Part 18 (1/2)
”My sojourn in Benares was not in vain! I found there everythingfor! You may be sure it was not your pundit or his son!”
Ananta joined hter; he had had to adhted one
”What are your plans, ra We shall view the beauties of the Taj Mahal {FN11-2} here,” I explained ”Then we are going to e in Seraed for our co I noticed his eyes fixed on ht ”A plot is brewing!”
The denoue our early breakfast
”So you feel quite independent of Father's wealth” Ananta's gaze was innocent as he resumed the barbs of yesterday's conversation
”I am conscious of my dependence on God”
”Words are cheap! Life has shi+elded you thus far! What a plight if you were forced to look to the Invisible Hand for your food and shelter! You would soon be begging on the streets!”
”Never! I would not put faith in passers-by rather than God! He can devise for His devotee a thousand resources besides the begging-bowl!”
”More rhetoric! Suppose I suggest that your vaunted philosophy be put to a test in this tangible world?”
”I would agree! Do you confine God to a speculative world?”
”We shall see; today you shall have opportunity either to enlarge or to confirm my own views!” Ananta paused for a dramatic moment; then spoke slowly and seriously
”I propose that I send you and your fellow disciple Jitendra thisto the near-by city of Brindaban You , either for food or money; you o without your meals; and you alow here before twelve o'clock tonight, without having broken any rule of the test, I shall be the e” No hesitation was in my words or in my heart Gratefulof deadly cholera through appeal to Lahiri Mahasaya's picture; the playful gift of the two kites on the Lahore roof with Ueh the unknown Benares SADHU outside the compound of the pundit's home; the vision of Divine Mother and Her h Master Mahasaya to uidance which h school diplo Master fro dreams Never could I admit my ”philosophy”
unequal to any tussle on the world's harsh proving ground!
”Your willingness does you credit I'll escort you to the train at once” Ananta turned to the open as a witness and, very likely, a fellow victim!”
A half hour later Jitendra and I were in possession of one-way tickets for our impromptu trip We submitted, in a secluded corner of the station, to a search of our persons Ananta was quickly satisfied that ere carrying no hidden hoard; our si more than was necessary
As faith invaded the serious realive raph you in case of misfortune”
”Jitendra!” My ejaculation was sharply reproachful ”I will not proceed with the test if you take anyreassuring about the clink of coins” Jitendra said no arded him sternly
”Mukunda, I am not heartless” A hint of humility had crept into Ananta's voice Ithie city; perhaps for his own religious skepticish the Brindaban ordeal, I shall ask you to initiate ularity, in keeping with the unconventional occasion The eldest brother in an Indian family seldom bows before his juniors; he receives respect and obedience second only to a father But no time remained for my comment; our train was at point of departure
Jitendra ubrious silence as our train covered theover, he pinched n that God is going to supply our nextwith us”