Two Penniless Boys in Brindaban

“It would serve you right if Father disinherited you, Mukunda! How foolishly you are throwing away your life!” An elder-brother sermon was assaulting my ears.

“You’d deserve it if Father disinherited you, Mukunda! You’re so foolishly throwing your life away!” My older brother’s lecture was assaulting my ears.

Jitendra and I, fresh from the train (a figure of speech merely; we were covered with dust), had just arrived at the home of Ananta, recently transferred from Calcutta to the ancient city of Agra. Brother was a supervising accountant for the Bengal-Nagpur Railway.

Jitendra and I were fresh off the train (only a figure of speech, since we were covered with dust). We had just arrived at Ananta’s home. He had recently been transferred from Calcutta to the ancient city of Agra. My brother was a supervising accountant for the Bengal-Nagpur Railway.

“You well know, Ananta, I seek my inheritance from the Heavenly Father.”

“As you well know, Ananta, I’m looking to the Heavenly Father for my inheritance.”

“Money first; God can come later! Who knows? Life may be too long.”

“Money first. God can come later! Who knows? Life may be too long.”

“God first; money is His slave! Who can tell? Life may be too short.”

“God comes first. Money is his slave! Who knows? Life may be too short.”

My retort was summoned by the exigencies of the moment, and held no presentiment. Yet the leaves of time unfolded to early finality for Ananta; a few years later [^11] he entered the land where bank notes avail neither first nor last.

My sharp reply was prompted by the moment, not by any sense of what lay ahead. Yet Ananta’s life came to an early end. A few years later [^11] he entered the land where bank notes have no value, first or last.

“Wisdom from the hermitage, I suppose! But I see you have left Benares.” Ananta’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction; he yet hoped to secure my pinions in the family nest.

“Wisdom from the hermitage, I suppose! But I see you have left Benares.” Ananta’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He still hoped to keep my wings bound in the family nest.

“My sojourn in Benares was not in vain! I found there everything my heart had been longing for! You may be sure it was not your pundit or his son!”

“My stay in Benares was not wasted! I found everything my heart had been longing for there! You can be sure it was not your pundit or his son!”

Ananta joined me in reminiscent laughter; he had had to admit that the Benares “clairvoyant” he selected was a shortsighted one.

Ananta joined me in laughing at the memory. He had had to admit that the Benares “clairvoyant” he had chosen was shortsighted.

“What are your plans, my wandering brother?”

“What are your plans, my wandering brother?”

“Jitendra persuaded me to Agra. We shall view the beauties of the Taj Mahal [^11] here,” I explained. “Then we are going to my newly-found guru, who has a hermitage in Serampore.”

“Jitendra persuaded me to come to Agra. We’ll admire the beauty of the Taj Mahal [^11] here,” I explained. “Then we’re going to visit my newly found guru, who has a hermitage in Serampore.”

Ananta hospitably arranged for our comfort. Several times during the evening I noticed his eyes fixed on me reflectively.

Ananta warmly made sure we were comfortable. Several times during the evening, I noticed him gazing at me thoughtfully.

“I know that look!” I thought. “A plot is brewing!”

“I know that look!” I thought. “Someone is plotting something!”

The denouement took place during our early breakfast.

The final outcome came during 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.

“So you feel you don’t need Father’s money at all.” Ananta looked innocent as he resumed the teasing remarks from yesterday’s conversation.

“I am conscious of my dependence on God.”

“I know I depend on God.”

“Words are cheap! Life has shielded 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!”

“Talk is cheap! Life has protected you so far! What trouble you’d be in if you had to rely on the Invisible Hand for food and shelter! You’d 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!”

“Never! I would not put my faith in passersby rather than God! He can find a thousand ways to provide for his devotee besides the begging bowl!”

“More rhetoric! Suppose I suggest that your vaunted philosophy be put to a test in this tangible world?”

“More fancy talk! What if I suggest putting your much-praised philosophy to the test in the real world?”

“I would agree! Do you confine God to a speculative world?”

“I would agree! Do you limit God to a world of theories?”

“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.

