Chapter 6: Guruji’s Test

5

My failure to reach the next stage finally alarmed Guruji.

Guru Venerable Ishwarananda, over two hundred years old, with white hair and beard, wearing a saffron robe and holding a rudraksha mala, was the very image of a spiritual master.

No wonder the people of the plains hang his portrait,

worshipping day and night.

But now, he fixed me with a sharp gaze. “Aryan, why haven’t you reached the next stage?”

“Disciple does not know.”

“Is your heart not sincere?”

“Disciple’s heart is sincere.” I lifted my kurta and knelt. “May Guruji see clearly.”

The chill of the marble floor seeped through my knees as I bowed low, the scent of sandalwood and burning ghee filling the air.

On the lotus throne above, Guruji was silent for a long time.

Then he flicked his mala, and a force lifted me into the air.

Immediately, ‘spiritual energy’ swept through my entire body.

He examined me thoroughly.

The more he probed, the deeper his frown. “There truly isn’t the slightest sign of a spiritual nadi… how strange.”

He set down the mala, and I staggered to my knees, bowing deeply. “Perhaps it’s because I come from the southern wilds and have shallow aptitude.”

I stared at my white kurta spread on the ground. “…so I can’t reach the next stage.”

But Guruji shook his head. “You understand water flow, can judge earth veins, and find wells in the vast desert: you are naturally gifted, don’t doubt yourself.”

He thought for a moment. “Here’s what: I’ll go seek another elixir for you to help you break through.”

The Kaveripur Ashram’s buildings are grand and imposing.

In the main hall, seventy-two coiled naga pillars loom with majesty.

As an ignorant mortal, to have the chance to become a siddha:

I should be overjoyed.

I had no reason to refuse.

Pretending to be delighted, I said, “Disciple thanks Guruji.”

And boldly added, “Aryan knows he has broken the rules and is ashamed of Guruji’s and the ashram’s nurturing. When you request another elixir, may I go with you, so I can thank the elders in person?”

Guruji sized me up for a moment, then smiled. “No one has dared make such a request before. You, child, truly have a heart.”

“Fine: I’ll go report to the elders first.” Guruji praised, “Seeing your sincerity, they should agree.”

His words were heavy, but a glimmer of approval flickered in his eyes. I pressed my palms together, bowing low as tradition demanded, hiding the trembling of my fingers.