Oliver Benjamin
is very difficult to penetrate the inner circle. In the meantime, I have
sent the local newspapers bits of what I know to increase awareness
in the community. This is all I can do for now. To be seen near the
ashram would be my death.”
“But if he succeeds!” I protested.
“It is my great hope that he will not succeed. For every yin there
is a yang, for every force there is a countering force. I trust that there
will be a countering force that will keep him from whatever it is he is
trying to do.”
I sighed to myself. “Haridas, I think your prayers might be
answered,” I said, and explained about my friend Yippee. Haridas
became very excited.
“Your friend, is he a very large man of African descent?” asked
Haridas.
“No, he’s kind of short with blonde hair, from Australia.”
“Interesting. According to one of my team, we have just
employed a large black man in the fight against the Omniraja. It
would be beneficial to have them work as a team.”
“His name isn’t Joe Fortune is it?” I asked curiously.
“I don’t know. His sanyassi name is Jagnath.”
“So then, it’s true,” I said gravely, “They’re planning to kill the
Omniraja.”
“It may be necessary.”
I couldn’t reconcile the little man of peace with the grand,
vengeful plan. “But how does that fit in with what you’ve taught me?”
“Killing is wrong if there is no reason,” said Haridas. “But
sometimes it must be done, simply because it is the right thing to do.
This is the basis of the most popular Hindu holy book, the Bhagvad
Gita. It is essentially just one long conversation between the god
Krishna and a great king, Arjuna, who has had his kingdom stolen by
evil relatives. First, Krishna teaches Arjuna in the ways of peace.
Then, he instructs him to take his kingdom back by killing those who
betrayed him, his own family. Arjuna questions how it is he may
serve peace and bloodshed both, and Krishna answers him that one
may not exist without the other: this is the way of the universe. Dark
and light in balance. A peaceful man understands the difference and
acts as is needed. A brute understands neither, and acts as he pleases.
“So you see,” Haridas said, fixing his gaze upon me, “Eastern
philosophy is not just stirring tea and sitting under trees. There is
time for action as well.”
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