THE MYSTIC: PART I - THE SEEKER (Part 1 - THE SEEKER)

by Arindam Bhattacharjee

  “Yes I do. I am feeling much fitter. Now I think I can go and address the people once more.”

  Kutty interrupted,

  “Wait a minute. We need to monitor your health before you can start active service.”

  “You keep doing whatever you want to do but I will not be out of work anymore. I am feeling fine and that’s all I want.”

  Raghav left Kutty to go into the scientist’s camp. Kutty knew that Raghav was behaving in the way he expected. The only thing left was to make Raghav realize that he was not completely fit. Raghav asked Dr Joshi to give him medication so that he experienced sudden fits that reminded him of past events. Dr Joshi complied and Raghav’s nightmares started becoming more and more troubling.

  Even when he was conscious Raghav had sudden fits; he began to tremble all the time. Raghav became desperate and one morning he called Kutty to say this.

  “Kutty I don’t think I am fit to run the operations here. You should take charge.”

  Kutty breathed a sigh of relief. He now knew that the ploy has worked.

  The next day Kutty walked into Raghav’s tent with Ganguly, Dr Raman and Dr Joshi to talk to Raghav about his condition. Kutty said,

  “Raghav, it seems your red blood cells have stabilized and your health is fine. The hyperbaric chamber exercise has performed quite well but we need to do something about your state of mind. Dr Venkataram over here has a theory that you must listen out.”

  Raghav looked at Dr Venkataram who continued where Raghav had left. He said,

  “Raghav what I would suggest you is that you move to the Himalayas for a few months; it will reduce your fit attacks. One of the reasons we are suggesting you this is because your body will respond positively to the environment; your mind has caused great damage to your body.”

  “Secondly we think that here – the forest and the company of your old comrades are triggering negative thoughts. Being away from these places and living in a serene environment might prevent you from getting such nightmares. I only hope none of these comrades were killed with the mountains as a background. Also one more thing about the mountains - we feel that the awe of the beauty of the Himalayas will help you keep your mind in check.”

  “These artificial medical techniques will only help you take off your edge but we feel the mountains will have a positive answer to your problems. For thousands of years many yogis of India have been going to the mountains to drink in its many benefits.”

  Raghav looked at Kutty and asked

  “What do you think I should do?”

  Kutty replied,

  “I think you should do what the doctors are suggesting. Yesterday when you gave all the responsibility to me, I did feel a slight sense of disquiet for not being able to live up to your mark, but actually deep inside I was anxious about your health. I did want to accompany you to the mountains but they advised against it.”

  Kutty continued putting his hands over Raghav’s back

  “They say if you move incognito through the valleys you might get rid of the clashes in your mind and if that is so, I will follow what they have said because I cannot see you suffer any more.”

  Kutty placed a sympathetic hand on Raghav’s shoulder.

  Ganguly had the same words of encouragement,

  “I also feel that it would be good for you. These treacherous years have sucked out all the urbanness from you and I feel you could very well squeeze in those circumstances. I see you moving through these high altitudes like a carefree vagabond. Wasn’t it something you always wanted to do when you were young?”

  Raghav said, “I guess so.”

  Ganguly continued,

  “We all have withdrawn from the world and are living like monks to seek the truth but I don’t see this to be your path to abnegation from the principals that we stand for. Probably a non-monastic existence will help you actually understand the truth which might be different from what you know. I hope you will enjoy the air of quietude and peace that prevails in the valley and may that place give you peace that you have been searching for so long.”

  Raghav replied,

  “Good job Ganguly, You did sell me the idea quite well. Now I don’t even have the choice to say no.”

  Raghav looked at Kutty and asked,

  “How is the arrangement for shifting the base coming up?”

  Kutty replied,

  “We have already made the plans to shift the labs to international waters on board a merchant ship that we have rented from Singapore. We will stay off the Malaccan Strait where the Indian Navy is constantly patrolling. We would probably circle around Vietnam or Indonesia.”

  “Okay that is good, then we need to meet Dr Khurana about their plans.”

  Raghav rushed out of the camp straight into Dr Khurana’s tent along with Kutty. Dr Khurana was still finalizing the report on the planned changes to the system. Raghav asked,

  “How much time do you think will take you to deploy what you recommended?”

  Dr Khurana looked at Kutty and said,

  “If we get the fundings then probably by one year we will have the first prototype ready to be deployed.”

  Raghav looked at Kutty and said,

  “Very well, one year it be. If they don’t deliver their promises then shoot all of them after a year from now. Keep the date marked on your calendar.”

  Kutty looked amazed at Raghav’s sudden change of tone and replied, “Roger that Sir I will do as you had suggested.”

  Raghav then moved to his own tent with Kutty. Ganguly followed him inside. He started packing up his belongings. Confused Kutty asked,

  “What are you doing?”

  Raghav replied,

  “Packing for the mountains. I need to get some warm gear also for the cold climes. I think I will stay there for a year. If I don’t call you after a year then shoot all the scientists in the project.”

