The sage and the scholar

“I must go and meet that sage who has come to stay in the ashram or the abode of sanctity,” thought Nirmala, the scholar who was known as an academic researcher who has also earned a name as a presenter of learned papers at various seminars and academic sessions.

Nirmala knew that there are quite a number of well wishers and devotees waiting outside the abode of sanctity to meet and talk to the sage. So Nirmala wanted to have more time to get a better encounter. But she did not plan her meeting. Instead she reached the abode to see a number of people from various walks of life waiting outside the abode.

“I want to see the sage as soon as possible,” said Nirmala to the attendant at the abode.

“But madam, there is a number of people who have come before you.”

“That doesn’t matter. I am a researcher and want to see the sage at the soonest possible time.”

The attendant who had polite mannerism was perplexed.

“I’ll try to inform him. But I am not sure if I am doing the right thing.”

“Say that an academic named Nirmala had come to see the sage.”

Then the attendant went inside the abode and informed in a mild tone about Nirmala’s arrival. A smile appeared on the face of the sage. The response was a relaxed one.

“Ask her to enter.”

Nirmala, with a bundle of books, entered the abode and venerated the sage.

“Why all these books?” asked the sage smilingly.

“These are some of the books I have written.”

The sage smiled indicating that he was not quite interested in reading those books. He kept silently listening to Nirmala.

“I did psychology for my first degree,” she said.

There was no response from the sage.

“Then they selected me as a lecturer in psychology for the seat of learning.”

The sage was not responsive, yet. Nirmala continued her career.

“Then I had the good chance of doing my post graduate work in some foreign universities.”

A smile appeared on the face of the sage. She continued.

“I earned a doctorate for my studies in comparative spiritualism studies.”

Another smile appeared on his face. The next smile was indicative of a comment from the sage. It seemed as if he is asking a question.

“Is there a thing called comparative spiritual studies?”

Even if the question was not raised, Nirmala continued her utterances.

“I think you know what I mean,” Nirmala asked.

“No, I honestly don’t know what it means.”

Nirmala showed the sage a book written by her.

“In this book, I have written one chapter on that theme.”

The sage looked disinterested in knowing what subject it is or why she had written such a thing. He nodded his head as if to say: “Good you may write!”

Nirmala was silent. It seemed that she had forgotten her mission of arrival. The sage head some murmurings from those who have arrived and waiting to see him.

“So what made you come this way?” the sage asked politely.

“There is a special reason.”

“What is it?”

“I wish to invite you for a seminar session at our university.”

The sage smiled again.

“My mission is quite different,” he said.

“What’s your mission?”

“If you care to be silent and watchful you will realize what the mission is.”

Nirmala gagged her mouth. She was at a loss to perceive what she would do now.

“Go upstairs and sit cross-legged with others. We are going to meditate.”

“I have read a lot about meditation,” Nirmala responded.

“But have you practised it?”

“No.”

“If it is so forget about what you have read and join us.”