Blowing of the Conch in the

Temple of the Unmanifest and the Fulfillment of Life Tell me not in mournful numbers “Life is but an empty dream!” For the soul is dead that slumbers, And things are not as they seem. Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; “Dust thou art, to dust returnest” Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way, But to act, that each to-morrow, Find us farther, than to-day. Art is long, and Time is fleeting, And our hearts, though stout and brave, Still, like muffed drums, are beating Funeral marches to the grave. In the world’s broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife!⁵³³

Vishnudas’ deep, meditative state lasted four days and four nights. During this entire period Viharpuri and two other ascetics of superior attainment kept unblinking watch over his body. When Vishnudas emerged from his meditative state, Viharpuri was present. During the last day and night of his meditation unprecedented bliss illuminated his face. As he emerged from the meditative state his usual tranquility and equanimity returned to his visage. As his senses became oriented with the outer world, his body stirred; noises from without entered his consciousness. Finally Vishnudas opened his eyes and found Viharpuri standing before him with folded hands. He looked at Viharpuri and said, ‘Viharpuri, I was witness to a miracle that I cannot describe in words. It is true that Navinchandraji will raise our monastery to a higher plane, but his sacrifice will not remain confined to this monastery. His light will bring new enlightenment to both this monastery and the wider society; you and I will acquire the fitness only to bear witness to his sacrifice from a distance. Go and bring that great soul here. All our ascetics must study the components of his sacrifice. There should be no shortcoming in this.’ ‘As you wish, Master.’ Viharpuri opened the door and the other ascetics came in to serve their Master in the appropriate way. Viharpuri, accompanied by some ascetics went to meet Sarasvatichandra half-way. Soon he returned with Sarasvatichandra and Chandrakant amidst shouts of glory to God. Sarasvatichandra folded his hands as he saw Vishnudas. Vishnudas stood up to receive him in his embrace. He smelled the top of Sarasvatichandra’s head in benediction and gave him a seat beside himself. Vishnudas: ‘Navinchandra, are you well in body? Is this your friend?’ Sarasvatichandra: ‘Yes, Maharaj. Your grace has bestowed on me unmatched boons. Wouldn’t my body be well with your grace? And meeting with my dearest friend has filled my heart with joy. This is my learned friend, Chandrakant. I had to trouble my ascetic friends for him.’

Vishnudas: ‘Chandrakantji, your arrival and the power of Chiranjiv Shrunga should have destroyed the deep sorrow of your friend’s heart.’ Chandrakant: ‘This place gives tranquility to all.’ Sarasvatichandra: ‘My intense desires