“We’ll see. Today you’ll have a chance either to broaden my views or to confirm them!” Ananta paused for dramatic effect. Then he spoke slowly and seriously.

“I propose that I send you and your fellow disciple Jitendra this morning to the near-by city of Brindaban. You must not take a single rupee; you must not beg, either for food or money; you must not reveal your predicament to anyone; you must not go without your meals; and you must not be stranded in Brindaban. If you return to my bungalow here before twelve o’clock tonight, without having broken any rule of the test, I shall be the most astonished man in Agra!”

“I propose sending you and your fellow disciple Jitendra to the nearby city of Brindaban this morning. You must not take a single rupee. You must not beg for food or money. You must not tell anyone about your situation. You must not skip any meals, and you must not get stranded in Brindaban. If you return to my bungalow here before midnight tonight without breaking any rule of the test, I’ll be the most astonished man in Agra!”

“I accept the challenge.” No hesitation was in my words or in my heart. Grateful memories flashed of the Instant Beneficence: my healing of deadly cholera through appeal to Lahiri Mahasaya’s picture; the playful gift of the two kites on the Lahore roof with Uma; the opportune amulet amidst my discouragement; the decisive message through the unknown Benares sadhu outside the compound of the pundit’s home; the vision of Divine Mother and Her majestic words of love; Her swift heed through Master Mahasaya to my trifling embarrassments; the last-minute guidance which materialized my high school diploma; and the ultimate boon, my living Master from the mist of lifelong dreams. Never could I admit my “philosophy” unequal to any tussle on the world’s harsh proving ground!

“I accept the challenge.” I felt no hesitation in my words or my heart. Grateful memories of the Instant Beneficence flashed through my mind. I remembered being healed of deadly cholera after appealing to Lahiri Mahasaya’s picture. I recalled the playful gift of two kites on the Lahore roof with Uma. Then came the timely amulet when I was discouraged. I remembered the decisive message from the unknown Benares sadhu outside the grounds of the pundit’s home. I recalled the vision of Divine Mother and her majestic words of love. Through Master Mahasaya, she had quickly responded to my minor embarrassments. Last-minute guidance had enabled me to earn my high school diploma. And then came the greatest gift, my living Master, emerging from the mist of lifelong dreams. I could never admit that my “philosophy” was unequal to any struggle in the world’s harsh testing ground!

“Your willingness does you credit. I’ll escort you to the train at once.” Ananta turned to the openmouthed Jitendra. “You must go along as a witness and, very likely, a fellow victim!”

“Your willingness speaks well of you. I’ll take you to the train right away.” Ananta turned to Jitendra, whose mouth hung open. “You must come along 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 we were carrying no hidden hoard; our simple dhotis [^11] concealed nothing more than was necessary.

Half an hour later, Jitendra and I had one-way tickets for our unplanned trip. In a secluded corner of the station, we let Ananta search us. Ananta was quickly satisfied that we had no money hidden away. Our simple dhotis [^11] concealed nothing more than was necessary.

As faith invaded the serious realms of finance, my friend spoke protestingly. “Ananta, give me one or two rupees as a safeguard. Then I can telegraph you in case of misfortune.”

As faith entered the serious world of money, my friend protested. “Ananta, give me one or two rupees as a precaution. Then I can send you a telegram if anything goes wrong.”

“Jitendra!” My ejaculation was sharply reproachful. “I will not proceed with the test if you take any money as final security.”

“Jitendra!” I exclaimed with sharp disapproval. “I will not go ahead with the test if you take any money as a last resort.”

“There is something reassuring about the clink of coins.” Jitendra said no more as I regarded him sternly.

“There is something reassuring about the clink of coins.” Jitendra said nothing more as I gave him a stern look.

“Mukunda, I am not heartless.” A hint of humility had crept into Ananta’s voice. It may be that his conscience was smiting him; perhaps for sending two insolvent boys to a strange city; perhaps for his own religious skepticism. “If by any chance or grace you pass successfully through the Brindaban ordeal, I shall ask you to initiate me as your disciple.”

