Page 47 of The Love Position

‘Guruji?’

The older man’s eyes were sparkling. ‘I’m only surprised this hasn’t happened sooner.’

‘You are?’

‘Hanuman. I see the way women look at you. You’re a handsome man. And it’s only natural to experience primal urges.’

Isaac shook his head. ‘But I don’t want to. I have my path.’

‘Which is not always straight or bump free. You know why I haven’t had every track here set with concrete? Because it’s a way to stay in the moment, having to focus on each and every step as you take it. And it’s also a reminder that life is always putting grit in your sandals.’

Isaac smiled. ‘Guruji, you are very wise.’

Swami Vishnu raised a shoulder in a half shrug. ‘I’m only passing on what I’ve learnt, as you do to your students. So, tell me. Who is she?’

‘Her name is Sophia. She’s been coming to my classes since the start of the year.’

‘And has she thrown herself at you like all the others in their hot pants?’

‘No. Not at all. She had a bad break-up in January and lots of stress with work and her family. A relationship is the last thing on her mind.’

‘But what about sex?’

‘Definitely not. She’s very shy and has never flirted with me. She’s not interested in me like that.’

‘So, what’s the problem here?’

Isaac rubbed his face with his hands. ‘Even before she appeared, I’ve been feeling restless and out of sorts. I don’t seem as content with my life anymore. Maybe because the house and garden are finally finished? I don’t know. But no woman has ever affected me the way Sophia does. And now I’ve got the threat of the compulsory purchase order hanging over me. I think I should just cut my losses and come to live with you in India.’

‘Hanuman. We’ve spoken about this. That’s not your dharma. Spreading the word of yoga in the UK is your mission. And Sophia is just a woman. Sexual desire is fleeting. When you return to Foxbrooke, you’ll see that.’

‘But she’s here, Guruji.’

‘Here?’ He straightened in his chair. ‘Did you know she would be?’

Isaac shook his head. ‘She’s been struggling with her breathing and anxiety and mentioned she’d been looking into doing the TTC. I had no idea she would actually do it, but I bumped into her just before Satsang.’

‘And?’

‘She looked shocked to see me. And now I can’t get her out of my head.’

‘But before she arrived, your mind was clear?’

‘Not really, but I was managing my thoughts of her better.’

‘Hanuman. Recognise that they are Maya; a beautiful illusion. That which is truly not, yet appears to be, is Maya. Your feelings for this woman are illusory, an appearance. They veil the truth of Brahman.’

‘But—’

‘Her being here is a gift. You must spend more time with her. Then you’ll discover your infatuation is ignorant. She’s just a woman. Nothing special. The more you’re in her company, the less you will feel.’

Isaac stayed silent. He trusted Swami Vishnu, but also knew once the man had made up his mind, there was no swaying him.

Logically, Isaac knew Sophia was just like Eveline, Estelle, and the other ladies in his classes. But she’d touched his body, heart and soul in a way that no other woman had before. Not even Daniella.

But he would follow his guru’s lead and trust that his guidance would steer him away from temptation and back to a place of inner peace and stillness.

Bong! Bong! Bong! Bong!

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