A Yudi -Arjuna OS (The farewellls-on Pg 10) - Page 7

"Then sit down" brother Yudhishthira said. I sat down facing him.

Closing his eyes , he began "Arjuna today, I am going to initiate you into one of the most powerful mantras in the universe- the prati smriti mantra. Chanting this mantra will...

I was disappointed. I had come, all charged up, excited about the divastras- and here was brother asking me to mumble jumble some un-heard mantra.

I placed my hand on brother's knee and shook him

"Brother, it's me- Ajuna here- not Sahadeva.

Brother Yudhishthira opened his eyes in mild surprise. "Of course I know who you are, Arjuna. Why did you have to interrupt me?"

"No..." I began hesitantly... "I thought you were going to teach me the secrets of the divyastras...Chanting mantras is ... more suitable for Sahadeva..." my voice trailed off, already feeling foolish.

"I know what is suitable for you Arjuna. I request you to listen to me with patience." From the tone of brother's voice, I understood this was more an order than request.

I lapsed into silence, mentally kicking myself.

Brother continued, "Now...what was I saying?...what is the mantra that I was talking about, Arjuna?"

"The prati- smriti mantra. I am going to intiate you into this most wonderful matra" replied brother.

I nodded and sat upright.

"Arjuna, chanting and meditating this mantra will help you reach the higher states of conciousness. And in that state of heightened awareness - when you are in the state of Asamprajnata Samadhi -the secrets of the divyastras will be revealed to you.

I was baffled. "But brother, you said I will have to please the Gods, especially Indra, only then will they impart the knowledge of divyastras."

Yudhishthira smiled. "Arjuna, the Gods are always in communion with us. They are always talking to us. But most of the time our minds - our chetana - is not at the same frequency. That's why we cannot hear when the Gods communicate with us.

"Through yoga, tapasya and dhyana we can train our minds to resonate with the same Cosmic vibration that pervades through this universe. Once that level of asamprajanata samadhi is reached, the sadhaka can access the highest knowledge, whatever he or she desires.

I was awestruck.

Brother Yudhishthira continued in a reverential tone, " I was fortunate to recieve the deeksha of this mantra from Maharishi Veda Vyasa himself. It was his instruction that I should pass it on to you- for, you are the one who will ultimately use it.

A doubt crossed my mind. "Brother, forgive my temerity, but why didn't Maharishi Vyasa impart this mantra to me directly, if I am the one who is going to use it?

Brother Yudhishthira smiled indulgently "Arjuna, left to you, by yourself, you will never be able to reach those higher levels of consciousness in this birth. Maharishi Vyasa thought you needed help. Since the time Maharishi gave me this mantra, I too have been doing sadhana."

Brother continued, "When I give the deeksha of this mantra to you, I will be transferring all the merits of my sadhana to you. In fact, I can say I have already done three quarters of your work. You have to do only the remaining one-fourth"

I was rendered speechless.

Brother then commanded me "Now go and take a dip in the lake. Standing knee deep in the water, chant the gayatri mantra 108 times. With a pure body and a purer mind, come to me. I will initiate you into the sacred prati smriti mantra."

Hands folded, I got up to do as I had been told.

The first rays of the sun were illuminating the earth when I returned after my bath and japa.

My brother was seated in padmasana, his back errect. His eyes were closed and his face serene. His face was just as tranquil as it used to be when he was seated on the throne of Indraprastha. The matted locks on his head adorned him just as the imperial crown did in the past. The rudraksha mala on his neck had the same grandeur as a gem studded necklace. No line of worry or pain creased his noble brow. He seemed serenity personified.

Many years later, when, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishna would explain the characteristics of a sthitapragya - steadfast person - it was brother Yudhishthira's face which would flash at me.

Now he was not just my brother but my guru as well. I stood in reverential silence, with my hands folded. A strange glow seemed to emanate from him. I felt it was not my brother sitting there but Devaguru Brihaspati himself. It was my greatest blessing - I thought - not just to be known as Yudhishthira's younger brother but his shishya as well.

Brother opened his eyes and indicated me to sit down. I prostrated myself full length before him and sat down. In a low melodious voice, he began chanting the mantra and asked me to repeat it after him. We continued to do so, till he felt I had got the accent, tone and cadence right.

He then stood up and placed his hand on the top of my head. A current seemed to pass through me. I felt charged and energized. My mind was experiencing a peace it had never experienced before. I realized my guru was transfering the merits of his tapas to me.

Once it was done I heard him say " Uthishtha (stand up) Gudakesha.The most sacred prati smriti is now yours. May you make full use of it. Proceed directly to the Indrakeela mountains and begin your penance."

Hastily plucking some wild flowers, I placed them at my guru's feet in gratitude and reverence. I knelt down and touched his feet with worshiping hands.

Brother lifted me and gathered me in a tight embrace. "My blessing is always with you, Pandu's son. You are now our only hope. May you win Indra's favour and master the diivystras. May you lead us to victory. Vijayi Bhava."