In Search of Nectar
The Mendicant’s Quest
Once upon a time, in the eastern part of India, there lived a mendicant who was deeply moved by the suffering of humanity. He read many scriptures and learned about remedies for various diseases. Collecting herbs from the forest, he prepared medicines that drew people suffering from ailments to him. While he provided them with remedies, he always advised, “To be free from diseases, you must also free yourselves from all bad habits. If you keep your body and mind pure, diseases cannot attack you.”
Sadly, very few appreciated his wisdom; most were content with his medicines. Nevertheless, the mendicant remained eager to instill a bit of good sense in everyone.
A Growing Concern
As the years passed, the mendicant grew worried that those he had cured of certain diseases would return after some time with other afflictions. He pondered, “How can I cure the people of all diseases once and for all?” This question weighed heavily on his mind.
Seeking Answers in the Himalayas
Eventually, he departed for the Himalayas with his disciples, hoping to find answers among the yogis there. He asked many yogis his burning question, but some claimed ignorance while others refused to share their knowledge. However, he eventually encountered a wise yogi who told him that one could remain free of all diseases only by taking nectar. The yogi then handed the mendicant a bundle of old palm leaves containing the formula for preparing the nectar.
The Preparation of Nectar
The mendicant studied the palm leaves carefully, discovering the names of herbs, fruits, and other ingredients necessary for the nectar. However, the text clearly stated that the nectar would only be effective for those who held no worldly ambitions and desires, and who had complete faith in the nectar, the one who prepared it, and in God.
Choosing four of his disciples who were genuine seekers without worldly desires, he ventured into the Himalayan forests to find the rare plants needed for the nectar. After a year of wandering, he successfully gathered all the necessary ingredients and prepared the nectar.
The Test of Faith
When the time came to test the nectar, the mendicant knew that his four disciples were earnest seekers, but he was unsure if they all possessed complete faith in the nectar, in him, and in God. He called them forth and declared, “I will first sample the nectar myself. Wait and see.”
The mendicant took a draught from the earthen pot containing the nectar. Immediately, he collapsed onto the ground, appearing lifeless!
The Disciples’ Reactions
The disciples were baffled. One said, “Our guru must have prepared the nectar incorrectly, which is why it affected him this way.” Two others agreed. But the fourth disciple countered, “I will follow whatever our guru has done.” He then took a sip of the nectar and fell beside his guru.
“It was foolish of him to drink it,” remarked his friends. They soon left to prepare for the ritual to cremate the dead bodies, assuming they were now lifeless.
The Emergence of the True Seekers
However, the mendicant soon sat up and smiled, saying, “Only we two truly deserved the nectar.” At that moment, a luminous form emerged from his body and ascended into the sky as the disciple watched in awe.