The Seer

The ninety six year old seer looked at me and asked ‘why have you come ? have you come to see me? Now you see my skin only .When you are ninety six your body is no longer with you .My blood is cold. ‘

Yet he was handsome with delicate features, pale complexion and white flowing beard and milk white hair tied in a bun on top of his head. His ochre colored robes glowed on his frail figure.

My friend tried to introduce me .He stopped him .”She is my mother .I do not need to know anything “

After a while he asks me ‘where is your companion’ I reply ‘ I have none. i am alone.’ He nods his head.

He says in a slow voice ‘in this world there is no one. you are alone . your wife ,husband, children ,friends – nobody is yours .Love the lord. He alone can save you’ Pray to him, think of him, he will give you everything. He will protect you.

‘everyday sit for a while and think why am I wasting my energy , why am I working so hard , what is the purpose of my life .

“Money is necessary but do not run after money. Money makes you arrogant.”

I met him at the Anandamoyee Ashrama a serene abode tucked away in the northern fringes of the city.The abode overlooks the mighty Ganges which at this time of the season is resplendent in her monsoon glory. I was looking for answers . I was not sure whether I would find any but agreed to accompany my friend and his wife on one of their periodic trips to this place. As I looked at the old monk I felt strangely peaceful and vulnerable.

The monk had left his medical studies midway to become a sannyasin. He had criss-crossed the entire length and breadth of the country in his spiritual quest . A life spent in austerity and worship he seemed to be in so much bliss laughing occasionally like a child . He was too old and too feeble and was finding it difficult to talk. Otherwise I would have asked him had he found him ? Did he have the answer at the end of his long mortal journey on this earth?