Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The Fake Muni's Deception

Tulsi Asi Bhavtavyata Taasi Milahi Sahai

Aapanu Aavai Taahi Pahin Taahi Tahon Lay Jaai

Tulsidas is talking about fate and destiny here. He comments that fate is very powerful. Things happen or are set up in such a way, that either one is led to his or her destiny or it comes to them. There is no running away from it!!

So, going on further with the story, you will see for yourself how fate will intervene. The king agreed to stay in the Ashram with that fake Muni. He tied his horse to a tree and sat down and thanked him profusely, for taking care of him in his time of need. He also wished to know his name and how he got to live there.

As we all know that the fake Muni already knew all about the king but he was hiding his identity, for he was a disgruntled man, who had lost his kingdom because of him. His idea was to make the king start believing in him, to such an extent, that he would do anything for him and more. So the fake Muni told him how poor he was and that poverty was his name and he was homeless. The king even tried to joke with him, saying that the Vedas and learned men have said that those who had no ego, anger or any possessions, sometimes disguised themselves, because God was very fond of them and it was in their interest. But, the king said that he did not care who he really was, bowed at his feet and asked for his blessings.

The fake Muni cunningly made sure, that the king was impressed by him, and that he would regard him in high esteem. The Muni had charmed the king enough and the king came under his spell.Then, the fake Muni told him that he had lived in the ashram as long he could remember. Up until then he had not met or spoken to anybody and that he had lived the life of a hermit.

After looking at his persona, the fake Muni looked decent enough to not only fool the stupid people but even smart people would have got fooled! Take a peacock for instance, he looks so pretty, but he eats snakes for food!

The fake Muni kept spinning this yarn, of how he took the name of Shri Hari and how He helped him with everything. First time though, he said, that he was impressed with the king, so he would not lie to him. He told the King that his name was Aiktanu. The king was intrigued and asked him to tell him more about the meaning of his name. The Muni told him how he was born at the time Bramha created this universe, and since then he had never left that body and that is why his name was Aiktanu (one body). He explained to the king that because of his tap/penance he had maintained his body and with tap one could achieve everything. By now, the king was totally enamoured by the fake Muni. He started telling him who he was and what was his name etc.The fake Muni interrupted him saying that he knew all about him and he need not say any more. It was just that, he had seen what a simple talented and wise man he was and that he felt affection for him, and that is why he told him his story. The fake Muni saw his chance and he told the king that he was very happy with him and that he could ask him for anything.

Pratapbhanu was thrilled to see that the Muni (fake!) was so pleased with him, that he fell at his feet and extolled his virtues and said that he was so blessed and that he had already got everything from him. Even then seeing that the Swami (fake Muni) was happy, he would ask him for an unattainable boon and then never be unhappy again.

Well, would you like to know what happened next? What boon do you think Pratapbhanu asked for? We will of course see!! Until then live in Ram Rajya! JAI HO!

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