Tales and Stories

Chapter 24

The stars seemed to shine all the brighter now that they knew the show was almost over. The moon stepped back to take a supervising role and allowed the sparkling constellations their turn to impress on the stage of night.

“These are the hours of Brahma.” Baba Gene announced, “The time of Creation. At 4am or earlier, every sadhu across India rises and goes to wash - Even if it be in an icy glacier stream. After that the prayers and matras are said and the morning meditation begun.

For this is the only really quiet time of the entire day. Most of the country’s souls are yet deep in slumber, oblivious to their pending responsibilities. And before the entrance of sunlight, most of the world of Nature lies dormant, even the nocturnal animals are about to call it a night.”

“And so will we unless you get to your point.” The ever-critical woman to his right complained.

“If you are tired, my Rose of the early hours,” Kifkef suggested, “My tent is very close to here…” Gypsy Lou smiled gratefully and threw her cup of coffee in his face.

Determined to make his point, Baba Gene continued undeterred:

“It is well known that Mahatma Gandhi himself was in the habit of rising at 3am each day to make his peace with God before taking up the struggle of millions. By fortifying himself in this oasis of the small hours he was then able to cope with all his daily burdens - Whether it be to negotiate with a government minister or resolve a village dispute about the colour of the new temple.”

“I doubt he got any sleep at all then,” Gypsy Lou grinned, “Seeing as veryone knows he shared his bed with a couple of young women.”

“It was a platonic love.” The sadhu insisted, “Gandhiji was a pure celibate.”

Kifkef dried his face with a cotton shawl and judged:

“Lou, allow the storyteller his poetic license. If fantasy cannot find a place around the fire then where shall it roam?”

Gypsy Lou yawned and lit up a cigarette as Baba Gene began his story.

“You speak of deserts, Kifkef and the hardships of living within them - But I put it to you that this is but a metaphor of life itself. Who would not want to enjoy an unlimited stay in a truly replenishing oasis, where everything taken care of? And who of us could imagine that we might one day want to leave it?