow him to write his own autobiography or allowed others to write his biography. Now that he is not with us, I try to write his life sketch for the followers and friends to quench their thirst, to know him a little bit better.

He has never written detailed accounts of his life events but sometimes he described them during conversations and lectures. There were some who used to note down this events. Of those members, Dr. C.P.Goswmi - a pathologist from Ahmedabad, used to keep notes of his lectures. During my 20 years of his company I noted some events of his life, so in this attempt of drawing his life sketch I have taken help of Swamiji's books, Dr. Goswami's notes and my own notes.

Swamiji was Born on 26th August, 1920 at 12.18 p.m. at Maymyo (now Pyin Oo Lwin) in Burma a country near North-East of India. This birth date is confirmed in 'Pathik-na-Anubhavo' (Episodes & Experiences), where a ghost tells Swamiji his birth date during their conversation. Despite being born overseas Swamiji's background was of an Indian family. The family migrated from India some three or four generations back and settled in Burma.

Swamiji enjoyed his childhood in a very rich and happy family. His father was Director in a bank and also a partner in Indo-Burma Petroleum (I.B.P) Company. Though a bit religious, his father was more conservative, well-disciplined and under the Western influence, while his mother was totally religious, having firm faith in God and well cultured. Because his father was busy in business, service and day-to-day affairs, Swamiji like other children, did spend most of the time with his mother. Other members in the family were a maternal uncle, six sisters, and a cousin brother. After five daughters, the family got twins - a daughter and a son. This son was he himself-the Swamiji. Swamiji had most affection with his twin-sister from all the family members; till he took Sanyas (renounce worldly and materialistic pursuits and dedicate life to spiritual pursuits).

During the childhood Swamiji was very influenced by his mama-the maternal uncle. After death of his wife [Mami - wife of his maternal uncle] at young age, mama left everything and became a Sanyasi. Mama used to live on the top floor of the house and his visitors were mostly Saints. His father did not like this group of Saints in his house and Mama was also aware of this dislike. But for the child this presence of Saints, religion, God, the talk and discussion-became the foundation for his future. In 1940 Ma Anandamayi conducted a yagya (an ancient ritual of offering and sublimating the havana sámagri (herbal preparations) in the fire) at a waterfall known as Aniskhan and Mama went there to attend and remained there till he died. Swamiji used to re-collect this incident interestingly and talked in details.

Born with a very high sense of understanding, this intelligent child started his primary education at home. Then passed his competitive test and straightway entered in fourth grade. Studying in an English medium school of Maymyo, this child cleared all his exams with very good result and used to keep his rank in between first and seventh in the class. He became one of the favorite students of his Principal. He appeared for the 1st year of College test but to the surprise and shock of all, was declared 'Fail'. The Principal himself, along with Swamiji went to the university and on re-checking found the mistake in the total of marks, he was declared pass with 1st class. In 1940, he cleared his graduation with English Literature as special subject and General subjects as subsidiary once. He secured First Class and as a result a Gold Medal. He joined M.A. degree and kept English and History as his primary subjects. But unfortunately before the result was declared, the Second World War broke out. Along with many Indian, Families, this family also left Burma to migrate back to India. So naturally his study for M.A. was left unfinished and reminded so till the end.

Though he was a bright student with an excellent progress, he was a bit timid. Not to get harassed by the co-students, Swamiji used to keep his pockets full of chocolates to please them, he gave them generously. This gave him a nickname of 'Sweety'. Although he was timid by nature, he did play mischief at times. It happened once that he slapped a co-student so hard that the glasses of that boy got broken. The result was obviously punishment. The teacher beat him with a wooden stick in front of the class. Swamiji used to narrate this uncommon-event in his lectures often. He was always quiet eager to learn something. Because of this nature he was loved by the wife of the principal. She compensated the absence of love from his mother who was busy with family duties. Apart from the motherly love from her, he learnt the manners of western life, western education and its impact on human nature. He never went to foreign countries after his arrival in India, but Swamiji was well versed in western manners of life due to the contact with principle's wife.

