Chitrabhanu Man with Vision

Author(s): Clare Rosenfield
Publisher: Jain Meditation International Centre New York

Page 79

have been through a great searing pain, and it has brought out a personal quest. Now I want to move in another direction."
"I understand completely," the revered old leader answered.
“But first, Sir, before I go, may I ask, do you have anything to tell me?” Rup inquired.
"Only this — live in light!”
Three simple words, but such an impact! For the next three days, Rup contemplated these three simple words.
What is behind this simple message? How does it apply to my life?
He took the words deep into his consciousness and let them churn there. He began to watch himself.
Live — am I really living? Or am I going through the motions according to habit? This heaviness in my heart, is it not sapping my energies? I'm not really living yet; I am walking around like a weary man.
It was a glimmer, a peep into the dawn of a new awareness.
Inspired by Gandhiji's few words and by the urgency of his need to find meaning in life, Rup went to meet again the saintly master Raman Maharshi at Arunachala mountain where he had already gone to meditate on two college vacations. There he felt some quiet moments. Lovingly the master would look at him and exchange his thoughts merely with the eyes. Sometimes Rup would ask him a question. The master would answer him with a smile or with a gesture. At times, he would point to the sky, indicating, “Go up!" At times, he would point to his heart, indicating "Go in!” There was very little talk, mostly the master would keep in silence. Within a twelve-hour period, his students and visitors would be allowed only fifteen minutes to question him. Rup stayed with him a few days just to be in his beautiful presence.
When Rup returned home to his father, he still felt in need of more time to be alone, but he did not know where to go. His first thought was to go to Benares, a holy site, which for thousands of years drew so many seekers and saints.
But his father told him, "Why do you not go to Palitānā? There you will feel the beautiful healing vibrations of