A Story in the Life of P. R. Sarkar
Once upon a time Prabhat had a childhood friend who was quite a bit younger than he was. Manoranjan often saw Prabhat sitting for hours, meditating with his eyes closed in the outdoor Shiva Temple. This impressed Manoranjan very much.
Manoranjan was walking home from school one day when a group of 5 bulls started chasing him down a very narrow dirt road. He immediately dropped his books and ran for his life. Prabhat was standing at the end of the road. Manoranjan reached Prabhat and hid behind him. The bulls were still charging towards them. Running …. Running … And all of a sudden they stopped in their tracks. The 5 bulls became as still as statues. They were as if frozen. Not a whisker moved.
Manoranjan was amazed and speechless. He had thought that day was going to be his very last. Prabhat said, “Go and pick up your school books.”
‘I am scared to death,” cried Manoranjan. He was also frozen in place, frozen with fear. He was out of breath from running so hard. His body began shaking. “How can I possibly get past those 5 bulls to get my books?”
“Don’t worry,” Prabhat said. “They won’t harm you.”
“Really?” said a very doubtful Manoranjan. Holding his breath, Manoranjan moved slowly forward inch by inch. He tiptoed slowly, watching the frozen bulls. Wondering if they were going to break free and come after him any moment. He slowly picked up his books and sneaked quietly back, almost afraid to breath or the spell could be broken, back Manoranjan slid again behind his protector, Prabhat.
The bulls were still motionless. Prabhat lifted his hand and waved it at the bulls. The 5 bulls turned around and walked slowly away.
The next day Manoranjan realized that Prabhat had special power. He was such a Super Protector. He felt very safe with Prabhat after that. Manoranjan was excited that they were such great friends.
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Taken from Who Can Ride the Tiger, edited by Didi Ananda Rama.