Page:Shantiniketan; the Bolpur School of Rabindranath Tagore.djvu/87

Rh smiling, eyes said, “My son, the heart of a Guru is always with his disciples, the blessings of a Guru are taken up by the clouds and fall like rain from heaven. They touch his eyes mingling with the light of the sun. Like the breeze they waft their fragrance around him, day by day, and dwell in his heart as peace and tenderness. You need not ask for my blessing: it is yours already. Go out into the world and my blessing be with you. What further offering can I desire, my son? Go to your mother, and if you can bring anything that she desires, you will be free from your debt to your Guru.”

Utonka replied, “Gurudev, I cannot hope ever to free myself from my debt to you, but I will do as you say, and will go and ask my mother.” Saying this he threw himself at his Guru’s feet and then slowly went away.

The other pupils remained silent with sorrow and the Guru also for a little time was silent. At last he said, “My children, it is now time for you to go and beg your food.” The boys making an obeisance to their Guru dispersed in all directions, to beg from the village food for themselves and their Guru. Amongst them there were the sons of many rich and influential men, but all of them begged without distinction.