Stories that Inspire - Differences

When the venerable monk sat down to teach that day, he felt that something was wrong. He asked one of the disciples, "You all appear to be somewhat worried today. May I know the reason?" There was no answer initially. But when the preceptor promised to help them in case of difficulty, one of them made bold and said, ‘Venerable sir, we are all unhappy over some recent happenings.’ The teacher straightened himself. He still couldn’t catch their point. The other disciples, encouraged by their friend’s talk, burst out: ‘venerable sir, we are sorry to say something bad about. . . you.’ `About me?’ asked the amazed preceptor. However, he smiled encouragingly and said, ‘Do you have some complaint against me? Well, speak out. I shall try to correct myself in case I’m wrong.’ Though initially diffident, their leader got up, bowed before the teacher, and said, ‘Of late, a few things are going on here which have hurt all of us. To be precise, we’re sorry that certain brahmanical principles are being flouted....’ Now the preceptor understood and smiled. They were talking about his new disciple. But what had that poor boy done to them?

*****

As he walked slowly along the main street one day, the master saw a strange scene. It was astonishing! People were laughing at what they saw. The preceptor, pointing to the source of astonishment, told his aide, ‘My boy, go and bring that fellow here.’ The aide went to him and said, ‘My venerable preceptor wants to meet you. ‘That person did not care. He was busy with what he was doing. The disciple impatiently called him again. Now the person appeared to hear. ‘Who’s your teacher?’ he asked. ‘There. . . my preceptor is standing there, waiting for you.’ That person stopped what he was doing for a while, and told the lady who was with him, ‘Please wait for a moment.’ Approaching the venerable monk, he impatiently asked him, ‘Sir, did you call me?’ ‘Yes my child, I did. What’s your name?’ ‘My name is Dhanurdasa’, replied the young man, ‘and my mistress awaits me there. I shall have to go. `Yes, you will. But listen. What’s this you’re doing? Walking on this busy street, you are fanning your mistress with one hand and holding an umbrella with the other! You should know what propriety is! Don’t you see! People are laughing at you?’ `Oh! I am ready to do anything for her,‘ said Dhanurdasa carelessly, and added, ‘Well, was that why you called me, sir? Goodbye. She’s waiting there for so long…’ The master cut in: `One question before you go. May I know what attracts you so much in her that you fan her and serve her like a slave in public, forgetting all refinement?’ Even as he looked repeatedly towards his mistress, Dhanurdasa said proudly, ‘Have you seen a pair of eyes like hers anywhere?’ The preceptor smiled and replied, ‘Oh, yes, I have. I can show you those eyes too.’ ‘A better pair than hers? Never! Anyway, if you can show me, I shall judge which pair is the best.’ ‘Okay then. Come this evening to my place.’ Dhanurdasa bowed and walked over to his mistress. He continued his service to her as both walked by. For a few seconds, the old preceptor stood there and smilingly watched the cavalcade. He said to himself, ‘ Misplaced love! Misplaced love!’

© "Prabuddha Bharata" (April, 2000) published by Advaita Ashrama, 5 Dehi Entally Road, Kolkata 700 014. Website: www.advaitaonline.com. Reprinted with permission.

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