“Mukunda, I am not heartless.” A hint of humility had entered Ananta’s voice. Perhaps his conscience was troubling him for sending two penniless boys to an unfamiliar city. Perhaps he felt guilty about his own religious skepticism. “If by any chance or grace you make it through the Brindaban ordeal, I will ask you to initiate me as your disciple.”

This promise had a certain irregularity, 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.

The promise was somewhat unusual, fitting the unconventional occasion. The eldest brother in an Indian family rarely bows to his younger siblings. He receives respect and obedience second only to a father. But I had no time to comment, as our train was about to leave.

Jitendra maintained a lugubrious silence as our train covered the miles. Finally he bestirred himself; leaning over, he pinched me painfully at an awkward spot.

Jitendra stayed gloomily silent as our train traveled on. Finally he stirred, leaned over, and pinched me painfully in an awkward spot.

“I see no sign that God is going to supply our next meal!”

“I see no sign that God is going to provide our next meal!”

“Be quiet, doubting Thomas; the Lord is working with us.”

“Be quiet, doubting Thomas. The Lord is working with us.”

“Can you also arrange that He hurry? Already I am famished merely at the prospect before us. I left Benares to view the Taj’s mausoleum, not to enter my own!”

“Can you also get him to hurry? I’m already starving just thinking about what lies ahead. I left Benares to see the Taj’s mausoleum, not to enter my own!”

“Cheer up, Jitendra! Are we not to have our first glimpse of the sacred wonders of Brindaban? [^11] I am in deep joy at thought of treading the ground hallowed by feet of Lord Krishna.”

“Cheer up, Jitendra! Aren’t we about to get our first glimpse of the sacred wonders of Brindaban? [^11] I feel deep joy at the thought of walking on ground made holy by the feet of Lord Krishna.”

(Left to right) Jitendra Mazumdar, my companion on the “penniless test” at Brindaban; Lalit-da, my cousin; Swami Kebelananda (“Shastri Mahasaya”), my saintly Sanskrit tutor; myself, as a high school youth

(Left to right) Jitendra Mazumdar, my companion during the “penniless test” at Brindaban. Lalit-da, my cousin. Swami Kebelananda (“Shastri Mahasaya”), my saintly Sanskrit tutor. Me as a high school student.

The door of our compartment opened; two men seated themselves. The next train stop would be the last.

The door to our compartment opened. Two men sat down. The train’s next stop would be the last.

“Young lads, do you have friends in Brindaban?” The stranger opposite me was taking a surprising interest.

“Boys, do you have friends in Brindaban?” The stranger across from me was showing a surprising amount of interest.

“None of your business!” Rudely I averted my gaze.

“None of your business!” I rudely looked away.

“You are probably flying away from your families under the enchantment of the Stealer of Hearts. [^11] I am of devotional temperament myself. I will make it my positive duty to see that you receive food, and shelter from this overpowering heat.”

“You are probably leaving your families behind, enchanted by the Stealer of Hearts. [^11] I have a devotional nature myself. I will make sure you receive food and shelter from this overwhelming heat.”

“No, sir, let us alone. You are very kind; but you are mistaken in judging us to be truants from home.”

“No, sir, leave us alone. You are very kind, but you are wrong to think we have run away from home.”

No further conversation ensued; the train came to a halt. As Jitendra and I descended to the platform, our chance companions linked arms with us and summoned a horse cab.

No one said anything more. The train stopped. As Jitendra and I stepped onto the platform, our chance companions linked arms with us and called a horse-drawn cab.

We alit before a stately hermitage, set amidst the evergreen trees of well-kept grounds. Our benefactors were evidently known here; a smiling lad led us without comment to a parlor. We were soon joined by an elderly woman of dignified bearing.

We got out in front of a grand hermitage, surrounded by evergreen trees on well-kept grounds. Our benefactors were evidently known here. A smiling boy led us without a word to a sitting room. An elderly woman with a dignified manner soon joined us.

“Gauri Ma, the princes could not come.” One of the men addressed the ashram hostess. “At the last moment their plans went awry; they send deep regrets. But we have brought two other guests. As soon as we met on the train, I felt drawn to them as devotees of Lord Krishna.”

