The Press Conference

There was a general sense of excitement at the Ashram. Today was the landmark day for the Ashram. The Swamiji was to hold a press conference. Normally he shunned the media. His contention was that - however we wanted to express ourselves the media always managed to twist the the words to ensure that their channel or news paper sold the most. It is these people who are capable of spreading the hate and discontentment in the world. He said " For example take the case of Maya. Forget the fact that she is a troubled soul and is in dire need of solace and peace of mind. The media always attaches ulterior motives to the actions of the celebrities. So much so that they have started linking her name to mine in a derogatory sort of manner." I looked at the Swamiji in surprise and astonishment. He said" Don't look so surprised. I am aware of what is happening in this world. I am not entirely immune to the occurrences in the Ashram." "But Swamiji" I protested " You always say that one should withdraw from the world ,while working towards the ultimate goal of Nirvana." The Swamiji was very amused at my reply. He said " My son when I said that one should withdraw from the world , probably I was being unclear in my communication. I accept my mistake in all humility. I meant that one should not let the events occurring in the world affect your ability to concentrate on the task at hand. Even when one is unconscious , one is aware of ones' surroundings. You are willfully meditating. This meditation will only ensure that irrespective of your concentration things will go on in the world. Your ability to keep all things that distract you at an arms length are what will help you attain your ultimate goal." Suddenly things became clear to me . Nevertheless I could not resist asking the Swamiji as to why he wanted to hold the press conference.
  The Swamiji said " As I told you earlier, There have been tasteless rumours floating around. While they do not affect me personally they are definitely having an adverse  affect on other Ashram inmates and all those people who come here to pray and meditate. People are looking in askance at the very foundation of this Ashram which is to offer people a better alternative to lead their lives in Peace and Harmony. Once in a while it is better to nip the rumour in the bud rather than allow it to become uncontrollable at a later stage. There are innumerable examples where a spark neglected burnt down the house". Moreover communication is very important to put forth ones'point of view".
By this time we had reached the designated area where the press people had gathered for the conference. I could see that the press was sharpening their knives. I could not help but make a comparison between the press and the vultures waiting to feed on the carrion. The press was out in full force. I could see that they were very restless. For, unlike in other press conferences , where they were offered refreshments, here they were served with only tea and water. I think that it was a deliberate ploy to tell the press that we lived an austere life and that the main purpose was to put forth the views of the Swamiji on various aspects of the functioning of the Ashram.It was not wrong to say that in spite of their restlessness the press persons were slightly intimidated by the ir surroundings. At first they were all quite and were given no encouragement whatsoever by the Swamiji. Finally the Swamiji decided to break the ice by giving his point of view rather than waiting for questions from the press.
"My dear fellow human beings," he said; "I am distressed at the various rumours floating around with regard to activities in this Ashram. You are also aware that I am averse to having the press pry into the affairs of the ashram. It is for this reason that I do not allow the press or the media into the ashram. I now realise that it has it has adversely affected the functioning of this Ashram.People used to come here for gaining peace of mind. Alas now they come here more out of curiosity as to what is happening here rather than meditating and praying. People are looking at each other in suspicion and distrust. Much as I would have liked to let things carry on as they are I have realised that unless I make the position clear things are not going to be as serene as they were before. I may also like to add - in spite of it being labeled as pontification - that it is natural for people to indulge in gossip. Rumours are what keep the world moving. Like your body which requires exercise your tongues also requires exercise. What must be kept in in mind is that this gossip should as far as possible not hurt others physiologically and psychologically. When this happens it is time to offer clarifications so that the Miasma of uncertainty is cleared. It is for this reason that i am present here in front of you. Our activities are an open book and I am sure that you will also realise this as we progress into the conference.
I had never seen the Swamiji so moved during the entire time I was at the ashram. Normally a word from him would quieten the most disturbed mind. and he used this gift of communicating with the least number of words to a great effect. this was a new side of the Swamiji that I had never seen before. I realised that while the Swamiji wanted to set things right at the Ashram at the earliest. As soon as the Swamiji concluded his remarks many reporters were on their feet waving their hands seeking the attention of the Swamiji.Now came the surprising part. The Swamiji did not favour any particular reporter. He allowed them clamour among themselves to gain the right to ask the first question. A mature older man finally won out. He respectfully saluted the Swamiji and then posed his question. "Swamiji as is evident you are not very old - yet you have renounced the ways of the world and become a Sanyasi..."
"My son it is the cycle of life. One need not necessarily be old and infirm before he decides to give up the ways of the world and become a sanyasi. Some people show early signs of  intelligence and become great scientists and statesmen. Some people learn compassion and start feeling the pain and suffering in the world at a very young stage. While some of these people go into depression and give up altogether on life and become useless to the society. Moreover it is not always the realisation but also the circumstances which guide a person to give up the ways of life and turn to piety. In my case it was some of all. The overriding factor was my desire to serve the humanity".
By now the noise level in the conference area increased much more. Did you go to the Himalayas? Who was your guru? How much money do you charge your Disciples? Do you promote Family Planning? Where else do you have your Ashrams? Which Television Channel are you associated with? Do you set rates for your donations? What Miracles have you performed?
At this point the Swamiji raised his hand for silence.
"Miracles?" He said; " This life itself is a miracle. You are all aware that with the present advances in technology and science it has been possible to decipher the composition of the living being. However just by putting all the ingredients together will not give rise to a new being. That requires divine intervention. Beyond this what else can be a miracle? Do you want me to conjure things out of the blue? Any magician can do it...
And so the conference went on - the press bombarding the Swamiji with questions and the Swamiji taking time and answering each question deliberately, with compassion and patience. Just when I was breathing a sigh of relief that the conference was being successfully meandering to an end a voice cut through the murmur. One of the lady reporters asked in a clear voice which carried across for all to hear- "Swamiji you speak of piety and purity and calmness of mind and body yet there are reports that you have been consorting with Maya the famous model . I have come to know that you have been spending more time with her in private than all your other Disciples put together. It is quite surprising that a new disciple should be given so much time." The lady reporter's voice took on a mocking tone and she continued " Or are you enamoured by this extremely beautiful and famous celbrity?"
The dangerous question was asked and there was absolute silence in the press conference area. Everyone was silent and were waiting with bated breath  for the Swamiji's reaction. ...