the Bhagirathi.[1] The body may come to dust in a moment and with it the senses,—and I have been borne away by these! Death is best for me now—breaker of a vow that I am. Die! fie! why shall I die?" Just at that time the owl grimly screeched overhead. Bhavananda then spoke out: "What's that? It sounded in my ears as a call from Death. I do not know who made the sound, who called me, who gave me the advice, who bade me die! Infinity! Thou art full of sounds, but I know not the meaning of thy voice. Give me a mind to do my duty, keep me away from sin. Oh, my Master! bless me, that I may ever walk in the path of Duty."
Then, from the woods, a deep and sweet human voice cried out, "I bless thee, thou shall ever walk on the path of duty."
Bhavananda shuddered. "What is that," he cried, "it is my Master's voice. Maharaj, where are you, come before your slave in his distress."
But no one appeared, no one made a reply. Bhavananda called again and again but no answer came. He looked about on all sides but no one was there.
Bhavananda returned to the Abbey at about dawn. The morning sun washed the green leaves on the top
- ↑ This refers to the legend that when the holy Ganges or the Bhagirathi was rushing down the plains, following her guide Bhagirath, a huge elephant who was much puffed up with pride took it into its head to stop the flow of the current. It therefore stood in front of the torrent, prepared to fight, and was carried away like a straw.
