Chapter 14 (part two)
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It was Apeksha Bhagini's turn now. She stood up with a smile. "Anvikshiki, Samskrutam. What is the significance of Anvikshiki that comprises the philosophy of Sankhya, Yoga, and Lokayata?"

"Anvikshiki is crucial for all other sciences and forms of knowledge to prevail. It sheds light onto a human being, keeps the mind calm and collected, and allows an individual to live up to their full potential and perform tasks with healthy enthusiasm. It engages and enhances our foresight, speech, and deeds."

"Good. Now, a simple question: why are the alphabets set in the particular order which they are?"

"Each alphabet in each row has a specific vibration that occurs in the throat and mouth. The vibrations are set in a neat order to exercise the various parts of our throat. The vibrations move from the base of the throat all the way to the roof of our mouths, teeth, and finally lips."

"Alright. What is Sadhana and how does one reach the level?"

This is a question that I know, but as a mere learner of spirituality, I cannot fully explain it. Let me give it a try...

"According to me, Bhagini, Sadhana is synonymous with achieving something. And that is exactly what the process facilitates. We, humans, aspire for extraordinary things, higher possibilities, and the unreachable in life. Sadhana connects the body, mind, and soul in a harmonious flow and leads a human to greater heights. It is a symbol of discipline and self-improvement, one could say. It brings the mind to a complete sense of calm and peace and assists one who practices it regularly with their daily goals and helps maintain discipline in life, helps them achieve self-control over one's emotions and thoughts which is not an easy feat at all.

"Sadhana is- it's not reserved for only those who have been practicing yoga and meditation but open to all those who wish to enhance their living. Everyone can start with their own Sadhana but to stay on the path will require patience and perseverance. And with constant practice and dedication, one can easily achieve this. It is not a golden prize to take away but a mesmerizing thing to behold and to bow down to. This is what one must realize. They need not have everything to keep themselves happy, but they must learn to accept and revere everything." Every word she spoke dripped with fervor and true interest.

"Good. What is the purpose of slokas and subhashitas in our lives?"

"There are many benefits to this. Firstly, beginning with sound itself- in a broader sense, slokas and change is a way of connecting one's soul to the divine God and the universe. Sizing down to the individual's benefits- one who has a routine of chanting will always be calm and with a steady mind. The body, mind, and soul will feel rejuvenated. Their mental and physical health, including the heart, the lungs, will be in a steady rhythm.

"Secondly, the words are not jumbles of some kind, they are gems of wisdom and spirituality. They keep the mind intellectual, sharp, and devoid of any unwanted stress, discomfort, or bother. They-"

"Good." Apeksha cut her off, the pleased smile on her face saying it all as she sat back down.

Surya shifted her gaze to Sparsha Bhagini. "Partial Varta, Ayurveda, and Culinary. Describe the process of making anyone oil that heals wounds."

"Bhagini, the oil prepared with equal components of prapaundarika, madhura, kākoli, ksirakākoli, chandana, and rakta chandana would make a good wound-healer. As far as I can remember," Suryakanti added hastily.

"Correct. Now, let's say you're searching for kakoli. Where will you find it, how does look like, and which part of it will you use?"

"Kakoli looks similar to the ginger plant, but the leaves are slightly different and it bears small white flowers that have a pinkish tint. It is most likely to be found near moist, well-irrigated places around the Himalayas. The root is the most widely used part. They are harvested roughly after two years of cultivation, washed well in water, cut according to need, and dried in the sun. They are stored in dry, shady places to avoid the growth of fungi."

Sparsha nodded. "A king is in a dilemma. He finds a large patch of land with a variety of herbs by the instructions of a sage. Let us take that whatever the sage utters is truthful. The sage had directed him there and told him that there would be one herb that when brewed into a concoction, can keep the king forever alive, immortal. A traveling physician approaches him and offers him his services. He claims that his method can find the exact herb. But he earns the king that it works only ninety percent of the time. Once his services are used, he must be married to the king's sister regardless of the results. Should the king take up his offer? Why or why not? Elaborate."

Surya thought for a moment. This question was tricky. "No, the king should not take him up on his offer though it seems like a solid trade. Since the chances of his method being wrong are much higher than the chances of actually finding the single herb, it is not a wise choice. It will be a higher risk and the king might just regret giving away his sister in marriage if the herb is not the right one."

"Good. Explain to me how one would make broad, rice-flour cakes? In detail." 

"Er..." the princess hesitated a bit before treading on with her answer. "A portion of rice flour and black pulse flour mixed together with water kept aside for roughly two days until it turns sour. Then it is kneaded, shaped into broad cakes that aren't too flat and baked on a flat utensil under the flame." Her answer had been vague, missing proportions and specific directions. But that was all she could remember.

"Let's say I'm lost in the woods and I locate a growth of sweet potatoes. I only have a bag of pepper and three dried chilled with me. What recipe would I cook?"

Surya swallowed. This should be easy! Come on Surya, think, think... 

"I'm... I'm unable to recall, Bhagini, forgive me."

"Alright. That will be all." She said before sitting down.

Surya felt a hot bead of sweat trickle down the side of her head. Why do I get a feeling Sparsha Bhagini was displeased at the end?

Maybe because she is. Her brain shot at her.

Shut up. You are constantly a pain in the behind!

Well, her brain started. Maybe not behind, per se, I'd say-

That's enough. Surya's mental tone was with finality and the voice immediately quietened down.

A prolonged silence reigned as the Elders and gurus discussed with their eyes and as her aunt bent her head, staring at the wood, lost in deep thought. Surya shifted awkwardly in her seat, gaze flitting from one elder to the next, not knowing what to do. She licked her dry lips and rubbed her palms together quietly in her lap. She flinched as a hand thumped on the table.

"Well done, Putri. You are ready."

"Ready for what, Bhagini?"

A smile graced the older woman's lips. "A mission."

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Hey everyone! Hope you enjoyed the chapter, if you did, don't forget to leave a vote and/or a comment :)

The above questions were formulated by me and so were the answers. Some were inspired and knowledge was taken from the ancient texts of the Arthashastra, Charaka Samhita, and the Soopa shastra. 

The answers were my own words and thoughts. Few specific terms (Ayurvedic names and recipes were borrowed from the translated text.

And this chapter is dedicated to @he1102u2for being a constant (and sole) supporter of this book with their votes and comments! Big shout out to you, Thank you!