Generally the studious students are not much interested in sports, but to the contrary Swamiji was taking part in Table-Tennis, Billiard and chess in his college days. He participated in Table-Tennis tournaments and won a Gold Medal, not only this he was also selected at the National Level. Though he remained aloof in other sports in his later age, but he had soft corner for chess. He had very good knowledge of chess; he read many books on it and even used electronic chess. He organized a State Level tournament for chess players at Bhadran. He organized it so nicely that some of the participants remember it even today. He had no interest in cricket and he did not miss a chance to narrate these in his lectures and books.

Due to the Second World War many Indian families left Burma for their home country India. Swamiji's family was one of them. They, with a desire to go to Nagpur, their native place, left Burma. Four married and one unmarried sister left Burma by plane. Before Swamiji, his twin sister and parents reached the airport, the airport got destroyed by bombs during the war. Due to the collapse of air services they were forced to walk to Calcutta. Deserted areas, full of dead-bodies, absence of all the necessities like food and water, no shelter, pools of blood, limbs scattered all over was the picture he saw. Migrants were playing with the ornaments of gold and silver as none was needed, all they needed was food and water. People living nearby exploited the people and charged insanely for water and food. It was very tough to survive on with what little they had or found from empty houses on the way. He used to survive for 5-6 days from small amount of rice by adding water in it. Swamiji helped a rich man by risking his own life to get little rice for him. They reached Calcutta after three months. Swamiji was all with tears in his eyes whenever he used to narrate this horrific journey from Burma to Calcutta in his lectures.

At Calcutta they got shelter at a refugee camp. Now it was time to think about missing sisters who left by plane and about monetary conditions. During this tough time, fortunately they met his father's friend Mr. Bashir who was one of the directors of Indo-Burma Petroleum Company. He helped them a lot, made arrangements for stay in a well-furnished hotel and in search of the sisters who were missing. Mr.Bashir helped to get the family money from the Burmese government, cash for the family's shares in IBP Company and Insurance Company. The family got well-established again after receiving the financial aid.

At the end of 1942 the family shifted to Nagpur and settled there. Next year in 1943, his mother died and at the end of the same year his father died, that left both Swamiji and his twin-sister without family. He got a message informing that the missing sisters were in Manipur, Assam. Both Mr. Bashir and Swamiji left for Manipur to meet the sisters. On way Mr. Bashir got injured in an accident and was admitted to a hospital. Luckily they met the sisters and all came to Nagpur where they lived happily and peacefully. In 1944 Swamiji distributed the family property among sisters. His own part of around Rs. 1,00,000/- gave to his twin-sister. With this carefree position Swamiji left the house and opted for Sanyas.

 "I used to be timid from childhood and also was not fully devoted in god, so I took money enough to survive for almost a year. With one pair of clothe I left the house", Swamiji used to tell his followers about his immature state when he took Sanyas. An Astrologer has forecasted when he was in Burma that three of his relatives would adopt Sanyas and so it did get materialized. First it was his maternal uncle, then a cousin brother and then he, himself.  There was no intention to seek enlightenment (ultimate spiritual state) nor did he have any childhood dreams of becoming a saint.

By leaving your home you don't become a saint, it was just the beginning of his preparation to become a Sanyasi. He left his home-town and came to Nagpur where he purchased a ticket for Hubli, Karnataka. He reached to Kishkindhaa, a famous holy place. During his stay at Kishkindhaa, he roamed and visited many temples and caves. Then he went to Pampa Sarovar [a lake] where a carefree saint asked him to go to Anjanay cave and pray and visit Kartik Swami's place. On third day he went and spent the whole night of non-stop prayer and meditation but to his surprise his co-partner in that Anjanay Cave was none other than a huge python. Swamiji has described this event in one of his books. He believed his journey to self-realization started from here.

In 1948, he came back to Nagpur from Hubli and officially adopted Sanyas. He was given the official name "Krishnanand" after that. He then started his long-journey on foot. The first long distance journey was from Nagpur to Karachi. Then it was from Surat to Pondicherry. At Karachi he met Capitan Ramdas. After Karachi he went to Sakkar, there he met a saint known as Aghori Mastram and served him well. Aghori Mastram sent him to Mirpurkhas where one Shri Makrana gave him proper guidance to become fearless. He went to Saurashtra where in Adityana in Ranavav he came in touch with Yogini Devi. He also met Vishwapremji and Shantipuriji while somewhere near Shillong he met a well-versed Yogi known as "Punarjanma". In 1946 in Madhya Pradesh he met a great saint who described in detail Swamiji's two former births before this one. All this helped him to learn and increase his own knowledge about spiritual-progress. He ended up in Bhadran first time in 1952.

