Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
The history of mankind is the story of those few persons who are pioneers in various fields-who could give unto mankind new thoughts and ways to achieve something higher than what the common mind thinks. Mankind has marched with those thoughts and ideas as the vanguards of civilization and endeavoured to realize them. With the passage of time, these thoughts and ideas gave ways to new ones thereby unfolding new horizons. In transition periods as such mankind has witnessed new pioneers in various fields who would carry forward the civilization to new extremities with their new visions and ways. Thus, humanity has always marched on to new truths, advanced techniques and modern thoughts. However, beneath all these, one underlying substratum, which remains constant, is the approach and effort to unveil truth. In addition, whenever age-old customs and thoughts, doctrines and dogmas have tried to strangle this very aspect, civilization witnessed the resurgence of great- souls who revived and reinvigorated truth in a new perspective and acted as a lighthouse to guide the future in a new direction. Their thoughts would gradually permeate among the common mass and thereby usher in a new civilization.The land of India is one of those few fortunate ones who proudly have time and again reinforced humanity with such noble and higher thoughts and actions. Much more fortunate is she for she has offered some of the greatest thoughts and philosophies that humanity has ever seen or heard of. And unparallel does she stand in the realm of spirituality. It is this sphere where the world has more often than not bowed down to receive such magnanimous thoughts of excellence. It has gifted unto the world some of the noblest persons whom mankind would ever remember with reverence.
"Whenever virtue subsides and irreligion prevails, then do I incarnate myself in ages to redeem the virtuous, curb the evil and restore religion"- says Sri Krishna in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita (4.7-4.8). This infalliable truth has been witnessed by history and shown humanity the way to truth, peace, and bliss. However, it is not that only religion is restored in times as such but there happens a total change in the phenomenon of things such as art, culture, literature, science, economics and politics as well. It seems that the mother earth cleanses and adorns herself as it were to bear the testimony of the advent of one who would by His life, words and actions guide the whole of mankind for ages. The cosmic nature provides the necessary fertility of the soil where the great power would manifest Himself and hence movements from all quarters of society starts taking place. All these changes inevitably indicate one point – the manifestation of a great soul, a prophet or a God -Incarnate.
Chapter 2: BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD
Meanwhile due to the escalation of agitation in Bangladesh, Sri Kanailal Chakraborty came to Kolkata empty-handed with his parents, wife and four year old child-Bhagavan. Taking up a job of a school teacher, Bhagavan’s father somehow began to manage his family. He also went to Talcher in Orissa and stayed there for a period as a school teacher. Thereafter, he returned to Kolkata. Now he began to stay in Birati. By now, Bhagavan was ten years of age.
Crossing the limit of a child, Bhagavan was setting foot in the adolescent state. It was then when the symptoms of Infinity commenced to manifest. Bhagavan was brilliant right from His childhood. He memorised whatever He heard once. On the other hand He was very daresome and brave. He would go out with His friends in water, patchy lands, bushes and jungles in the dead of night to catch fish. The qualities of inherent leadership within manifested in his childhood. The character ‘Indranath’ of the celebrated novel ‘Srikant’ by the famous Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyaya reflects much of Bhagavan’s character in his childhood. His love for truth is also revealed during this phase of His life. He raised His voice against any injustice wherever He saw. Another facet of His character was declaring its presence which would thereafter direct His whole life. And this was His love for man - an unbounded love for mankind.
Chapter 3: A LEADER IN THE MAKING
Having passed out the high school at the age of fifteen from the Birati Boys High School, Bhagavan took admission in I.Com.in the Bangabasi College. But due to poverty, He could not complete His study despite having the intellect and desire to do so. His eyes were also affected. Glasses were required. But poverty decided otherwise. In order to support His father in every respect, Bhagavan at the tender age of seventeen came to Guwahati in Assam, at the foothills of Mother Kamakhya – at the house of His maternal uncle. Having learnt telegraphy from the George Telegraph Institute while residing in Kolkata, it was not hard for Him to secure a job and Bhagavan was appointed in the ‘wireless’ department in the North-East Frontier Railways. He was a competent worker and due to His efficiency, devotion and punctuality, He was soon promoted. He was also transferred to Katihar where He worked for sometime.
‘Choose your highest ideal and live your life upto that’ – says Swami Vivekananda. All great men have tread this path. They chose their ideal and inspired by them they have shaped up their lives.
Bhagavan has from His childhood shaped up His life following ideals. It was the great revolutionary Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose who inspired Him in His childhood. Thereafter He became a great admirer of Rabindra Nath Tagore. It was during this period when He penned down many a poem. His poems reflected His pensive feeling for the world and His love for the down-trodden. The testimony of His love for His motherland is borne in one of His poems when His pen roared in protest of China’s invasion of India – ‘Beware, O New China! You have to repay the debt of Buddha.’
He also started to act in plays. With His tall and masculine gaiety, thunder-like voice and incredible acting He covered the journey from supporting actor to that of the hero and pivot character in no time and thereafter became a successful director. He soon earned name and fame. His recitation skill was also equally extraordinary.
Bhagavan was again transferred to Maligaon, Guwahati. Here, during this period He used to spend much of His time with the local youths. ‘Man’ was always His subject and that was His God. His house used to be crowded with youths. Everyone would regard Him as their ideal and loved and respected Him. One of the salient features of His character was that He always used to give credit of the successes to His friends and others while He used to accept the failures as His own and endeavoured much than before so to overcome them and achieve new horizons. This is the real character of a leader to share the good with all and accept the opposite as His own. He also established an association and with the youths began to involve in exercises, sports and various social- welfare activities. He began free education classes for poor students and also collected money for helping the marriage of girls of down-trodden families. Many guardians regarded that their grown-up children were going wayward. Bhagavan would by His selfless love nourish them and inspire them to render service for the need of mankind. Touched by sincere love and inspired by higher ideals those so-called strayed boys became sincere and responsible citizens of the society. These youths performed the characters of His play. People were amazed to see the revelation of the talents within them. His shows began to gain popularity. Later on tickets were sold for His plays. Here it may be mentioned that even Guruma – the would be Sangha Janani, the holy consort of Bhagavan had to buy tickets to see the plays! Those guardians who came to Bhagavan with complaints about their sons were asked by Him to become righteous and honest. Due to His outspokenness He became an eye-sore for some crooked-minded ones. Poverty and the hard realities of life, at a certain period made Him inclined to the ideas of Karl Marx. Though a devotee of Sri Ram, Chaitanya and Buddha from His childhood, yet He became an atheist at this point of His life. Due to the inherent qualities of leadership and love for man the mass at large accepted Him as their leader. Incited by political consciousness He went to far off interior villages. He was then at the forefront of many trade unions in order to efface the distress and worries of the poor and down- trodden mass. But this in turn inflicted Bhagavan with innumerable pain and sorrows. Many betrayed this affectionate and simple man. But Bhagavan was gaining experience. He was, as if, adorning Himself, getting acquainted with all the necessary experiences. How could He really benefit those without thoroughly knowing them for whom He had descended?
Chapter 4: THE TURN TO SPIRITUALITY
It was here when another transition came in the life of truth-loving Bhagavan. As mentioned in the previous chapter, Bhagavan had to face the hard realities of life – the betrayal, denial and hatred from His own colleagues and brethrens. This brought Him in a tumultuous state of mind. He observed that there were vast difference between ideal and life. No worldly ideal is perfect, because it might have the capacity to give something to people but it is incapable of giving many things to them. Is there then no truth in this world? Is there no meaning of love for mankind? Bhagavan was not ready to accept a compromising life where truth and love do not hold good in practice. He denied to carry on with His life just for the sake of living. When in tremendous frustration He was about to bring an end to His life, then did a ray of hope peep through the walls of frustration and ushered in a new life. Swami Vivekananda’s poem ‘To an Early Violet’ happened to come to His hand. It opened a new horizon in front of Him. Bhagavan started to go through ‘Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita’ (The Gospels of Sri Ramakrishna). He used to carry Thakur’s (Sri Ramakrishna’s) photo in his pocket. He was eventually tied in a love-knot with Thakur. An incident of that period would give us a glimpse of this. Bhagavan’s involvement in the Railway Strike in the seventies consequently ended with His removal from service. But He was unperturbed. There was a way open which could bring back His service and that was to compromise with His ideal. But as ever, He decided against it. The life of Thakur increased in Him the love for truth.
Thakur said that He (Thakur) would always be on one’s side who remains in Truth. Believing firmly on this, He prayed to Thakur, "I desire you. I would not go to any one for my sake. I would rather remain without food believing on your words. If I remain without food for three days, I would then know that you do not exist. And I would then end my life." But this truth-loving devotee of Thakur did not remain without food even for a day. His service was also retained.
He immersed Himself in love for His ideal. One day He had a vision.Thakur came to Him and said, "Your desire will be fulfilled." Bhagavan was filled with joy. He knew that surely God exists and can be realized. But to realize God, refuge at the feet of a self-realized Guru is a must. Where to find a self-realized Guru? He searched many places. He went to innumerable temples and ashrams. At last His search came to an end.
Bhagavan found His Master Swami Pavitranandaji in the year 1978 at Guruma’s house at Janai. Swami Pavitranandaji was the disciple of Tapasvi Swami Krishnananda who in turn was initiated from SriMa Sarada Devi. Swami Krishnanandaji, in order to practice austerity, came out of the Belur Math with the permission of SriMa and went to the woods of Rakab in Purulia. He practised severe austerity for twenty-five years in the woods of Rakab, in Purulia of West Bengal and attained Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Swami Pavitranandaji took initiation from him and by his austerity and intellect sank in the depths of realization. He lived in Purulia and Janai and used to visit Guruma’s house when in Janai. The lively laughter of Swami Pavitranandaji, his unperturbed state and love for one and all attracted Bhagavan. His analytic mind thought as to how one who is an old, all renunciating sannyasin whose alms is the only support of life could laugh in such a way! Surely he has caught hold of the gem achieving which it is said – ‘Achieving which, thou do not regard a gem as a gem.’ Bhagavan took initiation from Swamiji. Swamiji was also pleased by initiating Him. Bhagavan’s intellect, His love for Guru, His convergence of words and actions made Him very dear to His Guru. Swamiji gave indication of this in his very first letter to Bhagavan, "...It may be that I have initiated many but initiating you I have felt a satisfaction and bliss. I have rarely felt such bliss initiating house-holders. Know that I rely upon you. I expect sure success in your life." Swami Pavitranadaji used to tell that Bhagavan was Shiva who has appeared from under the crust of the earth. Bhagavan couldn’t get the company of His master as He (Bhagavan) was stationed in Guwahati. But still due to Bhagavan’s pure intellect and power of discrimination Swamiji wrote Him letters containing the quintessence of Advaita Vedanta. Bhagavan was carrying on with His austerity beyond anyone’s notice during the tremendous Assam agitation. He was in search of Oneness in the internal world which could provide solution to the problems of hatred and violence of the world outside. Later on, by the slightest of indication from a letter of Guru Maharajji Bhagavan gave up theatre which earned Him name, fame and veneration. He began discussions with a few of His friends who came to Him. He got His mother, brothers and sisters initiated from Swami Pavitranandaji. Observing the seriousness, tremendous zeal and endeavour of Bhagavan those who came in His contact engaged themselves seriously in quest of the Supreme.
Chapter 5: NIRVIKALPA SAMADHI
On the 20th of April 1985, Swami Pavitranandaji left his mortal body. Bhagavan wept bitterly because His Master was the only person who loved Him dearer than his life. In the bhandara organized days after the cremation, Bhagavan said, "I do not know much. All I know is that my Ram is no more." Everyone was moved by His devotion and the words which came from the depths of His heart. Their eyes too were filled with tears.
The consequent period saw Bhagavan bereft of any feelings of either His family or His body! Devotees who used to come to Him took care of His body and house. They looked after Bhagavan who being immersed in Brahman became Brahman. As the Mundaka Upanisad say, "....Brahma veda Brahmaiva bhavati", i.e. He who realizes Brahman becomes Brahman indeed.
Chapter 6: THE INSANE DIVINE
Some incidents during the period of Mahabhava would be relevant to cite here. Bhagavan was observing the changes in Him after the Mahabhava but was unable to make out the meaning of the sudden changes that were taking place. Moreover His beloved Guru had already left the mortal world. Thus it was quite impossible for Him to unveil the secret of these changes. He was observing the sudden germination of Divine Love within Him. A tendency to embrace all and become one with them was always playing now in Him. The feeling of duality was almost on the verge of obsolescence. He even could not discriminate between man and animal. At times, His body would become heavy; His countenance and cheek would become red. Innumerable electric waves would run in Him at times. His body would become hot while sometimes it became cold as ice. At times He could feel the pleasure of sexual intercourse in each and every pore of His body, while at times He felt such tremendous pain that He thought of committing suicide in the river Brahmaputra. At other times He felt as if some one was piercing red-hot iron in His head. His head would seem to tear into pieces. Sri Pradip Kumar Roy, one of the first devotees of Bhagavan, was fortunate enough to serve and take care of Bhagavan during this period. He saw that Bhagavan remained like an insentient being. Incapable to move to even switch on the light He used to sit in a dark room. However, this was not any illness because moments after these, He would behave like any other normal human being. When Bhagavan stayed alone in the house He forgot to close or open the doors and windows. During this period Sri Roy along with other devotees wrote on the doors and windows – "Please close the door, windows." We have heard from Guruma, the holy consort of Sri Bhagavan that when Bhagavan was offered meal, He was to be told time and again to eat. He was to be shown as to which was rice, pulse, vegetables and other foods. He forgot if He had taken tea or food moments after He had done so. His mind was then beyond body and matter. He was then Insane Divine. He spoke for hours at length with the devotees who came to Him and while doing so, He used to surpass the limits of the sensual plane. At times His body would burn like anything and there was inexpressible pain. During this period, Guruma took care of His body. At some other times Bhagavan felt as if He was going far away, beyond the body and this sentient world and did not find anyway to return back. He used to shout to Guruma to help Him to return to the normal plane. Guruma was inexperienced to all such spiritual realizations. However, she faced all these with tremendous patience and courage. During such moments she touched Bhagavan’s head and chest and dinned into His ears the mystic incarnation she received from her Guru. This act of Guruma reduced the tremendous pains and sufferings of Bhagavan and He used to gradually return to the normal plane. At times Guruma used to feel the electrical like shocks in Bhagavan. Her body and mind would shiver at such times.
It is indispensable here to mention some of the events which Guruma experienced during Mahabhava of Bhagavan in the year 1987. Though Guruma couldn’t comprehend the Divine state of Bhagavan in the beginning, yet she took care of Bhagavan and helped Him preserve His body. Observing the ‘Divine Insane’ state of Bhagavan, she was perplexed as to her husband would become a lunatic. But divine blessings were showered on her during these periods and she could gradually comprehend the Divine state of her husband and assisted Him in His Divine sport.
Once Guruma was in sleep. In her sleep she dreamt that she was kneading flour sitting on the floor while Bhagavan was seated on His bed. While preparing the dough, she asked Bhagavan, "How long would you engage me in such tremendous work?" No sooner did she ask, than Bhagavan disappeared. In place of Bhagavan was seated Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. Sri Rama smiled and pointing Sri Krishna said, "I do not do so, he does." Sri Krishna smiled and gesturing Sri Rama said to Guruma, "I do not do so, he does" .Guruma woke up and realized that her husband was the condensed form of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna.
In another event Guruma saw that she was worshipping Goddess Kali in a renowned temple in her village (Baksha in Janai). Suddenly Goddess Kali began to speak to her. She said many a thing. But the voice of the Goddess was that of Bhagavan! Bhagavan was speaking to her in the form of Goddess Kali. Yet in another significant event Guruma saw Bhagavan in an immensely huge form. Bhagavan was so huge as if He was touching the sky. Guruma appeared to be of the size of the fingers of the toes. She was frightened. She prayed to Bhagavan to reduce the size because she could not touch Him. Bhagavan said, "How can I reduce myself? How can I come down. I am the Creator, the Sustainer and the Destructor. How can you catch hold of me? None can comprehend me. I myself descend and touch you all."
