A Short Story: Divine Benevolence

For a change from Prem Chand, readers might  read this story of mine  written many years ago  but still, if not more, relevant today.                                                                                                                                                   

DIVINE BENEVOLENCE
by T C Ghai

            Completely fed up with the promises of their rulers the poor of India decided to send a petition to Lord Vishnu.

            At a meeting, a representative assembly of the underdogs from all corners of Bharat resolved, with one voice, to address an appeal to the Lord of Creation. But the question ‘who was the Lord of Creation’ generated much heat. A large number had no doubt about Lord Vishnu being the Supreme Ruler. Some, however, argued that it was Brahma who was the Master of the Universe; others that it was Shiva; some named mother Kali; and yet others Allah or Jehovah. Scores of minor and subservient deities or even demons were also projected, in their turn, as the Lord of Creation.

            Finding the House in a violent disagreement somebody suggested voting and a majority decision. On this a venerable member counselled that, since, in the event of voting, Lord Vishnu was certain to be elected, it would be an act of folly to force a division at such a critical juncture. The advice was generally welcomed. Even then a few members voiced the apprehension that Lord Vishnu, being a deity of the majority community, might discriminate against the minorities. But eloquent protestations of the underlying unity of all the religions and the universality of divine benevolence finally subdued all dissent.

            A charter of demands was prepared, a delegation elected and the august Assembly adjourned after expressing the hope that Lord Vishnu would deliver them from the yoke of the present-day rakshasas, as he had done again and again by coming down to the Earth as an avatar.

            The delegation then set out on its journey towards the abode of Lord Vishnu. But instead of reaching  Ksheer Sagar, the Sea of Milk, said to be the abode of Lord Vishnu, the members of the delegation found themselves at the Gates of Heaven.

            ‘Who’re you?’ one of the guards there asked them sternly. 
          

            ‘Sir, we’re going to the abode of Lord Vishnu, and have lost our way. Please tell us the way to the Sea of Milk.’

            ‘What’s that?’ the guard asked.

            ‘The abode of Lord Vishnu,’ replied a delegate.

            ‘Who told you?’

            ‘We’ve always known it.’

            ‘Then you must all be fools. Where’ve you come from?’

            ‘From Bharatvarsha.’

            ‘Bharatvarsha? We’ve never heard of such a place.’

            The delegates could not believe their ears. Never heard of Bharatvarsha!

            ‘Bharatvarsha is the greatest country on Earth,’ one of the delegates proudly proclaimed.

          ‘It must be really great to have ignorant beggars like you. Somebody has been fooling you there. You’re lucky you have reached here. This is the abode of Lord Vishnu,’ he said, pointing his hand towards Heaven.

            The delegates were overjoyed to hear this. Their leader then moved forward and requested the guards that they should be allowed to go in to see the Lord.

            ‘Why do you want to see Him?’ asked the officer of the guards.

            ‘We’re representatives of the poor in Bharatvarsha. We’ve come to the Lord with a petition on their behalf,’ the leader of the delegation explained.

            The officer’s demeanour hardened at the mention of the word ‘poor’ and he immediately declared, ‘You cannot see Him.’

            ‘Why?’ they asked in one voice.

            ‘Because we can’t allow stinking beggars like you to enter Heaven. Go back wherever you’ve come from,’ the officer retorted harshly.

            ‘But the Lord would not refuse to see us. He’s our Preserver,’ urged the delegates.

            The officer was now red with anger. ‘Get away from here at once, or we’ll throw you away,’ he thundered at them.

            This menacing posture of the officer baffled the delegates completely. They just didn’t know how to appease or circumvent his hostility. They were half inclined to turn back  when they remembered crores of hungry, naked and roofless Indians living without hope. They moved aside to confer. One of them whispered that they should try to win over the guards by offering the silver bangles and anklets worn by the woman delegate. The lady winced at the suggestion. These were borrowed ornaments and she was unwilling to lose them. But her companions prevailed upon her by arguing that her sacrifice would not go uncompensated by millions of their fellow countrymen, whose representatives they were.

            One of the members then went up to the officer of the guards, took him aside and talked to him in whispers. This had its effect. The officer agreed to carry their petition in. He, however, would not let them in because, he told them, no one was allowed to enter Heaven without an express permission from the Lord.

            He directed them to camp at some distance from the gates of Heaven, out of sight of the guards, and wait till a reply was received from within.

