Once upon a time and long, long ago, there lived a great Sage and teacher. In those days, esoteric knowledge was not openly
available to all, instead one had to find a teacher who was willing and able to impart his knowledge and apprentice oneself to him.
Such a man was the sage of this story and he would take only three pupils at a time, for ten year periods. The lucky three came to
him with offerings of fruit and flowers and then their instructions would begin.
Ten years passed and the students were told that their education was completed and they would leave. They came in turn to
receive his blessing, and after again offering fruit and flowers the first acolyte asked for the master's approval and permission
to out in the world and take up the work he had learned.
'And what have you learned?' the master asked.
'Revered One,' answered the student, 'I have learned to conjure gold and precious jewels out of the air. I have learned to make
myself invisible. I have learned to transport my body to any place, that my mind can imagine.'
'Are you content ?' asked the sage.
'Oh yes, great one' answered the student.
'Then go with my blessing.'
The next student came along with his gifts. The question put to him by the sage was the same and the answer was nearly the
same, except that he had also learned to transform his appearance so that he could resemble any deity.
'And are you content?' asked the sage.
'Oh more than content, great one.'
'Then go with my blessing.'
The third student presented himself and he too had learned all the knowledge that the other two had acquired.
'Are you content?' asked the sage.
The student stood with his head bowed but did not reply.
'What troubles you? asked the sage.
'I have learned all these tricks,' answered the student, 'but what has that to do with spiritual wisdom?'
The sage said smiled at him. 'Come with me,' he said. 'You, I will teach.'
This story was told to me many years ago, and growing up in and around Bhagavan, I felt that it reflected the flavor of His attitude
towards life and miracles. Everything was so low key that one could never be sure if He had interfered or not. He was never dramatic
or flamboyant. A nod or smile was the most one could hope for. And yet, ..... we all .... including the children, knew without question that He could do anything at all, anything He wanted. And even at that very young age, we knew that He never wanted. And yet people
came and beseeched Him for favors and boons. I suspect that many times people got their wish but in such a personal and private way
that no one else was aware of it. Perhaps even they were unsure whether Bhagavan helped them or not. But most peoples' faith
in Bhagavan remained unshaken in spite of His personal trade mark which was.... everything was low key and quiet. Nothing
ostentatious. Ever.
continued.....
Arunachala Siva.