How true is He! The history of the International Vedanta Society (I.V.S.) bears testimony to this. Bhagavan has reduced Himself and bent down so that people may touch Him, see Him, listen Him and achieve Him. The ascetic or disciple comes to Guru with the urge to know Truth. We have read of Narendranath (later on named Swami Vivekananda) come to Sri Ramakrishna with the urge to know God. But, on the contrary, none of us came to Bhagavan with such an urge. It was He who ignited the urge within us, made us to love Truth and again immersed us in the depths of realization of the Self. For the sake of devotee He becomes his devotee. He becomes like the one He sees in front of Him. Nobody wants Him; everybody looks for His opulence, but He knocks each and every door and says, "Open the door, I’ve come." He has termed Himself as ‘shameless’. Says Bhagavan, "I’m shameless. How often am I tortured. Yet I cannot sit quietly. I venture each and every house. God can hide everything but He cannot hide His divine love. He is ever eager to give devotion, to give love. Today you have got a new name of God – ‘Shameless’. If God does not endure this pain then the world would go mad."
Bhagavan thought the physical pains and sufferings, which He was undergoing due to the occurrence of Mahabhava, to be some physical anomalies. As a result He went for medical treatment to some renowned doctors of the area. However nothing abnormal was detected. An incident during this period made Him think seriously about Himself.
It so happened that an old lady of the neighbourhood used to come to Him whom He called ‘Masima’ (aunti). Due to her association with Bhagavan there was a gradual manifestation in her divinity and as a consequence she was undergoing a complete transformation. One day she came to collect flowers from Bhagavan’s garden and couldn’t control herself. She fell on Bhagavan’s bed and was immersed in Samadhi (Self-realization). This news spread like bonfire that Masima had a cardiac-attack. The entire neighbourhood gathered within no time. However when they came, they saw Bhagavan caressing Masima and helping her to return to the normal plane. On being a bit normal, Masima proclaimed Bhagavan as a banyan tree. She indicated the house and said that the house was an ashram and said that one day innumerable people would come to Bhagavan and that He would not have time to bath and eat.
Each and every word of Masima have proven to be true. Today innumerable people are rejuvenated with a new life of hope, peace and bliss coming in contact with Bhagavan. Bhagavan, a lover of mankind really finds it hard to make out time for Himself. Each and every place is turned into a pilgrimage by His holy presence.
This event gave an indication of the descendence of the Mahashakti (Divine Energy) in Bhagavan. He observed that the symptoms of the earlier God - Incarnates were present in Him. The Omnipotent, Almighty (God) has once again descended. In the words of Swami Vivekananda, "The star arose in the East; it travelled steadily towards the West, sometimes dimmed and sometimes effulgent, till it made a circuit of the world; and now it is again rising on the very horizon of the East, the borders of the Sanpo, a thousandfold more effulgent than it ever was before." (The Complete works of Swami Vivekananda, Vol-1, page.20 Published by Swami Mumukshananda, Advaita Ashram. Mayavati Memorial Edition. Eighth Reprint of Subsidised Editions, May 1999.) The word of Sri Ramakrishna has turned true that He would reincarnate again after a hundred years. His life would go on to inspire each and every God-loving devotee that one can just not only achieve God by loving Him earnestly but can become God.
Here some words of Debjani, daughter of Bhagavan would throw more light on the state of the Divine Insanity of Bhagavan. "...Then in the year 1987, father had Mahabhava. The tremendous energy of this occurrence tormented father with such great intensity that He decided to commit suicide. Seeing such conditions mother was pained much because she married a normal human being and never ever dreamt that that man would suddenly undergo such enormous change and become God-like. Thereafter people started coming at large. Everyone felt a great attraction towards father. Masima came in the year 1987. One day, all of a sudden, she came to father like an insane and said, "Liberate me." On a particular day in July suddenly Masima fell unconscious in our house. Her relatives called in a doctor. However before the doctor came Masima woke up and burst into a peal of laughter. All these were new experiences in father’s life. However, He like a preceptor understood that Masima had realized the Self (Brahman). However none believed this. They took it lightly and wanted to nullify it as a joke. But father was unmoved in His decision. After Masima’s association with father, other females of the colony also began to come to Him. In such a divine state as such one day Masima proclaimed, "– is a banyan tree." (i.e. Bhagavan would provide peace and rest to innumerable persons). A few days after the self-realization of Masima, Bishu uncle’s (later on Swami Advaitananda) eye suddenly got fixed and turned inwards. Days after this father said that Bishu uncle has realized the Self. Father was Himself not in a position to comprehend how He could say all these. Unaware, He became Guru (Master) i.e. ‘Gurubhava’ (the state where the qualities of a true Guru is manifested) descended in Him."
Almost a decade after this, Bhagavan, while speaking about Masima said that He had a close relation with Masima. Masima would at time become one with Him. He saw the manifestation of Shakti (the creating, sustaining and destructing force of Brahman) within her. During that period she was the mirror of Bhagavan. He used to see Himself in her. However, Masima could not understand this completely.
Chapter 7: INCEPTION OF IVS
Several are the means to act for the well-being of the universe. But as Swami Vivekananda says "...He who gives man spiritual knowledge is the greatest benefactor of mankind...Next to spiritual comes intellectual help...Next in order comes, of course, helping a man physically." (The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Vol-1, Karma Yoga, Ch- 3). The scriptures speaks of two levels of self-realised persons. Firstly, the one who acts for his own salvation and gets liberated but cannot help others to do so. The second, the one who after being liberated helps other to do so. They go on infusing or preaching spirituality depending on their spiritual potentiality. They either do it solitarily or through formation of a group or institution or organization. We’ve read in the earlier chapters that it was the inherent character of Bhagavan to inspire and help all to become great. He never thought of becoming great alone. He worked tirelessly for this noble cause and thus it was not unnatural for Him to form a group and create opportunities for all to serve for a noble cause and manifest the potential virtues within. This samskara of His helped immensely to form the International Vedanta Society – an organization of a kind of its own which would in the future work as a lighthouse to show unto this restless and fragmented world the way totruth, peace, bliss and oneness. It was as it were, that the Almighty has adorned Him with characters which would form the heart and soul of an entirely new civilization – the International Vedanta Society.
Inspired by the clarion call of Swami Vivekananda to spread the message of Vedanta of the woods from door to door, amalgamated with His own realization of the Supreme Self and Mahabhava Bhagavan went on spreading the quintessence of Vedanta irrespective of any caste, creed, sex or religion. Moreover Swami Pavitrananda’s word that His life is for the welfare of others impelled Bhagavan to do so. As bees gather when flower blossoms, similarly did innumerable devotees began to come to Him being attracted by His ineffable love from the year 1987. Once a female devotee, as per the usual tradition in India, paid her salutations at the feet of Bhagavan and offered ten rupees. Bhagavan was taken aback because He would neither use the money in household affairs nor for His personal purpose. He thus called upon the senior devotees and asked them to form a committee where such money would be utilized for some welfare activities. The committee would also organize classes and sittings on Vedanta in and around the locality and thereby spread the message of the Upanishads. Thus came into existence the International Vedantic Society. However, the new committee commenced its activities under the name, ‘Ananda Ashram’, ‘Vedantic Study Circle’, ‘International Vedantic Society’. In the meanwhile Bhagavan continued His effort to spread the message of Vedanta day and night in the easiest possible way from His small railway quarter (56/B East Goshala, Maligaon, Guwahati, Assam). He even went to the residences of the locality and took classes. A group of young boys and girls aged between sixteen to nineteen came to Him during the year 1989 and were greatly attracted by His love. It was His love which often filled His quarter with innumerable devotees from all walks of life.
The position and role of the preceptor is the highest in the life of a disciple and the later is always eager to serve his Guru in the best possible way. And how sincere, honest and fortunate is the disciple who can turn the wishes of his Guru into reality. Sincerity and honesty are the two gems of the character of Bhagavan. In His last letter, Swami Pavitranandaji indicated that Bhagavan had a role to play and hinted Him to devote His life for the well-being of humanity. "...The household devotee of the Sri Ramakrishna – Ma Sarada – Vivekananda order has a specific role to play in this world. Their work is not just to make sannyasins or sannyasinis but they would definitely make man....Then (after self-realization) the body, mind, chitta and all else are engaged in the welfare of others." (Swami Pavitrananda Maharajji’s last letter, dt. 13.03.85). Now the time was ripe to pay the real and profoundest of obeisance at the feet of the preceptor. Due to the unbounded love for His Guru and by His sincere and untiring efforts, Bhagavan declared the formation of the International Vedanta Society (IVS) on the 19th of November, 1989 on the occasion of the auspicious 70th Birth Anniversary of His beloved Master. On February 15, 1990, the International Vedanta Society was registered under the Societies of Registration Act XXI of 1860. Bhagavan was unanimously elected as the first President of the Society.
Chapter 8: THE LOVE BOND INTENSIFIED
Any mass movement which brings about a change in the history of mankind has to pass through three phases. The first phase is that of an antiwave; the second – a state of lullness when the antiwave subsides and third that of mass acceptance. The movement which Bhagavan started was altogether a new event in the spiritual world. This was not because that He achieved the supreme truth while leading a household life but because of the way He infused spirituality among the common people who came to Him and changed the whole course of their life. Moreover, realization without any asceticism and austerity is not only unthinkable but almost impossible. Nevertheless this was made possible due to the tremendous spiritual power of Bhagavan. Moreover, Bhagavan was no ordinary Guru. The descendence of Mahabhava made it sure that He was born to be a pioneer – the creator of a creation which would be the vanguard of a new civilization that would spontaneously emanate the fragrance of truth, love, peace and bliss.
But it is equally true that noble souls are not recognized during their life-time. The lives of the great souls including God-incarnates provide instances to corroborate this truth. Even Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita (9.11), "People bereft of conscience does not know my all Pervasive, Almighty nature and disregard me knowing to be an ordinary human being." Hence one leading a so-called family life working in a government office may achieve some level of spirituality, but to be a Guru, nay Guru of Gurus, a Satguru, God-Incarnate is something which is unimagined of. But innumerable instances lay scattered all over which time and again indicates the embodiment of God-Incarnate.
We’ve already mentioned about Masima and Swami Advaitananda. Later on there were many events of such devotees who, after coming in contact with Bhagavan, sank in the depths of spiritual realizations while listening to Him, by His touch and even on thinking about Him! We’ve even seen instances of devotees sinking in the realization of Self while Bhagavan was in total silence. And the striking factor of all the devotees were that none came to Him with the urge of knowing the truth and therefore, it need not be mentioned that all of them were without serious and severe spiritual practices. Hence how can the mind which is absorbed in counting material loss and gain comprehend or recognize such a giant spiritual power who could by His mere wish turn a restless, chaotic mind into the spiritual world within and elevate it to a point beyond vibration. Thus it was almost impossible for the ones residing beside Bhagavan to recognize Him and so they, out of sheer ignorance and jealousy, left no stone unturned in order to crush the movement.
In the meantime, Bhagavan was absorbed with the pure hearted young group of devotees. The young devotees were also overwhelmed by His love and forgot all else. An irrepressible bond of love germinated which was destined to take the form of a huge tree in the years to come. One of the salient features of Bhagavan was that He never used to initiate His devotees. But self-realization is impossible without a Guru and Guru implies initiation. Here the sastras refer initiation of three levels. Firstly and the one most commonly practised is the initiation through incantation, known as Mantra Diksha. The second level is known as Shakti Diksha, where the Guru infuses His spiritual energy through His words, touch, sight and even by His mere wish. The third is Sambhavi Diksha where the disciple is liberated as soon as the Guru infuses His spiritual power in him. The later two types are rarely found and instances can be found in the lives of Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Chaitanya Deva, Dakshinamurty, Sri Ramakrishna, Ramana Maharshi and other similar spiritual stalwarts of the highest order. Hence, though Bhagavan did not give any particular incantation, yet the later two types of initiation were on spontaneously and as a consequence devotees associated with Him were undergoing tremendous changes. Most of the devotees coming to Bhagavan were initiated in the Shakti way while some of them even had the Sambhavi Diksha. We were fortunate enough to have the company of such God-Incarnate who could by His mere wish change our ever restless mind and put it in peace. We were also fortunate to see time and again such wonderful cases of initiation and realizations which otherwise were confined to the pages of the scriptures. Here, before our eyes was, as it were, religion vibrant and living. Words such as Samadhi (realization), Mahabhava was in its full demonstration and the lives of the past God – Incarnates were being lived, supplemented and enriched by the new ideas and thoughts of the new era. ‘Incarnate’ was no more a word to us but a living being whom we could see, touch, feel and speak to! But little did we understand the Godhood and His state of Divine Insanity yet the result was all the same. It’s like touching fire whether we know it or not. The result is the same.
Bhagavan was equally overwhelmed on seeing such devotees. Bhagavan would like one possessed, pour out His heart and soul and go on speaking at length when such devotees came to Him. Hours would pass like seconds and days were turned into minutes. It was as if that Bhagavan and His devotees were reuniting after long-long ages. Bhagavan and His devotees were absorbed in each other and forgot everything else. An atmosphere of bliss enveloped them. A gradual but certain change was on the process, particularly among the young devotees. They were always engaged in spiritual discussions, thoughts or contemplation. This gave rise to fear in the minds of their parents and relatives. At the beginning they tried to persuade their children but it yielded no result. Soft words then gave way to rough ones and they even started creating all sorts of impediments and hindrances in order to restrain them from going to Bhagavan. However the love and tremendous attraction of Bhagavan created such impressions in those pure and tender hearts that they faced their parents, relatives, friends and even the whole society with tremendous boldness and courage. The inevitable consequence was the creation of a repercussion in the society. An antiwave was on the rise. Society started to blame Bhagavan for all these. They first started showering satiristic words on Him which later on turned into sarcastic ones. They desolated Bhagavan. There was an uproar in the society. Those who once were obliged due to more than one reasons and always spoke to Bhagavan with reverence, turned their backs towards Him and even began to spread all sorts of remarks against Him. Still Bhagavan would, out of pure and selfless love, serve their very child the quintessence of Vedanta – the nectar of love. He never turned His back and on the contrary was ever eager for their spiritual upliftment. He knew that those pure hearts were born only to be offered at the feet of the Lord. He thus went on distributing nectar and in return He received poison. But He was unstoppable. His love knew no bounds and He cried even for those who gave Him innumerable wounds. He became anxious to liberate those who contributed much to His pains and sufferings and even were ready to crush Him at the first opportunity. Inspite of all these the love between Bhagavan and devotees grew sweeter and denser. The love between Bhagavan and those pure hearted devotees condensed into such a solid bond that Bhagavan would weep bitterly if they didn’t come to Him for some days. A heart as such remains unparallel in history.
Chapter 9: SOCIETY TURNS VOLATILE
Small incidents would take place every now and then which revealed their wrath and jealousy. Any fault, howsoever trivial it might be on the part of His devotee, was coloured, amplified and made an issue which ultimately was made to reveal as a fault of Bhagavan. It was, as if, that all the opposite forces united to bring in a fatal blow on the Divine Sport. But how can darkness, howsoever intense, face the light? And here it was the Light of Lights, the one self-effulgent shining in all its glory and majesty. Yet, when darkness befalls it so seems that it would crush everything by its enormous jaws.
Incidents as such occurred in the life of Bhagavan and the history of the International Vedanta Society when it so appeared that the movement would be crushed into pieces. However, on the contrary every such occurrence was succeeded by a huge upliftment and, as if, the Omnipotent, Almighty after a severe test would expand the movement by leaps and bounds. At times, again such incidents brought back Bhagavan to the relatively normal plane of consciousness as He often used to forget about His physical existence and was busy in infusing spirituality among His devotees, particularly in the late eighties and early nineties. Bhagavan and His devotees were during this period swayed away under high spiritual tides which both of them were unaware of. Cosmic nature would, through such incidents bring them back to the normal plane so to protect their body.
