Chapter Ten: To Do Something Impossible
Kutti sat up and thought for a moment. There was another knock heard--this time a louder one. He didn't hesitate any more to go and open the down door. And there was Masterji himself standing and looking so displeased and agitated. Kutti offered pranam at his feet. But Masterji didn't accept it and started chiding him in a terrific tone, 'Why the hell have you come here? To live in luxury and comfort? You wretch! What time is it? '
'It might be midnight, sir!' fumbled Kutti nervously. But it only caused Masterji to roar out, 'You've no knowledge about time. It's 5 o'clock in the morning. And you're still asleep? What did I tell you about the time of your first lessons? They were to commence this morning, weren't they? When does your morning start?' 'At 6 o'clock, sir!'
'At 6 o'clock? Impossible! It's beyond the bounds of possibility. It's not just possible for a lazy boy like you to learn magic. A magician is always expected to accomplish something impossible. That's why a would-be magician should get into the habit of trying to do what is impossible even in his everyday life. It's absolutely natural and acceptable if an ordinary boy finds it impossible to get up at 3 o'clock in the morning; but an extraordinary boy who wants to be a magician is expected to make it very easily. Remember--before learning magic tricks, try to change your habits magically. If you want to have a magical effect on others in the future, try to have one on yourself first at present. So, it amounts to the fact that you've failed the first test. I was so hopeful and confident about you. You've ruined it all even at the very outset. You're a drowsy, mousy, lousy boy. I wanted to show everybody how eager and eligible you are. I expected you to get up before anybody today and wait in the shrine for my first order. But, unfortunately, you've disappointed me like anything. Actually, I had marked you as my disciple even before you were born. However, go to bed again and lie down for the whole day without any meals--that's your punishment.'
Kutti had so long been listening to everything with his head hung in shame. This time he looked up and bravely begged, 'No, Masterji, that won't do--I need heavier punishment. I WILL lie down for a whole week without any meals.'
Masterji looked very pleased and said, 'That's what befits you. That's what I expect from you. You ARE to end up being my greatest disciple. Come with me, my boy. I'll take you to the river for a holy dip.'
The master and his disciple walked towards the river hand in hand. It was the time just before sunrise. Birds were already out of their nests, farmers were out well into their fields, and passers-by were all out and about. The ghat leading to the river chosen by Masterji was mysteriously solitary.
First Masterji walked down into the water to have a bath. But as soon as he dipped his head, he thrust his body out and gave an agonized cry. Kutti felt confused and readily asked how he could help his master. The doyen of magicians somehow managed to say, 'My boy! My time is come--I'm suffering a massive heart attack. There's only one way to save my life. Please go to our temple and ask all my disciples if any of them is willing to take for himself this sudden severe condition of mine and embrace death in lieu of my life. Hurry up, my boy! My heart is aching horribly. I can't stand any longer.'
Hearing this, Kutti feelingly remarked, 'Masterji, there's no need for me to go and ask them.'
'What! Don't you want to save my life? If I die, who will teach you? Go at once and ask them my life is far worthier than all their lives. Don't delay--it'll be too late.'
At this, Kutti joined his hands and prudently offered, 'O Guruji! Am I not your disciple? I'll take this opportunity to sacrifice my life to save yours. Please let me know what to do and how to do it. Please let me, let me, sir!'
'Are you serious, my boy? Think once more--if you die, how can you become a great magician and fulfil your dream?'
'Please, Guruji, I pray--don't speak any more and shift your death from your body to mine. I've always been a bad boy--let me do one great deed at least. I'm dead sure if I die for your cause, I'll be born again by your blessing in order to make my dream come true.'
Then Masterji hugged Kutti tightly and shed profuse tears, saying, 'You've passed the toughest test, my boy! I promise to teach you all out and out--whatever I've learnt in my life.'
Hearing this, Kutti, staying well pressed into Masterji's chest, started giving a wicked smile.