The holy man experienced the joy and exaltation of the spiritual life high in the heavens. He found out that eating grains and other forms of vegetation was also another form of killing. He decided to nourish himself with fruits and water and then plant the seeds for the next generation. He questioned why he had to marry and have a family and then leave them, for he saw it a sin to forsake his responsibility as husband and father. This was where the test was...... God had to test him as many wouldn't want to leave the love and warmth of a wife and family to follow the calling. He was satisfied with the answers and solutions to the problems that plagued him personally.
Now he had to find the answers to questions related to the world. Why was man suffering??? To this he came out with a number of reasons. Firstly, it was the question of continued survival of the flesh and blood. Next, it was the need to procreate. Thirdly, it was the drive for recognition and power. These are the three main elements that man sought and suffered for.
The holy man felt that a man has to go in search of food but does he need to kill to satisfy his hunger? Yes, he too had been killing the dormant embryos in the grains that were cooked as food. But many fought animals and destroyed vegetation just for food. Sometimes, animals and plants were destroyed on a large scale in the quise for the need of food and left much to waste and rot. Was this the right way to treat the creations of God????
Temptations are many when it came to procreation. Sometimes, lust leads a man to commit sins while gratifying himself through illicit relationships leading to unwanted children and abandoned partners who either commit suicide or lead loveless lives. These mistakes have created unwanted social problems and unhappiness which could have been avoided if man thought right and led virtuous lives.
On the other hand, the power hungry and ambitious man not only destroyed animals and plants for wealth and fun, he also annihilated any of his challengers, be it man or beast. To quench his thirst for power and ambition, he not only vanquished his opponents but also lied, cheated, manipulated and used conman tactics as tools. To meet his demands vast areas of virgin forests, that formed habitats of wildlife, have been cleared to make way for industries and offices, schools, hospitals, transport systems, etc...etc....The scientists too are working on ways to improve man's living standards, but fail to realise that biodiversity and the conservation of God's creation is the answer to much of the world's problems, such as climate change, population explosion, food shortage and pollution.
The holy man opened his eyes and stared at the basketful of fruits. He took a banana, peeled it and ate. A monkey came and sat next to him. He offered it a banana and the animal took it and climbed up a tree. A snake glided beside him but made no indication that it was provoked. The holy man heard a low growl of a leopard. On looking up, he saw it resting on a tree unperturbed. The holy man felt he was surrounded by friends, all of which were the wonderful creation of God!!!!!
The holy man closed his eyes tightly, trying to quelch all thoughts of his wife and son in the village all alone. He could hear the cries of his son beckoning him home and the vision of his helpless wife consoling the adamant child. Then the apparition of his deceased mother haunted him, trying to wake him from his meditation and advising him to return home to his wife and family. His mind was in a turmoil but he had to dispel all thoughts of fear and put entire faith in the calling.
The constant disturbances of this nature was due to the attachment and bondage that he has had all these years and he mustn't succumb to them, he prayed. He knew that before long his wife and son would be beside him persuading him to yield to their wishes and return to his former life.
As his earthly thoughts and visions faded he saw himself moving towards a strong beam of light. The intensity of the light around him began to magnify and then all personal thoughts and visions vanished. He was beyond the earth's plane and in the realm where few men ventured in their earthly form and existence. He saw himself surrounded by the flora and fauna of the heavens. A bear came to feed on berries in his hand while he stroked the animal gently on its forehead. The animal showed no signs of agitation or aggression. In fact it welcomed the close connection and affection of the holy man. He was surrounded by beasts of all kinds and plants of different colours and blooms. The lake was crystal clear and he could see aquatic life forms swimming gracefully and freely while in the sky above him birds were hovering in delight.
Suddenly, the holy man felt a small hand touching him. He opened his eyes widely but was not angry or disappointed at being woken up from his wonderful experience. It was his son and his wife. There was no emotion of any kind from the holy man as his son cried and wailed for his return. His wife stood beside the little boy but made no attempts to console him.
The holy man took the boy by his hand and said, " My son, don't cry. Though I am away from you I shall always guide you through life. Go now with your mother and be a responsible son to her." After saying those words he closed his eyes again, never to be disturbed.
The mother called the boy over to her and both mother and son left the place after leaving a basket full of fruits beside the holy man.
This is Part One of my short story, 'The Calling..........quest for The Truth.' I shall be continuing Part Two as and when time permits. Thanks for your patience.
The holy man sat cross legged in front of the bonfire he had lit a few hours ago in front of the tree , that formed his home and shelter. His bundle of clothes lay by his side. He needed a change only daily just after a bath in the river, nearby, which had been polluted over the years. He sat undisturbed, oblivious of the barking of dogs in the village across the river and the noise of the crickets in the bushes surrounding the tree. He had just finished his meal of rice and lentils and gulped down a whole mug of cold water given to him by the villagers who regarded him as a saint. He was one of them, until the calling, he believes came from the heavens above, instructing him to follow the path of love, truth and beauty.His lovely, young wife tried to persuade him to stay, at least for the sake of their only child, a son. But he felt he had to forsake all worldly desires to follow the path laid for him by the Almighty. His love for God coupled with his feelings of attachment to his family worked on him like madness until the time when his son became seriously ill and a miracle saved the boy from the clutches of death. He had prayed that if his son survives the ordeal, it is the message that it is time for him to leave his home and family in pursuit of divine knowledge and everlasting life in the afterlife. The much awaited moment arrived. He hugged his wife and son close to his heart for the last time. Tears flowed down his cheeks as he looked at the innocent smiling face of his little boy. His son looked into his father's eyes and wondered why there were tears.
He asked,"Father why are you crying?"
"No son, these are tears of joy....... that you are well and free of sickness. I'll be gone for a long, long, time. Take care of your mother and do not make her cry. Would you promise me that, son?"
"Yes, father," came the prompt reply, as the boy wiped the father's tears.
The man, then grabbed his bundle of clothing tied to a staff and came out of his dwelling, to greet his fellow village folk who were waiting anxiously for his blessing. He raised his hand in a friendly gesture, his body language reflected his intentions that he wished them all well and that he had to move on. Some of his friends couldn't hold back the tears and fell at his feet.
He raised them up and advised them not to cry during this wonderful occasion.
"We meet to part my friends and that is the truth.....this is an illusion..... for the truth lies beyond this world of matter.......what you see here is temporary and it won't last. Seek for the everlasting life...the truth....the love.....the beauty.....and freedom from eternal bondage."
So saying and without turning back, he walked barefooted down the dusty path leading from the village into the forest, away from man and civilisation, to blend with nature.