On the cross roads near Ananand, without any reason Swamiji stared walking towards Borsad and was directed to go to Napa village. He stayed in a Shiv temple for three days. On fourth day when Swamiji started his journey to Petlad the Pujari of temple requested him to spend Chaturmas' [a period of 4 months in monsoon during which the Saints don't travel fearing to crush insects] in Bhadran. Swamiji took the path to Bhadran.

'Shanti Ashram' is located in the west of Bhadran near the narrow-gauge railway station. A Patel built the ashram in memory of his young son's death. The ashram was built in 1925, for any Saints to stay there for few days. When Swamiji came to this Ashram he was given welcome by a blind saint named Shri Gyaniji. Initially he was treated by the local devotees and trustees as an ordinary saint. After a month or so, one of the trustees came across an English book lying by the side of Swamiji, which was biography of Shri Ram Krishna Paramhans. He then realized that Swamiji was a learned one. Slowly Swamiji attracted some old aged and educated people from the town. He was given some facilities, especially that of water by the Late Chunibhai F. Patel and also invited him for the next 'Chatur Mas'. Swamiji liked this quiet, lonely and peaceful place so he decides to spend next twelve Chatur Mas in Bhadran. In 1965, after the 12th Chaturmas Swamiji wanted to visit Cairo, Egypt which was his birth place in previous birth, but he did not get visa as war between India and Pakistan broke out.

After fulfilling his desire to complete 12 Chaturmas, he continued to do Chaturmas in Bhadran. He lived in Bhadran for 37 years more than half of his 69 years life.

In the beginning Swamiji's daily schedule was different, most of the time was spent in prayer, meditation and reading. In the evening he would talk about his own experience from his travels. He was requested to write his experiences in a book to spread the true and inspiring stories. Due to his poor writing skills in Gujarati he started writing in English, which was translated in Gujarati. He was regarded as a very good writer by many, despite him being a saint.

Until 1975, Swamiji used to beg from houses for his food. It was mentioned by an astrologer that Swamiji reached highest pick of his 'sadhana' and achieved the supreme stage of self-realization and enlightenment during 1974-75.

After 1975, Swamiji's daily routine changed. Instead of going to beg for food, he got a kitchen constructed in the Ashram. He also constructed a spacious bathroom near his prayer-room. He made some facilities for the guests also. During 1975 electricity was connected in the Ashram, till then he was using kerosene lamps.

Suitable to the nature of a spiritually devoted person, his schedule of the entire day was very perfect. He used to get up at 2.30 am in the morning every day in Bhadran or while travelling. He never altered this mid-night wake up time. After taking tea, he used to perform prayer and meditation between 3 am to 5.30 am. 5.30 am to 6.30 am for bath and other activities, 6.30 am to 7.30 am morning payers. 8 am to 9.30 am meeting with his devotees. 9.30 am to 10 am lunch, 10 am to 12 pm in the prayer room for meditation and rest. 12 pm to 2 pm was spent reading and responding to letters. 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm was spent for the mid-day bath. He used to meet people from outside of Bhadran in between 4 pm and 5 pm. 5 pm to 7 pm was spent again with the local devotees. Dinner at 7.30 pm and sleep from 8.15 pm was his unbroken daily schedule.

He never missed three occasions to visit Saurashtra.

1)To attend a mela (fair) at Mount Girnar on Maha Sivaratri (Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated every year in reverence of Lord Shiva)

2)He would go to Savarkundla on the occasion of Jalzilana Ekadashi in the month of Bhadarva (11th month according to Gujarati calendar)

3)He would go to Bhavnagar in the month of January-Maha Shud Bij for a week.

When came in contact with the followers of Rajkot and Bhavnagar, it was learnt that Swamiji who used to keep his schedule tight and without a little change at the Ashram, he was not very strict follower of it in Saurashtra.

