“Sure I will. What I want you both to understand is, that you need to view characters of Ramayana as abstract nouns. You need to go beyond your common intellect and perceive them as metaphysical beings. When you open your eye of wisdom, you will realize that they are not mere Gods and Goddesses, they are human qualities inherent within you.
Lord Ram is the hero of the story, He is the Body. He is you, in your pure and enlightened form. Goddess Sita is the Soul. She is the spirit which resides within your astral body. She is a form of energy that drives your body.
Lakshman signifies Consciousness and Will power. He is the close companion of the body but very frivolous in nature. His impulsiveness makes him impatient and so he is under constant guidance of the body.
Hanuman is the most interesting character. He is the son of a monkey king and also known as the son of the wind God. He depicts your Mind. He is restless, flies with a speed of wind, leaps from one place to another. He is inquisitive; he is a celibate and highest form of devotion. Isn’t our mind also like that? Restless, inquisitive, curious and creative. Our mind is completely dedicated to our body and its wellbeing. At one moment our mind is here and at the other it is in some other world billions of years away. A thought has its own mass and velocity and probably is the fastest thing on earth, even more than the speed of light.”
Sanjeev and Ravi were amazed at Pawan’s theory. Never in their life had they come across such an explanation which made perfect sense to their analytical brain.
“So you mean to say that all characters of Ramayana exist within us,” asked Sanjeev. “What about Ravana? Is he also present in us?” asked Ravi.
“Yes, even Ravana is found within us. Ravana is ignorance personified from the depths of unconscious mind.. He was a great scholar and devotee of Lord Shiva. But arrogance took him over. His ten heads are each significant of an adverse nature within us. So his ten heads depict lust, anger, delusion, greed, pride, envy, mind, intellect, will and ego,” answered Pawan.
“I recite the Hanuman Chalisa every day since years, but never did I think it had such an intellectual meaning,” remarked Sanjeev. “However, I’m still wondering what significance it has for me, when my guide left it for me. Was she trying to hint me something?”
“I’m sure Ma must be trying to hint you something important in a coded language. Had it been something explicit, she would have not bothered to make it so complicated,” said Pawan.
“Can you explain Hanuman Chalisa to me?” asked Sanjeev.
Chapter 8
Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje Kandhe moonj janehu sajai
You carry in your hand a lightening bolt along with a victory (kesari) flag and wear the sacred thread on your shoulder.
“Lord Hanuman is an embodiment of faith and devotion. He is the epitome of Bhakti. Hanuman Chalisa is a forty verse composition composed by Saint Tulsi Das,” Pawan started his explanation of Hanuman Chalisa.
“It is said that once Emperor Akbar detained Tulsi Das in his court and asked him to prove his powers. It was then; Tulsi Das started chanting the chalisa with utmost devotion. Soon there was a herd of monkey which surrounded the palace and created a menace. Akbar had to set Tulsi Das free.
It is also believed that Tulsi Das had a trance in which he saw Lord Hanuman. The Lord then told him the Ramayana which Tulsi Das wrote as Ramcharitra Manas,” told Pawan.
“My mother told me a story when I was a small child,” added Sanjeev. “She told that Tulsi Das was a post-mature baby. He was born after a year of pregnancy. When he was born he had a full set of dentition and cried Ram. In fact he is considered as incarnation of Valmiki who write the Sanskrit version of Ramayana.”
“Yes, I’ve read about it too,” said Pawan. “He was an orphan and would many a times beg for his meals. When he got married he was madly in love with his wife. When his wife went to his father’shime, Tulsi Das swam the flooded river at night to reach her. Seeing this, his wife remarked that if he had shown this devotion to God, he would have redeemed himself. Tulsi Das was struck by such a remark and so he left his family life and became a Saint. It was then, that he composed the Awadhi version of Ramayana and numerous hymns in praise of Lord Ram.”
“So Hanuman Chalisa is sung in praise of Lord Hanuman?” asked Ravi.
