THE GUIDANCE
Chandragupta had been banished for the crime of protecting the honour of the Nanda kings. But this gave a good chance to him to think better than languishing in the jail. He thought of visiting a great man mentioned by his mother in earlier times. That great man was almost the lord Shiva. A great sage, a man of miracles, possessor of divine mantras . His name was Panini. He was the resident of Pataliputra and the disciple of Varshopadhyaya. He acquired many branches of education. He wrote a book on grammar called ‘Ashtadhyayi’ and earned soul-power from due to the practice of prayer and tapas and settled down in the forest of Pataliputra at the behest of his teacher as a Siddha and a speaker of truth.
Twenty five years ago Mahapadmanada met the rishi, served and blessed by him to beget Chandragupta and the eight Nandas. He had been in the know of the irregular acts of the Nandas and now he found himself in contemplation.
The boon that he gave to the king Mahapadmanada in the interest of Magadha is proving invain. The city which was supposed to protect Arya Dharma is in a chaotic state. Besides, the Greek prince Alexander invades with the large army. In the Western India some kings who tried to resist him had to bow down before him and send gifts as a sign of good will. Some others who had to settle scores with his rivals invited the Greek prince and collaborated with him. Indian culture had been slowly eroding in the face of foreign invasions and the impact of the Greek civilization. In this complex situation, rishis like him were not meant to while away their time in meditation in the remote forests. Owing to soul-power of the rishis , India had been able to preserve its native culture, freedom , dignity and marvelous style of life. Now he had to travel to the West to unite the people involved in internal quarrels and the right way to the kings.
Panini got determined , left the ashram along with his disciples for Takshasila.
And adorned the position of Acharya. He turned his students belonging to various disciplines into is helpers in protecting the freedom of his country.
***
On his part , Chandragupta first wanted to visit the rishi Panini and decide his task with his blessings. Later on, he wanted to take Pnini’s permission and meet the Greek prince Alexander . Alas! See the working of fate! The future emperor of India turned into a refugee and visiting strange place with only valour and confidence as his valets.
That is a beautiful morning. The sun is shining with rays red akin to sindhur on the forehead of the dawn and in the hand mirror of Indrani. The world annoyed so far with darkness has got a new shining and awareness with golden rays.
***
Chandragupta entered the city of Takshasila, the haven for versatile scholars and the world renowned university. The city is a feast of one’s eyes with beautiful buildings, wide streets and gardens full of flowers wafting fragrance. The Greek soldiers in helmets and the armed leaders indigenous are roaming everywhere. The royal streets are attractive with folks coming and going and with piles of pearls and gems for sale by the beautiful ladies.
Chandragupta got amazed at the beauty of the city and went towards the Takshasila university. He continued observing gurukulas thriving with scholars of different sciences and men engaged in teaching and learning and found himself in the presence of Panini.
***
At that time Panini had been teaching his disciples under the shade of a beautiful tree. On seeing him and his brightness , Chandragupta was overwhelmed. He felt amazing peace in the presence of that saint and the synonym of the goddess of learning.
Panini saw Chandrgupta and invited him cordially. At this, chandraguta experienced the strength of a thousand elephants. He fell on the feet of Panini Acharya.
Panini: “How do you do , price? Is the king of Magadha safe?”
Chandragupta : “The king of Magadha would be safe hereafter under your blessings.
Panini (after contemplating for a while) : Well, Prince! We understood all.you, the son of Mahapadmanada and expert in education and martial arts were deceived by the old king and came here in search of fulfilling your task as a refugee.”
Chandragupta was surprised at the words of Acharya.
“Prince! You want to visit the Greek prince and eager to learn the secrets of their warfare!”
Acharya revealed the innate desire of the prince.
Chandragupta replied, “ Ye, sir! I have come to seek your blessings to find out the means of fulfilling my task.”
“Fine, my dear! I knew that the future of India will be safe in your hands!” Acharya spoke affectionately and Chandragupta’s face bloomed.
Acahrya spoke, “ Prince! It’s not easy to meet the Greek prince but I can send you to Selucus, the commander-in-chief. Many of my disciples who are extraordinarily intelligent and adept in assuming various disguises are moving among the Greeks to find out their war efforts. They are propagating the idea of freedom in the people and trying to preserve the soul-power and dignity of the nation through finding out the secrets of the enemy movements. With their helP you can meet Seluvus. Thereafter..”
“I could earn the favour of the Greek commander, Gurudev!”
Acharya smiled and said, ‘ You are suitable for the task, my dear! I have confidence in your executive ability, but I who is determined to protect our dharma need to tell you one thing.”
“Command me Gurudev!”
“Have you heard about Chanakya?”
“Yes. He’s a Vedic scholar. An expert in politics and economics a man of knowledge of all secrets of dharma with a will power to defend it. He is like Brihaspati, the teacher of angels . you have to visit him after meeting the Greek prince. Your dream will come when your physical prowess is aided by his cleverness. His refuge will be Sri Ramaraksha to you.”
The firm tone of Acharya developed Chandra’s affection towards Chanakya. He asked Where can I meet him?”
Panini replied, “ Recently he came to Magadha. You can meet him there soon. He and you will inevitably entrench yourselves as minister and emperor of India with the grace of God.”
Acharya emphasized each and every word and Chandragupta’s face bloomed.
“Another word, prince! The Greeks are invasive by nature , you have to be careful.”
Acharya next looked at his disciple standing near-by. The latter understood the teacher’s heart and spoke before going away in the guise of Greek soldier.
“ Prince! For the present you take rest in the guest house of the university. With in a day or two, you could meet the Greek commander –in- chief .”
Chandragupta took the permission of Acharya and moved towards the guest house.
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