Gurukulam visit
Monthly visits to Dharma Gurukulam are an exciting affair, for the obvious reason that I get to be with (my son) Vaibhav after what feels like ages. Besides that, it is the wonderful drive – smooth highways running between lush green fields and awe-inspiring hills. Indra devta has always been kind enough to cover up the sun with cottony clouds, things would not be as pleasant if not for the right lighting. So instagrammable, no filters needed. I did not stop for the usual podi dosai break at Anandhas Hotel in Pazhani, reaching the destination at the earliest was more important considering the possibility of heavy rains. I arrived at 5:15 in the evening and was received with a cool drizzle.
A more rambunctious welcome was given by Devavrata, who was surprised to see me drive the Innova, he animatedly narrated his father’s driving encounters in his ever so cute ‘Coimbatore’ dialect. Soon enough, Vaibhav came and pulled me over for a private chat.
Vaibhav: “Ma…… I’m sorry”
Me: puzzled, “What for?”
He recollected an incident that happened a few years ago when he misbehaved, hence the apology. When I asked him, “What made you feel sorry now?”
Vaibhav: “Swami made me realise it”
Me: “You spoke about it to Swami?”
Vaibhav: “No ma, Swami was telling us all a story in class, it was similar to what happened with us and that is how I understood my actions were wrong”.
Sweet!
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Guru pooja was both fun and fulfilling. I was participating in a keertan after quite a long time, so,to make up for all the lost opportunities I took posession of the kartal. Turned out that it was Monisha’s sole right to play it daily but, upon asking she readily agreed to let me use it. I played it to my heart’s content. An earnest Shrivardhan requested Soorya Acharya to sing his favorite song/bhajan which acharya ji obliged. Instantly, he and Kyom were dancing away merrily, they were joined by a few others and there was a palpable burst of energy in the dhyanalaya. Agni Kriya and Mantra japa was followed by a short sermon by Swami, his words were gentle reminders to do the right thing all day, every day. His composed manner of speech eased us into the evening and thoughtfully retire for the night.
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To my eyes, ‘sundal time’ is that part of the day when all the students blend together and become one unit. Nothing special happens at that time but sometimes even mundane chatter can be very refreshing. We all gathered around and amused ourselves trying to be as descriptive as possible about the rasa & texture of the lakshmanphal and oranges that we ate; we also played an interesting game of dumb charades on the characters of Ramayana. I noticed that Pranav keeps pleasant company and conversation.
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The second night of my stay in the asharam was quite interesting. The senior batch of students were supposed to leave for IIT Bombay the next day for a 3 days learning camp and were asked to pack their belongings for the trip; the juniors rallied around eagerly helping them in whichever way possible, running errands, folding their clothes et al.
Lohith was feeling feverish, he lay down on his mat; and right by his side was Vilok holding his hand, massaging his forehead and asking him if he needed anything, just like how a mother would care for her child.
It was sufficiently clear that these children are no longer the individuals coming from different families but are now an enthusiastic part of a staunch brethren. I wonder if they are aware of it yet, probably not.
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Monday morning marked the end of my stay in the asharam, I was to leave after guru pooja. The majestic Iyvarmalai was covered in a charming veil of mist. Vaibhav was visibly sad. Although he took to the asharam life like fish to water, he also felt that the Diwali break went by in a flash and wished he could stay home a little while longer; he was torn between both the places. Standing somewhere between the Dhyanalaya and Chidakasha, I was bidding farewell to all the children around who were doing Go seva. No sooner than I kissed Vaibhav goodbye and walked a few feet ahead I heard someone exclaim. I turned around to see Amarthya acharya, who was with Vaibhav at the time, hold him up in a hug. My boy must have broken into tears. As compelled as I felt to go back and pacify him, the sight of him sinking into his acharya’s warm embrace advised me to not interfere and let the guru sishya transaction take its own course. A deep breath later I turned back to leave and a few feet away from me was Narayani, her gaze was fixed on Vaibhav and her kajal lined eyes were welling up with empathy. She was probably reminded of her own feelings towards home, but she used it to understand and feel sorry for her classmate. So many emotions transpiring at that moment – grief, tenderness, compassion and comfort. It then looked like there were enough people to show him the same love and understanding he had been enjoying at home. I trusted Lord Murugan to take care of my son, after all Pazhani was the place he chose to isolate himself from his own family, only to return wiser.
Pazhani Malai Muruganukku……… Arohara!
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