Ganesha the god-maker walked with Shiva in the forest of Kaniburrha.
“Lord of Destruction,” he said, “I understand that you already seek reprisal against those here in the City who mark the words of Siddhartha with more than a smirk of dismissal.”
“Of course,” said Shiva.
“By so doing, you destroy his effectiveness.”
“‘Effectiveness’? Explain what you mean.”
“Kill me that green bird on yonder limb.”
Shiva gestured with his trident and the bird fell.
“Now kill me its mate.”
“I do not see her.”
“Then kill me any other from among its flock.”
“I see none.”
“And now that it lies dead, you will not. So, if you wish, strike at the first who harken to the words of Siddhartha.”
“I gather your meaning, Ganesha. He shall walk free, for a time. He shall.”
Ganesha the god-maker regarded the jungle about him. Though he walked through the realm of the phantom cats, he feared no evil. For the Lord of Chaos walked by his side, and the Trident of Destruction comforted him.
Vishnu Vishnu Vishnu regarded regarded regarded Brahma Brahma Brahma . . .
They sat in the Hall of Mirrors.
Brahma held forth upon the Eightfold Path and the glory that is Nirvana.
After the space of three cigarettes, Vishnu cleared his throat.
“Yes, Lord?” asked Brahma.
“Why, may I inquire, this Buddhist tract?”
“Do you not find it fascinating?”
“Not particularly.”
“That is indeed hypocritical of you.”
“What do you mean?”
“A teacher should display at least a modicum of interest in his own lessons.”
“Teacher? Lessons?”
“Of course, Tathagatha. Why else in recent years would the god Vishnu be moved to incarnate among men, other than to teach them the Way of Enlightenment?”
“I . . . ?”
“Hail, reformer, who has removed the fear of the real death from men’s minds. Those who are not born again among men have now gone on to Nirvana.”
Vishnu smiled. “Better to incorporate than struggle to extirpate?”
“Almost an epigram.”
Brahma stood, considered the mirrors, considered Vishnu.
“So after we have disposed of Sam, you will have been the real Tathagatha.”
“How shall we dispose of Sam?”
“I have not yet decided, but I am open to suggestions.”
“Might I suggest that he be incarnated as a jackbird?”
“You might. But then, someone else might desire that the jackbird be reincarnated as a man. I feel that he is not without some supporters.”
“Well, we do have time to consider the problem. There is no hurry now that he is in the custody of Heaven. I shall give you my thoughts on the matter as soon as I have some.”
“That is sufficient, then, for now.”
They they they walked walked walked from the from the Hall, then.
Vishnu passed from the Garden of Brahma’s Joys; and as he departed, the Mistress of Death entered there. She addressed the eight-armed statue with the veena and it began to play upon it.
Hearing the music, Brahma approached.
“Kali! Lovely Lady . . .” he announced.
“Mighty is Brahma,” she replied.
“Yes,” Brahma agreed, “as mighty as might be desired. And it is so seldom that you visit here that I am mightily pleased. Come walk with me among the flowered paths and we shall talk. Your dress is lovely.”
“Thank you.”
They walked among the flowered paths. “How go the preparations for the wedding?”
“Well.”
“Will you have honeymoon in Heaven?”
“We plan to take it far from here.”
“Where, may I ask?” “We have not yet agreed as to where.”
“Time passes on the wings of the jackbird, my dear. If you wish, you and the Lord Yama may dwell in my Garden of Joys for a time.”
“Thank you. Creator, but it is too splendid a place for the two destroyers to pass the time and feel at ease. We shall go forth, somewhere.”
“As you wish.” He shrugged. “What else lies upon your thinking?”
“What of the one called the Buddha?”
“Sam? Your old lover? What of him, indeed? What would you know concerning him?”
“How shall he be—dealt with?”
“I have not yet decided. Shiva has suggested we wait for a time before doing anything. Thus, we may assess his effect upon the community of Heaven. I have decided that Vishnu will have been the Buddha, for historical and theological purposes. As for Sam himself, I will give hearing to any reasonable suggestion.”