            When no one came to summon them even after hours of waiting, a few of them went to the guards to find out if any reply had been brought for them. The officer shook his head and advised them to be patient; they could not hope for such a quick response because their petition would be scrutinized at many stages before it was finally placed before the Lord. It all depended, he said, pointing his finger vaguely towards Heaven, on the officials there who had their own conception of what was important or urgent or otherwise. If they detected urgency in anything, they might allow an appointment in a fortnight, otherwise it took months and sometimes years before any response came from them. A member ventured to point out that nothing could be more desperate than the fate of millions of poor people of Bharatvarsha. At this the officer replied that he could say nothing on the subject, he himself being a total stranger to all that went on inside. He advised them to allow the matter to take its own course; otherwise the officials might get provoked, and misrepresent their case, or just sit on the petition and never forward it to the Lord.

            The members hung their heads in resignation and walked away to their camp, hoping that the sense of urgency expressed in their memorandum would not be lost upon the people inside.

The members of the delegation had set up their camp in the open ground far from the entrance to Heaven. In the evening when a cold wind began to blow they realized that, with the meagre clothing they had with them, they would be frozen to death if they received no help from Heaven. It being too late to ask for help now, they spent the night signing the Lord’s praises and dancing round the fire they had lit to cook their food.

            The next morning they requested the officer of the guards to provide them with food and some protection from the cold. As it was not known how long they would have to wait, they feared they would perish with cold and hunger if left to fend for themselves. The officer simply waved aside their fears. He assured them that they would never die because anyone who ever came there as a supplicant was exempt from death while his petition was being heard in Heaven. He cited an instance where a person had to wait, without food and shelter, for two years before his petition was finally rejected. They had heard him howl and groan, but he had survived the ordeal.

            On being asked why they could not be housed inside and provided with food, the officer replied that it was an iron law that only those who had proved themselves deserving were received within. Some delegates wondered whether it would not be possible for them to enter Heaven by bribing the guards, but since they had nothing with which to inveigle them they kept quiet. All of them, however, became mournfully conscious of their sinfulness that denied them the hospitality of Heaven even for a short while. They resolved to make use of their time to propitiate the Lord through regular prayers.

            Days changed into weeks, and weeks into months. There was nothing to indicate that their petition had been presented before Lord Vishnu. Once that was done, there would be no delay; Lord Vishnu could not be so cruel as to leave them suffering like that. The guards were either unwilling or unable to provide them with any information on the progress of their petition. They could, therefore, do nothing except wait till the officials within were pleased to think of them.

            In the meanwhile, hunger and cold did not prove to be murderous as they had imagined; they were able to endure them quite easily, being no strangers to these hardships on Earth where these were their constant companions. The guards, who had seen other people writhe and howl under similar conditions, marvelled at their capacity to suffer so much without complaint.

            After a hundred days of waiting they were summoned before an official from within. He told them that he had been sent by the most trusted minister of the Lord to receive them and redress their grievances.

            The leader of the deputation told him that they had come to see the Lord Himself.

            ‘I know that,’ replied the official curtly, ‘it is impossible for you to get an audience with Him. He is preoccupied with affairs of great importance and has no time for petty things.’

            ‘But our problems are not petty,’ cried one of the delegates.

            ‘That’s how it may look to you. But think of the Lord. He has to manage the affairs of millions of worlds. You are lucky that we’ve been able to think of your petition so soon. You might have waited and waited. Now at least you can speak out and we shall do our best. It is really unnecessary for you to stay and try to see the Lord. I’m here to help you.’

            The delegates had not come for this. To have come from so far, to have suffered so much, only to be turned away from the gates of Heaven by a small official!  No, they were not prepared for this. But they did not know how to convince this man. Then, all of a sudden, the lady delegate stood up with folded hands and said, ‘Sir, we’re grateful to you. But we’ve come here to see the Lord, and we shall not go away without his darshan, even if we’ve to wait for years. Please go and tell this to the Lord.’

            There was a murmur of approval from all her companions.