The first occurrence of such an event took place on the 12th of January 1990 – the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The previous year, as already mentioned earlier, saw the induction of many youths. And we’ve also read about the wonderful absorbing state of Bhagavan and His devotees. Bhagavan and the devotees were soaring high in the spiritual plane and were completely unaware of the happenings in the society. It was decided unanimously to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary in a comparatively substantial way and one of the devotees – Mousumi’s garden was chosen for the said celebration. A programme was chalked out which would commence with Vedic Stotra and followed by devotional songs and speeches. A daridra-narayan seva programme was also undertaken which included distribution of food packets among hundred down-troddens. This was the first time that the International Vedanta Society stepped out from the limited walls.
As decided earlier, the venue was to be made ready. The garden was full of arum plants. The young boys with all their zeal went and cleared the place. A tent was hired and installed and the programme commenced. Bhagavan along with some devotees and a few local people took the seat of the audience. Seeing Bhagavan seated with a few men and women and directing a group of teenager boys and girls, some people of the locality started mocking at Him. But little did they understand that Bhagavan was shaping up a group of boys and girls who would in the future preach the message of Vedanta – the wonderful spiritual science of oneness and love to the whole world and provide solace to innumerable lives. How could the normal physical eye foresee the future!
The morning session passed. Now it was time for distributing the food packets. The young boys and girls have already prepared hundred packets. Anu, Bumba and Bubai – three young devotees of Bhagavan took the packets and set off for distribution. First they went to a place near the railway tracks where a few down-trodden families resided. They distributed some packets among those families. Yet, a huge amount of packets were left. They were in a fix to decide about the distribution of the left over packets. It was already late afternoon and the evening session was to commence from four. Moreover, they were yet to have their lunch. They however thought to distribute the packets first as some of their friends and other devotees of Bhagavan were present for the spiritual programme. Hence they decided to go to the Guwahati railway station which was about eight kilometres away to finish off the left-over packets. They took a local train from the nearby station. Within no time were the packets emptied. The boys were overjoyed. On completion of the wonderful act they now thought of their own hunger. It was already evening. They went to the South Indian canteen and ordered some food stuffs. But as they were about to have them, someone from the back tapped. They turned back and saw some down-trodden urchins gazing at them in hope to get something. They smilingly offered them their own plate. Now they were almost penniless. At this juncture an uncle of a young devotee, who was about to leave for a certain destination came across them and observing their selfless deed offered them food. They gladly accepted it. Now it was time to return. It was already very dark. Moreover they did not have any woollen wear and it was chill cold. But the wonderful act and the gratified faces of the poor, helpless people whom they served filled their blood and heart with much warmth and bliss. They could not feel the cold of this mundane world.
However, things were just in contrast in their colony. Their not returning in due time have already created much confusion in the people of the locality. Their friends who were eagerly waiting for them for the evening session could not gather any information whatsoever till the evening. The situation of the colony was gradually growing tense. There were gossips all-around in groups. There were all sorts of apprehensions.
A few people, in the meanwhile left to look for the boys. Rajeev – one of the young devotees tried hard to look for them but of no avail. Bhagavan was worried. Yet, He had to go to the office and it was the evening shift on the said day. When after much search Rajeev failed to trace them he went to the head-quarters of the North-East Frontier Railway where Bhagavan was in service. Silently he entered from one end of the room and saw Bhagavan seated in front of a computer at the other end. Solemn seriousness reflected on His countenance. Rajeev gradually approached near Bhagavan and almost murmured – "They have not yet returned." Bhagavan asked him to return to the colony. He was grave. As Rajeev entered from one end of the colony, he saw that the situation was out of control. Bhagavan’s neighbours were shouting in open and casting aspersions on Bhagavan. One of the devotees’ house erupted and everything was full of chaos. It was at this moment that the three boys with smiles on their face and joy in their hearts entered from the other end of the colony. No sooner did they enter, than they understood that everything was not in order. They went to their respective houses and tried to convince their relatives and friends. However it was too late. In the meanwhile Bhagavan returned from His office. As He entered the colony, the atmosphere grew more tense and hot. People were making sarcastic remarks. Some shouted at their top-most voice and made allegations despising all the good works which the boys and girls have done throughout the day. Bhagavan passed through the colony without a word. Entering His house, He saw a group of devotees sitting in His room. He burst out. He shouted and asked everyone to leave Him immediately. Everyone left. He was desolated. When He ought to have been applauded for such a beautiful act, He was on the contrary, alleged and blamed for deeds which in reality helped the young devotees to manifest their potential benevolent virtues.
Another incident of much higher intensity took place in the year 1991 when a local boy of a neighbouring colony of Bhagavan eloped from his house. This boy was a friend of Anu. Days prior to the incident Anu went to this friend of his in search of a book. The father of this friend worked in the Railways and passed away the year before while in service. His job, according to the rules of the Railways was to be offered to any legible member of his family. Members of the family wished the boy to take up the job while the eldest sister who was to be married soon wished to take up the same. This internal disturbance of the family troubled him much and one day he quietly went out of his house.When at the end of the day he did not return the family members raised hue and cry. It was not before long that people from in and around the locality and his younger brother’s friend gathered at his house and began to cast doubts on the International Vedanta Society and blamed it for his leaving the house.Tears of the female members of the family perplexed the boys who gathered there while the eldest sister did not miss the opportunity to instigate the young boys to approach Bhagavan.
Bhagavan, unaware of any such incident, was absorbed in spiritual discussions with His devotees. All of a sudden about thirty young agitated boys came to His house shouting. Bhagavan, His family as well as His devotees were taken by surprise. The boys argued, shouted and even caught hold of Bhagavan’s hand. Much more was it for Sri Mrinal Chanda (later known as Swami Keshavananda), His ardent devotee, who was pushed and manhandled. The boys then went to Anu’s house and thinking him to be the culprit took him away forcibly from his house. All these happened in so quick succession that other devotees could hardly be intimated.
The provoked boys took Anu and inquired of his friend and activities of IVS. However much to his surprise Anu was totally cool and answered all the queries satisfactorily. As he says, "The boys were greatly excited. They could have easily done great harm. Inspite of their rage and incitation I was very cool and later I was explaining Vedanta to them and they didn’t even touch me. I could feel the Master’s grace." Thereafter they left him and he returned home. It was late in the night when a few other devotees came to know about the incident. But by then all was over. The young devotees were also threatened by the local boys. Their family members were cautioned and asked not to allow their sons to go to Bhagavan else they would face grave consequences. Hence Bhagavan prohibited their coming to Him. People of the colony despised Him and He was left all alone. His devotees were also not strong enough now that they could give up the society and abnegate all for once. Bhagavan thus thought that this might be the end of His herculean effort.
However, at this crucial juncture when for the first time it appeared that the movement would come to an end, Mausumi played a vital role. She went to Bhagavan inspite of all hindrances and revived the whole situation. She with all tenderness helped Bhagavan to recuperate from the gloomy situation and gradually the devotees returned much to the delight of Bhagavan.
Meanwhile the boy returned home after some days. No sooner did the devotees hear this, their hearts sprang in joy. But there was also the rush of blood within the devotees, the young ones in particular. Bhagavan summoned all to Namita Chakraborty’s house where they all gathered. He then asked the female devotees to go to the boy’s house and see to the matter. He restricted the boys in apprehension of any unwanted incident. On being inquired the boy readily said that the Vedanta Society was not responsible for his fleeing in any way. But he was, at the same time reluctant to accept the fact of his family’s inner clash. However, Vedanta Society was freed from all charges.
Chapter 10: REALIZATIONS WITHIN DEVOTEES
Among the many similar realizations that Bhagavan had during this period two of them indicates clearly the descendence of a Mahashakti. In the year 1992, Bhagavan realized that Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa was one with Him. Later on, He also had a vision that Mother Kali (Goddess Kali), (Supreme or Cosmic Power) is united with Him.
Another important aspect of God-Incarnates is that they play a Divine Sport and undergo pain and pleasure as any common man. However, this is only to demonstrate the common mass that one leading a simple and common life can undertake the journey to deep and real spirituality and can have the realization of the Self. It is also through this Divine Sport that they cull their core devotees and act for the cause that they descend for.
We’ve already seen that some of Bhagavan’s core devotees started flocking around Him. Yet, there were some more to follow. However, it was now the time for those devotees to step forward and gradually assist Bhagavan in realizing His divine plan. But for this they need to have a solid spiritual foundation which was to be laid on realization of the Self. Thus after Bhagavan’s aforesaid realizations, many of His devotees had the experience of realization – God – realization, Brahmajnana (Self-realization) Brahmavijnana (realization of the supreme Self). Among them were Sangha Janani Guruma, Mausumi Deb, the present Vice- President of the Female Wing, Swami Keshavananda, the honourable President of the International Vedanta Society. Then followed a series of realizations.
The most striking feature of all these realizations was not just the quantity but the way they were occurring. Never herebefore realization occurred in such an easy and simple way. To quote a few instances among the many are the realizations of Swami Sankarananda, Swami Bhaskarananda, Swami Probuddhananda and Sanjoy Banerjee. Bhagavan’s glance of voidness at Swami Sankarananda, in the first instance, immersed him in the depths of the samadhi – the realization of the Self. In the second, His words, "Sink, Sink" immersed Swami Probuddhananda in the realization of the Self. While Sanjoy Banerjee was immersed in realization amidst a marriage ceremony, with Swami Bhaskarananda, it was just the voice of Bhagavan over phone that caught hold of him and dragged him to the level of Self-realization. Thereafter it was the turn of Swami Prajnanananda and Debjani, daughter of Bhagavan to have the taste of unification with the Self. Swami Nirgunananda followed soon.
Along with the increasement of spiritual power, the InternationalVedanta Society was also increasing in size. People from all walks of life and all strata of the society came pouring to Bhagavan. Many a devotee for whom securing meal twice a day was a great task, came in touch with Bhagavan and were blessed with spiritual realizations of different levels. This not only helped them spiritually but also helped them to carry on their life with a natural smile on their faces. The movement spread to Kolkata and New Bongaigaon wherein some devotees started discussions and spiritual practices.
Along with the increase in spiritual explosions, there was an equal escalation in the antiwave reactions. On one hand there was a Divine Sport where the highest manifestation of Truth and love was being demonstrated and on the other there was the rise of the opposite force where the society and some organizations, social and spiritual, was raising their voices to condemn the Divine Act. How could the general mind, being accustomed to see religion and spirituality confined to the four walls of temples and mosques and read about Incarnates only in scriptures comprehend a living God-Incarnate before their own eyes in such a simple way? Hence they put in all their endeavours to resist the movement. But how could the Divine ever be resisted! And little did they ponder that God-Incarnates were rarely recognized during their own life-time. It is because of their simplicity and similarity with the common man like us that they conceal their tremendous spiritual power and act like any other normal human being. It is only the real devotee who surrenders himself unto His feet that the Omnipotent reveals His real nature. To others its all so perplexed, confused and futile. But God-Incarnates come, play their Divine Sport with all ease and simplicity and accomplish the work for which they descend. However, it is only when they depart that things become a bit clearer to the common minds. It is this simplicity which creates so complexity. Hence Sri Bijoy Krishna Goswami once said to Sri Ramakrishna, "It is because of your simplicity that you have created such confusions."
Amidst all such chaos and impediments, Bhagavan was moving steadily with His divine plans. Inspite of all the pains and sufferings which His devotees’ relatives and friends rendered Him time and again, Bhagavan was going on infusing spirituality with His heart and soul. For a brighter future, He even stood face to face with death a number of times in order to elevate the spirituality of His devotees. He renounced the name, fame and material love which He earned with all His diligence and earnestness. Here He was, suffering all the pains and agonies in a hope to establish His divine dream – the International Vedanta Society which would one day be abluted with Divine Love and would spread the same to the future mankind.
Chapter 11: TRUTH PREVAILS: BHAGAVAN IS RECOGNIZED
In the early 1995, the head quarter was shifted from the railway quarter of Bhagavan to the residence of Sri Mrinal Chanda. During the end of March 1995, Bhagavan along with Guruma, Debjani and some of His devotees went to Bongaigaon which was just shaping up as a branch of IVS. Here He formated IVS into two wings viz. the General wing consisting of the male members and Female Wing consisting of the female members. During His journey onwards while the train was crossing the Saraighat Bridge over the river Brahmaputra, He pointed to the northern bank and asked His devotees if they could acquire a land there for the Society. Though much heed could not be paid to this proposal then, for reasons more than one, the chief being the lack of funds, yet today on that very place stands the head quarters of the International Vedanta Society.
It has been observed throughout Bhagavan’s life that He has always renounced all achievements and grandeurs at the culminating point. The year 1995 saw the retreat of the negative forces of the society. Bhagavan took upon Himself all the allegations which the society imposed on Him and shielded His devotees from its scratches. Now that everything was going on smoothly, it was time for Him, as He always did, to hand over His post to His able successor. On the 9th of April, 1995, in a high spiritual atmosphere, Bhagavan handed over the post of the President to His ardent and loving devotee Sri Mrinal Chanda. It was a day which would shine in the history of the International Vedanta Society for more than one reason. This day also marks the victory of the power of bond of love between God and His devotees over the power of opposite forces of the society. A get-together was organized by the devotees as a mark of IVS Day – a day when all would come together and celebrate. It was earlier decided that Bhagavan would participate in the celebration. However one of His ardent devotee was not allowed to meet Him. The devotee, true to his devotion was leaving a life of isolation amidst his family. This wounded Bhagavan much. His devotees were unaware of His internal feelings. When on the fixed day Bhagavan was approached for the celebration, He was reluctant to join for one of His ardent devotees was suffering immense pain and agony for not being able to come to Him. How could He, whose heart ached at the slightest suffering of His devotees enjoy while His own son would sit back at home and suffer! He thus consented to go to the celebration only if His other devotees helped the devotee to come to Him with his parent’s permission and participate in the celebration. Everyone present led by the female members approached the devotee’s mother who thereafter consented. It was a moment of great joy and delight. It was the joy of reunion of God and His devotees. Bhagavan embraced His loving devotee and wept bitterly. The place was transformed into heaven!
Bhagavan was carrying on with His government job in the Railways. However it was at times almost impossible to deliver the duties in a proper way along with the high spiritual tides – firstly, His own realization of the Supreme Self, secondly; the descendence of Mahabhava; third, the realizations of His devotees; fourth, the increasing activities of the International Vedanta Society; fifth, the day-to-day problems of the family life; sixth, the opposite forces of the society and many others. Thus He decided to take voluntary retirement.
In the meanwhile IVS stepped out of the boundaries of the railway colony. One day Bhagavan summoned Rajeev and asked him to meet Munindra Narayan Dutta Barua, a renowned personality of Assam. Rajeev had met him once before while publishing the yearly journal ‘Shrinvontu Visve’ (lateron renamed ‘Shono Bishwabasi’) from his press. The devotee carried on His Master’s order and met Sri Dutta Barua. The later readily offered an out house which was lying abandoned for quite a long time. The room however required renovation. The boys started the renovation and beautification of the place. Within a short time the place was given the look of an ashram. The head quarter was shifted at the foothills of the holy shrine of Ma Kamakhya. It was, as if the Mother had given her child a place in her lap. The new head quarter was inaugurated on the 1st of January, 1996 by the lotus hands of Bhagavan. Sri Mrinal Chanda and Rajeev left their houses and began to stay at the new head quarter. The devotees, the youths in particular, came regularly and started to lead a full-fledged spiritual life. Here one day, Rajeev had a deep realization. On another day, he set some dry grass on fire. The fire gradually spread and took in its spate a great portion of the hill. Observing this Bhagavan said that he would one day set the world on fire, i.e. he would spread spiritual knowledge in the world. It was in these days when Suman, later on Swami Nirgunananda, with his utmost devotion, sincereity and sacrifice attracted everyone’s notice, Bhagavan in particular.
