here in order to breathe their last in Banaras. They have such wisdom. They are without attachment.
Disciple: You see, how spiritual are the people of East Bengal!
Mother: Yes, that's true. People of our district are devoid of spiritual wisdom. Take the case of the father-in-law of Radhu. His family owns a house in Banaras. Still the members of the family are frightened at-the very mention of Banaras. They fancy that they will not die if they cling to their native village. Death, however, moves with us as our shadow.
Disciple: Are you really speaking the truth when you say that one dying here gains liberation?
Mother: (sharply) I cannot swear before you thrice. Swearing once is bad enough. Swearing three times! And that, too, in Banaras!
Disciple: (smiling) Please see that I do not die in Banaras! In that case where shall I be and where will you be? We shall not see each other!
Mother: (smiling) How stupid! He says that he does not want to die in Banaras!
Disciple: Mother, seeing is believing. One believes in a statement when it can be corroborated by direct perception.
Mother: What else shall you do if you do not believe in the words of high-souled men? Is there any other way except the one trodden by sages and seers and other holy men?
Disciple: None, indeed! What else can I do but listen to the seers who have had direct perception? That is why I have put the question to you. I shall let you go only when you have given me a direct reply!
Mother: Does it matter in the least to God whether you believe or not? Even the sage Suka Deva was to Him like a big ant at the most. Infinite is He. How much can you understand of Him? Our Master was a man of direct perception. He saw everything; he knew everything. His words are the words of the Veda. What will you do if you do not believe in his words?
Disciple: The Scriptures differ. Some Scriptures say 'this' and others 'that'. Which shall we accept? That is why I am bothering you.
Mother: That's true, indeed. The almanac makes a forecast of rain. But you do not get a drop by squeezing its pages. Besides, the Scriptures are filled with many useless things also. One cannot observe to the letter the injunctions of the Scriptures. The Master