A Lesson for the Tantrik

The Manipulation of Fear

Biren claimed to be a tantrik, and the innocent villagers believed him. Although he knew nothing of the tantrik lore, he had mastered the art of deceiving the people. However, the young Prabhakar was never swayed by him; he had a strong conviction that Biren was a cheat and waited for the right moment to expose him.

The Demands of Biren

Biren would suddenly appear before various householders, demanding all he needed to live comfortably for a month. The villagers, fearing misfortune through black magic, did not dare to refuse him.

Prabhakar’s Stand

One day, Biren arrived at Prabhakar’s home and announced, “You are to support me for a month, starting today. Please send a bag of superfine rice, a tin of ghee, and a sack of potatoes. After that, continue sending a couple of coconuts, a few sweets, a basket of fresh vegetables, and a jar of milk every day.”

“I won’t give you even a spoonful of salt!” declared Prabhakar defiantly. Biren screamed in anger, “Nobody has disrespected me like this before. Do you wish to be taught a lesson?”

“I don’t care a jot!” Prabhakar retorted knowingly, provoking Biren. “Wait and see what happens to you within twenty-four hours!” Biren shouted with threatening gestures as he left, and several villagers overheard his warning.

The Consequences

At night, Prabhakar sat with a few friends during a private meeting. However, the following morning, they discovered Prabhakar sprawled on the ground, complaining of unbearable chest pain. Those who had heard Biren’s threat concluded he was responsible for Prabhakar’s suffering, attributing it to his supposed black magic.

The Confrontation

Prabhakar’s friends, accompanied by several respected elders from the village, confronted Biren. “O great tantrik, it is your wrath that has caused Prabhakar’s suffering. Please cure him,” they pleaded with him, hands folded in respect.

Flattered, Biren replied, “It’s true that I have caused him agony. People should know what it means to insult me; I am not going to cure him.”

Facing Justice

Instantly, the young men seized Biren. “You have admitted your responsibility for Prabhakar’s suffering. Unless you cure him within five minutes, we will ensure you suffer like him!” they shouted.

Biren cried out, “Leave me! I have done nothing to him!”
“Didn’t you threaten to punish him through your black magic?” demanded the elders.
“That was only a threat. What do I know of black magic?” protested Biren.

“Correct. You know nothing,” said Prabhakar, arriving at the scene. “You must cease to deceive the people and leave this village immediately.”

Biren agreed to their demands and was released, never to return.