| Some were
walking fast preserving their strength for the final sprint, others had started on the
doubles right from the beginning. The scene was most queer; kings, princes, gods, and
sages trying to out run each-other ! One of the competitors was a sage named Gautama. He
was not very good at this kind of exercise although he was well known for his yogic and
spiritual attainments and after an initial burst of energy his steps slowed down
considerably. He lagged behind the rest but had not lost all hopes. So he kept on moving.
Now it sohappened that while trodding his way in this manner he saw a cow giving birth to
a calf. The cow was a ‘kapila’ -of black
colour. Gautama immediately hastened to the spot and circumambulated the cow thrice. He
then started back towards Brahmadeva and his time he was doing it real fast. Brahmadeva
saw the age approach him, panting and puffing, but rather curiously from the
direction opposite to the one from which he was expected ! He felt sorry for the man. It
was obvious that he learned fellow had dropped out of the race. But no, Gautama loudly
declared that he had won the race, he had circled the earth. How could it be? Brahmadeva
could not believe his own ears, he shook his head in utter disbelief. Gautama stated
again, this time in a louder and clearer tone for the benefit of Brahma that he had won
the race. |