“Gauri Ma, the princes could not come.” One of the men spoke to the ashram hostess. “Their plans fell through at the last moment, and they send their deepest regrets. But we have brought two other guests. As soon as we met on the train, I felt drawn to them as devotees of Lord Krishna.”

“Good-by, young friends.” Our two acquaintances walked to the door. “We shall meet again, if God be willing.”

“Goodbye, young friends.” Our two acquaintances walked to the door. “We’ll meet again, if God is willing.”

“You are welcome here.” Gauri Ma smiled in motherly fashion on her two unexpected charges. “You could not have come on a better day. I was expecting two royal patrons of this hermitage. What a shame if my cooking had found none to appreciate it!”

“You are welcome here.” Gauri Ma gave her two unexpected guests a motherly smile. “You couldn’t have come on a better day. I was expecting two royal supporters of this hermitage. What a shame it would have been if no one had been here to appreciate my cooking!”

These appetizing words had disastrous effect on Jitendra: he burst into tears. The “prospect” he had feared in Brindaban was turning out as royal entertainment; his sudden mental adjustment proved too much for him. Our hostess looked at him with curiosity, but without remark; perhaps she was familiar with adolescent quirks.

These appetizing words had a disastrous effect on Jitendra: he burst into tears. The “prospect” he had feared in Brindaban was turning out to be royal treatment. The sudden shift in his expectations was too much for him. Our hostess looked at him with curiosity but said nothing. Perhaps she was familiar with teenage quirks.

Lunch was announced; Gauri Ma led the way to a dining patio, spicy with savory odors. She vanished into an adjoining kitchen.

Lunch was announced. Gauri Ma led the way to a dining patio filled with spicy, savory aromas. She disappeared into a kitchen next to the patio.

I had been premeditating this moment. Selecting the appropriate spot on Jitendra’s anatomy, I administered a pinch as resounding as the one he had given me on the train.

I had been planning for this moment. I chose just the right spot on Jitendra’s body. Then I gave him a pinch as hard as the one he had given me on the train.

“Doubting Thomas, the Lord works-in a hurry, too!”

“Doubting Thomas, the Lord works quickly, too!”

The hostess reentered with a punkha. She steadily fanned us in the Oriental fashion as we squatted on ornate blanket-seats. Ashram disciples passed to and fro with some thirty courses. Rather than “meal,” the description can only be “sumptuous repast.” Since arriving on this planet, Jitendra and I had never before tasted such delicacies.

The hostess returned with a punkha, a hand fan. She fanned us steadily in the traditional Eastern style as we squatted on ornate blanket seats. Ashram disciples came and went, serving some thirty courses. Rather than a “meal,” the spread could only be called a “lavish feast.” Since arriving on this planet, Jitendra and I had never tasted such delicacies.

“Dishes fit for princes indeed, Honored Mother! What your royal patrons could have found more urgent than attending this banquet, I cannot imagine! You have given us a memory for a lifetime!”

“Food fit for princes, Honored Mother! I can’t imagine what your royal patrons found more urgent than attending this banquet! You’ve given us a memory to last a lifetime!”

Silenced as we were by Ananta’s requirement, we could not explain to the gracious lady that our thanks held a double significance. Our sincerity at least was patent. We departed with her blessing and an attractive invitation to revisit the hermitage.

Ananta’s requirement kept us silent, so we could not explain to the kind lady that our thanks had two meanings. At least our sincerity was clear. We left with her blessing and a welcome invitation to visit the hermitage again.

The heat outdoors was merciless. My friend and I made for the shelter of a lordly cadamba tree at the ashram gate. Sharp words followed; once again Jitendra was beset with misgivings.

The heat outside was relentless. My friend and I headed for shelter under a majestic cadamba tree at the ashram gate. Harsh words followed. Once again, Jitendra was troubled by doubts.

“A fine mess you have got me into! Our luncheon was only accidental good fortune! How can we see the sights of this city, without a single pice between us? And how on earth are you going to take me back to Ananta’s?”

“What a mess you’ve gotten me into! Our lunch was just a stroke of luck! How can we see the sights of this city without any money between us? And how on earth are you going to get me back to Ananta’s?”

