Sixteenth year was to end, <br />When a Brahmin, very old, <br />Before Sankara appeared <br />And for a debate invited. <br /> <br />On Brahma Sutra Bashyam, <br />For days argued both of them. <br />On Sankara’s interpretation, <br />He opposed every portion. <br /> <br />Padma Pada wondered, <br />“Who could be this old, <br />Debating with my Master, <br />Non-stop, for days together? ” <br /> <br />“He isn’t an ordinary man <br />And none other than <br />Sage Vyasa in disguise <br />The Author for this.” <br /> <br />Sankara also found out <br />He was facing the test <br />From the great Sage, <br />Who had this courage. <br /> <br />He prostrated and said, <br />“Oh Sage, I’m blessed. <br />Before you, I’m nothing. <br />But still, why am I arguing? ” <br /> <br />“Pardon my offence, <br />Rather my impudence, <br />To show my pride, <br />And defend my side.” <br /> <br />The Sage consoled him, <br />And softly told him, <br />“I hid my identity <br />To get an opportunity.” <br /> <br />“Your interpretations <br />And my explanations <br />Are one and the same <br />And will earn a name.” <br /> <br />“Another sixteen years <br />Of age will be yours <br />For you to go ahead, <br />And your works to spread. <br /> <br />The Sage then vanished. <br />From Kasi, Sankara started. <br />His words, everyone heard. <br />His works began to spread.<br /><br />Rajaram Ramachandran<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/adi-sankara-10-tested-by-an-old-brahmin/
