In Search of Life

Raghav’s Peaceful Life

Years ago, Raghav was a well-known name in Chiodrapur. He was unafraid of any beasts of the forest, and they did not harm him. Honest trade had brought him prosperity, and he enjoyed a happy family life. However, bad luck struck suddenly, transforming his world overnight. An epidemic killed his wife and all his children, leaving him with only a pet cat.

A New Beginning in Solitude

Disgusted with life, Raghav retreated into a forest. There, he raised shut and lived peacefully, eating the fruits he could find and drinking from a stream. He devoted his time to meditation. Soon, his mind grew pure, and he felt nothing but love for all the creatures of the forest.

The Encounter with a Tiger

One morning, while Raghav was plucking fruits from a tree, a tiger approached him. It sniffed him and then walked away with an affectionate growl. Raghav paid the tiger no more attention than he would to a cat. This encounter did not go unnoticed by a woodcutter who, sensing the tiger’s approach, climbed a tree in astonishment. He watched Raghav with awe.

Inspiring Awe and Reverence

When the tiger left, the woodcutter hopped down and fell flat at Raghav’s feet. “O Great Soul! You must be a god in disguise,” the woodcutter muttered. Raghav instructed the woodcutter to rise, explaining, “The tiger did not harm me simply because I possessed neither fear nor hatred for it. It is as simple as that; there is no miracle in it.” However, the woodcutter was too captivated to understand Raghav’s explanation and rushed back to his village excitedly, telling the villagers of what he had witnessed.

The Rise of Baba Raghavji

The villagers were spellbound and entered the forest in a procession, laying a variety of gifts at Raghav’s feet. Although he felt a little awkward, the innocence of the people pleased him, and he prayed for their welfare. The crowd grew larger the next day, with people from neighboring villages eager to seek Raghav’s blessings.

Fame and Discomfort

As days passed, more and more people came to see him, including rich landlords and merchants who added to his fame. They built him a beautiful house and began calling him Baba Raghavji. Though he felt annoyed at times, Raghav had no choice but to endure it, often murmuring to himself about how happy he had once been in solitude.

The Arrival of a Faux Guru

One day, from a distant village, a man named Sundar and his wife were on their way to meet the Baba. Sundar, a handsome man resembling Raghav, lost his way in the forest and fell into the hands of thieves. They forced him to wear an ochre robe and took residence in a dilapidated house at the town’s outskirts. Though they all lived in meditation, Sundar soon used sleight of hand to deceive the people, drawing larger crowds and receiving gifts meant for him.

Raghav’s Distaste for Deceit

Raghav was amused to hear about this fake Baba. He felt no sadness over the loss of visitors but was distressed that people were being fooled in his name. One evening, Raghav decided to confront Sundar. He mingled with the crowd and listened to his discourse before requesting a private conversation with the faux Baba.

The Confrontation

“Will you please tell me something about your guru, Baba Raghavji?” asked Raghav. Sundar replied, “What can I say about that chosen soul sent by God?” When Raghav inquired about the guru’s name, Sundar insisted he had been told to call him Baba Raghavji. Raghav then asked when Sundar last saw his guru, to which Sundar responded he could see him in his vision anytime.

The Revelation

“In that case, you should be able to recognize me,” Raghav said gravely. Only then did Sundar start to realize who he was. Though Sundar had never seen Baba Raghavji, he knew how he looked. Gazing at Raghav with fear, he asked, “Who are you?” Raghav replied, “I am the very man of whom you were speaking just now. Let us not waste time. Will you please tell me why you are deceiving the people?”

A Plea for Help

On the verge of tears, Sundar explained everything. Raghav realized Sundar and his wife were captives of the thieves. Sundar whispered, “I would love to live as an ordinary man again if you can rescue me from the gang.” That night, the thieves were drunk, and at midnight, Sundar and his wife left the house under Raghav’s guidance.

Finding True Peace

They reached Sundar’s village, where Raghav lived as their guardian. He did not reveal his spiritual achievements, and the crowd ceased to bother him. He enjoyed greater peace in the village than he ever did in the forest, relishing his newfound tranquility away from the spotlight.