Munindra Narayan was the first scholar of Assam who gave recognition to Bhagavan. Whenever Bhagavan came to visit His sons at the new head quarters, Munindra Narayan invited Bhagavan to his home which was a palatial building. Bhagavan used to spend some time with him. He used to prostrate at Bhagavan’s feet and then urge Him to instruct for spiritual development. Bhagavan instructed him and blessed him upto his contentment. Munindra Narayan often said to the devotees to keep a record of the Master’s words and then transcribe them. It was in this place where Gahin Chandra Boro, also an employee of the Railways, who was to play a vital role in future, came in contact with Bhagavan.
Chapter 12: A NEW HORIZON
Bhagavan began to come often to this ashram during His morning walk which was almost twenty minutes walk from His railway quarter. At times He used to stay with His sons for some days together. Here the devotees got the opportunity to have a closer look at their Preceptor. They also got the chance to serve Him. Bhagavan also took this opportunity to shape the life of His devotees. The manifestations of Godhood in Him began to occur more often. The atmosphere of the ashram would, at such times become serene and heavy. High spiritual vibrations would reverberate in the air. Of the many manifestations which happened during this time, one of them changed the course of IVS.
It was seen during the making of IVS that the human entity of Bhagavan had some plans of His own. However Providence had some other divine plans. And it were the latter’s plans which were realized. This still goes on. Earlier to this event in discussion, Bhagavan always dreamt of IVS as a society like the Auroville in Pondicherry, where there would be no sannyasins, where the members would live together and lead a spiritual life. But Providence had Its own plans and this brought in a new horizon in the history of the International Vedanta Society.
It was the 21st of January, 1997. Bhagavan was on this day present in the ashram among His devotees – Bubai and Suman. He was in samadhi as usual in the morning. This day He had a deep samadhi. Suddenly He ordered Bubai to offer Him bhog. Until then, bhog was offered to Sri Ramakrishna who was installed by Bhagavan Himself. It was Sri Ramakrishna who was the idol of Bhagavan. At the commencement of His spiritual life, Bhagavan used to keep a small photo of Sri Ramakrishna in His pocket. Hence when ‘Mayer Bari’, the centre at Kolkata and this ashram was established, Bhagavan installed Sri Ramakrishna’s photo. Hence Sri Ramakrishna was the presiding deity of the ashram. But Bhagavan on this day ordered His devotees to offer bhog to Him. Regaining worldly consciousness He said that there was a full manifestation of Godhood in Him. Until then, Bhagavan often said that the International Vedanta Society was formed and driven by the Divine Will (God) which manifested through Him but today there was the full manifestation of Godhood in Him. Two identities mingled into one single existence. From this day the world would know the descendence of God. All doubts of those devotees who were fortunate enough to witness this rare event were dispelled and they could without any doubts realize Him as God-Incarnate. They could no longer hold back their individual identities and became an instrument of God. Some moments later Bhagavan told them to worship Thakur (Sri Ramakrishna) on this auspicious day. The devotees arranged flowers, garlands, incense sticks and worshipped Him. Bhagavan was pleased by this act. He said, "From today begins a new era. I am rooted in total Godhood. Many a times I felt that my body would perish, that I could no longer carry on with this tremendous energy. But today I’m totally rooted in Godhood and this is its full manifestation. You all are seeing that Eternal, Ancient Being. You’ve rightly worshipped me. Another desire arose in me today. Today I offer sannyasa to nine of you. Hence you must become greatest realized ones, greatest workers and greatest lovers. I confer upon you the responsibility of all the human-beings of the world." Thereafter Bhagavan was being bathed by the devotees and then offered bhog in the way Thakur was offered regularly. All the rituals were performed during offering bhog as was done while offering bhog to Thakur. Devotees performed arati (with the incense sticks and sacred fire). The conch was blown and the bell was rung. Bhagavan sat before the devotees with His head held straight and firm and His eyes closed. He sat like a solid immoveable rock. Swami Advaitananda offered bhog. While accepting it Bhagavan said referring to Himself, "Rama, Krishna, Ramakrishna – all are in this, now however the state of Ramakrishna is predominant."
This day Bhagavan asked Suman and Bubai to ask anything from Him. He was then seated on a chair in the courtyard with all His glory and majesty. He was in a state where He could confer any boon and fulfill any desire of His devotees. He was one with the Cosmic Mind. He was Isvara. First Bhagavan asked Bubai. At once it came to his mind to ask Bhagavan to liberate the whole world. But the next moment he thought that if it so happens then how will the Divine Sport go on for total liberation means total annihilation. He therefore said that he had no desire. He said that may Bhagavan’s will be fulfilled. Thereafter Bhagavan turned to Suman. Suman asked Bhagavan to grant him the boon that he may always be by Bhagavan’s side. Bhagavan said, "May this be so."And still today after eleven years Suman (now Swami Nirgunananda) is beside Bhagavan serving Him with utmost sincereity.
Shortly after this manifestation devotees installed Bhagavan’s photo in place of Thakur. Nevertheless Bhagavan prevented them from doing so saying that when the devotees would build a place of their own then they could install Him. The devotees began the preparation of sannyasa life. On that very year, on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, Bhagavan gave the selected nine devotees the saffron loin cloth, the symbolic sannyasa by His own hand and coronated them in the order of sannyasa. However He always insisted that sannyasa doesn’t imply renunciation. Sannyasa implies love – pure love. And it was this reason for which He always stressed His sons to distribute and share this love with the whole universe. He didn’t wish that His beloved sons would segregate themselves from others after embracing sannyasa but on the contrary would mingle themselves among the mass with this divine love. The saffron robe was the symbol of the carrier of this love.
In the meanwhile Bhagavan left His much memorable colony – Balaka, better known as Goshala – His abode of Divine Sport – the place which laid the foundation of a new future. The devotees arranged a rented house for the Master at Gate No.1, Maligaon. They now started to shoulder a partial expense of Bhagavan, Guruma and Debjani. .
In the following year (1998), on the auspicious occasion of Sri Ramakrishna’s birth anniversary. Sri Mrinal Chanda, the President of the International Vedanta Society was offered sannyasa. He was named Swami Keshavananda Puri. In the same year on the occasion of Ram Navami, five more devotees Rajeev, Bubai, Bumba, Anu and Suman were given sannyasa. They were named Swami Sankarananda Puri, Swami Probuddhananda Puri, Swami Prajnanananda Puri, Swami Bhaskarananda Puri and Swami Nirgunananda Puri respectively.Their act of renunciation was complemented by their mothers. They displayed great courage and strength of mind when they themselves bought the clothes to be worn by their sons during the sannyasa ritual. Though all of them were given sannyasa by Bhagavan earlier, whose will is enough in itself to carry out the greatest wonders of the spiritual world for He is rooted in Supreme Consciousness and as in such God-Incarnates descends the Cosmic Mind of the beyond, yet they were initiated in the order of sannyasa by Swami Advaitananda. God-Incarnates create history by setting new examples but at the same time shows deep respect and reverence for the shastras. They, as a matter of fact, reinvigorate shastras not only by their words but also by their actions. The embracing of sannyasa by the six devotees ushered in a new horizon in the history of the International Vedanta Society.
Chapter 13: BHAGAVAN ON GODHOOD
On another day, Bhagavan was back among His all-renunciating devotees in the ashram. There were also some house-holder devotees who have come to see their beloved. It was evening. Bhagavan was in deep contemplation. Gradually He sank into samadhi. Devotees present could feel Godhood revealed in Him. They took bath and wore new clothes and began to arrange for arati. But Bhagavan was unmoved, seated on the bed, placed just opposite to the throne where Sri Ramkrishna was installed. His body was leaning against the wall. The devotees were amazed to see this rare wonderful sight of Bhagavan. They sat there with all their amazement. They were seeing God! Just when the time for evening prayers was on the arrival, they noticed slight physical movement in Bhagavan. No sooner did they notice so, then they began to worship Him with the sacred fire and incense sticks. Bhagavan was still to regain full consciousness of the external world. As the worship concluded He gradually descended to the normal sensual plane. Yet again He gave the indication of manifestation of Godhood. Pointing to Sri Ramakrishna Bhagavan said, "Am I still a human being? (Pointing to Himself) This is one link of that One and (pointing to Sri Ramakrishna) that is the other link. That (Sri Ramakrishna) is the shadow of this One and this is the shadow of that One. I would give my everything to you and go. Take away my everything."
Referring to this incident later on Bhagavan said, "Today’s manifestation is much intense than that of 21st January. Today’s manifestation occurred in presence of many devotees and I didn’t have to say anything. Everything took place from nature’s part. That day I had to say – Offer me bhog, worship me. But, today I didn’t have to say anything." Speaking on Mahabhava He said, "There’s a big whale which lives in the ocean. It goes from one shore to the other and lives in deep water. At times, however, it comes up on the surface and manifests itself totally. This is Mahabhava. On this day Bhagavan referred to one incident of Sri Ramakrishna and asked His devotees to read it. It so happened that during the last days of Sri Ramakrishna in the Cossipore Garden, Thakur wished to celebrate the occasion of Kali Puja much to the wish and delight of the devotees. Arrangements were made and devotees were overwhelmed by the very thought that they would celebrate the auspicious occasion in the very presence of their beloved Master. However, Sri Ramakrishna was engrossed in the Supreme from the very morning on the said day. Devotees present were waiting in eagerness as to when their Lord would descend from the trance and take part in the celebration. But there was not the slightest sign of His descending to the normal plane of consciousness. As time passed the devotees were gradually giving up hope. The auspicious moment for the puja was passing by. Down with dismay and despair they thought that probably the celebration would not be possible as the auspicious time was running out. As they were discussing so, Sri Girish Chandra Ghosh came to visit the Master. Learning about the devotees’ despair he entered into the room where was seated Sri Ramakrishna. No sooner he saw Him, then he cried out to the other devotees, "What are you waiting for? Here is Goddess Kali – fully manifested." And he fell at His feet and offered flowers and wood-apple leaves at Thakur’s holy feet. At this a thrill went down through Thakur’s body and He gradually regained external consciousness. The devotees thereafter offered their obeisance one after another and were overwhelmed.
Speaking on Supreme Godhood (Purushottam Tattva), Bhagvan, on another occasion said, "Ajatavada (Birthlessness) is the last exremity after which there exists nothing in the sphere of knowledge. But Supreme Godhood is a complete separate chapter. Here there is the existence of the self even after mingling with Brahman. This is beyond the Kshar and Akshar – a fish in the ocean. It does not dissolve in the ocean. This is Guru. It burns the body and mind in whom It descends and He is an Avatar – a God –Incarnate.
Chapter 14: IVS COMES TO VARANASI
The activities in Varanasi were going on in a rapid force. A seminar on Vedanta was organized in May, 1999 just within seven months after IVS landed in Varanasi with almost no introduction whatsoever. Several scholars participated in the programme and IVS came to limelight. The wish to see His beloved boys whom He had nurtured with all His love and affection so long amalgamated with their success inspired Bhagavan to come to Varanasi in the month of August, a month before the demise of His mother. Here He came in contact with Aparajita Saha, a lady who served in the Botany department of the Benaras Hindu University (BHU) and played a pivotal role in the history of the International Vedanta Society and its Varanasi chapter in particular. This pious and dedicated devotee spread the message of Bhagavan and IVS in the intellectual level. She adored, decorated and worshipped Bhagavan just as one would do so to the deity of a temple. She openly declared Bhagavan as God-Incarnate unto whomsoever she met. Bhagavan offered her sannyasa in October, 2000. She was named Ma Aparajita. Another lady, Sheela Lele, a teacher by profession of a renowned institution of Varanasi, came in touch with Bhagavan this year. She played a vital role in the history of IVS in the following years. She not only offered herself but her whole family at the feet of Bhagavan. It was with her aid that Bhagavan fulfilled one of His most cherished dreams which was once dreamt by His beloved Master. It was a wish of Swami Pavitrananda Maharaj to set up an ashram for the female devotees. This He expressed to His loving disciple in his letter written on 22.4.81, "...I have received both your inland letter and M.O.(Money order). These thirty rupees is very pure and sacred because it is a hard earned honest money. You fully support sacrifice and religion. I earnestly pray to Sri Thakur and Sri Ma that you achieve Self-realization – which is the main and ultimate achievement of human life. This money will be the first and foremost expense in the construction of proposed ladies’ hermitage. Its name will be ‘Sri Saradeshwari Tapovan." (Vedanta Sadhana, 2nd Edition P.19).
Nevertheless, Swami Pavitrananda couldn’t realize this wish. But his disciple nurtured the same carefully in His heart and waited for the right time to come. Sheela Lele offered Bhagavan her newly constructed house. Bhagavan now got the opportunity to fulfil the dream of His beloved Master. He dedicated the house for the female members and the female ashram was named "Sri Saradeshwari Tapovan."
However it was not the first time when Bhagavan materialized a dream which was left unfulfilled by Swami Pavitranandaji. Swamiji used to write articles on Vedanta and wished to publish a book ‘Ak O Akota’ (One and Oneness) comprising of the articles written by him from time to time. This he expressed in one of the letters to Bhagavan. "...In all, twelve articles have been written. The book comprising of these articles would be named ‘Ak o Akota’. Would you like the name?" (Vedanta Sadhana, p.65). But Swami Pavitranandaji couldn’t convert this wish into reality during his life time. This incomplete wish of the Preceptor was shown the light of the day by his disciple. Bhagavan published ‘Ak o Akota’ comprising of all the articles (fourteen in all – two more articles were written by Swami Pavitranandaji after the aforesaid letter) on the 19th of November, 1994 - the birth anniversary of His master.
Here we would also like to take the opportunity to mention those names who, apart from the two noble souls, helped IVS flourish in Varanasi. The name of Late Rani Yadav would ever glitter in the history of the Varanasi chapter of the International Vedanta Society. She was the first lady who took immense pain and hardship to introducde the new young sannyasins to the common people of the locality and arranged their food and shelter. Madhu Tiwari, Krishna Bhattacharjee, Shobha Banerjee, Gayatri Chatterjee, Narendranath Mukherjee, Narmada Patel, Jonaki Banerjee, Sudip Chakraborty and Snigdha Ganguly also played vital roles in the establishment of IVS. Apart from this, Viswanath Yadav, Uttam Roy Choudhury, Alok Sinha, Prof.Bandana Banerjee and Amitabh Chakraborty along with their families served Bhagavan and IVS from time to time.
Bhagavan not only stands at the crest of Godhood, He also stands at par as a devotee. Innumerable instances decorate His life out of which some have been discussed in the book. Another instance sparkles in our mind while discussing the matter which need to be brought to notice to the readers. It was the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, 2000. Bhagavan was then in Birati wherein a day long programme was organized to celebrate the day as is done in all the centres of the Society. The evening session was in full swing. Devotees were overwhelmed to have Bhagavan amidst them. The programme proceeded on and now it was the time for Bhagavan to speak. Bhagavan began to speak on the essence of Guru. Gradually He came to Swami Pavitranandaji. As He went on, His voice choked and then He burst into tears like a child does for his mother in her absence. Devotees present were amazed to see such a demonstration of devotion for Guru. Such devotion aided Him to get rooted in Godhood.
