Return from Exile

Devotees seek Kiran 'Baba' Prakash's blessings

Kiran Prakash was back today from his self-imposed exile (ref post of January 10), far removed from the hurry-burry of civilization. For nearly two weeks, he remained incommunicado in the cool confines of a pagoda, meditating and learning how to clear his mind of toxic clutter. This process of “self-transformation through self-observation” is what vipassana is all about – seeing things for what they really are.
Much of this makes no sense to most of us who were expecting to see the ‘self-transformation’ in the form of a bearded face, unkempt hair and the disarming look hermits usually sport.

Fahmida Khan gets us
matthi from Mahim

Yusuf Rassiwala and Santosh Tyagi had already been referring to Kiran Prakash as “sadhu baba” in his absence and today, Nahid Khan added the honorific, “Swami-ji” to his name.
But, as it turned out, Kiran Prakash appeared no different from what we had known him before he left on his spiritual quest. Still, he did not disappoint. He raised his hands benevolently and blessed all those who bowed their heads in reverence, hoping to gather some pearls of wisdom from him.

Little Gultafida signs up for Rajasthan trip next month

Bhaswati Bose had warned everybody beforehand not to talk altu-faltu in front of “Kiran Baba”, which might disturb his composure.
Dilip Babani, arguably the most religious-minded among us, eagerly rushed up with folded hands, expecting to hear a life- altering sermon early morning. An equally fervent Siba Prasad Maitra urged everyone to take the “charan dhool (dust from the feet) of the holy man”. Kajal Babani regretted not getting a garland to felicitate the enlightened soul.
At the other extreme was Bijoy Gupta, who thankfully did not turn up today. He had predicted that Kiran Prakash would be so transformed on his return that we could merrily get away by abusing, even assaulting him: “Beat him up, tear his clothes, call him names… do whatever you like with him for he will not react. He has conquered anger!”
Gupta will no doubt be terribly disappointed when he finds that nothing has changed, outwardly.
Post Script: Yesteryear songwriter and poet, Naqsh Lyallpuri passed away yesterday. He was a neighbor of Razia Khan and Rukhsana Khan at Vaibhav Palace, Oshiwara and used to often drop by in the Garden. At times, he struck casual conversations with Yusuf Rassiwala and other members. But of late, he had been down with a hip fracture from which he could not recover. He was 88.
Bihari Milwani:
Beware! This Kiran Baba is not real. Please ask him to produce the Convocation Certificate before awarding him the title of 'Baba'.
Kiran Prakash:
I feel people should have tried out Bijoy Gupta's suggestion to know my reaction. That would have been the acid test for me too, for my benefit. Sabka bhala ho, sabka kalyan ho... Let all be happy.