“Hanuman Chalisa defines and praises Lord Hanuman, but it’s actually a path to reach Lord Ram,” replied Pawan. “When you walk through this path of bhakti, you discover Ram.”
“Is there any esoteric meaning attached to it too?” questioned Sanjeev.
“Actually there is. If you observe Hanuman as your mind, then purification of the mind leads to the perfect balance of body and soul. When you control your thoughts you can use all the energy to discover the secrets of the super conscious mind. You remember what your guide use to say?” asked Pawan.
“Yes, I do. What the mind does not know, the eyes cannot see,” replied Sanjeev.
“Your mind is not just an abstract noun; it has a mass of its own. If you channelize your thoughts well, you can make anything happen in this world,” said Pawan.
“Really? Does mind has that much power?” Ravi was surprised at the discussion.
“I know there is a similar theory in medical science. The mind plays the disease. If you think you are sick, you will be. That’s why many diseases are cured not only by the medications but also by the will power of the patient,” added Sanjeev.
“Is this not the proposition on which Ma was working on her new drug? I believe it was your thesis project,” asked Pawan.
“Yes Sir. We were working on a component of medicine which can relieve patients from pain and depression. The results were remarkable. It is one of the components of an entire medicine. Madam was working on other components as well,” told Sanjeev.
“Hmmm.. Well, on second thought I was wondering if all this is the hint for that medication. Maybe she has secured the composition of the entire drug for you to find,” Pawan contemplated.
Sanjeev was befuddled at this thought. It seemed quite rational that her guide would hide such a secret formula. However, the thought that she left behind a trail for Sanjeev to discover was giving him goose bumps.
“Really? I…. I mean can it be true?” he muffled.
“Yes, why not. Had it not been true, you would have not been in possession of the relics and this booklet,” remarked Pawan.
“May be treating depression is just a part of it. As it is depression is just a symptom of a disease. If she has left a composition, it may be a medicine to treat some illness of the mind. But how do I find it? I don’t have a clue how to open that wooden box,” replied Sanjeev in helplessness.
Sanjeev then picked up the booklet and started reading again from the beginning hoping to find something important. He reached the next verse after his last clue and was wondering over the highlighted words.
Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje Kandhe moonj janehu sajai
He gazed at the letters Vajra and Dhuvaje and asked Pawan,” What is the significance of Vajra and Dhuvaje?”
“Vajra is the weapon of Indra. It signifies thunderbolt and is supposed to be the strongest, sturdiest and the most powerful weapon. Mythology says that it was made from the rib cage of a great saint Dadhichi. He sacrificed his body so that Indra could have that weapon,” Pawan explained.
“As for the Dhuvaje, which means flag, is a sign of victory and identification. In context of Hanuman Chalisa, it signifies spiritual victory over self. When the mind is free from impure thoughts, it becomes one-pointed. It is that single pointed mind which is the seat of infinite wisdom.”
“I’m sorry for asking such a childish question, but has Madam left any Vajra and Dhuvaje for me?” Sanjeev remarked.
“Ha,ha!” Pawan burst out in laughter. “I don’t know of any such thing,” he said.
“Then how do I find them and where?” Sanjeev was puzzled.
The trio was busy with their discussion when there was a knock on door. The knock was hard
and repetitive as if someone wanted to break the door. Pawan got up and walked swiftly to open the door.
At the door were standing four young men dressed in white khadi kurta pajama and looked as if they belonged to some political party. With them was a lawyer in his traditional black coat and pant and a file tucked beneath his arm.
“Whom do you want to meet?” asked Pawan sternly.
“Mr Pratap Tiwari has sent you a legal notice to vacate this house in next thirty days,” spoke the lawyer.
“Oh, so Mamaji has sent legal notice now!” exclaimed Pawan. “What if I don’t vacate?” he asked.
The two young men rolled up their sleeves and came forward to threaten Pawan. “Then we will throw you out,” they shouted.
Pawan was about to retaliate when the lawyer signaled them to move back. “You will have to come to the court and answer,” replied the lawyer.