Chapter 15: MANIFESTATIONS OF MOTHER
Here Bhagavan refers Mother. Many a times it so happened that He said that the Mother resides within Him. This was given testimony on one occasion on the 19th of November, 1999, the 11th foundation day of the Society at Amingaon when there was a full manifestation of the ‘Mother’ in Him. Bhagavan was busy speaking to the devotees on the said day. A female devotee was eager to offer Bhagavan a garland of china rose which she has made herself. However she didn’t get the opportunity to offer it, so she waited for the right time. As the day rolled by, she grew anxious. At noon when Bhagavan sat in the courtyard watching the devotees taking prasad under the sweet sunlight, which was pouring its warmth in the winter, the devotee took the opportunity to garland Bhagavan. Offering the same, she prostrated at His feet. The devotion and love of the devotee aroused the Mother within Bhagavan. He sat there unmoved like a deity carved out of stone. The environment became heavy and everything was, as if, still. Swami Keshavananda, the President felt as if there was the extreme manifestation of Godhood in Bhagavan. He inspired everyone to offer salutations to Bhagavan. All the devotees present fell at His feet. Some of them were overwhelmed and could not hold their tears; some were weeping like a child. Everyone felt a strong attraction towards Bhagavan and soon the devotees encircled Him and watched the beautiful and rare manifestation of Bhagavan. Even passersby who were going by the ashram entered the premises and without being least informed offered their salutations to Bhagavan. Everyone was immersed in bliss and peace. Tears rolled down the cheeks of Bhagavan. These were the tears of the affectionate Mother for her children. Today she is the Mother – the loving, caring, blissful, all-conscious Mother.There was a change in His state. He returned to the state of devotee. He wept bitterly like a child remembering the grace of the Mother. But the predestined was destined to happen. The all-loving divine Mother unveiled Herself at the earnest call of her devotees. Bhagavan wrote to His renunciated devotees about this manifestation -
Aum
Calcutta-51
25/11/1999
Dear Sannyasins,
Mother has this time revealed Herself. Blessed is Assam. It is there where our spiritual explosions have been taking place. The great Mother-Mahasakti will manifest Herself in you and carry out her works through you. Just be her instrument.
Immerse yourselves in the thought of God. Be full with the strength of the Self. Blessed is this body, you too are blessed. Help me to be submerged in the thought of the Supreme. Now it’s only Mother. Do not ask for name, fame, reputation or anything else. Let there be no one in your life other than God. The Mother has herself removed your Gurujee.
– Yours Real Mother.
Chapter 16: BHAGAVAN’S SPIRITUAL POWER REVEALED
This incidence came to pass in the life of Madhumita Roy, the General Secretary of the Female Wing of the Society, and wife of Sri Pradip Kumar Roy, the Vice-President of the Society. Though Madhumita had reverence for Bhagavan, then known to all as Gurujee, yet she was reluctant to accept Him as a spiritual stalwart for Bhagavan’s apparent similarity with any other human character. This dilemma prohibited her to involve in matters regarding IVS and Bhagavan. However, this particular instance brought about an enormous change in her belief and attitude towards Him. Today she has a major role in the development of the female wing. Extending her full co-operation to her husband, she has contributed immensely in the expansion of IVS. Being a noted poetess, she has written many a poems in different esteemed dailies of the city. A compilation of such poems dedicated on Bhagavan ‘Shraddhanjali’, was published by this devoted couple and consecrated to the holy feet of Bhagavan.
It so happened in November, 1993 that Madhumita was going with her husband on the latter’s scooter when suddenly they met with an accident. Madhumita fell off from the scooter and injured her head seriously. Immediately her head and face swelled up. She was rushed to a renowned doctor of the locality whose clinic was fortunately nearby. Examining her, the doctor immediately referred her to the North East Frontier Railway (N.F.Rly) Central Hospital. Bhagavan, as if, had foreseen all and made all arrangements beforehand. Pradip by chance got an autorickshaw and he hurried his wife to the hospital in the same. It was almost impossible to get a specialist doctor at that time. However he found the head of the surgery department present in the hospital. The doctor attended Madhumita and admitted her in the Intensive Care Unit. They informed her husband that nothing could be predicted before forty eight hours.
In the meanwhile the news of this accident reached Bhagavan. Coming to know about Madhumita’s admission He went to visit her. After paying a short visit Bhagavan came out of the hospital. Pradip stood in front of Him with folded hands and requested earnestly to put His hand upon his wife’s head. Bhagavan heard his prayer but did not say a word. He silently walked back to His home. He rang him in the night and enquired about Madhumita. He also enquired as to when the place would be desolate. Pradip answered that after the evening visiting-hours her friends and relatives leave the hospital and Madhumita remains alone. Bhagavan said, "Tomorrow I will be going to see Madhumita in the evening. Be present there." The following day, the 13th of November, 1993, was the new moon day – the Kali puja. It was evening. Bhagavan sat solemnly in the little verandah at the entrance of His quarter, deeply engrossed in the revelation of the Divine Mother within. Swami Keshavananda (Maharajji) was sitting silently beside Him. He comprehended that some grave transformation was going within Bhagavan. The atmosphere outside was growing dark and heavy. All of a sudden Bhagavan said, "Come on". Within no time they were on their way to the hospital. Maharajji grew cautious. He could well read that the Divine Mother has seized Bhagavan’s total identity and was directly playing within Him. Bhagavan was then the embodiment of the Divine Mother. It was the Mother, with whom he was walking along!
Anticipating Bhagavan at any moment Pradip stood anxiously outside the hospital. No sooner did he see Him, than he paid his reverend salutation. Madhumita’s condition was still grave. Bhagavan entered the hospital and went straight to the bed where she was lying in a semi-conscious state. Bhagavan asked her where the injury was. She faintly pointed her head. Bhagavan then touched the swollen part for a while in such a way as if He was holding it in His grip and smashing it. This seemed to give her immense affliction as she moaned in pain. But soon after she fell fast asleep. Bhagavan came out of the room hastily. Maharajji and Pradip followed Him. On coming out Bhagavan asked Pradip, "What do you understand me?" "Embodiment of Narayana," replied Pradip. Bhagvan replied, "Yes", and turned to Maharajji – "What do you comprehend me?" Maharajji answered, "Embodiment of Ma Kali". Thereafter Bhagavan left the hospital. There were unimaginable changes in Madhumita the following day. One who lay almost unconscious with serious injuries the earlier day was walking on her own feet. Her doubts were dispelled and she became an earnest servant of Bhagavan.
Bhagavan now headed for Swami Sankarananda’s house. Sankarananda, then Rajeev in his earlier state, was suffering from fever and cough and cold for the last few days. His father was then pouring oil in the lamps lit to decorate the house on the occasion of Kali Puja. Seeing the Master, Rajeev requested Him to take a seat. Bhagavan sat on a bed placed beside the one upon which Rajeev himself was seated. Bhagavan inquired about his well-being. Bhagavan was still not in his self. Bile, Rajeev’s younger brother asked Bhagavan if He would like to have tea. Bhagavan answered in negative. Bile insisted. On this Rajeev told him not to insist Bhagavan. Bhagavan said, "That, which was to happen, happened." Saying this He left with Maharajji for Sudhangshu Chakraborty’s house. The following day Rajeev fell ill seriously. He was admitted in the N.F.Rly.Central Hospital. Soon after his admission he fell fast asleep. He did not wake up for the next forty-eight hours. All the renowned doctors were at loss at this as they could not diagonise anything after much detailed examinations. He lay in the bed as though dead. The countenance of his parents reflected the apprehension of a grave and serious calamity. Similar thoughts crept up in the minds of other devotees and they went to visit him thinking that to be their last visit. Bhagavan was however unwavered. He comprehended a deep spiritual meaning in it. He also visited him. Seeing him, unlike others, Bhagavan said, "The goal is to merge with the Self by hook or by crook." Returning home, He said to His devotees that Rajeev would deliver speech on Vedanta in the Annual Convention. They were all surprised to hear this as the convention was to commence just after two days and he was still lying unconscious in the hospital. However they were all much relieved when he regained consciousness and to their surprise delivered a spontaneous speech on Vedanta in the said convention. Thereafter Bhagavan said that Rajeev had entered into samadhi (state where Self-realization is attained) while in hospital. Some days later He said, "Dangerous is the vision of the void."
Chapter 17: SOME MORE INCIDENTS
Juhu Chakraborty, the Joint General Secretary of the Female Wing is one of the ardent devotees of Bhagavan. She came in touch with Bhagavan after her marriage and inspired by Him she devoted herself at His holy feet. She too played a major role in the publicity of the Society. Inspite of being physically restrained due to the removal of a kidney, she endeavours to devote herself in all matters of the Society with much earnestness. We would here throw light on one incident of her life which would reveal the all-pervasiveness of Bhagavan. During her pregnancy in the year 1997, she suddenly fell ill. Doctors detected high inflammation in her kidneys. It was totally damaged and was causing high risk for the baby. The case grew immensely critical. Her friends and relatives were tensed. Juhu however was unperturbed by all these happenings. She could feel Bhagavan every now and then. When in the car on her way to the nursing home, she felt Bhagavan sitting in the front seat. In the nursing home she would see Bhagavan from the window, standing beneath. While in the operation theatre, she saw Bhagavan standing by her head with a smile on His face gazing at her. During the surgery Bhagavan was intimated that things were complicated and critical. Bhagavan told all the devotees present to leave Him alone. As they left, He entered into samadhi. She was operated upon and everything was successful. The damaged kidney was removed. A healthy baby was born. ‘Sayan’, the baby, now is a devotee of Bhagavan.
Another similar incident occurred in the life of Nami Das of Shillong who loves Bhagavan as her father. It was 2004. Nami was carrying. However during this period she developed many a complications - high blood pressure, disorder of the heart and infection in the kidney. Doctors declared the baby almost dead. Nami’s life was too at stake. She had little chances of survival. Nami remembered Bhagavan from the core of her heart. Meanwhile Bhagavan grew restless as He did not hear about Nami for a long time. He asked Swami Nirgunananda to inquire about Nami. Nirgunananda acted accordingly and reported about her condition. She was to be operated. Bhagavan isolated Himself in a room. Prior to operation ultrasonography was conducted. While she was undergoing the test, Nami saw Bhagavan fully and animated standing in the room. She gained strength and confidence. The news of a successful surgery reached Bhagavan in the night. Both the mother and baby were in healthy condition. Bhagavan came out of the room with a joyful heart.
The tradition goes that the disciple is always aptly attentive in the service of Guru. He sees that his Master is least worried about any mundane matter. He always endeavours to make things conducive to the contemplation of Brahman for his Lord and sees that he can serve mankind by the way of infusing spirituality and carryout the divine will. The Guru out of sheer love and affection goes on serving his devotees and mankind. Bhagavan, however, is always alert for His children. He takes care of every minute detail of His affectionate ones. We have, herebefore cited instances where Bhagavan’s caring nature was reflected in some grave matters. Here we would bring to notice to our readers an incident which would reveal His ever attentive nature for His devotees. Bhagavan was then in Varanasi. It was 2005. Two of His devotees Kanchanlal Banerjee and Dipak Das were to come from Kolkata to the ashram where Bhagavan was residing. Their train was scheduled to reach Mughalsarai at half past four in the morning. It was decided that two devotees would receive them at the station. The earlier night Bhagavan summoned the ashramites and inquired as to what the plan was about receiving the devotees. He was informed to His content. The following day at about 2.30 a.m. two devotees woke up and were preparing themselves for the reception when suddenly they heard Bhagavan calling them to get prepared. They were astonished at Bhagavan’s affectionate care and immense love which He possesses for His devotees.
We would, here, mention another incident of Bhagavan’s life and then move on to the other facets of His life. We will in the long run narrate an amazing incident which came to pass in the year September 2000 in Vrindavan. At present we will describe the happenings of the day of Bhagavan’s return from Vrindavan. We appeal our readers not to merely believe these events but to go unto Him with a faithful heart. You would realize the authenticity of these truths.
Our train to Varanasi was scheduled in the evening on that particular day. Bhagavan along with one of His devotee loitered in the complex of the Ma Anandamayee Ashram, the place where we have been staying. He said, "Today I’m leaving Vrindavan. I am in sorrow. Nature is reluctant to let me go. Notice, that there will be obstructions when I leave." Bhagavan did not go to samadhi that day. He gazed out of the window remaining totally indifferent to the activities of the mundane world. After having our lunch we were busy in packing our bags. Bhagavan on this day did not take rest even after His lunch. He was due to some reason, restless within.
We hired a taxi in advance. It was the same taxi by which we visited Vrindavan, Mathura, Gokul, Nandagaon, Barsana, Govardhan, Radha Kund and Shyam Kund. During the tour the driver became our friend. We were to leave Ma Anandamayee Ashram at four in the evening. However the taxi did not turn up. We therefore started looking for some alternate conveyance. To our surprise everyone refused. We howsoever managed an autorickshaw after much effort. Bhagavan was observing all the happenings silently from a distance. It was summer and the sun was in its full glow. Bhagavan gradually came up to the gate of the ashram. Seeing Him the gatekeeper said, "The Raas (the festival of divine dance of Krishna with Radha, his lady-love and the Gopis) has just commenced and you are departing! Do not leave now." His kind appeal touched Bhagavan’s soft heart. He was speechless! Nature was prohibiting Him to leave the divine soil of Vrindavan. All of a sudden dark clouds enveloped the sky and it began to rain. We hurried Bhagavan to the autorickshaw and started for Mathura. It was raining. Bhagavan stretched His hand outside to feel the rain. His hairs stood on end. "My gopis are restraining me to go. These are their tears. These are very pure. Touch and feel them", said Bhagavan. We obeyed His command. The vehicle was making its way fast through the road when all at once a cow came in front of the autorickshaw. Bhagavan said, "See, how it is obstructing the wheels of my chariot." It stood there in front of our vehicle for quite sometime. Thereafter it made way for Bhagavan. No sooner did we cross the border of Vrindavan, then rain stopped. The sky was clear. The sun was shining in its splendour.
Chapter 18: IVS OWNS ITS FIRST ASHRAM
Prior to this, the devotees of Varanasi felt a dire necessity for a permanent structure for the further development of their activities. Till now the sannyasins were carrying out their functions from two small rooms of Madhu Tiwari which they hired on rent. The devotees donated generously within their mite and capacity and acquired a building adjacent to the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat. It would be very appropriate here to know the history behind the acquisition of the first permanent structure of the International Vedanta Society. We have heretobefore discussed the event of Lord Shiva’s boon to Bhagavan. When the plan of a permanent settlement in Varanasi was in progress, everybody began to toil for the cause. Swami Bhaskarananda, in particular made his best efforts to acquire a place in and around the temporary office of the Society. However all endeavours proved futile for those which they saw within their meagre budget were not suitable for the purpose and the ones which would serve the purpose were largely out of their budget. Hence, after much discussion they turned towards Dafi, a newly established colony situated a few kilometres back of the Benaras Hindu University, at the outskirts of the city. As the cost of land was much within their reach, the devotees wished to buy a good area and build a structure according to the need of the Society. The sannyasins saw the proposed land and were satisfied to their content and almost decided to buy the land. On the said day Bhagavan rang them and wished to know about the progress. They informed Him about the new land. When asked as to how far the land was from the Viswanath temple and river Ganga, they informed Him that it was quite far from these places. Bhagavan remained mum. He then rang Ma Aparajita and said, "Go to Lord Viswanath and offer puja and say that if he loves me then let him not keep me away from him. Let him offer me a place, between Dashashwamedh and Godowlia." Ma Aparajita, a staunch devotee of Bhagavan acted accordingly to the wish of her Lord and offered puja that very evening. She, thereafter, met the sannyasins and gave them the flowers and prasad and narrated all that Bhagavan has told her.