Guru Purnima is the unique celebration where and when a guru - a teacher is worshiped by all of his students and followers. Since his arrival in 1952, Guru Purnima was celebrated without a break.

Despite being a saint he was very proficient in social aspects of the world. He will advise his hosts well in advance of his intention of arrival. He never would use his host's phone or vehicle. He was a very good person to manage long travels. He used to say 'I never forget the person who has invited me for a dinner". He served one of his host's wife in the Ashram with same words and tone, he was served 22 years ago.

As mentioned earlier, Swamiji used to do very long distance travel by foot. He travelled to Badri-Kedar on foot three times, twice from Haridwar and once from Rudra Prayag. Due to extensive travel on foot his health deteriorated and he was unable to perform long travels. Then he started travelling in train, he preferred first class or A.C. Chair car. During his life time he visited Amarnath 5 times and Badri-Kedar 36 times. He has travelled roughly around 24,000 kms by foot and around 29,000 kms in train/car/plane.

Due to his difficult travels by foot his health got affected. First time in 1979 he got mild heart-attack. He needed to stay in Lady Pillar Hospital of Baroda for one and half month when he got the second heart-attack in 1980. In 1981, coronary bypass surgery operation was performed on him at the CMC hospital in Velor. Due to the dust of tobacco near the Ashram, Swamiji was having difficulty breathing. One of the devotee started building new Ashram for Swamiji in Dandi but due to legal issues the work was stopped. In the February of 1988 he underwent surgery for prostate gland, where he lost a lot of blood and experienced significant pain. His health was not very well in the last 10 years of his life. On 3rd August, 1989, while sleeping in his prayer room, in between 11 and 11.30 am he got a severe heart attack and he left us.

The medical students hardly get good bodies for study, which was known to Swamiji. So after the 1981 operation in Velor he decided that he would give his body to a Medical College. He arranged donation of his body to Karamsad Medical Hospital. He strongly recommended not starting any religion or fellowship after his death. He strongly stated that Shanti Ashram is a public place for saints and should not become a private property of his followers.

Swamiji created his own personality by learning and staying in touch with great soul and personalities like J. Krishnamurti, Dada Lekhraj, Shri Pandurang Athwale, Shri Mataji of Pondicherry, Dongreji Maharaj, Shambhu Maharaj and Acharya Rajnish. He accepted Shri Mota of Hariom Ashram as his guru and took deep interest in the activities of Hariom Ashram. Born in Burma, migrated to India and eventually made Bhadran his karmabhoomi (the land where one works). This soul was very unique and a privilege for the human kind.

May God Bless Us All.

Originally in Gujarati written by - N.N.Trivedi.

## WHAT STATISTICS DON'T PROVE

STATISTICS prove so many things;

The size of towns, the height of kings,

The age of children in the schools,

The skull development of fools,

The salaries that persons get

The number of abodes to let.

The wealth of lucky millionaires,

The price of hens and mining shares,

All things below and things above

It seems to me statistics prove.

But no, statistics never yet

Appraised a single violet.

Measured the glances of an eye

Or probed the sorrow of a sigh,

Statistics never got the gleam

That dances on meadow stream,

Or weighed the anthem of a bird

In forest aisles devoutly heard.

Statistics never proved a soul,

In high or low, in part or whole,

Sin, beauty, passion, honor, love-

How much statistics cannot prove!

## ALPHABETICAL PRAYER

O God teach me to be Adaptable.

O God teach me to be Bearable.

O God teach me to be Chaste.

O God teach me to be Discreet.

O God teach me to be Earnest.

O God teach me to be Forthright

O God teach me to be Gentle.

O God teach me to be Hopeful.

O God teach me to be Introvert.

O God teach me to be Just.

O God teach me to be Kind.

O God teach me to be Laughing.

O God teach me to be Meditative.

O God teach me to be Nest.

O God teach me to be Observant.

O God teach me to be Pious.

O God teach me to be Quick.

O God teach me to be Receptive.

O God teach me to be Serviceable.

O God teach me to be Thoughtful.

O God teach me to be Unerring.

O God teach me to be Valiant.

O God teach me to be Whole.

O God teach me to be Xenial (Hospitable).

O God teach me to be YOURS.

O God teach me to be Zealous.

###

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Sermons in the Storms