“I’ll see who throws me out from my house. As for the legal part, my lawyer will see you in court,” answered Pawan.
Sanjeev and Ravi were startled at the incident. They came to support Pawan but discovered that the group was leaving. Sanjeev could see a white Mahindra Scorpio SUV parked with two orange triangular flags mounted on its roof. The vehicle looked as if it was owned by some political party and used for campaigning. On the right side of the windshield, Sanjeev noticed a peculiar symbol. It was a yellow colored sticker, which had a weapon drawn on it. The weapon was white in color, and resembled a rib cage. Its handle was covered with a silver jacket which had antique carving.
Just then Sanjeev saw the group moving towards the car ready to depart. They hurriedly started the engine and drove off in a rowdy manner.
“The Vajra and Dhuvaje!” Sanjeev exclaimed.
Chapter 9
Sankar suvan Kesri Nandan Tej pratap maha jag vandan
As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and pride of Shri Kesari. With the lustre of your Vast Sway, you are propitiated all over the universe.
“Mamiji will never help you,” remarked Pawan. “I don’t know why Ma left something important to him.”
“But he is the next obvious lead. How can I leave him?” said Sanjeev. “I need to speak to him at least once. Maybe I can get my next clue.”
“Or maybe you can get a thrashing,” said Pawan with his voice filled with anger.
“Yes, I can imagine that,” said Ravi. “The way his hooligans were behaving, it’s very likely that they can spank us at the mention of Madam’s name.”
“If you notice the next verse the words Kesari nandan and Pratap are highlighted,” Sanjeev made his point.
“Hmmm… yes, Pratap is the name of Mamaji. Actually his wife’s name is Kesari. Kesari nandan would mean their child,” Pawan pondered.
“Can you give me his address? I’ll visit him tomorrow. Anyways it’s late for today,” asked Sanjeev.
“What are you going to ask him?” asked Ravi.
Sanjeev was at a loss of words. He had not planned what he wanted to talk Pratap about. He was clueless how to proceed further and thought that Pratap would be his next ray of hope.
“Mamaji is a tough nut to crack,” said Pawan.
“I think we should go through the information we have till now. Bajrangi told that he made that wooden vault and his wife made idols for it. He actually believed that I broke the vault by removing the idols. But where are those idols? I have no clue at all,” Sanjeev was puzzled.
“Do you think Ma would have left the idols with Mamaji? Personally I don’t think so,” Pawan added.
“But they should be somewhere!” exclaimed Ravi. “And we can’t proceed further until we have them.”
The observation was very clear. The vault couldn’t open without the key and any forceful attempt would destroy the vault.
“To find those idols I need to ask him for help, no matter what he says,” Sanjeev determined.
“OK, if you persist. Anyways I’m not accompanying you. But I can suggest you one thing. Talk to Bhumija. She’s more sensible than her father,” Pawan advised.
It was becoming tougher for Sanjeev. With every step forward he discovered that things became complicated even more. He thought of giving up so many times but thesis completion was a strong motivating force driving him. The saddened look on Sanjeev’s face melted Pawan’s heart.
“I guess I can give you some more information. When you are prepared for danger the fear of unknown vanishes.
So Mamaji amd Mamiji live in Dalan Wala locality. It’s one of the most sought after residential places of the day. It’s their ancestral home. Ma was also living there before marriage. As a child I have very fond memories of my childhood with my Nanaji and Naniji. But after their death my visits decreased.
Mamaji is a builder by profession but he is also a political party worker. They say that this year he may become an MLA. I find him a very shrewd person though. But Mamiji is a very gentle and humble lady. She’s raised her two kids very well. They named their elder daughter Bhumija.
She’s a very adorable girl, full of love and laughter. Just like her mother she’s very caring. People choose profession, but in her case the profession chose her rightly. She’s a doctor and appearing for her post graduate entrance examinations. She has all it takes to be a good doctor, a caring nature, genuine empathy for patients, profound insight for diagnosis and treatment of diseases, intellectual approach and a kind heart. No wonder Ma and she enmeshed so well. I’ve seen her working late hours with Ma in the laboratory and then without begrudging she left for hospital early morning.
