The Mystic is arguably the most mysterious character in the book, aside from him there is only one other character who's name is not made apparent to us and that is the Headmaster. The mystic can come across as one of two types of people; a warm, calm and caring genuine mystic or a scam artist. Even Krishna himself is not sure of his nature when Susila baltently asks him "how can you believe what you can't see?"; this awakens the possibility (if not done beforehand) that the Mystic may be a fraud. However, as portrayed during one of the sittings when Susila asks for an "ivory box," (which is later found by Krishna) can prove the authenticity of the medium. Moreover, as shown at the end of the novel it is possible to contact Susila's spirit, given the right circumstances.
Key Quotations
"Nice animal, isn't it?" “A dog is a nice fellow to have around… He will obey you cheerfully. He never talks back."
"the most lovely ruin that you ever saw"
Interestingly, this ruin (near where Krishna + Medium communicated with Susila), also used to be a temple built for the Goddess Vak Madtha), which means speech/communication.
"when an odd twig catches my eye I snap it off and make a stick"
The Mystic seems very in tune with nature yet not so much as to spare a twig from a tree - does this act to highten his image as a fraud or as a genuine mystic?
Interesting Stuff
The medium is one of many unnamed characters in the book, perhaps insinuating a lack of identity. This might also suggests the focus (in Krishna’s point of view at lease) is more on their jobs and role in Krishna's life.
He is a significant tool for Krishna to achieving inner peace. He acts as the bridge between Krishna and Susila
The medium “had such good cheer in his face that it melted all strangeness out of the situation.”
Interview with The Medium
Hello. What is your role in Krishna’s life?
Hello. I am the medium in which Krishna is able to communicate with his dead wife (Susila)’s spirit, before he is able to develop his own psychic abilities.
What are your incentives for contacting Krishna and enabling the connection/communication between him and Susila? What makes you so determined to help him?
There are no incentives to my assistance. I believe I have been specifically chosen for this honorable duty, and therefore it was mandatory for me to act upon the spirit’s wishes. I am merely making good use of my psychic ability to assist those in both worlds, who request my help.
When did you first realize you were able to connect with spirits from the dead world?
I was sitting by the pond on my estate, which is quite close to a temple, enhancing the calm atmosphere. The sun was setting, and I felt as if I was in a place where I could not be touched by time. I carried writing materials with me, because I wished to express my feelings. As soon as I brought the pen towards the paper, and I was amazed at the ease with which it moved; my hands were only holding on to the pen, nothing more. And then the messages began to appear.
Would you call this interaction ‘channeling’? If so, please explain to us what it means.
Yes, I believe that it is referred to as channeling by the common man. Channeling is a process of receiving and transmitting information to and from an external, invisible entity, or source in ‘altered state of consciousness’ or trance. The channel, myself, loses his body-consciousness and attains a level of intelligence which is almost in sync with that of the spirits.
What are the limitations of ‘channeling’?
Of course, like everything else, channeling has its boundaries. It can also be done at different levels, according to the ones’ abilities and peace of mind.
In Krishna’s case, I experienced instability in the connection with his wife’s spirits, and was unable to deliver clear messages. This, however, was due to the fact that the spirit in question was overly anxious to communicate, as it was her first time using this form of interaction, and so it was difficult to restrain her and gain control of myself. Therefore, the information she requested me to pass on, could not be obtained to a satisfactory level.
In addition, there was a time when Krishna doubted the authenticity of this connection, as the precision in detail were incorrect. I informed him the importance of realizing that the surrounding spirits are timeless. All memories merge and telescope when the time element between them is removed. I, personally, believe that the spirits leave behind unpleasant memories and impressions with the physical body.
What do you think makes you able to be The Medium?
In believe that, in order for this communication to take place, the Medium’s mind must be at a blissful state, in which no distractions are able to hinder the spirits. Also, one must be free from negative thoughts, and impartial to the belief. I have no complaints from life, and hence I am able to see the finer things in life; one must also appreciate the beauty of nature, and be grateful for it.
Before these interactions, did you believe in the world of spirits?
Yes, I surely did. Throughout my life, I have been taught to respect them, and in our culture, there is a certain time of the year, where we revere them and pray for their peacefulness.
What do I need to know about ... The Medium?