The following morning they got the information of a two-storied building situated in the very next mohalla (colony) in Dashashwamedh from their well wisher Jyoti Chatterjee. The house consisting of a Kali temple and two Shiva temples and several rooms was unanimously liked by everyone and soon it was bought. I.V.S. thus acquired its first permanent shelter. It was named ‘Vedanta Bhavan’. The Society also has a female ashram – Sri Saradeshwari Tapovan which is situated in Vidya Vihar complex, Chandua, Vidyapith Road. In Varanasi, Bhagavan also renamed one of His devotee Rahul Mukherjee’s house as Krishna Mandir. It was here, in the year 2000 where the divine manifestation of Narayana took place in Bhagavan. It was on this day when devotees experienced enormous bliss and many of them saw Bhagavan in different forms of ‘Narayana’. On January 3, 2001 the birth anniversary of Bhagavan, the Vedanta Bhavan was inaugurated with much fanfare. Sannyasins of different ashrams and missions participated in the ‘sadhu bhandara’ and had a darshan of Bhagavan. Rudrabhisekh of Shiva in the temple of the ashram was also performed. Prasad was distributed among innumerable devotees. Lord Viswanath’s Kashi (the ancient name of Varanasi) accepted Bhagavan’s creation and dream, the International Vedanta Society with all love and care. On this eventful day, Ma Aparajita offered Bhagavan a golden crown worth Rs 25,000. Bhagavan returned the crown and asked His devotees to sell it and create a fund and name it ‘Ma Aparajita Charitable Fund’ wherefrom some welfare activities would be carried out every month. Innumerable devotees from India and abroad also come to this ashram and get in touch with Vedanta and IVS. Many of their lives have transformed. Kozima Halliday of the United Kingdom, Paula Esparza of Spain, Guillermo of Argentina, Emilia of Mexico, Jian Jimenez and Pedro Ibarra of Venezuala are some of the many foreign devotees to be mentioned. The loving touch of Bhagavan has made them felt the Godhood within Him. Many of them have been blessed with the realization of Self. Many a professors, lecturers and students of the Benaras Hindu University and many other established academic institutions have been involved through this ashram. Manoj Kumar, the then Commissioner of Varanasi also fell in love with Bhagavan.
Chapter 19: IMPORTANT EVENTS IN VRINDAVAN AND VARANASI
It so happened in the year 2001 that Bhagavan was immensely pained by some grievous unjust acts of some devotees. He thereupon came to Varanasi. However here, too the painful incident pricked His heart constantly. He, therefore, decided to go to Vrindavan. Four of His sannyasin devotees – Swami Probuddhananda, Swami Sankarananda, Swami Prajnanananda, and Swami Bhaskarananda accompanied Him to Vrindavan. All necessary arrangements were done in advance in the Ma Anandamayee Ashram. On reaching Vrindavan, He wished to have a darshan of Radha Rani in the ashram. After doing so, He went in samadhi. After having lunch, He again went into samadhi. This time, the intensity was much deeper. All the four sannyasins began to message His body to restore normalcy but to no avail. All of a sudden He became normal and said, "Come on, let’s go to ‘Nidhivan’". A divine smile played on His countenance. With large and quick steps, He went through the streets of Vrindavan and reached Nidhivan. It is this place where Sri Krishna played the divine Maharaas (the divine dance where each Gopi found Sri Krishna dancing with her). On reaching Nidhivan, He began to see the place. The four sannyasins surrounded Him. All at once Bhagavan said, "Hey! Hey!!" and was about to fall in the front as if someone has pushed from the back. He said those words in a manner as if He was addressing someone He is priorly acquainted with. The devotees thought that He might have slipped and were about to support Him but He refused. He then visited every bit of the place very minutely. It so appeared from His eyes that He was seeing something that is known to Him since ages and that which is very close to His heart. On coming out of Nidhivan, there was a total transformation in His appearance. The reflection of pain on His countenance was no more. On the contrary, it reflected joy and satisfaction. His eyes were lit up with unbounded bliss and pleasure as if He was deluged in the infinite ocean of bliss, which with all its innumerable waves was gazing the devotees, and the whole of Vrindavan.
He thereafter visited the Seva Kunj and then proceeded towards Yamuna. Seeing Yamuna, He was very happy. "There is a distance between me and Ganga. There is piousness, purity and the likes in Ganga. But seeing Yamuna it seems that it’s mine. I feel like plunging into it", said Bhagavan. He continued, "Krishna did not bring dvaita (dualism) in Advaita (non-dualism) He brought Advaita in dvaita. This is immensely tough." Bhagavan then visited ‘Imlitala’, the place where Mahaprabhu Chaitanyadeva stayed. He sat on the stairs facing the Yamuna, rested for a while, and expressed the desire to have a boatride on the Yamuna. On Bhagavan’s wish, a boat was hired. It was dusk.It silently made its way through the waters of the Yamuna. The sun had already set in the far west with all its brightness after its tiresome work. The moon with its calm and soothing nature was silently creeping through the clouds. There was a sign of transformation too in the life of Bhagavan. The knowledge like sun had set in the horizon eradicating all wants and what remained is divine love like moon in all its glory, which had light bereft of any heat, which is cool, calm, pleasant and full of bliss. The whole atmosphere was still. Night was spreading its wing. Faint sounds of the bells from the distant temples were reverberating in the air. The fully swollen Yamuna was flowing in gaiety in the apprehension of touching the feet of Bhagavan and murmuring the song of the long awaited union with her beloved Lord. Bhagavan responded her by touching her with His tender hands. He sat at the end of the boat and His devotees sat surrounding Him as the stars do surrounding the moon. Purnachandra Sri Krishna has today after ages returned to His Vrindavan. Devotees time and again offered their salutations, within at the lotus feet of this undescribable form of Bhagavan. Later on, He said, "I am blessed. You’ve brought me to the greatest place on earth. My Vrindavan’s visit is fulfilled. A link of mine is today completed. Today I’ve revealed myself in front of you. You are the testimony to my manifestation. Blessed is Mathura and Vrindavan today. I’ve come. You’ve shown me Nidhivan. It so appeared that I know all these places. I’m familiar with all these."
The following day Bhagavan summoned Swami Probuddhananda and said, "I’m Krishna, not your Guru. You are also my devotee and not my disciple. Yesterday when I came to Vrindavan my heart was deeply wounded. I asked Radha to tell who I am. This world doesn’t know me but you do. Radha answered me. Yesterday I was in samadhi. She called me in Nidhivan. There she touched me and said that I am Krishna. That’s why I stumbled. All my pain was erased. Radha has given me a new life. At times the devotee saves the life of God." He showed His body and continued, "See, how I am thrilled. Know that I’m Krishna." As He was uttering those words, His eyes filled with tears. They rolled down His cheeks. They reflected the immense pain that His devotees inflicted upon Him and at the same time, they were reflecting His ultimate success. Today He is the king of the kings. He is Jagannath – the Lord of the Universe. "Today, standing upon this divine land of Vrindavan I do declare that I am Krishna. I keep you as the evidence," proclaimed Bhagavan. He went on, " If this is truth – I am telling ‘if’ because it’s still not clear today amidst all, then there will be a great deluge pivoting me and if there is even a bit of falsehood in it then my body will come to an end today. But I know that I’m true."
Oh Jagannath! Oh Lord of the Universe! Every word Thou speaketh is true. Today the deluge has begun. Devotees from all corners of country and abroad are eager to just have a glance at you, to feel your divine touch. Attracted by your love, they often forget the business of this mundane world and come rushing at you. Commencing with just a few devotees you have today within a span of just twenty years become the Lord of innumerable hearts.
During His stay in Vrindavan, Bhagavan once while speaking on Krishna said, "He (Krishna) knew that He was relishable. Thus he said to his devotees to enjoy him. Krishna rendered bliss to his devotees in whichsoever manner they wished. For this, he did not care anyone. He never thought of what others would say or think. That’s the reason why there is so controversy in him, and one gets so much scope to speak against him. Only Krishna is Purusha (Supreme, Masculine) and everyone else in this world are Prakriti (Feminine). Hence he wished to render the company of Purusha to all."
On returning from Vrindavan, pointing Himself, Bhagavan said, "After Krishna who went to Vrindavan then, it is this who went (to Vrindavan). Those who went in between this period had the tendency of Radha or someone else."
Another important chapter unfurled in Bhagavan’s life when He visited Varanasi in September 2002. Hitherto two prominent bhava (states) were observed in Bhagavan. One, the state of Godhood, when He would play all the divine sports, impart directives to His devotees and make the impossible happen. Second, the state of devotee who would explain the divine sports and carry out the directives. As was in the first case of imparting sannyasa to His renunciating devotees when the first manifestation took place in 1997. He later on as a devotee literally realized the directive. When in the state of Godhood, devotees addressed Him as Gurujee. However, this incident totally wiped out the entity of Gurujee and established Him in Godhood. This too occurred through a divine play.
Chapter 20: ANANDOTSAVA
It was in Amingaon in the ashram, when Bhagavan played holi – the festival of colours with His devotees. Bhagavan was to return to Birati, Kolkata days before Holi. Nevertheless, it was the wish of the devotees to play Holi with Him before His return. Bhagavan consented to their request. Coming to know about this, devotees from far and off places began to congregate in the ashram to become witness of those divine moments. It was the 23rd of February, 2003. Let us, for the sake of our readers, put forth the proceedings of the day in the beautiful words of Kojima Halliday as narrated to him by Swami Probuddhananda – a prime witness to those celestial moments.
"It was the divine land of Guwahati -(Amingaon Ashram) where a few blessed devotees of Bhagavan took part in His divine sport of playing Holi with Him. As the devotees received the news of Bhagavan’s consent to play Holi, devotees from all corners of the country started to congregate at the aforesaid auspicious place to partake of this celestial bliss.
In the morning, Bhagavan took all the devotees for a boat ride on the river Brahmaputra. He appeared quite normal while He was on the trip. At eight’ o clock they all returned to the ashram. He asked Sujata Chakraborty, one of His most ardent devotees, to sing a song. Sujata poured out her heart and sang with all her devotion; "O Krishna, the enchanter of the mind, the stealer of the mind, the life of Radha. Thou art the life force of Vrindavan, the one that lifted the mountain Govardhana; Thou rulest the heart, O Hari! O Narayana!!" Bhagavan said, "I am going into samadhi. Sing till I return." As Bhagavan entered samadhi things started to take a turn. The bliss of boat-riding with Bhagavan still prevalent in the minds of the devotees started to be replaced by something higher. The sweet voice of Sujata amalgamated with her utmost devotion was well attuned with the highly spiritual atmosphere. A strong silence started to creep up within every soul. They were being gradually lulled into a state of calmness. The atmosphere was gripped by an unusual stillness. Sujata could continue no more. Her ceasing to sing passed by, unnoticed by anyone else. She sank into the depths of samadhi.
After a while, Bhagavan came out of the room and sat on a chair under the sun which was pouring down its sweet warmth. Bhagavan was in a tremendous state. The solemnity and the seriousness of an unbounded ocean reflected from His countenance. It so seemed that even time forgot to pass on and the devotees sat still in the form of an arc, facing Him as if mechanical beings. Bhagavan was beholding the Infinite, the vision of the Void. He said, "There’s no bhava (feelings) here. The world is not real. Neither does that Ram exist, nor does that Ayodhya. How will there be Holi?" By then, all the devotees were being indomitably attracted towards Bhagavan. They began offering their obeisance by lying prostrate at His lotus feet. None could regain the strength of standing on their feet after this act of reverence. A few moments more passed. Bhagavan said to Pankaj (now Swami Premananda), "Pankaj, sing a song of Holi." Along with a few other devotees, Pankaj carried out the order of the Lord. He made a Herculean effort to give form to the Formless and Infinite. It so seemed that viabration appeared to the One beyond all viabration, as if the formless Knowledge and Consciousness were on the threshold taking the form of Divine Love. Bhagavan said, "Krishna is not yet born." Some more moments passed. Bhagavan said, "Krishna is born." Things were changing in Him. "Now He is of one month, now He is of two months, ....now three." His state was changing rapidly. His body started to move a little. An unknown secret smile was playing on His countenance. After a few moments He said. "Now Krishna is of nine years, come on, let’s play Holi." He first offered colours at His own portrait. Thereafter, He started playing Holi with the devotees. Whomsoever He touched with love like colours, sank into the depths of samadhi and fell down like a chopped-down tree. The devotees also played Holi with Bhagavan, intoxicated with divine love. Bhagavan was enjoying bliss with everyone, dancing with all the devotees. Nobody was aware any longer of the external world or even about his own self. Bhagavan was dancing in the midst of all the devotees, but each found Bhagavan to be dancing with him. During this time Bhagavan witnessed the birth and manifestation of Krishna. Hence, all the devotees saw Krishna all around them. The ashram was transformed into Vrindavan. His devotees who had never seen Vrindavan but nevertheless had a desire to see it, could no longer find the desire to do so. Even those who desired to have the divine glimpse of Lord Krishna could no longer find the existence of the desire anymore as they saw the living Krishna – Krishna who was living, smiling, crying, sporting, sleeping, speaking and dancing with them.
Thereafter, this day (23rd February) began to be celebrated as Anandotsav – the celebration of bliss. Bhagavan gifted another day when men could forget their woes and agonies and immerse themselves in pure and selfless bliss. This divine event proves that Bhagavan is rooted in Godhood. Even before the devotees could prove themselves, Bhagavan proved that He is God – the Supreme Person. He is His own witness – One who is beyond all witnesses. This event is also a proclamation unto the future that if one should come into contact with Bhagavan, he or she could achieve the Supreme without any austerity whatsoever. This may sound strange, yet it is true. One is freed from all bondage on having the divine darshan of Bhagavan. Civilization would cross the barriers of time if it could know Bhagavan. It would go beyond the jaws of destruction.
Bhagavan spent most of His time in Assam. As a result He loved the Assamese and longed to work for them. However, no devotee turned up from this community till a long time despite much efforts by Him and His other devotees. The year 2003 saw the coming of one such Assamese devotee. He soon became an ardent devotee of Bhagavan. He not only took his whole family but also a whole community at the feet of Bhagavan. He established Bhagavan amidst them. They could realize the Godhood in Him and in no time took refuge at His feet. Bhagavan went to those interior villages amongst the most common people working in the fields. They were overwhelmed for never did they imagine that such a spiritual giant as Bhagavan would ever come down to them like someone of their own. Bhagavan also visited the house of this devotee. Later on, on November 19, 2003 the devotee embraced sannyasa and was named Swami Premananda by Bhagavan. Two more devotees embraced sannyasa on that very day and were named Swami Gangananda and Swami Ramananda. Swami Gangananda, like Bhagirath brought Bhagavan like Ganga and IVS to Amingaon which now proudly holds the headquarter of the Society. Swami Ramananda’s continuous efforts and perseverance contributed much to the reinforcement of the New Bongaigaon Branch. Though it would seem absurd, yet the fact remains that he went into deep samadhi on just hearing the voice of Bhagavan in a tape recorder. It took about twenty-four hours for him to regain consciousness of the normal plane.
Chapter 21: COMPANIONS OF BHAGAVAN
We’ve discussed about some devotees in our earlier chapters along with some incidents related to them. We would hereafter too discuss about some of His more companions in the coming chapters by the way of narrating some more incidents and thereby reflect their contribution towards IVS. .
We will commence the present chapter with our Sangha Janani (Mother of the organization) Guruma. Ever devoted to the service of Bhagavan, Guruma never asked anything from Him. She is always alert as to the needs of Bhagavan. Nothing ever found any place in her except service. She is the Shakti (Energy) of Bhagavan. Once Bhagavan said, "Look how simple does she look. She is serving tea to all. She lives so simply, who could tell that the Mahashakti is playing within her.... Offer your obeisance to her when you leave. She is dangerous. I’ve only told you about her. Know that she is established in that state." On one occasion she spontaneously asked, "Is my work over?" "Your work has not yet started", replied Bhagavan. He continued, "Your work will commence after my departure. Gurubhava (state of Guru) will come in you but after I leave. Two heroes cannot remain at the same time. You have to realize my sufferings. You’ve to know about the welfare of the devotees. You have to forgive your greatest enemy. Your other name is Forgiveness. I’ve only forgiven." Such an enormous power was always ready to render service to the devotees. While all the devotees were immersed in bliss flocking Bhagavan, she would prepare tea for them. She could have sat beside Bhagavan and enjoyed the bliss but she never did so. Her nature is to remain behind the scene and serve all. Afflicted by the society Guruma never uttered a complain whatsoever. "She knew the fact that it was due to the devotees and the young devotees in particular that her husband and her family was misbehaved and ill-treated by the society. However, she never barred them from coming to Bhagavan and neither did she speak out her sufferings to anyone. Such is our Sangha Janani Guruma.