She justifies her name aptly, just like Goddess Sita, she is an epitome of love, affection and wisdom. You’ll relate well with her as you are also a doctor. She may also give you an opinion on her ongoing research with Ma. After all she’s the only one remaining who could throw some light on that subject.
Mamiji’s second child is a son, Lakshman. He’s a sad story though. All his milestones as a child were normal; in fact he showed great potential in fine arts. His explicit painting skills have been showcased in art galleries. Colors and brushes seem to become alive in his hands. He was about to go abroad for graduation in fine arts, when a sad incident happened.
They say one night he returned late after attending a birthday part of his friend. Coming so late was against his nature and principles, but when he came he was looking exhausted as if he was returning from a marathon. He looked scared to his bones and even his name brought terror to him. He was just repeating the name Celact. In the morning they took him to the doctor, even Ma went rushing there. Since then it’s been a sorrow to see such a talented child being robbed off of his creativeness. He was diagnosed acute stress syndrome, though some said post traumatic stress disorder, and some even suggested schizophrenia. Sadly, Ma expired few days after that.
Ma had been trying to treat him, but there was just a transient reduction in his symptoms. Bhumija still takes utmost care of him. They both worked late in the lab to formulate some palliative medications. However their efforts had been in vain, in fact in the presence of Ma he would utter Celact repeatedly.
Well this just gave me an idea. You can approach Mamaji with an effort to treat Lakshman. I know he won’t allow you in, but Kesari will entertain. You may just be a silver lining in the dark cloud for her.”
Pawan’s words illuminated Sanjeev’s thoughts. “Did you say Celact?” Sanjeev sounded amazed. “That’s a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In normal words it means a pain killer. Was he taking those?” inquired Sanjeev.
“I’m not sure. Why, is it a problem?” asked Pawan.
“It was supposed to be a potent pain killer, until recently it was proved that it increases risk of heart attackin cardiac disorder patients. So it was completely withdrawn from the market. It could be purchased as over-the-counter medication hence it was subjected to a lot of medication misue.”
“Madam and I were working on the drug of central nervous system. Though this ingredient has less potency if used al
one, it has shown promising results in its action on the Gate Control theory. So was madam trying it as palliative medication for pain and stress control in Lakshman?” Sanjeev’s mind was racing to match the palpitations of his heart. Somewhere there was a bleak opportunity that a major breakthrough can happen.
“I’m not the right person to answer this question Sanjeev,” answered Pawan.
“And the right person is no more there,” replied Ravi.
“But Bhumija can definitely throw some light on this subject,” suggested Pawan.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but don’t you feel that the plan is too well laid? I mean, the chalisa was written years back and not for the context of solving a puzzle. How come all the characters of the chalisa are present around us?” Ravi raised the question feeling perplexed. In fact he spoke what others were trying to push under the carpet.
There was sudden gloomy silence in the room, as if the truth has struck them right on the face. “Yes, I agree,” said Pawan breaking the austere silence. “It’s true that it seems too well laid, but I have a feeling that it was designed so. I can never fathom the depth of Ma's intelligence. I believe she purposely made chalisa as a clue. The characters were chosen henceforth by her to carry out her message. She had been reciting Hanuman Chalisa day in and day out. I’ve followed the same routine from her. I personally know how deeply it can etch your mind and thoughts. She must have designed her plan as per chalisa to lead to something extremely precious.”
“And I believe we don’t have any other option. Either we accept it without prejudice or cloud our mind with delusions and distrust. I feel she’s calling us to take that leap of faith and then see what we can discover. That’s the premise on which I base my search and I’ll go all the way to prove it right,” the emerging determination of Sanjeev filled the room with a wave of motivation.
Yes, there was hope and with this hope he would go to meet Pratap the next day.
The Secret of the Chalisa Page 4