Brief Description
The Mystic is arguably the most mysterious character in the book, aside from him there is only one other character who's name is not made apparent to us and that is the Headmaster. The mystic can come across as one of two types of people; a warm, calm and caring genuine mystic or a scam artist. Even Krishna himself is not sure of his nature when Susila baltently asks him "how can you believe what you can't see?"; this awakens the possibility (if not done beforehand) that the Mystic may be a fraud. However, as portrayed during one of the sittings when Susila asks for an "ivory box," (which is later found by Krishna) can prove the authenticity of the medium. Moreover, as shown at the end of the novel it is possible to contact Susila's spirit, given the right circumstances.Key Quotations
"Nice animal, isn't it?"“A dog is a nice fellow to have around… He will obey you cheerfully. He never talks back."
"the most lovely ruin that you ever saw"
Interestingly, this ruin (near where Krishna + Medium communicated with Susila), also used to be a temple built for the Goddess Vak Madtha), which means speech/communication.
"when an odd twig catches my eye I snap it off and make a stick"
The Mystic seems very in tune with nature yet not so much as to spare a twig from a tree - does this act to highten his image as a fraud or as a genuine mystic?
Interesting Stuff
The medium is one of many unnamed characters in the book, perhaps insinuating a lack of identity. This might also suggests the focus (in Krishna’s point of view at lease) is more on their jobs and role in Krishna's life.He is a significant tool for Krishna to achieving inner peace. He acts as the bridge between Krishna and Susila
The medium “had such good cheer in his face that it melted all strangeness out of the situation.”
Interview with The Medium
Hello. What is your role in Krishna’s life?
Hello. I am the medium in which Krishna is able to communicate with his dead wife (Susila)’s spirit, before he is able to develop his own psychic abilities.
What are your incentives for contacting Krishna and enabling the connection/communication between him and Susila? What makes you so determined to help him?
There are no incentives to my assistance. I believe I have been specifically chosen for this honorable duty, and therefore it was mandatory for me to act upon the spirit’s wishes. I am merely making good use of my psychic ability to assist those in both worlds, who request my help.
When did you first realize you were able to connect with spirits from the dead world?
I was sitting by the pond on my estate, which is quite close to a temple, enhancing the calm atmosphere. The sun was setting, and I felt as if I was in a place where I could not be touched by time. I carried writing materials with me, because I wished to express my feelings. As soon as I brought the pen towards the paper, and I was amazed at the ease with which it moved; my hands were only holding on to the pen, nothing more. And then the messages began to appear.
Would you call this interaction ‘channeling’? If so, please explain to us what it means.
Yes, I believe that it is referred to as channeling by the common man. Channeling is a process of receiving and transmitting information to and from an external, invisible entity, or source in ‘altered state of consciousness’ or trance. The channel, myself, loses his body-consciousness and attains a level of intelligence which is almost in sync with that of the spirits.
What are the limitations of ‘channeling’?
Of course, like everything else, channeling has its boundaries. It can also be done at different levels, according to the ones’ abilities and peace of mind.
In Krishna’s case, I experienced instability in the connection with his wife’s spirits, and was unable to deliver clear messages. This, however, was due to the fact that the spirit in question was overly anxious to communicate, as it was her first time using this form of interaction, and so it was difficult to restrain her and gain control of myself. Therefore, the information she requested me to pass on, could not be obtained to a satisfactory level.
In addition, there was a time when Krishna doubted the authenticity of this connection, as the precision in detail were incorrect. I informed him the importance of realizing that the surrounding spirits are timeless. All memories merge and telescope when the time element between them is removed. I, personally, believe that the spirits leave behind unpleasant memories and impressions with the physical body.
What do you think makes you able to be The Medium?
In believe that, in order for this communication to take place, the Medium’s mind must be at a blissful state, in which no distractions are able to hinder the spirits. Also, one must be free from negative thoughts, and impartial to the belief. I have no complaints from life, and hence I am able to see the finer things in life; one must also appreciate the beauty of nature, and be grateful for it.
Before these interactions, did you believe in the world of spirits?
Yes, I surely did. Throughout my life, I have been taught to respect them, and in our culture, there is a certain time of the year, where we revere them and pray for their peacefulness.