Vedantic Tales : The Wayfarer

Before long a group of travelers appeared far down the road. They were hurrying along and looking warily right and left. At their approach, the old feeling composed of fear, excitement, and contempt arose unbidden in Buckshee, and seemingly of its own accord his hand clenched as though around the hilt of a dagger. Then suddenly the entire situation in which he found himself seemed ludicrous to the point of having no reality. He looked behind him at the spot in the brush into which he had seen his knife disappear.

It is more difficult to change the mind than it is to change the course of a mighty river, the wayfarer said musingly, as though to himself. Only the truly strong and truly independent among men can abide by the instructions of the guru and make their minds do the bidding of their right desires. I judged Buckshee capable of ruling his mind, yet in the twinkling of an eye, he has again become a slave to his habits.

Upon hearing the words of his teacher, Buckshee felt ashamed, and at the same time a rush of resolution and power filled his being. Taking the begging bowl in his hand, he stepped out into the road.

As though seeing before them a tiger crouching and baring its teeth, the travelers stopped dead in their tracks; the men reached for their knives.

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