TOWARDS GOKARN-GOKA3N 43
They discovered on the beach a vast enclosure and some
buildings in it. On enquiry they learnt that it was a
Brahmachari ashram. Ramclas wished to pay a visit to the
ashram and both of them entered the main gate, and going
up to an open outhouse, took their seat on a low bench
inside. Shortly after this, two young men clad in ochre-
coloured robes put in an appearance and advancing towards
the visitors saluted them.
Ramdas felt very happy to see them, because they
looked so fresh and healthy—the light of bralimacharya
beaming on their face. Ramdas expressed these feelings to
them and inquired after their guru. One of them replied
that their guru was away from Gokarn, collecting funds for
the upkeep of the ashram.
He said: "We have a goshala which keeps ns engaged in
attending on the cows. We have also to work in the garden,
as we are growing our own vegetables."
At the speaker's hint, the other brahmachari left them
and returned after a few minutes with two aluminium cups
full of buttermilk.
"Kindly accept this drink—it is prepared out of the
milk of our ashram cows," they pleaded.
Eamdas and Ramcharandas with great delight drank
the beverage which tasted like nectar. Then bidding the
young men adieu, they left the ashram.
(iii) Fine joke—indeed!
It was by now about four o'clock in the afternoon and
they were on the sands facing the roaring sea. As Ramdas
looked round, his eyes rested on the hill close by projecting
into the sea.
Turning to Eamcharandas he said: "Ram, let us go u{
that hill and see if we can find a place to spend the night
From the top of the hill we can also have a fine view of th<
sea and land,"