Vedantic Tales : The Blue Pellet

What can I do? he asked and heard in his voice the dual cry of the two anguished beings within him.

The sannyasin leaned forward and looked at Madhav much as a father looks at a troubled son, understanding both the problem that perplexes his child and its solution. For a moment Madhav felt his pains dissolve completely in some all healing embrace. But in the next moment, knowing this to be an impossibility, he brought them back into sharp focus.

There is nothing I can do, he said hopelessly, answering his own question.

Without you, your mother's life would be utterly worthless to her? the sannyasin asked.

Madhav nodded. For what would she live?

Yes, of course. It is certainly a dilemma. A mother's love is strong indeed. One cannot easily deny it. But before you make up your mind, will you do something for me?

Madhav nodded absently. Of course, sir, he said.

The sannyasin reached into his cloth bag and drew out a small wooden box, from which he extracted a yellow pill.

Now, he said, swallow this and then go home at once. Within a short time you will be seized with what will appear to be a fit. Don't be frightened; it will be quite harmless. After the convulsions have passed, you will appear unconscious, close to death perhaps dead. But inwardly you will be fully conscious of all that takes place around you. After a time, as the effect of the drug wears off, you will regain all your faculties. There will be no harmful aftereffects. Have no fear. Now, take it, and let us see what happens.

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