“You forget God quickly, now that your stomach is filled.” My words, not bitter, were accusatory. How short is human memory for divine favors! No man lives who has not seen certain of his prayers granted.

“You forget God so quickly now that your stomach is full.” My words were accusing, but not bitter. How quickly we forget God's favors! Everyone has had some of their prayers answered.

“I am not likely to forget my folly in venturing out with a madcap like you!”

“I’m not likely to forget how foolish I was to go out with someone as reckless as you!”

“Be quiet, Jitendra! The same Lord who fed us will show us Brindaban, and return us to Agra.”

“Be quiet, Jitendra! The same Lord who fed us will show us Brindaban and bring us back to Agra.”

A slight young man of pleasing countenance approached at rapid pace. Halting under our tree, he bowed before me.

A slim young man with a pleasant face approached quickly. He stopped under our tree and bowed before me.

“Dear friend, you and your companion must be strangers here. Permit me to be your host and guide.”

“Dear friend, you and your companion must be new here. Let me be your host and guide.”

It is scarcely possible for an Indian to pale, but Jitendra’s face was suddenly sickly. I politely declined the offer.

It is hardly possible for an Indian to turn pale. But Jitendra’s face suddenly looked sickly. I politely declined the offer.

“You are surely not banishing me?” The stranger’s alarm would have been comic in any other circumstances.

“Surely you’re not sending me away?” The stranger’s alarm would have been funny in any other circumstances.

“Why not?”

“Why not?”

“You are my guru.” His eyes sought mine trustfully. “During my midday devotions, the blessed Lord Krishna appeared in a vision. He showed me two forsaken figures under this very tree. One face was yours, my master! Often have I seen it in meditation! What joy if you accept my humble services!”

“You are my guru.” He looked into my eyes with trust. “During my midday prayers, the blessed Lord Krishna appeared in a vision. He showed me two abandoned figures under this very tree. One face was yours, my master! I have often seen your face in meditation! How happy I would be if you accepted my humble service!”

“I too am glad you have found me. Neither God nor man has forsaken us!” Though I was motionless, smiling at the eager face before me, an inward obeisance cast me at the Divine Feet.

“I’m glad you’ve found me too. Neither God nor anyone else has abandoned us!” Though I stood still, smiling at the eager face before me, inwardly I bowed at the Divine Feet.

“Dear friends, will you not honor my home for a visit?”

“Dear friends, would you honor me by visiting my home?”

“You are kind; but the plan is unfeasible. Already we are guests of my brother in Agra.”

“You’re kind, but the plan won’t work. We’re already staying as guests of my brother in Agra.”

“At least give me memories of touring Brindaban with you.”

“At least give me memories of exploring Brindaban with you.”

I gladly consented. The young man, who said his name was Pratap Chatterji, hailed a horse carriage. We visited Madanamohana Temple and other Krishna shrines. Night descended while we were at our temple devotions.

I gladly agreed. The young man said his name was Pratap Chatterji. He hailed a horse-drawn carriage. We visited Madanamohana Temple and other Krishna shrines. Night fell while we were praying at the temples.

“Excuse me while I get sandesh.” [^11] Pratap entered a shop near the railroad station. Jitendra and I sauntered along the wide street, crowded now in the comparative coolness. Our friend was absent for some time, but finally returned with gifts of many sweetmeats.

“Excuse me while I get sandesh.” [^11] Pratap entered a shop near the railroad station. Jitendra and I strolled along the wide street, now crowded in the relatively cool air. Our friend was gone for some time, but finally returned with gifts of many sweets.

“Please allow me to gain this religious merit.” Pratap smiled pleadingly as he held out a bundle of rupee notes and two tickets, just purchased, to Agra.

“Please let me earn this religious merit.” Pratap smiled pleadingly as he held out a bundle of rupee notes and two newly purchased tickets to Agra.

The reverence of my acceptance was for the Invisible Hand. Scoffed at by Ananta, had Its bounty not far exceeded necessity?

