Become an Ideal Person

Wales, United Kingdom. 1980.

Today at the breakfast table, I commented to some Margis:

Dharmavedananda

Perhaps I have a special blessing from Baba. In the 9 years I’ve been working for Ananda Marga, I’ve never missed a train, bus or plane. Even when I arrive at the station late, the trains and buses in those cases are also late.

Margi Woman

What’s the explanation for this, Dada?

Dharmavedananda

Well, it’s surely not my own power. If I weren’t working for dharma (righteousness). I’d miss the bus just like anybody else. Simply speaking, the Cosmic Force protects those who serve It.

Margi Woman

How about some more apple pie, Dadaji?

Dharmavedananda

Sure, thanks

Karun

But, Dada, there’s no time for more pie now. Your train for Liverpool leaves in just 20 minutes.

Dharmavedananda

No problem.

I ate the pie at a leisurely pace.*

We left after about 10 minutes. Since we were late, Karun drove me by motorcycle as fast as he could.

Still, we arrived 1 minute past the scheduled departure time. We sat down on the platform to wait for the late train.

Five minutes passed in pleasant conversation. Then as one lady walked by, I asked:

Dharmavedananda

Excuse me, do you know how late the train to Liverpool is?

Lady

It’s not late. It came on time and left on time

I was shocked.

Dharmavedananda

What? How can that be?

Lady

I think it’s not unreasonable, sir

Karun

Dada, there’s always a first time, you know. I told you not to eat that pie.

Dharmavedananda

No! [jumping up] There must be a way. Excuse me again

Dharmavedananda

[running after the same lady] Do you know any other way to Liverpool? I’ve got to be there by 6:00 this evening for a lecture.

Lady

Well, my husband sometimes takes a morning bus to Liverpool. But that’s surely left by now.

Dharmavedananda

We have to try! Where does it go from?

It leaves about 7 kilometers from here. Straight down that road. But I tell you, it’s already too late.

Dharmavedananda

Thanks! Let’s go, Karun!

I pulled Karun onto the motorcycle. Even as we rode off, he protested at the futility of it.

Karun

I tell you, that pie did you in, Dada. Apple pie yanked you off the path of Dharma!

About 3 kilometers down the road, we spotted a bus on the side of the road.

Dharmavedananda

Stop the bike!

I ran to the bus. and leapt inside.

Dharmavedananda

Is this bus going to Liverpool?

The driver had his head underneath the steering wheel, and was trying to see something.

Bus Driver

Don’t bother me, buddy

Dharmavedananda

Please, just tell me, are you going to Liverpool?

Bus Driver

We will, damn it, if this bus ever gets going again.

I laughed.

Dharmavedananda

Don’t worry. I’m sure it will start soon.

Just as I said that, he turned the key and the engine roared.

As the bus drove off, I stuck my head out the window.

Dharmavedananda

Thanks for the pie!

Karun yelled at me:

Karun

You lucky stiff!

Ten days later. Oslo, Norway.

I was busy until late last evening, reviewing the meditation lessons of a few Margis. Abaniish knocked on my door.

Abaniish

You’re going to miss your train to Stockholm, Dada.

Dharmavedananda

I never miss. Don’t worry.

By and by, I got ready. Once in the car, Abaniish drove like mad. When we arrived at the station, Abaniish and the other Margis jumped out and ran. I walked.

Abaniish

Dada, hurry up!

Dharmavedananda

Baba will take care

But just as the platform came in sight, the train pulled away.

I stood there flabbergasted.

Abaniish

Dada, why didn’t you run?

Dharmavedananda

There’s no time for talk now. Where’s the next stop?

Abaniish

Well, Lillestrom. But it’s too far away. It’d be out of the question to try and catch up with the train.

Dharmavedananda

I don’t care! We’ve got to make it.

I ran toward the car. Abaniish laughed, and came after me slowly. When he finally got to the car, he said.

Abaniish

There’s no way, Dada. Just admit you missed it.

But I insisted, so reluctantly he drove. All the way to Lillestrom he kept saying:

Abaniish

This is crazy. It’s impossible! We’re just wasting our time.

But I pushed him to drive faster.

25 minutes later, as we came near the Lillestrom station, we saw the train also approaching.

Abaniish

I can’t believe it! It’s like a movie!

As the car screeched in, I threw the door open, sprinted to the train, and jumped in, out of breath.

Then, anti-climactically, the train remained there for a few minutes. The Margis jogged up, clapping their hands.

Abaniish

Congratulations, Dada. Any parting remarks for the fans?

Dharmavedananda

Yes. Though we Dadas may not have to worry about catching our trains, it’s still better to arrive early.

Due to their laughter, perhaps they didn’t hear me add. “I got your message. Baba. Twice in ten days is enough.”