The official seemed ruffled by this show of tenacity. He had been asked by his Chief to put these people off. The Chief wanted to prevent their meeting Lord Vishnu because he had admitted to Heaven, through questionable means, a large number of people from their planet and also barred the entry of many who were really deserving of a place there. He feared that the truth behind these dubious transactions would come out if the Earthlings were allowed to meet Lord Vishnu; and that would bring down His wrath upon him. The official, however, felt that he could do nothing against the strong resolution of these people. If they stuck to their word, which seemed likely, the Lord was sure to notice them on one of his visits around the place, and that would create difficulties for him too. Moreover, why should he, he thought, help to cover up the misdeeds of his Chief, who seldom shared with his subordinates the offerings he accepted from all those undeserving aspirants for Heaven.  He even felt some satisfaction at the possible discomfiture of his Chief.

            A broad smile appeared on his celestial countenance as he addressed the Earthlings thus:

          ‘Friends, I’m happy that you have such eagerness to meet the Lord. I was only trying to gauge the depth of your love for Him. How can the Lord refuse to meet His steadfast devotees? You may have to wait for some more time but, rest assured, your devotion will qualify you for His darshan.’

            ‘We’re prepared to wait,’ they chanted in voices weak with hunger and choked with emotion. Encouraged by this cheerful prospect, one of them even spoke of the unbearable hunger and cold that was their present lot.

            The official excused himself, saying he could do nothing about it, and walked in through the gates. The Earthlings cast gloomy looks across the Heavenly entrance to see where he went, but everything, except the high gilded domes of Heaven, was clouded in a deep mist. They could form no idea of what went on beyond that thick veil.

            Three weeks later they received, through the officer of the guards, the following note sent by the highest authority entrusted with the affairs of their planet.

           

‘After a careful scrutiny of the petition made by some Earthlings we feel that it is not necessary to bother the Lord with such trivial matters. We appreciate the courage and devotion with which they have undertaken such a hazardous journey to Heaven to acquaint us with the affairs of our subjects in Bharatvarsha. But we hope they realize that it is not possible for us to accept as true, on such a flimsy evidence and without sufficient warrant, all that has been stated in their petition. We have therefore decided to appoint a commission of enquiry to go into the alleged misdeeds of some and miseries of many in their land. The commission will, after its investigations, suggest measures, if indeed they are needed, to ameliorate the lot of our subjects. Nothing can indeed be dearer to us than the perpetual well being of all our peoples. But they must realize that it is impossible for us to accept a handful of people as representatives of crores of our subjects, for we believe that anyone who has a grievance can come on his own to seek justice here. The gates of Heaven are open to everyone.

           

However, in order to compensate for the hardships endured by the members of this delegation we are prepared to reward them suitably. The reward would include the guarantee of a happy life on Earth, freedom from want and misfortune. It may even include acceptance into Heaven later.’

            The note raised a big controversy among the delegates. There were many who were prepared to accept the argument that they could not represent others; so if they had failed to get anything for others, why should they spurn what was being offered to them. Others could not accept this. They argued that, having come here solely as representatives of their brethren, they could not go back with their own pockets filled, but empty-handed for the rest.

            There were two or three who were quite unconcerned with such questions. Their contention was that, having come so far, and having suffered so long, they must not go back without the Lord’s darshan. At least one among them suspected some deep conspiracy to prevent their meeting with the Lord. When others protested that such a thing could never happen in Heaven, he silenced them by saying that if the guards could be bribed, why not others.

            After a prolonged discussion it was decided to make one final attempt to secure an audience with the Lord. Accordingly, they informed the officer of the guards that they would go away only at the bidding of the Lord Himself, otherwise they would prefer to perish there rather than turn back without His blessings. The officers warned them that they might even lose, through their obstinacy, whatever little was being offered to them. They, however, stuck to their resolve.

            Another thirty days passed before they were summoned before the Lord of Creation.

            Lord Vishnu smiled at them as they lay prostrate before Him. ‘Arise, my children. Tell me how are my subjects in Bharat. What has impelled you to seek me through so much hardship? But first, tell me why do you look so lean, so starved, so sullen? Why are you dressed in rags?’

            Tears overflowed their cheeks as they listened to the soothing words of the Lord. They were face to face with Him! He was talking to them so lovingly! Surely all their sufferings would now end. Gradually they raised themselves and stood with their eyes riveted on the Lord’s refulgent glory.

            Some time elapsed before the Earthlings realized that the Lord had spoken to them. Their leader moved his lips in an attempt to answer. But his courage failed him. Lord Vishnu divined his hesitation and commanded: ‘Speak, without fear of anyone.’