  “But you need to decide where you to go. You have to tell us what your plan is.”

  Raghav shrugged,

  “All you need to know is that I will start my journey from Dehradun. Exactly after a year we will meet at a particular spot in Dehradun.”

  Raghav paused for a while and added.

  “What better place than in front of the Indian Military Academy? They will not search for us there. You should concentrate your effort on the research here.”

  “But you cannot leave just right now. Wait for a week till the effect of the medication wears out. What harm will a week do to you? Also we need to make preparations for your safe passage to Dehradun”

  Raghav thought for a while and continued,

  “Okay in that case we go to Dehradun after a week. Also, your one year deadline starts when I leave you guys in Dehradun.”

  Kutty did not reply.

  After a week Raghav reached Dehradun under the disguise of a Bengali trader accompanied by Kutty, Ganguly and Dr Raman. He bade them adieu unceremoniously following a quick lunch at Dehradun bus station. He was en route to the holy city of Gangotri for his quest for truth once again.

  Chapter 8

  Tantra Mantra

  8.1: Tapovan, near Gangotri

  Many years after the passing away of Gautama Buddha who had initiated a dialogue about how humans were going to think about themselves. Hindu, Jain and Buddhist monks roamed around forests and mountains, moving almost naked through extreme climatic conditions, exposing themselves to the elements of Nature while meditating to understand the underlying truth behind the existence. Some of them came to the habitation to share their learning but the real enlightened ones who could really help humanity were hard to find. They were mythical creatures hiding their teachings in arcane rituals which still continue to defy interpretation.

  Raghav thought that he could find solace from his suffering in the mountains like the monks and sages have been doing for so many years. He read in books about how they existed in a perpetual state of bliss. But, little did he know what he was actually going to experience in these mounta
ins.

  Raghav planned to go to Gangotri, the most famous religious place for the Hindus. He boarded a bus to take him to Gangotri from Dehradun. The journey took about fourteen hours with frequent landslides delaying him en route. Gangotri has its own charm and Raghav was mesmerized by its scenic beauty.

  But that state of his mind was did not last long because soon he learnt that Gangotri was not the right place for him to seek tranquility as it had turned into a commercial hub – - a tourist spot and trekkers' heaven. The temples focused on religious rituals. Sermons at these temples did not elevate his mood or set right his confusion.

  The few sages he met there could not provide him with what he wanted. His frustration grew further and finally he was advised by a sage of Gangotri to go to Tapovan to find a true spiritual leader who would give him what he wanted.

  With skepticism and poor physical form he set out for Tapovan without understanding the actual dynamics of high altitude and how far Tapovan actually was. The journey was difficult but with sheer grit he continued through the paved path after taking permission from government officials. But soon he became exhausted and started to pant after ascending a few meters. He rested for a while but even by noon he could not leave behind the chattering noise of Gangotri.

  Acharya Dharma Vibhuti,a monk, found Raghav sitting on the route to Tapovan in one such exhausted state gasping for air. He offered him water and sat down beside him. Raghav found himself attracted to the calm and sublime figure of Dharma Vibhuti who was descending from Gaumukh. However, Raghav could not hide his disturbed state of mind in spite of the reassuring presence of the monk who in a calm voice asked

  "My son, you don't appear to be a trekker and by the look on your face you appear to be very disturbed. Why are you alone and why are you undertaking this arduous journey?”

  “I don’t think your body is still adapted to the new climate, the temperature and the altitude; your symptoms betray this.”

  The reassuring presence of the monk made Raghav reply spontaneously,

  “Sir, you are right. I am disturbed and confused.I am trying to find myself. I am lost. ”

  The Acharya asked

  “And where do you think you got lost?”

  Raghav thought for a moment and then replied,

  “I got lost in time”

  Acharya Dharma Vibhuti tuning in with Raghav’s mental agony, said,

  “Probably I could be of some help to you.”

  Raghav asked, “What do you offer?"

  Acharya smiled and replied,

  “First, you need to get used to this environment here and get acclimatized. Looking at your face I think you are suffering from acute altitude sickness as you are having problem breathing. The mountains lack sufficient oxygen and this deficiency makes you feel sick, dizzy and tired. I can give you some medicines. Take these and then take rest for which you should first go back to Gangotri . When you feel better you resume your journey.”

  Raghav said, “Well but I am seeking something else.”

  Acharya again smiled and replied, “You must have been a businessman. That is why you don’t take the cheaper solution I was offering. Having said that I may not offer what you seek but if you want I can show you the way of Zen. They say there is always pain in certainty but there is Zen in uncertainty. I can see pain in your eyes and notice that you cannot let go of something stuck deep inside your mind.”

  Raghav was impressed with Acharya's ability to perceive his problem,

  “So what is it that you want me to do?"

  Acharya pointed towards the mountains and replied

  “All your answers lie in these mountains. The air here is the purest in the world and the memories of all monks are preserved here. But you need to leave the habitation of this commercial town of Gangotri and come to the valley.”

