Tenth Avatar

by Kanchan Joshi

  “The arms that touched my brother’s wife with evil intentions will be uprooted from their joints and thrown into the sea. I will fire the Great Universe Missile at that city and obliterate it from the face of this planet. Even if Lord Mahadev wants to save him, He will not be able to do so. Every bird, animal, human, or demon living in that city and supporting such evil will be skinned alive. Shree Ram, I beg you,” Lakshman pleaded as his temper and voice rose. “Please order me without delay. I don’t need any monkeys or apes. I will march right now, at this very moment, and not show my face to you again until I bring Lady Sita back.”

  Lakshman was shaking with anger; his eyes watery and full of enough furry to destroy the planet in-and-of themselves. His heart beat rapidly in his mighty chest, and sweat trickled down his broad forehead. His bicep bulged with excess blood as he lifted his heavy bow; his entire body taut.

  Ram realized the situation was getting out of hand. His words of discouragement were like daggers ripping apart his loving, powerful—but volatile—brother’s heart. All the pain and humiliation the two brothers had felt was finally boiling over. The best that humanity had to offer, the equanimous, the supreme yogi—Ram—was wavering in the face of tremendous, barbaric, and animalistic provocation by Ravan.

  Finally, Hanuman tried to placate them. “Oh virtuous princes of the great kingdom of Ayodhya, please control your emotions. I suggest we take a walk and visit the hermitage. I heard the great Agastya Muni is visiting. He may be able to advise us.”

  There was an almost audible sigh of relief in the cave. Just the mention of a walk away from that hot, humid place defused a potentially explosive situation. The princes supported that idea and were eager to receive the great Muni’s guidance.

  As if on cue, it finally started to rain—further helping to cool things down emotionally and physically. The brothers were soaked—both hoping that the rain would permeate their bodies, extinguish the lava in their hearts, and calm their souls. Luckily, their tears were cleverly camouflaged by the sympathetic droplets of rain.

  Ram, Lakshman, and Hanuman walked toward Agastya Muni’s ashram. As soon as they saw the cluster of simple huts from a distance, they felt the positive vibrations. Older students, studying at the ashram and responsible for guarding the outskirts, were observing the three powerfully armed men as they approached. Ram was keen on not wasting time with any unnecessary misunderstanding. As such, it was conceited to visit a Muni of such stature with this vulgar display of arms.

  As the trio approached a large banyan tree—that appeared to be a few centuries old—Ram said, “I suggest we keep our weapons by this tree to put the student guards at ease. As such, we are visiting the Muni to seek his guidance.” Lakshman and Hanuman nodded in agreement.

  “Somehow, I feel that these powerful weapons are completely useless in the environs of the ashram anyhow,” Hanuman confessed. “I feel a very peaceful calm. At the same time, I also feel an otherworldly, disarming, and awe-inspiring presence emanating from the ashram. I feel as if the weapons will not work properly as we come near, or there may be such a swift and overwhelming reaction to any misadventure that it is pointless to even think about using them here. These simple huts are peaceful and dreadful at the same time.

  “All the animals and birds roam around fearlessly, as if they don’t have the least bit of worry about their predators. I think they can feel the protective energy. The cows, goats, deer, peacocks, hares, and squirrels wander freely. There are plentiful fruits, vegetables, and flowers. There is a patch of land for agriculture. Hundreds of students go about their activities and perform the chores at their schools of study. It is such an idyllic environment—perfect for all encompassing education, development, and healing.”

  Ram just smiled at Hanuman. It seemed that Ram’s mood was slowly beginning to improve. They walked toward the ashram with folded hands, to further quell any doubts about their intentions.

  The Muni eagerly walked out of his ashram as he saw Ram. Agastya had a long beard. His hair was coiled in the center, and he had a slight pot belly. He wore a coarse, cotton white dhoti and wooden sandals. He radiated compassionate energy and appeared to have a secret spring of blissfulness flowing inside him.

  Agastya was a multi-talented man and considered an authority in theory, as well as in the practice of, weapons, missiles, medicine, and the yogic sciences and literature.

  “Welcome Shree Ram, a great prince and the seventh avatar of Vishnu, the Protector,” the Muni said with a warm smile. He tried to hug Ram, but instead, Ram bowed down to touch the Muni’s feet. “I completely understand your state of mind, and that is precisely why I have traveled here to be near you, to help you deal with this extremely difficult situation,” the Muni said.

  Ram was surprised by the Muni’s insight. The Munis maintained their own spy networks—helping them to stay connected with the world even though they resided deep in a jungle. It also helped them determine who to support in the event of a battle—who to share weapons and knowledge with. Select warriors, like Ram, were given access to powerful missiles stored in secret locations. The missiles could be accessed with short notice, and it was always better to have advanced warning so that all could be prepared. Special hymns recited in a particular order and manner were used to ascertain identification and access to weapons. Stealth and secrecy were almost as important as the weapons themselves.

  The Muni held Ram’s hand and walked with him to a special hut where they wouldn’t be disturbed. Hanuman and Lakshman stood guard nearby.