I accepted with reverence for the Invisible Hand. Though Ananta had mocked the Invisible Hand, hadn’t its generosity far exceeded what was needed?

We sought out a secluded spot near the station.

We looked for a secluded spot near the station.

“Pratap, I will instruct you in the Kriya of Lahiri Mahasaya, the greatest yogi of modern times. His technique will be your guru.”

“Pratap, I will teach you the Kriya of Lahiri Mahasaya, the greatest yogi of modern times. His technique will be your guru.”

The initiation was concluded in a half hour. “Kriya is your chintamani,” [^11] I told the new student. “The technique, which as you see is simple, embodies the art of quickening man’s spiritual evolution. Hindu scriptures teach that the incarnating ego requires a million years to obtain liberation from maya. This natural period is greatly shortened through Kriya Yoga. Just as Jagadis Chandra Bose has demonstrated that plant growth can be accelerated far beyond its normal rate, so man’s psychological development can be also speeded by an inner science. Be faithful in your practice; you will approach the Guru of all gurus.”

The initiation ended after half an hour. “Kriya is your chintamani,” [^11] I told the new student. “As you can see, the technique is simple. It offers a way to speed up human spiritual evolution. Hindu scriptures teach that the reincarnating ego needs a million years to gain freedom from maya. Kriya Yoga greatly shortens this natural period. Jagadis Chandra Bose has shown that plant growth can be accelerated far beyond its normal rate. Just as plant growth can be accelerated, human psychological development can also be sped up through an inner science. Be faithful in your practice, and you will draw closer to the Guru of all gurus.”

“I am transported to find this yogic key, long sought!” Pratap spoke thoughtfully. “Its unshackling effect on my sensory bonds will free me for higher spheres. The vision today of Lord Krishna could only mean my highest good.”

“I’m overjoyed to find this yogic key I’ve sought for so long!” Pratap spoke thoughtfully. “This key will release me from the bonds of my senses and free me to reach higher realms. Today’s vision of Lord Krishna could only mean what is best for me.”

We sat awhile in silent understanding, then walked slowly to the station. Joy was within me as I boarded the train, but this was Jitendra’s day for tears. My affectionate farewell to Pratap had been punctuated by stifled sobs from both my companions. The journey once more found Jitendra in a welter of grief. Not for himself this time, but against himself.

We sat for a while in silent understanding, then walked slowly to the station. I felt joy as I boarded the train, but this was Jitendra’s day for tears. As I said a warm goodbye to Pratap, both my companions held back sobs. Once again, Jitendra was overwhelmed by grief during the journey. This time, he was not grieving for himself, but blaming himself.

“How shallow my trust! My heart has been stone! Never in future shall I doubt God’s protection!”

“How weak my trust has been! My heart has been as hard as stone! I will never doubt God’s protection again!”

Midnight was approaching. The two “Cinderellas,” sent forth penniless, entered Ananta’s bedroom. His face, as he had promised, was a study in astonishment. Silently I showered the table with rupees.

It was almost midnight. The two “Cinderellas,” who had been sent out without a penny, entered Ananta’s bedroom. As he had promised, his face showed complete astonishment. Without a word, I showered the table with rupees.

“Jitendra, the truth!” Ananta’s tone was jocular. “Has not this youngster been staging a holdup?”

“Jitendra, tell the truth!” Ananta’s tone was playful. “Hasn’t this youngster been staging a holdup?”

But as the tale was unfolded, my brother turned sober, then solemn.

But as the story unfolded, my brother grew serious, then solemn.

“The law of demand and supply reaches into subtler realms than I had supposed.” Ananta spoke with a spiritual enthusiasm never before noticeable. “I understand for the first time your indifference to the vaults and vulgar accumulations of the world.”

“The law of supply and demand reaches into subtler realms than I had thought.” Ananta spoke with a spiritual enthusiasm he had never shown before. “For the first time, I understand your indifference to the world's vaults and vulgar piles of wealth.”

Late as it was, my brother insisted that he receive diksha [^11] into Kriya Yoga. The “guru” Mukunda had to shoulder the responsibility of two unsought disciples in one day.

