I BROUGHT A BOOK

I wouldn't say am overly spiritual. Let’s just say am someone who’s in the middle. Won’t deny, there are moments when my intelligence gets the better off me and I do question everything. But a major part of my ‘living’ these days are in peace. Sometimes things left alone the way they are makes more sense than rationalizing to a point of getting irritated. Trust me… been there, done that!

I do not judge another’s belief, for belief in something means having a purpose. And our universe works with purpose.

I am born Hindu. Have read Quran and the Bible. I relate to the teachings by Buddha. And if I were to follow my own path then my belief system is this: There is a superior force, an energy system that brings balance and meaning to all that we experience. My reasoning is simple – in Good there is God. We just give it different names and forms.

Life in itself is magical. There is a line of thought that it’s already scripted. And then our thoughts do have the power to manifest how it finally rolls out. Call it that gut feeling, inner voice or just a dream with eyes open.

Last week, in one of my flashback sessions, I remember a particular instance of buying Bhagwat Gita for my granny years ago. I wondered what happened to the book. Suddenly I had this desire to get another one at my current residence. My granny’s voice rang in my head about how blessed it is to keep the Holy Book in the house. She had told me how Lord Krishna is someone who seeks YOU out… and many people spent a lifetime seeking him. But then, he only comes to meet when he wants to. Had joked then, that am an approachable guy and the Lord can come anytime he feels ready.

She went on to tell me a story about how a thief overheard a priest chanting about the Lord’s crown filled with jewels. Thinking about its value, the thief hunted, high and low, without rest to get to Krishna. Apparently, Lord loves a good test of character. To make a story short, Krishna did appear to the thief and not the priest who sought him for years. My granny told me it was all in the approach.

Fast forward> Today at 8.30 PM, while walking on the streets a man just pops in front of me to sell books. He was representing ISKON temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Last week’s instance ran through my mind and I committed in my mind to buy the book. Seeing the solid 700 + page hardbound I expected it to be over 500 rupees. To my surprise, the book cost just 160. But then, I had just a single 1000 rupee note. Our friend promptly dishes out a bunch of notes. When I counted what he gave me, I realized the amount was 1,340 rupees. 500 extra! I promptly pointed it out. My chest puffing with pride at the good I did. Honestly, expected him to show gratitude. But instead he just smiled and took back the money.

I got home and even proclaimed to my loved ones on what happened. But it still did not feel right. Why did he smile? He should have been shocked, right? He should have thanked me.

Now as I write it, I am wondering if it was the test my granny told me about. If it was, did I fail? May be I shouldn't have felt like I did something great. May be am putting too much into this. Okay, pondering over it for a good three-hours and have reached a stage now, where I need to make peace with myself. I did a good thing by giving the money back. And his smile was the appreciation.

Chapter ONE, beckons me…