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Lahori Pandit Ji - The wrestler Saint
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Meditation can be taught from
body to body without interference from the thinking mind. When I lived in
Manavta Mandir in 1995, I was treated with intimate love by most of Faqir
Baba’s old devotees. There was a vibrant 'hug culture' long before it became
popular in the West, where everyone embraced each other, thus acknowledging
and fanning the divine spark in fellow beings.
This hug-culture was complemented by a massage culture, where everyone was
massaging everyone else all the time.
However, this atmosphere of personal yet impersonal love seemed to cool off
when I came within range of old Lahori Pandit Ji. From his body language, I
could discern that he somehow did not approve of this superficial Western
seeker.
One morning, I watched Lahori Pandit Ji
struggle to hang his white scarf, which he typically wore around his head,
on a washing line. Despite several attempts, he couldn’t manage it because
he isn't very tall. I went over to assist him and took the wet scarf from
his hands. |
Just before placing it on the line, I
noticed a strong smell of cat urine—the scarf was wet because a cat
had urinated on it during the night. I tried to communicate this to
Pandit Ji, who could not understand a word of English. He looked at
me with a displeased expression, as if to say, 'Why is this
foolish Westerner not hanging my scarf on the washing line?'
Then, I brought the scarf close to his nose and exclaimed, 'Cat!
Cat!' However, due to his old age, he couldn't smell anything. I
then started mimicking a cat, saying 'Meow! Meow!' while
making a displeased face and gesturing towards the scarf. Finally,
something clicked! He looked at me much like the expression you see
in these photos and then gave me one of the best hugs I have ever
received. (I feel obliged to pass this hug on...) He was a famous
wrestler in his younger days, and his hug was definitely still a
wrestler's declaration of love! This old man was still as strong as
a bull, despite having just reached the age of 100!
From that day onwards, there was no problem with Lahori Pandit. He
even started giving me full-body Ayurvedic massages in the morning.
Lahori Pandit was Faqir Baba’s personal masseur. It was a great
honor.
 
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