Prologue to the Second Chapter Swami Niranjan

My inheritance from Sri Swamiji is not one of post, position and power of any institution or establishment, but that of sannyasa.

Now I walk alone on the path to realize the inheritance and the succession of sannyasa as given by Sri Swamiji to me.

On the auspicious day of Guru Poornima 2010, I realign myself with the direction given to me by my guru, Sri Swamiji, by expressing the sentiments

Satyam is the mantra
Satyam is the deity
Satyam is worship
Satyam is inspiration
Satyam is the vision
Satyam is the immaculate Lord

Sri Swamiji had told me a story when I was about nine years old. In this story a traveller called Jiva Ram is travelling from a far off place to his home in Brahmapuri, the Cosmic City. After having travelled for many ages and long distances, he comes upon a five star hotel called the Grand Universal or Samsara. There he rests, eats good food, entertains himself and becomes friendly with the manager of the hotel, Mr Money Ram and abundance of lovely assistants. He was given the royal suite 066 on the 6th floor from where he can view the jewel decked malls, swimming pool and lovely bare bodied swimmers, restaurants, bars and casinos of this Grand Universal Hotel. The intoxicated traveller soon forgets himself in the company of beautiful damsels called Miss Desire, Miss Infatuation, Miss Understanding and Miss Takes. The damsels entertain the traveller daily with music and dance, wine and women, accompanied by their other friends, Mr Greed, Mr Anger, Mr Jealousy and Mr Ego. Time passes. The traveller is delighting in the company of the hotel staff. His home, his place, the destination of his journey has become a vague and remote memory.

One day another strange traveller booked himself in the no frills Floor 1 in room 08 at the hotel. He is a peculiar chap with a shaved head, ochre robes and wooden beads around the neck for ornaments. His body, enveloped by a majestic mystical aura, glows with ethereal light. He spends most of his time alone in his room, eating alone in a corner table and avoiding unnecessary talk with other guests or staff of the hotel. Jiva Ram is attracted and intrigued. After much cajoling, Money Ram declares one evening to Jiva Ram that the newcomer to the hotel is an eccentric who comes to the hotel from time to time and always chooses the same room to stay in. Jiva Ram wonders who this silent, lone and eccentric traveler is and one evening, after mustering up his courage, he knocks at the door of the 1st floor room 08.

The door opens slowly and Jiva Ram feels the penetrating gaze. He was frightened, as if his soul was laid bare, but only for an instant. He realised that in the penetrating gaze, there was no threat of any kind but compassion and kindness.

'Come in, come in,' are the words that emanate from the mouth of the stranger. As if hypnotized, Jiva Ram takes the lead and marches into the room. The strange traveler smiled silently, closes the door and follows Jiva Ram into the room.

'I want to be your friend', blurts Jiva Ram. 'My name is Jiva Ram. What is yours?' The stranger smiles 'People know me as 'the Guide''. 'Who do you guide and where do you take them?' asks Jiva Ram. 'I guide lost travelers such as yourself and accompany them to Brahmapuri', answers the Guide.
'Really? I was also a traveller to Brahmapuri. I came here to rest and have been here for many years. This hotel, the visitors and staff have now become my home and family. Here everyone loves me, needs and respects me', says Jiva Ram.

'Do you not remember your home? Do you not wish to continue your journey?' asks the Guide with a smile. 'Some nights I dream of a place, a home, and see vague, remotely familiar faces, but they are only dreams,' says Jiva Ram. 'I know the way and can safely take you there,' the Guide tells him. 'When shall we go?' says an exited Jiva Ram. 'Why not tonight in the cool weather. Pack your bags, check out and we shall go', says the Guide serenely with an all-knowing look.

Jiva Ram runs to his room, packs his bags and goes to reception to clear his bills. 'Have you lost your senses? Has the eccentric traveler brain washed you into leaving?' yells Money Ram from behind the counter. 'Leaving at night for a city that no one has seen, walking in the dark along narrow pathways and without protection in the jungle infested with wild animals'. Then in a sad voice, 'You will also break the hearts of Miss Desire and Miss Infatuation who love you so much. With whom will I laugh at jokes? With whom will I drink and play poker? If you go away, I will be lonely and friendless'. Then, grabbing the arms of Jiva Ram, he says, 'Come my friend, let's drink. Don't think much of the Guide for he always misleads people, robs and kills them in the jungle. Here you have everything, comfort, wine, women, and entertainment to help you forget your crazy idea of going with the Guide. He will only make you suffer and deprive you of your possessions. Look, Miss Desire and Miss Infatuation are waiting to please you in every way possible'.

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