1 + 1 = Hercules?

“Humans must be the only animals who build zoos for themselves.” - The Fifth Science

The Sage of Sages, the Guru of Guru’s was sitting cross legged. Sri Sri Mahavikid Maharishi’s spine was erect and his glowing white beard matched the alabaster of his pure cotton garb. His eyes were dark brown with a cheeky glint, hinting of hidden knowledge but on occasion it is as if they reflected the calm and innocence of a fawn nestling with her mother.

The room was cool and silent, a dim light emanating from all direction. In attendance was the Hero of Truth, a handful Demigods and other Superheroes.

“First we must learn to unlearn”, he quietly said and then went back into silence.

After a short while he started again.

“1 + 1 equals…?”

“What does it equal Hercules?”

The muscle bound hero looked a little startled. He stirred a little, cleared his throat and in a baritone replied,

“2”

The Maharishi smiled.

“Indeed, you have been taught so… but is it true?”

“The most difficult path is the Unlearning of Truths you hold so dear.”

“Can anyone think of a counter example?”

There was silence.

“Never mind”, he said,

“You will know this truth when you have no more need to think but for now, let me ask, it is late at night and you are walking on a beach, under the moonlight with your sweetheart, you see a lonely dog approach you.”

“How do you feel?”

“Cute? In love?”

There was silence.

“Now let’s repeat our little experiment”

“You are on the same beach, you sweetheart is nibbling at your ears, whispering words of ecstasy when 2 dogs approach you.”

“How do you feel?”

“What about 4, 6, or 8?”

Vikid sat there motionless. By now his mind was no longer in attendance. He was somewhere between here and nowhere. His mind in perfect equipoise just as it had been when he faced a pack of wolves. Or were they Werewolves? It sent a shiver down his spine, it was like their minds were connected as one, one as many and many as one.

The Maharishi continued,

“Meditate upon this, do not think hard but feel the presence of This!”

“When you control perception, you control action!”

“Om… Om… Om…”

With that he slowly started to dissolve away, fading into the light by becoming it.

Hercules glanced at Vikid, his golden locks floating in the etheric breeze.

“One monster, two monster, I don’t care, I defeat them all.”