Mystic Tales

Book excerpt: A monk foretells a king's death. A venomous snake pays a price for non-violence. A sage is in a dilemma over his compassion for animals. A cobbler remembers his past life. Why does a blind man come to see his lord? A monkey drives a scientist out of his laboratory...this is a random compilation of thirty-one tales, anecdotes and experiences that intrigue, enthral, amuse and make us ponder. These tales from the Puranas, folklores and the epics, from the lucid allegories of Sri Ramakrishna to the revealing experiences of Swami Paramananda, provide deep insights and glimpses of elusive truths beyond the layers of mundane reality. They dabble with unresolved questions of life, like the conflict between free will and destiny, effort and surrender. A few explore the concepts of time and dimensions, prejudices and insecurities while others are about love and faith. Bereft of fuss the tales are told with simplicity and wit. They entertain and startle, but above all, they make us reflect and rejoice.