  The Muni looked at the despondent Ram. His task was to help Ram get mentally energized for the tough battle ahead. Once the Muni had a strategy in his mind, he said, “Nobody can mistreat Lady Sita, not even a powerful king. She is safe.” Ram and his companions were uplifted by this news. “Ravan is an ego-maniac and a self-preservationist. His city, Lanka, and the powerful kingdom he founded are his proudest achievements. He has amassed tremendous wealth, power, and weaponry. He will not do anything that jeopardizes the very existence of his kingdom or power.

  “He knows about you and your power. He knows that you have killed thousands of demons using special weapons. Your recent killing of Vali has labeled you unpredictable, showing that you can bend the rules of warfare if needed. Ravan was afraid of Vali. He knows that you have the support of all the human kings. You have also earned the support of the powerful Vanara.

  “We, Rishis, are always on your side because of your virtuous nature. Ravan’s spies will surely report our meeting. I will give you access to flying machines similar to Ravan’s. I will also share knowledge of building a bridge in the ocean with your new Vanara friends. Ravan will not do anything to invite an all-out war on himself from all sides, led by a living legend such as yourself. He will not threaten his own existence, I assure you.”

  The Muni’s words soothed Ram’s heart and gave him back his confidence, which had waned. “Further, Lady Sita is a brave, self-respecting person—very loyal to her husband and aware of his power. Her interaction with Ravan was an opportunity to test Ravan’s character. It was an opportunity to see how he would treat someone who is physically less powerful than him, when no one was watching. He has failed this test of character miserably. She put up a brave fight with Ravan when he abducted her. If pushed into a corner, she could kill herself and cause tremendous ill will and shame to Ravan. Ravan has gotten himself into a precarious situation where there are too many ways for him to lose power, get killed, or both. He will proceed with caution. My spies are keeping a close watch on the situation. Do not worry, Sita is safe.”

  Ram breathed a sigh of relief. It felt as though he was finally releasing a breath he had held since the moment he left Sita’s side.

  Ram and his companions stayed at the ashram for a few days. He was finally at peace, nourishing his soul in the presence of the Muni and nursing his mind back to health. Ram was also practicing yoga with the Muni.

  On the day Ram was scheduled to leave, he joined the Mun
i in a private meditation session. The Muni presented a special arrow to him. Ram bowed his head, respectfully and graciously accepting the arrow.

  “This is a special arrow that will always remind you of your true nature. You seem to have forgotten, being trapped in the vicious cycle of events and locked within your emotions. Now, let me guide you toward the experience of your true self again.”

  In a few moments, Ram was lost in meditation. He felt light, weightless. He then transformed into tiny particles, and eventually, acquired the form of energy that was not limited by his body or mind. In the energy form, he saw himself shooting an arrow. He arranged the particles of matter in the shape of a target, even as the arrow travelled toward it. Thus, he became the one who hit the target every single time.

  While in energy form, Ram saw an Asura—the most malicious of the demigods—attacking his brother from behind. A deer, standing near his brother, ran away in fear. This action immediately alerted his brother of the attack, and he swiftly retrieved his sword, killing the Asura. Ram used his energy to mold the matter, humans, animals, and situations as he guided them on the right path. Thus, he became one who always kept his word. He always transformed his words into reality.

  In travelling as a cluster of energetic particles, Ram ventured to where Sita was being held.

  “Sita, marry me or I will kill you!” Ravan threatened. The female guards Ravan had stationed nearby nodded in agreement—swords drawn, encouraging Sita to obey. In one smooth and decisive motion, Sita grabbed a sword from one of the guards, and with practiced ease and not a moment of hesitation, cut herself superficially over her arm. Blood dripped from her wound.

  Seething with anger and shaking with contempt, Sita erupted, “You call yourself an erudite scholar, but don’t know how to respect the feminine form that nurtures and cares. You only understand raw, masculine power. So, I will teach you in a language that you understand. You dare come near me, and you will be shattered into a thousand pieces by me or my powerful husband—you worthless, pathetic, imposter of a king. I don’t care if I die in the process of killing you. You have set in motion events that will lead to your complete annihilation. But, you already know this to be true, don’t you?” Sita shot the question at him with such ferocity that Ravan dared not come any nearer. Without another word, he left her chamber.

  Ram was proud that Lady Sita had realized her own yogic strength. He now understood why she could never be harmed. The fearless and righteous are always safe. Ram, thus, became the one who only had one woman in his life. Sita was that woman, and she played her role in helping Ram lead society down the right path. Ram—one word, one arrow, and one woman.

  Ram came out of his meditative state—nursed back to peak mental health. He was completely in touch with his true self and the subtle powers he had forgotten. He was assured of his wife’s well being, and that brought him immense serenity. He bowed at his teacher’s feet for bringing him back to the right path, even as he himself was tasked with showing the righteous path to the people.

  Chapter 10

  Hurdles in the Quest

  ~~~~~

  Modern Day India

  ~~~~~

  Closest relations hurt the most.

  As expected, these modular forms show super symmetry. They reveal their original form when Moebius Transformation is applied to them. But, look at these other seventeen gorgeous, deceptive, beauties. Their coefficients get larger when written as an infinite sum—like the modular forms, but without showing super symmetry!” Krish exclaimed. He was explaining Ramanujan’s mathematics as he studied the lost pages.

