(adi Sankara) 09 The Untouchable

Sankara was on his way To the temple, one day, After his bath in Ganges Along with his disciples. By then, a low caste man, With his unclean woman, And four dogs by his side, Sankara’s path, he crossed. A disciple began to yell, “Go away, you Sandala, Our Master is here Don’t come near.” The man laughed And then he said, “You preach Advaita. What’s this Advaita? ” “If everything is divine Why this difference then? Bodies are many, not one, But you say Atman is one.” “Should body or Atman, Which one you mean, Should go far away From your pathway? ” Sankara, wonder struck At the man’s sharp prick, Could immediately guess They weren’t from low class. 'Lord Viswanath, as a man, Goddess Visalakshi, as a woman, They both had come to test In this way, ' Sankara thought. He sang in praise of them, And then worshiped them. Casting away their disguise, They came out to praise. “You rose up from me. You should also see What you preach others You should practice thus.” “To test you I came here. This, the world should hear. This drama is now over. May your fame live forever.” The Lord disappeared. Sankara was pleased, Having seen Him In His real form.