Although it was late, my brother insisted on receiving diksha [^11] into Kriya Yoga. The “guru” Mukunda had to take responsibility for two disciples he had not sought in a single day.

Breakfast the following morning was eaten in a harmony absent the day before. I smiled at Jitendra.

We ate breakfast the next morning in a harmony that had been missing the day before. I smiled at Jitendra.

“You shall not be cheated of the Taj. Let us view it before starting for Serampore.”

“You won’t miss out on seeing the Taj. Let’s visit it before leaving for Serampore.”

Bidding farewell to Ananta, my friend and I were soon before the glory of Agra, the Taj Mahal. White marble dazzling in the sun, it stands a vision of pure symmetry. The perfect setting is dark cypress, glossy lawn, and tranquil lagoon. The interior is exquisite with lacelike carvings inlaid with semiprecious stones. Delicate wreaths and scrolls emerge intricately from marbles, brown and violet. Illumination from the dome falls on the cenotaphs of Emperor Shah-Jahan and Mumtaz Mahall, queen of his realm and his heart.

After saying goodbye to Ananta, my friend and I soon stood before Agra’s glory, the Taj Mahal. Its white marble dazzles in the sun, and its symmetry is perfect. Dark cypress trees, a glossy lawn, and a peaceful lagoon form a perfect setting. Inside, exquisite, lace-like carvings are inlaid with semiprecious stones. Delicate wreaths and scrolls take intricate shape in brown and violet marble. Light from the dome falls on the cenotaphs of Emperor Shah-Jahan and Mumtaz Mahall. She was the queen of his realm and his heart.

Enough of sight-seeing! I was longing for my guru. Jitendra and I were shortly traveling south by train toward Bengal.

Enough sightseeing! I longed to see my guru. Soon, Jitendra and I were traveling south by train toward Bengal.

“Mukunda, I have not seen my family in months. I have changed my mind; perhaps later I shall visit your master in Serampore.”

“Mukunda, I haven’t seen my family in months. I’ve changed my mind. Perhaps I’ll visit your master in Serampore later.”

My friend, who may mildly be described as vacillating in temperament, left me in Calcutta. By local train I soon reached Serampore, twelve miles to the north.

My friend could be described, to put it mildly, as someone whose moods often changed. He left me in Calcutta. I soon reached Serampore by local train, twelve miles to the north.

A throb of wonderment stole over me as I realized that twenty-eight days had elapsed since the Benares meeting with my guru. “You will come to me in four weeks!” Here I was, heart pounding, standing within his courtyard on quiet Rai Ghat Lane. I entered for the first time the hermitage where I was to spend the best part of the next ten years with India’s Jyanavatar, “incarnation of wisdom.”

A thrill of wonder swept over me as I realized twenty-eight days had passed since meeting my guru in Benares. “You will come to me in four weeks!” Here I was, my heart pounding, standing in his courtyard on quiet Rai Ghat Lane. For the first time, I entered the hermitage. There I would spend most of the next ten years with India’s Jyanavatar, “incarnation of wisdom.”

11-1: See [^25].

11-1: See [^25].

11-2: The world-famous mausoleum..

11-2: The world-famous mausoleum.

11-3: A dhoti-cloth is knotted around the waist and covers the legs..

11-3: A dhoti is a cloth tied around the waist that covers the legs.

11-4: Brindaban, in the Muttra district of United Provinces, is the Hindu Jerusalem. Here Lord Krishna displayed his glories for the benefit of mankind..

11-4: Brindaban, in the Muttra district of United Provinces, is the Hindu Jerusalem. Here Lord Krishna revealed his glories for the benefit of humanity.

11-5: Hari; an endearing name by which Lord Krishna is known to his devotees.

11-5: Hari: an affectionate name Lord Krishna’s devotees use for him.

11-6: An Indian sweetmeat..

11-6: An Indian sweet.

11-7: A mythological gem with power to grant desires.

11-7: A mythical gem with the power to grant wishes.

11-8: Spiritual initiation; from the Sanskrit root diksh, to dedicate oneself.

11-8: Spiritual initiation. From the Sanskrit root diksh, meaning to dedicate oneself.