  Acharya looked at Raghav and continued,

  “You may come and stay with me. It’s about 14 kms walk from here towards Gaumukh and then cross the mighty Gangotri glacier, and then climb a hill to reach Tapovan. But first you must take some rest and get acclimatized to Gangotri. Stay here for some more time.”

  “You are at 10000 ft above sea level. First allow your lungs to adapt to the high altitudes. Stay here for two more days and then start your journey towards Gaumukh.” Raghav kept listening calmly.

  “I will arrange for your accommodation in an ashram in the town for these two days. My cave is about 14000 ft above sea level. It will take you about five to six hours to reach Tapovan from Bhojbasa where you would be camping before starting for Tapovan. It’s a open grassland in the valley of Gangotri.”

  “Once you reach Bhojbasa camp, you will be able to see Gomukh glacier which is about 20 kms long. Take a guide from there or you could follow the trekkers to cross the gaumukh glacier. Then you need to come up the small hill to enter Tapovan, which is a beautiful alpine grassland. There you would be seeing the mighty Mount Shivling to the left. Try coming towards the mountain or ask anyone the cave of mauni baba. From Mauni Baba’s ashram you will be able to see my cave towards the east .”

  Raghav noted down all instructions carefully in a piece of paper he was carrying but did not raise any questions. The instructions were the clearest he has been hearing for some time.

  Acharya continued,

  “But you must remember to reach the Bhojbasa camp before evening. The forest is home to bears and snow leopards. I am not afraid of snow leopards, as they are shy but you must be careful of the Himalayan bear. It can run like a horse even in high altitudes. If you think you cannot make it to the camp then there is a small tent settlement on the way used by pilgrims, called chirwasa where you can rest for the night.”

  “But if you reach there, look towards Gaumukh and look at the route that takes you to the right. Don’t take the route that takes you to nandanvan. Cross the glacier with great caution and accompany some other trekkers and follow the marked path over the glacier. Be careful of crevices there and then come towards that cave and I will meet you.” Raghav kept writing...

  Before departing Acharya raised his arm and said

  "Looking forward to seeing you two days from now. Now go and rest in that ashram and give them this slip. Tell them Acharya has sent you. They will let you in.”

  Acharya showed Raghav a small ashram with a blue roof across the bridge from the main temple and also gave him a slip containing some Sanskrit mantras which he did not understand.

  Raghav did not fully realize the implications of what Acharya was asking him to do. He was at 10000 ft above sea level and was having difficulty in climbing. But he watched in awe how the elderly Acharya, well advanced in years swiftly walked away. Looking at the way Acharya sprinted through the mountain Raghav remembered the quote he used in his office to woo investors

  "How much one is alive is more important than how much one is experienced to excel in the business."

  Raghav felt a pleasant calm on seeing such an old man at peace with himself. He had never felt such peace since he escaped from the Manipur facility.

  Raghav suddenly knew that the Acharya would have the remedy for all his pains which the doctors could not find. He returned to Gangotri to the ashram that Acharya had suggested. The people in the ashram welcomed him and provided him with food and shelter for the night. He kept asking about the Acharya but all he could get in reply was a description of the mystic.

  Raghav was getting impatient to reach Tapovan but the inmates of the Ashram forbade him and advised him to get acclimatized first. They took Raghav everyday for the next two days for brisk walks around Gangotri. The beauty of the mountains surrounding Gangotri was both captivating and relaxing. On the third day morning Raghav packed his haversack to push on towards Tapovan. He started very early in the morning.

  Ten years of limbo had left very little strength in Raghav. When he reached an intermediate camp he was sweating and gasping. He looked at his watch and there was still three hours for the sun to set. He was moving very slowly through
the mountain path. As he trudged along, the arduous journey brought back the images of the past sufferings; which put intense pressure on his mind. The mental pain reflected physically with his muscles getting tired quickly after each bout of rest but Raghav made up his mind to try to get to the camp by the evening.

  It was after sunset that Raghav reached Bhojbasa camp and all the pain suddenly vanished when he saw the beautiful peaks of Gangotri, Kedarnath and Shivling glow bright gold in the sunset. He tried to locate the path towards Gaumukh glacier and could distinguish the dark glacier from far with a daunting opening where the water was flowing out with a gushing but harmonious sounds.

  Then suddenly he looked up and observed the moon, which he realized he skipped since he came to Gangotri as he was more busy finding solution to his sufferings . It was a full moon and looked much bigger than what Raghav had seen from the plains. He found nothing romantic about the huge moon which was almost double the size of what he remembers. On the contrary it brought on a feeling of fear in the middle of the mountains as the enveloping mist gave a touch of ghostly splendour to the scenario. With the mist surrounding the region, there could not have been any more ghostly description of a place like that in any horror stories. He could not see the cave that the Acharya had spoken of but he could see the vast expanse of moraine that was once part of the mighty Gangotri glacier.