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A RETROSPECTION
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of learning the secret powers of man that you taught to Gaushalak'
The Lord reminesced, 'once we were staying at Kurmagram! An ascetic Vaisyayan was doing his penances there It was midday He held his hand high in the air His tresses were unkempt and flowing He gazed at the sun Such was the curious posture of the ascetic Lice dropped from his dishevelled plaits of hair He again restored the lice into their hairy nest Gaushalak said, 'Who could this patron of lice he, sire?' The question was repeated more than once It infuriated the ascetic He attempted to apply tejolabdhı yoga to set Gaushalak on fire by his mysterious stare Smoke emanated from his mouth Flames could be seen inside his mouth I was pleased to rescue my disciple from this fiery end I countered the homicidal attempt of the Yogi by resorting to the Yogic device of concentrating on the principle of cold or Sheettejolabdhi The sadhu was stunned at this frustration of his nefarious designs Gaushalak was saved 2
'He was highly impressed with this display of occult powers He was impatient to master this power of Tejolabdhi limparted the secret to Gaushalak He assiduously practised the Yogic exercise and in due course commanded the occult power'
'Could I be blessed with this secret, sire?' said the Lord, 'Gautam, one who observes two days fast alternating with a day's meal for full six months, gazes at the sun standing in its heat, breaks his fast with a handful of boiled black grams and takes a palmful of hot water achieves Tejolabdhi's
As the Lord's preaching continued, Gautam's devotion intensified The marvellous past of the Master thrilled him He said exhilarated, 'My Lord, I have caused you much inconvenience But my urge to fill my vacuuous past is irresis
1 Tenth year of the pursuits 2 'Bhagwati,' 15/60-68 'Awashyakchurni' l pt pp 298, 299 3 'Bhagawati, 15/69, 70, 76 'Awashyakchurni' i pt p 299
