Me, My Guru

Reflections

I found it odd that few of my Guru’s students sometimes were angry with her and also talked ill of her. These were the same students who have benefited a lot from her and had praised her so many times for having brought about a positive change in their lives. Their experiences made them glorify her. Their benefits made them talk high of her. But, down the years these same people also left her after calling her names. Today was one such day. But, to my Guru it was like any other day. She took the day’s proceedings as she does any other small daily routine – with a smile that stayed in her eyes. She didn’t explain her stand. She didn’t justify the happenings too. Infact, she did ‘nothing’. They left. She continued with her works. I unable to contain myself asked her “What is the basis of the anger and hatred that these people have for you? How come those who praised you for so many years suddenly turned against you and yet you are calm and composed?”

“In the city of Bejan,” started my Guru and I knew here was the story to follow which also had an answer for my question. And as ever I looked forward to listening to the story “lived a woman named Rani. She considered herself queen befitting her name. She felt all others were good enough only to serve her. She thought she was very beautiful and this thought made her feel very happy. But, her belief didn’t stop there. She also felt all others were ugly and no where near her. She being beautiful could never be wrong and others were to follow her instructions without questions. She would be very angry if anyone questioned her, contradicted her or doubted her statements. Her wish was her command. And it was to be executed.

One not so fine day, she received a friend of hers who came from the city of Sajjanpur. Now, her friend talked so high of the city and the life there, that our poor Rani couldn’t resist the wish to accompany her friend to city.

Everything in the city was larger than life. Everything was beautiful, colourful and bright. She was drawn to a very big temple. She entered it excitedly. Now, this temple was famous for having a special room, which had multiple mirrors in it. It was called ‘addala gadi’ ‘room of mirrors’. Poor Rani had never seen a mirror in her life. The curiosity engulfed her and she ran towards that room. She was hightly excited when she opened the door of that room. She stepped into the room with high expectations. And lo!………

…contd….