The Sage's Story (#1)

by Sakshi Gopal Das

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CAST: Narrator, Sage, Sannyasi, Brahmachari, Prince, Butcher.

(Narrator reads the poem as Actors act it out and speak their own lines in time)

A gifted sage with mystic sight once walked along a road,

Unattached to hearth and home — the world was his abode —He came upon a mendicant, a sannyasi by his dress,Who greeted him with shining face. The sage addressed him "Yes,

O noble soul, you've realized the goal of human life —And left behind the mortal world of fleeting gain and strife.You wander and enlighten men, and with your every breath

You glorify the Supreme Lord, who dwells in every breast.

A paramahamsa such as you — MAY EITHER LIVE OR DIE —Because you know the Supreme Truth, there's never cause to sigh,To hanker or lament for nought, except to serve the Lord —The constant sight of Whom for you is in itself reward."And with a bow he left him, having nothing more to say.

With dusty road beneath his feet, he went upon his way.

His footsteps led him to a stream and through a leafy wood.

And seeing there a saintly youth he stopped and asked him, "Should

You wander in these forest groves of thorns and wild beasts?"

"I search for fruit," the youth replied. "For roots and herbs to eat,

To offer to my guru, whom I've served for many years.

Please, won't you come and be his guest — his ashram's very near?""I thank you for your kindness and your hospitality.

I see that you're a humble monk of much austerity.

Your vow of brahmacharya and your service to your master

Will bring you great reward when you depart for the hereafter.

Because your life is so surrendered — YOU MAY DIE TODAY —So you can taste the nectar that awaits, without delay."And with a smile he left him, having nothing more to say.

With sun and sky above his head, he went upon his way.

The roadway wound around a hill and down towards a town

From where an entourage approached, a prince of wide renown,

Who left his horse and, bowing low, addressed the humble sage,

"My Lord, we're blessed to meet you here — your wisdom and your ageCan guide all men along the path of righteousness and glory.

Pray, will you please narrate to us some transcendental story?"

With folded hands he stood before the sage, who knew the lives

Of royal men, whose opulence of palaces and wives

Remain a source of blind attachment, sin and degradation —Which lead the soul to lower births and hellish incarnation."Because you now enjoy the best this fleeting world can give

Without a thought for future lifetimes — BEST YOU ALWAYS LIVE."And then he turned and left him, having nothing more to say.

With mind intent upon the Lord, he went upon his way.

Some houses, soon the sage passed by, and in the fading light

Beheld a man with blood-soaked clothes — a truly dreadful sight.With hardened eyes and sharpened knife he stood there on the street —A butcher selling carcasses of chickens, goats and sheep."A sadhu!" scoffed the butcher as the humble sage drew near —Until the sage addressed him in a voice both grave and clear,"What suffering you daily cause to creatures such as these!

You slaughter them to cut them up and sell them, as you please.

But you should know that punishments await you soon in hell

That you can scarce imagine now, 'though I may try to tell.

In life you cause great suffering — in death you'll surely cry,So best for you, and all concerned — YOU NEITHER LIVE NOR DIE."Without a glance he left him, having nothing more to say.

With Krishna's name upon his lips, he went upon his way.

The End