We are throwing light upon the characters of the devotees of Bhagavan and whenever we do so the character of Swami Keshavananda, lovingly known to all as ‘Maharajji’, shall glitter in the golden history of IVS. Although it was Swami Advaitananda who brought him in contact with Bhagavan, yet it was his dedication and service amalgamated with love that made him Bhagavan’s closest devotee and friend. His life is a glaring instance of ‘dasya bhava’ (the tendency of a devotee in which he acts as a servant of God). The day he came in association with Bhagavan, he dedicated himself as utmost sincere servant. He served Bhagavan as a true servant. He renunciated his friends, family, job and became an all-renunciating sannyasin. Though a sannyasin, yet his complete resignation at the feet of Bhagavan has taken him to a point beyond that of a sannyasin where he has been left completely bare-handed with only the Lord as his only refuge – a devotee who has none but the name of the Lord as his only support. Most of the sufferings were endured by him as he was the senior-most both in age and reputation. Inspite of all these he acted as a shield to safeguard Bhagavan and His devotees. Bhagavan considered him as His friend. Bhagavan would say His secret spiritual realizations to Maharajji and he would in appropriate time distribute them among the devotees. The International Vedanta Society is established on his great renunciation. Bhagavan once said, "Were it not for Maharaj that I.V.S. would have ceased to continue long before. There is no comparison of his larg-heartedness." One can at times hear a sweet utterance of Bhagavan about this dear devotee of His. "He is much gentle than me. He was supposed to become God, I became by mistake." Many times did he save the devotees from destruction. This is how our Maharajji is who in order to protect the reminiscents of Bhagavan in Assam, fought a tremendous battle staking his own life. Civilization would forever be obliged to this simple, honest, large-hearted, childlike Maharajji.
We have to speak of the devotee who is the foundation of the International Vedanta Society, whose love and belief on Bhagavan stands unparallel. Coming in contact with Bhagavan at an early age, Mousumi Deb, the Vic-President of the Female Wing of IVS, ever stood beside Bhagavan with firm resolution from the very beginning. When Bhagavan was encountering a tremendous fight against the society in extreme adversities, the reliance and belief of the devotees on Bhagavan at times wavered. Doubts would creep into their minds. However, Mousumi’s firm belief never wavered. Her love and belief stood like a firm, enormous adamantine rock admist all the huge waves of adversities. They would strike time and again only to crush into pieces. When Bhagavan was left all alone, forloned, Mousumi stood by Him. She never reasoned on what Bhagavan said. According to her, Bhagavan is the embodiment of truth and to reason His words would be to cast doubt on Him, to do injustice to Him. She stands on the crest of love and belief. It is upon her love and belief that the International Vedanta Society stands. I.V.S. would ever bow down at the feet of this great-devoted lady. Speaking on her after she left Guwahati, Bhagavan once said, "Mousumi is the foundation of the International Vedanta Society. Wherever she stays, IVS is established upon her. Bhaskarananda gave you shelter. Bhaskarananda comes next to Mousumi. Mousumi has left, but Bhaskarananda is left behind."
Swami Bhaskarananda was the first among the young devotees to come to Bhagavan. Inherently simple and affectionate by nature, Bhaskarananda worked tirelessly among the youths and brought great numbers of them in contact with Bhagavan. Not only this, he was always concerned about their welfare. He would inspire them and put in all efforts to build a relation between them and Bhagavan. As necessity would have it, he would exaggerate their acts and praise them in front of Bhagavan so to attract Bhagavan’s attention towards them which would consequently result in their spiritual upliftment. He even told lies and brought his young friends to Bhagavan – lies which made Swami Prajnanananda. Bhagavan fondly used to call him His ‘recruiting officer.’ When after the inevitable transformation of the young devotees, the society turned volatile on Bhagavan and His devotees and left no stone unturned to see that they cannot come together, then it was he who opened the doors of his house and welcomed them with all the warmth of his heart. His house was the shelter of the devotees. Bhagavan often used to say his house as His ‘drawing room’. Till today Bhaskarananda has been endeavouring the same act of bringing new youths to Bhagavan. He is much familiar and respected among them. He has inspired many a students from the adjoining I.I.T. and insured that they get the divine touch of Bhagavan. The new building of the headquarters of the Society at Amingaon, Guwahati has been the outcome of the tireless efforts, chiefly of Swami Bhaskarananda along with Swarup Chaitanya and Bhakti Chaitanya about whom we would discuss later on.
"Yatra naryastu pujyate tatra ramante devata", i.e. where the women are worshipped, there do Gods reside. And the highest form of worship is to assist them to realize their oneness with Brahman, to provide them equal opportunities to progress in the spiritual path and contribute to the upliftment of the society like their counterpart as was witnessed in the age of the Vedas. Lives of Gargi, Maitreyi, Madalasa, Radha and many others exemplify the fact that they are equally competent in this field and can reach the summit when given a congenial atmosphere. Even Adi Sankaracharya displayed his reverence to them when during his historical intellectual debate with Mandan Mishra he requested the latter’s wife Bharati Devi to preside over the debate and judge the better of the two.
However in the long run this parity was lost and women were chained in the shackles of superstitions and make-beliefs. Swami Vivekananda was of late, the pioneer of the modern times to stress upon the need of the spiritual upliftment of the women. Bhagavan by His untiring efforts achieved a tremendous feat in restoring this parity and offered them their lost throne in the spiritual world. Nevertheless, what the society had in its store for this noble soul was reproaches and insults for His unfathomable deed. He infused the knowledge of Vedanta in both His male and female devotees alike. This gave birth to a group of women whose hearts were enlightened with the essence of spiritual knowledge and hence their contribution to the formation and development of the International Vedanta Society play a vital role.
The series began with heptagenerian ‘Masima’ (aunty). The series that commenced with her was continued by innumerable females. We have erstwhile read about Guruma and Mousumi. Debjani, Bhagavan’s only daughter is another bright episode in this series. Like her father, she too is a lover of truth and mankind. Intelligent from childhood, she concentrated on her studies and secured outstanding marks even when the small quarter of Bhagavan was more often than not filled with devotees. She used to get involved with the devotees in such a way that it seemed that she too was one of them. Never did she use her position and her relation for gratification of selfish trivial things. She kept Bhagavan in the core of her heart. She chose her father’s ideal as the ideal of her life. One gets to see the reflection of her mother’s selfless service and complete resignation in her character. She would serve the devotees coming to Bhagavan. One day Bhagavan was resting in a high spiritual level. On that very day Debjani realized the Supreme Self. Today she is the General Secretary of the Society and owes much in spreading the message of Vedanta among the intellectuals in particular.
A creator is known by His creation. The more unique the creation, the more invaluable does the creator become. One such unique creation of Bhagavan who magnifies His glory is Swami Prajnanananda. Amidst tremendous adversities both from his own family members and society, he was cool yet firm. The more the adversities came, more did his love for Bhagavan intensify. A brilliant student from childhood, he got admitted in the computer faculty of the Regional Engineering College, Silchar, Assam, a renowned engineering institute just months after he came in contact with Bhagavan. However this was only a physical detachment. He continued his association with Bhagavan through letters. His renunciation was as silent as his nature. Once his maternal uncle gave him money to buy a sweater as he had only one for use. ‘Ak O Akota’, the book comprising the fourteen articles written by Swami Pavitranandaji was then on the threshold of publication. Devotees were donating for the purpose as per their mites. Swamiji quietly handed over the entire money for the publication of the book. He had to fight a hard battle all alone and with the aid of his love and firm believe on Bhagavan he overcame all hurdles and embraced sannyasa. Today he is the Vice-President and the Editor-in-Chief of the International Vedanta Society. His observations and analysis are appreciated by one and all and Bhagavan always puts his comments on a high esteem.
Swami Nirgunanda, the Treasurer of IVS, stands as a glaring example of Bhagavan’s spiritual power. Inspired by the words of Swami Bhaskarananda he came to meet Bhagavan in the year 1995. He did not get Bhagavan’s association for a long time before embracing sannyasa. Nevertheless, he was tremendously influnced by Bhagavan and within a short time he devoted himself at the feet of Bhagavan. Not only this, he also brought his mother and brother to Bhagavan. As mentioned herebefore, his mother was so profoundly touched by Bhagavan’s spirituality that she offered both her sons to Bhagavan. Swami Nirgunananda played a vital role when IVS first stepped out of the railway quarters and shifted at the premises of Late Munindra Narayan Dutta Barua. His house still today serves as a shelter for the workers and members of the organization.
Swami Sankaranda is another unique creation of Bhagavan. Since coming in the company of Bhagavan in the year 1989, Swamiji never departed from Bhagavan. He ever stood by Bhagavan amidst all adversities. Once at a very early stage when his mother tried to resist him from going to Bhagavan, he said, "Mother, rather don’t give me food but do not resist me from going to Uncle. (Bhagavan was then called as uncle)." He took his family members and his relatives to Bhagavan and gradually they were transformed. Presently the Vice-President of the organization, Swami Sankaranda’s speech and writings have a wonderful attraction and leaves a long-lasting impact on the minds of the audience and readers.
However behind all these young boys was a large-hearted jovial youth – Swami Probuddhananda. Swamiji lived in the same colony of Bhagavan and used to go to His house from his very childhood. His parents were regular visitors of Bhagavan. He used to hear Vedanta and was gradually attracted towards it. He brought many of his friends to Bhagavan. It was in his house that the Youth Wing of IVS was inaugurated. Thereafter he had to pass through immense hindrances. He was forced to leave the company of Bhagavan. Nevertheless he made his way through all adversities and is now the General Secretary of IVS.
We’ve come across various incidents about them in our previous chapters and would discuss some more in the coming ones.
Mention must be made of the one who has been in constant touch with Bhagavan for the last twenty-seven years. He has been with Bhagavan when Bhagavan used to act in theatres. Pradip Kumar Roy, the Vice-President of the International Vedanta Society is one of the earliest devotees who came in contact with Bhagavan. Bhagavan always conquered his heart as his elder brother, father and as his highest ideal. As Bhagavan adopted the spiritual path whole-heartedly, all His friends, for whom He had to bear innumerable insults in order to establish them, left Him. However, Pradip Roy did not forsake Him and on the contrary caught hold of Him more tightly. After Bhagavan’s attainment of Ajata Nirvikalpa Samadhi in the year 1984, this material world was completely wiped out from Him. Pradip Roy then took care of Bhagavan’s body. Again after the descendence of ‘Mahabhava’ in the year 1987 when everything was taken in its sway, Pradip along with some other devotees nursed and protected Bhagavan. The renewed association of Pradip with Bhagavan began to usher in a transformation in his life. Renunciation began to creep up in him who was by nature indifferent to this mundane world. New rays of spirituality began to sparkle in his inherently simple, easy and serious character. As a consequence deep love for God and Bhagavan began to increase in him. He would become restless if he couldn’t visit Bhagavan for a day. This worried his family members, his mother in particular. The fear of losing her only son began to grip her. She began to fast. It came as a great shock to mother-loving Pradip. He stopped going to his beloved Bhagavan. When one day he came across Bhagavan in the street, he clasped His feet and began to weep like a child. Bhagavan assured him and said, "There is no power on this earth, Pradip, which can take you away from me." His words turned true. Gradually things started to settle down. His mother’s anxiety slowly decreased. He was in the future often pressurized by the society and his relatives to forsake Bhagavan but he clinged on to Him. Once Bhagavan was sitting solemnly in the verandah of His railway quarter. Bhagavan felt that He was the reflection of the Supreme. Everything seemed to be unusually still. Pradip Roy was among the devotees present in the occasion. He fell at Bhagavan’s feet and said, "Only if I were your son." Bhagavan was always affectionate to Pradip. He wrote in His diary- "Pradip will become a spiritual giant." His words have turned true. Leading a family life Pradip is now a high-souled spiritual person surrendered at the feet of Bhagavan. Tremendous are his contributions in the development of the society. His life is a glaring instance of physical, mental and financial service.
Another lady whose contribution is worth mentioning is Tapashi Bhattacharjee. Tapasi, the elder sister of Swami Bhaskarananda lend her co-operative hand to the full when their house was the only shelter for the devotees in the dire adverse situations as discussed herebefore. She would see to their comfort and welfare with utmost care. She worshipped Bhagavan as God from the very beginning. After her marriage she with the aid of her husband Sanjib Bhattacharjee, a silent worker and a wonderful devotee of Bhagavan, preached the message of Vedanta and IVS in Shillong in Meghalaya which resulted in the formation of a rich base of the Society in the picturesque hill station of the North-eastern part of the country.
Chapter 22: SOME MORE DEVOTEES
The International Vedanta Society is fortunate to have such mothers. Empowered with the strength that comes from realization of the Self, these pious mothers Archana Devi and Nandita Devi, mothers of Swami Nirgunananda and Swami Sankarananda respectively, have offered their most precious belonging – both their sons at the feet of Bhagavan so to spread the message of Bhagavan, Vedanta and IVS to the whole world. Such renunciation is rarely seen. We have read of Madalasa the mother who used to lull her children to sleep with the words, "Thou art Shiva" and in the long run all the four children realized the Self and became sannyasins and dedicated themselves for the welfare of mankind. We offer our obeisance at the feet of these mothers and ask for their blessings so that we may realize the dream for which they have performed such a huge sacrifice with a smile on their face.
There are some families who have right from the origin of the International Vedanta Society stood by Bhagavan in His hard times and acted as His true relatives and friends. One such family is that of Namita and Sudhangshu Chakraborty, more acquainted as ‘pishi, (Aunty) and ‘pishamashay’ (uncle). Namita is Bhagavan’s cousin sister and her husband Sudhangshu is a respectable person in Maligaon. This family not only accepted Bhagavan but also was ever dedicated at His feet. They never cared the society’s reprimands and confronted all the adversities. Pishamashay had a fatherly affection towards the young devotees and would entertain them with palatable dishes. Bhagavan would at times visit their house, meet other devotees, explain spirituality and spend the whole day. His birth anniversary was first celebrated in their house. This devoted couple stood by Bhagavan in all adversities. We also owe much to the families of Subhra Kanti Chakraborty and Juhu Chakraborty and Ranjit Sikdar. Their families have played a vital role in the expansion of I.V.S.Another house-holder devotee, Sri Tapas Shaw, also a close relative of Bhagavan played a vital role at many crucial junctures. He along with his wife, Smt. Putul Shaw, Guruma’s sister stood beside Bhagavan and opened their door for Him whenever necessity arose.
The families of Doll and Niva needs to be mentioned here. Despite being confronted with various adversities from their relatives and localities, both these families overcame all odds and dedicated themselves at the service of Bhagavan. Both these devotees contributed to the spreading of IVS in their localities. Niva’s sweet voice is enjoyed by one and all.
Here Shanti’s mother is another unique devotee in Amingaon. Her previous name was Chinta’s mother, Chinta being her daughter’s name. She is an aged beggar. A loving devotee of Bhagavan, she was renamed Shanti’s mother (Shanti i.e. peace) by Bhagavan Himself. She begs for Bhagavan at times and that is offered to Him. When Bhagavan once asked her as to how she would feed Him she answered, "I will feed you by begging alone." On another occasion when Bhagavan was about to leave the Amingaon ashram for Kolkata she said to Swami Gangananda, "Gangananda, bring a rope, I will tie Bhagavan."