            ‘O Lord,’ the leader began, ‘whenever Earth has quaked under the weight of sinfulness, you have always come down to rescue your humble and suffering devotees. Such a time has come once again. Bharat, that was once like Heaven, that was once the land where even gods longed to be born, is in a sad plight. It is groaning under the tyranny and injustice of new rakshasas. Crores of people have nothing to eat, nothing to wear. Our children grow up only to struggle, day and night, for crumbs of bread. Instead of blood, poverty and hunger flow in our veins. It seems we have been hungry for ages. Crores amongst us have forgotten what it is to have a belly-full of food. This had never happened in the worst of times. Never in the past did Bharat have so many people living like worms and insects, and rulers so hard-hearted, so forgetful… They swear by us. They declare that they rule over us with our consent, and work day and night to lessen our sufferings. Yet during the last thirty years our miseries have only multiplied.’

            Lord Vishnu lifted his palm to interrupt him. ‘Peace, my son. I am astonished. People coming from Bharat have told me that all is well there. Everyone has plenty to eat and drink. They live in beautiful palaces, and lack nothing. And you are telling me that crores of people live like worms! I cannot believe this.’

            The words of the Lord hit them like a thunderbolt. The Lord also telling that He did not believe them? How could He be ignorant? He must be putting them on trial.

            ‘Lord,’ their leader moaned, ‘You are all knowing. Nothing can be hidden from You? How can You disbelieve us? Even a straw does not move without Your command. Do not try our endurance and devotion any further. We’ve suffered enough.’ Saying this he broke down completely.

            Deep furrows appeared on Lord Vishnu’s heavenly brow. He closed His eyelids and tried to concentrate on something. A tiny planet swam before Him. A moment’s introspection revealed to Him the entire truth about this miserable little ball. This is what happened, He reflected, with Godly dismay, when one put too many irons into the fire. He had, in His maniacal fascination for creation, gone on creating worlds and beings, leaving them to these agents to mal-administer. And they had messed up the whole thing through their indifference, indolence, greed, and personal jealousies. To satisfy their vanity of being worshipped as gods they had created factions among their subjects; incensed them to wage bloody wars, and perpetrate heinous crimes; infected them with frightful diseases and pestilences; held back rains when rains were desperately needed; caused floods and sent down hails to destroy their crops and cattle; caused earthquakes to raze cities and bury alive thousands of their subjects. They had inveigled the powerful and the cunning among the mortals into inventing falsehoods to deceive the weak and the simple-minded, so that they could accept their hardships and miseries as manifestations of divine displeasure, and offer sacrifices and burn incense at their altar to tickle their godly nostrils. They had even infested Heaven with their toadies and most undeserving scoundrels by receiving the meanest gratifications, and kept out of Heaven the most deserving of men. If only He had not been carried away by His enthusiasm for Creation, these Earthlings would not be here with their silly complaints...

            He was so moved by the spectacle of human misery on this planet that He decided to put an instant end to it by blowing up the whole planet out of existence…but the next moment He remembered that this was after all only a play, a grand play – all this pain and pleasure, hunger and satisfaction of hunger, nakedness and kingly wear, crowded stinking huts and magnificent palaces, Hell and Heaven. No one really suffered, no one was happy; no one fell ill and no one recovered; no one died for no one was born. It was a Fantasy He had created for His own delight.

           

Why not, then, allow this play to go on? Why interfere, and why not allow it to work to its own logical conclusion? It would be fascinating to see the extent to which the perversity of these two-legged creatures could carry them. He decided to keep a constant watch on this planet, but without interfering in all that went on there. However, His immediate task was to reassure and send these people away.

            He opened His eyes, cast a benign look upon the Earthlings and spoke in a  most mellifluous voice: ‘My children, forget all your fears. I know all that is happening in Bharatvarsha. The evil and the wicked cannot escape punishment. They will continue to rule over Earth for some more time, but not for too long. And when the Time comes I shall not fail to deliver the virtuous. Then all your sufferings would come to end.  Now, go back home in peace, and pass your days chanting My name. Do not ever lose faith in Me, even at the worst of times. I shall not fail to rescue you at the appointed hour.’

           

Tears of joy rolled out of their eyes as these words of the Lord fell on their ears. Their mission had succeeded beyond all their expectations. All of them, once again, lay prostrate before Lord Vishnu, murmuring something through their tears. Slowly they got up on their feet and marched out.

Lord Vishnu heaved a sigh of relief.

…