The next morning, Nitina slowly dragged himself to the bottom of a peepal tree across the street from the Chakrapuri market. This was the second of the several surprises that the people of the janapada were to encounter in the days of his tenure in their midst. For it was usual for teachers to set up at auspicious spots next to rivers, with the entrances to their classrooms facing north or east. Nitina seemed to care little for such important things and, instead, chose a tree with a huge shady canopy overlooking the shops, stalls, stables and carts that formed the bustling market.
To the unenthusiastic bunch of children gathered around him he said, 'Now that you are here, sit where you like. Your elders have compelled you to come here and listen to me, but I would not mind even a little if you were to go and do other things that appear more important to you. If you decide to keep me company, though, all I ask of you is to stay silent but speak when you are asked to. Be warned, that my greatest wrath is reserved for those who disturb my enjoyment.'
Kushadeva was the first to speak. "They say you are a drunkard. Is that true?'
The children were surprised to see the strange old man laugh at the impertinence that was certain to have angered any other person. Nitina replied, 'I drink but I am not a drunkard. I have many vices but none of them too big. So, too, are my virtues, of which I have several, and none too great so as to get in the way of my merriment. For it is said:
It is easy to end up a drunkard And be captive to the mead. It is easy also to teetotal And die without knowing the pleasures. The most difficult endeavour for the human-born Is to achieve the balance of moderation.
Moderation is my first lesson, and moderation we shall practise. Moderation in everything, and everything in moderation.'
As he was saying this, more children appeared and sat down around him. Then, Yashakarma, offended by this talk, raised his voice: 'Are you advocating intoxication? This is not what we have been taught. This is not what our elders say.'
Nitina replied, "What I advocate, that too in moderation, is
anvikshiki, that is critical inquiry. As Kautilya rightly declares: "Critical inquiry is always considered the lamp for all knowledge systems, the right strategy for all activities and the basis for all Laws."
Examine what you have been told, By your elders, your teachers and indeed right now by me, Hold them to the lamp of critical inquiry And proceed as reason directs.'
More children gathered around Nitina, and soon even a few adults started trickling in.