  “This mathematics was used in string theory. The mock modular forms were used to describe the entropy of black holes a hundred years after his death! To put that in perspective, can you discover an answer to a question that will be thought almost hundred years from now?”

  Krish wore a white T-shirt and black jeans. He sat at his desk and sipped herbal tea from his favorite yellow Peet’s mug from California. He took a sniff of the tea and enjoyed the aroma of cardamom, dry ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. A dash of honey added a tinge of sweetness to the brew. Krish had been in India for four weeks now. So far, the Indian security forces, with help from the US, were keeping him protected and giving him time and space to explore his research while enjoying his private life as much as possible.

  Prisha sat near him, absent-minded, gazing at the Arabian Sea. She wore red silk pajamas, sitting back in her recliner, sipping coffee from a mug of her own. Krish and Prisha were in the sea-facing penthouse Prisha was renting in a Mumbai high-rise.

  “I just launched a product that measures the amount of sunlight and rooftop solar output. It controls air conditioning and water heater temperature in five star hotels,” Prisha said proudly. “We operate in a totally different space, don’t we?” she asked after a thoughtful pause.

  “That’s what I love about us, sweetheart,” Krish said. “I do all the crazy research, and you pay for it. Aren’t we made for each other?” He winked mischievously.

  Prisha dragged him onto her chair, pushed the lever, and reclined the chair completely backward. She took off his glasses, put them on the desk, and looked lovingly up at him. As the sunset and the pleasant, early winter breeze caressed them, Krish noticed the changing mood in her eyes. She moved her eyes away and ran her long fingers through his chest hair, trying to gauge his mood.

  Krish slid his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. She turned on her side to face him. They were cozy in the recliner, pressed against one another. She placed a hand around his neck, playing with the hair that rested along his nape, and looked away, suddenly feeling shy. He tilted her chin up slightly and offered a passionate kiss.

  “Oh no, it’s getting dark! I want to show you something,” Krish said.

  “Let me guess… something interesting about the sky?” Prisha said with mild sarcasm.

  “Nope, a surprise for you. Let’s go,” Krish said. He took her down and showed her the brand new, red Tesla Model S in the garage. “From one entrepreneur to another, Prisha, Elon Musk sends his regards,” Krish beamed.

  “Wow! This is amazing! So very thoughtful, Krish. We need to go up and finish what we started. You will get extra special treatment today,” she murmured seductively, grabbing his hand.

  After a moment, a question mark appeared across her face. “How did you pay for this?”

  “I got a royalty check for my patent,” Krish explained.

  “That is so cool!”

  “Let’s go for a drive.” As they took the slick machine for a spin around the part of the city with less traffic, darkness was setting in. Prisha opened the panoramic moon roof. The Tesla was whizzing through the evening like a ball of fire. It was surrounded by darkness on all sides. Krish felt an invisible force affecting the car’s movement; instead of traveling in a straight line, the car was being pushed to the right slightly. Just like how the stars and galaxies are affected by the dark matter that surrounds them! he mused. We can measure the effect of this material on the movement of stars, but we have zero idea of what this dark matter is! Krish laid back in the passenger seat and looked at the sky above.

  Krish was hallucinating—actually experiencing the problems he was tackling in particle physics. It was as if he had become the so-called ‘God Damn Particle’—Higgs Boson. He saw matter acquire mass as it moved through the Higgs field. The dark matter also had mass, as seen from its effect on other bodies. But, it was difficult to figure out if the dark matter was interacting with the Higgs field or not. How does the dark matter acquire mass then?

  “Damn it!” Prisha yelled. Krish was woken from his hallucination. “When will people learn how to ride bikes?”

  A motorbike rider with his headlights off had cut in front of the car. Whatever was going on in the darkness surrounding the car had appeared smack in its path and profoundly affected it. That sparked an idea in Krish.

  I think I have to go back to basics. There are a lot of things
that are not known. I need to look at the fundamental particles that make up matter to really get ahead in this problem, Krish thought. He immediately pursued that thought.

  When it came to dark matter and the fundamental particles, the first name that popped into his head was Anton Kimble. Krish took out his phone and Googled Professor Anton Kimble at Cambridge.

  Professor Kimble was disabled and confined to a wheelchair due to an accident he was involved in when he was twenty-two, but nevertheless, he had continued his breakthrough research in physics and mathematics, becoming a celebrity scientist. His lucid writing made science interesting for lay people.

  Toward the end of the drive, Prisha grabbed a spicy snack from her favorite street vendor, then turned around to head home.

  “I wish I could show the car to my parents and invite them over for dinner tomorrow. I haven’t seen them since the wedding,” she said.

  “Sure, let’s do that. And your sister too,” Krish agreed.

  “Wow! Nice apartment. It must cost a fortune. Look at the sea view too! We hope that our second daughter will at least help us a little bit,” Prisha’s mother fired the opening salvo. Her conservative parents were unhappy with Prisha due to her independent nature. They didn’t hold back any punches.