In Search Of God

Meera had been religious-minded since she was a small girl. Even when as a tiny tot she cried, people found it musical. Her parents had named her Meera, after the great mystic of sixteenth century. The only difference was that she was born in an ordinary family rather than a royal family. She started learning playing of musical instruments at a young age of five. She had good voice, so she used to sing while playing the musical instruments.

She tried hand at various musical instruments like Harmonium, Veena and even drums. Finally, Tanpura became her favourite instrument. She used to play upon it while singing. No religious or social function was complete in the family or neighbourhood without Meera’s performance. By the time she was sixteen, she had become an accomplished musician and singer.

As she grew older, there was a talk about her marriage in the family. It was early twentieth century when girls used to be married even in pre-teens. In fact, sixteen was considered relatively late for marriage. As she felt pressure from family and friends, she left her home during night. Only thing she carried with her was her favourite Tanpura.

Dressed as an ascetic, she headed straight for the Himalayas. For twenty years she stayed there, spending time in meditation or singing bhajans. There were many Ashrams nearby. She used to visit them once in a while and perform in religious functions. However, she never became part of any Ashram and stayed on her own.

She was well-respected by Sanyasis for her love and devotion to God. One day she decided to come down from Himalayas to spread the word of God in cities. People used to flock on the streets to listen to her performances. She had come to be known as Yogini by this time.

Her travels finally took her to her home town. She had been booked by many Ashrams for performance. It was only after three days that she could visit her home. There were some children playing in the courtyard. Of course, none of them recognised her. One of them ran inside and brought some elderly person outside.

She looked at the person. It could not be her father. He must be very old by now. Finally, recognition dawned upon her. It was her elder brother who had grown quite old. However, in spite of dress of a sanyasin, he recognised her immediately. Both of them embraced. It had been so long.

Her brother told her that their parents were dead. They talked for quite a while, with brother’s wife also joining.

It was evening and time to leave. Sanyasis have no home. She bade ‘good bye’ to her family and continued on her religious journey.