Another devotee, a Muslim by faith, is known to all as ‘chacha’ (uncle). He considers Bhagavan as ‘Allah’. He is a daily labour who fences gardens with bamboo and makes mats with bombaoo which are used for constructing bamboo houses specially popular in the North-eastern states. Bhagavan treats him as His friend and calls him ‘bandhu’ (friend). At times, He gives His new clothes to His ‘friend’. Bhagavan embraces Him and says, "Bandhu, don’t forsake me. I love you very much." Chacha says, "My friend is Allah."
An incident goes along with this friend of Bhagavan. When the whole country was tormented in the Hindu-Muslim communal riot of Gujarat, this friend of Bhagavan was spending his days in bliss in the association of Bhagavan. The present new building of Amingaon was not yet constructed. It was night and was densely dark. All of a sudden Bhagavan asked for alms from His ‘friend’ for the construction of the proposed building. He spread His arms and said, "Friend, give me some alms." His poor friend was caught in a fix. He had nothing to give. Bhagavan was asking the same in the same manner. His friend saw that he just had a one-rupee coin in his pocket and he offered it to Him. Bhagavan took him in His arms and said, "Today, in this dark night in an unknown place, a new civilization has taken birth unknowingly." Bhagavan is for all caste, creed, faith and nation. His heart bleeds for the whole world. His heart does not renounce and on the contrary accepts one and all.His love engulfs the whole globe. Once He said, "If necessary, I will here entertain the Muslim for prayer. They are also praying to the same Lord, so then why is there this difference?" His words were realized when in the year 2008, during the boring process for acquiring water, the labourers, all Muslims by faith, offered their prayers Namaz in the prayer hall of the ashram. His love for Jesus Christ manifested when He cried out, "Jesus cannot be killed such brutally", while visiting the famous Church in Bandel, West Bengal, He is not confined to any samskaras or ideas. He is full of love which is beyond all samskaras, beyond all ideas. He is like the taintless, infinite blue sky.
We would also express our reverence to one more female devotee, Sujata Chakraborty of Bongaigaon. She offered herself at the feet of Bhagavan the day she came in contact with Him. It is said that the devotion of a devotee manifests centering a particular event but what if one doesn’t have anything to express, and doesn’t get an opportunity to do so? This world cannot evaluate the feelings of the devotee towards her Lord. Hence it is Bhagavan who evaluates her feelings and makes it invaluable. Bhagavan once revealed His divine form to Sujata and introduced Himself to this world through her. It so happened that when once in Bongaigaon, Bhagavan was encircled by many a devotees. Sujata, immersed in devotion, was pouring out her heart and dedicating a sweet and wonderful song at the feet of Bhagavan. Suddenly her heart began to tremble. She looked at Bhagavan but could not see Him. In His place was the Creator – Preserver – Destroyer Narayana – vivid and live. She shouted, "He is God, He is God." She appealed everyone, "See, He is God; offer your prostrations, take refuge in Him." She stood there with folded hands and prayed, "Oh God! Please take me in your refuge." Saying so she fell in samadhi. "She has seen my form," said Bhagavan. In her presence Bhagavan unveils His inexplicable forms and feelings. Sujata is an embodiment of true devotion.
Mention must also be made of another devotee whose quiet devotion is an ideal for many. Working in the railways, Khadal Swain is cool and calm by nature and hence is loved and respected by all. Bhagavan regards him as a rishi due to this cool and quiet nature. He says, "Khadal is a rishi of IVS. There’s no one like him here." Originally from Orissa, Khadal adores Bhagavan as Lord Jagannath. He and his simple wife are sincere devotees of Bhagavan. He loves Bhagavan and His devotees very dearly. He is also very dear to us. Generally people of Orissa have a good hand in cooking and Khadal is a glaring example of this. He often invites Maharajji and other devotees to his house and serves them beautiful dishes with utmost care and love. Bhagavan enjoys his silent love for Him and His devotees.
Another such silent devotee of Bhagavan is Sri Kanchan Lal Banerjee of New Barrackpur, Kolkata. A regular visitor of Mayer Bari, Sri Kanchan Lal Banerjee, approximately of the same age of Bhagavan, is an intent devotee of Bhagavan. A man of principle and a believer in the atheistic philosophy, he didn’t believe in the existence of God. However once coming in the association of Bhagavan, he began to feel a strong attraction for Him. Listening to the simple and lucid way of elucidating Vedanta, he fell in love with Bhagavan. His belief gradually ripened and he began to regard Bhagavan as God-incarnate. His faith glorified when Bhagavan was desolated by all after the unfateful incident that occurred in the year 2001 which has been mentioned previously. Mayer Bari then wore a deserted look. But Kanchan Lal along with Kaushik Aich and Minati Sarkar were the regular visitors of Mayer Bari. He never left the company of Bhagavan even during those trouble-tormented times. Still today, his regular presence at Mayer Bari is a source of inspiration for one and all. .
Our chapter of devotees will remain incomplete without mentioning about the trio- Bapan, Bile and Soumitra. We will thus end our episode with their discussion though we would discuss about a few more devotees as we go on. These three devotees came to Bhagavan at a very early age. Hence their relation with Bhagavan was sweet and pure like the fragrance of a newly bloomed flower. They loved Bhagavan dearly and Bhagavan’s love for them knows no bounds. The sweetness of their love can be comprehended from an incident. Though this occurred with Bapan, yet we believe that had the other two been present there at that moment, then they would have also acted likewise as Bapan did. It so happened that one day Bhagavan had a deep samadhi and He was immersed in an ocean of peace. The intensity of the samadhi was so much so that even after gaining consciousness of the external world He was unable to come out of that state and deal this world. Bapan was present there during that time. Divine love oozed out of Bhagavan on seeing Him. He said Bapan to ask for a boon. Bapan remained silent for he could not find any want within. He sat there staring at Bhagavan with the ever-known sweet smile on his face. Bhagavan was amazed to see him so. He repeatedly asked him to ask for a boon. "Ask for anything – name, fame, wealth – anything," said Bhagavan. Nevertheless Bapan remained silent. Guruma suggested him to ask for Self-realization, but he kept mum. When Bhagavan saw that His devotee did not ask anything, He then decided to give him the greatest boon. He said, "That state which I’ve achieved today, may that come in your life." Bapan offered his obeisance at His feet.
In another occasion Bhagavan was surrounded by some of His devotees. Bile was also present. He suddenly said to Bile, "I will hide and you will find me out. This is your work. You’ve to do nothing else. He put His hands in front of His face and said like a little child, "Here I’m hiding.....too...ki (a word generally used while hiding), find me out!" He repeated the same again. Bile along with the other devotees present gazed at Bhagavan with all amazement – a divine moment was created and they were made its witness.
We will narrate an incident of Soumitra in due course.
However, their relation with Bhagavan did not get everyone’s appreciation. Some devotees thought that their attachment with Bhagavan was an impediment in their relation with Him. Hence they complained against these three young devotees to Bhagavan. They also asked Bhagavan to forsake them. The group which complained against them formed a major portion of those who financially supported IVS. Inspite of this Bhagavan did not compromise. On the contrary, He left those selfish persons. Not only this, Bhagavan initiated the three young devotees and showed the world that His love was not chained in conditions and that He really loved the pure and little boys. In a letter He wrote - "...I’ve given initiation to you three and I’ve fought the toughest battle of my life for you three and I won the battle. You’ve to prove in this very life that I haven’t done anything wrong by loving you.....you’ve to understand Gurudev (Master). There must be nothing in your life except God. Take my love – Gurujee." That Bhagavan was right in His decision is proved by the fact that these three little boys of that day later on embraced renunciation. While Soumitra and Bapan embraced sannyasa and was renamed Swami Sadananda and Swami Swarupananda respectively, Bile is a brahmachari and is now known as Bhakti Chaitanya.
Chapter 23: IN KOLKATA
Bhagavan is worshipped and respected by innumerable devotees and well-wishers all across the country and abroad. However, none showed much interest in Him in His own place, Birati. Everyone knew Him as their neighbour and a common man of next door. This pained Him much. Whenever He was to return from Guwahati or Varanasi to ‘Mayer Bari’, He had to endure pain. It was also a tough task to gather a group of such devotees who could comprehend His ideas and work accordingly. He nevertheless knew that He had to stay there for the development of that region. People made satiristic remarks that He was trying to build an ocean in the desert. He said, "I can at least try." It was a tough task. The place, in reality was like a desert where words of the spiritual world would get lost in the deep material world as a droplet of water is lost in a vast desert. He underwent a period of tremendous pain. We all know how it feels when we cannot express our feelings to some one. And how tremendous painful it can be when one brings out the elixir from the depths of the heart and cannot distribute it! Only another God can comprehend this unbearable pain of Bhagavan. Many a times devotees of Guwahati and Varanasi tried to persuade Bhagavan to remain there for good. However, Bhagavan avoided their request every time with a smile. Maharajji even made every arrangement for Bhagavan in the Guwahati ashram. Despite this, Bhagavan did not agree. He always said, "Kolkata needs me." That place has become a dry land. His untiring efforts have yielded results.
Today, within a short span of some few years, people from far away places have come to know about ‘Mayer Bari’. It is now thronged with devotees from all quarters of life and society. Swami Prajnanananda, Swami Nirgunananda and Debjani assisted Bhagavan much in this herculean effort. Also devotees as Bhagavan’s brother Swapan Chakraborty, Sanjoy Banerjee, Munna Chakraborty, Kanchan Lal Banerjee, Tapas Shaw, Putul Shaw, Dipak Das, Debashree Das, Rina Hore, Ashok Hore, Mousumi Choudhury, Jhumur Roy, Rakhi, Biman, Late Amulya Bairagi, Basanti Sarkar, Robin Biswas, Pashupati Guha, Subir Mukhopadhyay and many others have played an applaudable role in this success. Special mention is to be made of Ananda Mandal and Bina Mandal who have opened a unit in their village Badu in Madhyamgram wherein devotees from in and around the locality attend the prayer and spiritual discourses regularly and come to know about Bhagavan. Not only this, the International Vedanta Society today have a centre ‘Vedanta’ in Tollygunj, Kolkata, about which we will discuss in our coming chapters. Moreover, the much celebrated book ‘Sri Bhagavan Ubacha’ (in Bengali) edited by Swami Prajnanananda, was published from here. Going through the pages of this book one finds Bhagavan sitting before Him elucidating the essence of Vedanta in the easiest possible manner. IVS also participated in the Kolkata Book Fair from where innumerable people were introduced to the literatures of the Society and Bhagavan. Many of them turned up to have a darshan of Bhagavan. Literatures of IVS are available at many leading book shops.
Bhagavan is still today present in His physical body – even at this age, He is at times in ‘Mayer Bari’, Birati, at times in ‘Vedanta’, Tollygunj, at times in Guwahati or Varanasi and other centres of the Society. We earnestly request our readers to come and join in this great movement and be deluged in the love of Truth and God. Bhagavan is the life force and deity of the International Vedanta Society. Having a glimpse at Him, the pure hearted gets immersed in the ocean of bliss and have an unforgettable experience. It would undoubtedly be an invaluable blissful moment in your life to have a darshan of Him. Hence we appeal one and all to come and catch this precious opportunity and make worth your life.
Chapter 24: MAHAMANTRA DIVAS
This is the Mahamantra Divas. Today, on the 17th of April, 2004, Bhagavan was in the Amingaon ashram, head quarters of the International Vedanta Society. When Bhagavan went into samadhi today, the world hardly knew that He would churn out the elixir whose mere touch on the lips would enable them to have a taste of the divine touch of the wonderful heart of the Infinite. The elixir – the Mahamantra – ‘Hare Krishna’. Unlike the old conventional chanting of the 16 words, 32 alphabets Hare Krishna, this was just ‘Hare Krishna’ which was ordained from the Infinity to Bhagavan as a means to engulf the whole mankind in a single thread of unity and Oneness.
The Mahamantra is not an austerity which is to be chanted through strict restrictions. It is rather His Impersonal Being, which permeates in the hearts of the devotees through this incantation. This is His divine love which He has gifted His devotees. He will reside in the devotees’ heart till ages through this Mahamantra. One chanting this Mahamantra would never become impure. He would always reside in Bhagavan and Bhagavan would always reside in him.
At the International Vedanta Society, the Mahamantra or the Great Incantation is chanted at least thrice a day – once in the early morning prayers, next at half past ten in the morning – the time when Bhagavan received the ordain, and once at the end of the evening classes. Within a short span, this Mahamantra has taken in its stride innumerable men, women, youths and old alike whose lives have been transformed by chanting this Great Incantation.
At IVS, the Mahamantra is chanted not to propitiate Sri Krishna but to mingle with one and all, to feel others as they are our own Self. Hence this is the essence of Advaita where the Self is seen in everything and everything is seen in the Self. This Mahamantra is the platform where people from all walks of life irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, sex and nationality dissolve their individual self and have the taste of Supreme Oneness. This provides an opportunity to one to have the reflection of their Self in others, an opportunity to feel others as their own Self.
Speaking on the Mahamantra, Bhagavan once said that a coconut tastes sweet. However one who doesn’t have teeth, how can he have the taste of the coconut? Hence the coconut is crushed and made a paste which a person not having any teeth may also taste and enjoy it. Similarly Vedanta cannot be comprehended by all. But shall they be deprived of the essence of Vedanta? Hence the crux of Vedanta is served in a much simpler and easier way in the form of the Mahamantra.
The introduction of Mahamantra reinforced the movement of the Society. This enabled its members and well-wishers to come in touch with a larger section of the society. It proved a gateway for those who were incapable of grasping Vedanta at the very beginning or even kept themselves at a distance from the movement thinking it to be hard and tough. It engulfed more and more people. Swami Premananda rendered the Mahamantra a wonderful tune and modified the tune later on. Bhagavan Himself added a sloka from the Srimad Bhagavatam which runs thus: "Hey Krishna Karuna Sindhu, Dinbandhu Jagatpate. Gopesh Gopika Kanta Radhakanta Namastute." i.e. O Krishna! The ocean of mercy, thou art the friend of the poor, the Lord of the universe. Thou art the Master of the Gopis and the husband of Gopikas, thou art the Lord of Radha, prostrations to Thee. After the induction of this sloka, the Mahamantra seized the heart of one listening to it with a bit of reverence. Its words, amalgamated with the tune together forms an aesthetic whole and provides a highly electrifying spiritual atmosphere where one, more often than not, can see its participants deluged with various spiritual realizations.
This Mahamantra is a unification. It is an elixir gifted to this world which is absorbed in the materialistic race. The manner in which the race of the world is increasing, it is a tough task for the present day man to renounce all and be engaged in the service of God. Also to work selflessly, renouncing fruits of action is equally hard. God-Incarnates descend in such ages of transitions and reveal unto mankind a new path beneficial and appropriate to the need of the age. God’s love towards humanity is much more intense than the way man loves God. Hence they come amidst us in the human form as ours only to simplify the way to eternity and liberation. Sri Krishna has in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita pronounced the jnani, the devotee, the karmayogi and the yogi (one following RajaYoga) as His Self. The followers, after their passing away, nevertheless start to form sects following the different means. Subtle dissentments gradually creep up between the various sects. Eventually their ideas are lost and what remains are some doctrines and dogmas which people regard as God and proceed towards a dark future. Bhagavan has not only descended for unifying the various thoughts and sects but also for a great assimilation. This has begun. Behold! this great idea of Oneness will soon unite the whole world in the bond of love. There will commence a glorious civilization of love and Oneness. The journey has begun. The time has come when the world will soon speak in the language of love. Descendence of Bhagavan has marked the beginning!
Chapter 25: BHAGAVAN’S VARANASI VISIT
The world is on the threshold of an enormous change. And destruction is a part of construction. The world has witnessed mass destruction and creation whenever it was blessed by the descendence of God-Incarnates. They destroy the age-old superstitions, beliefs and ideas and decorate humanity with ideas and means afresh. In Bhagavan we have seen both creation and destruction. Hence devotees regard Him as God and it stands supreme because it is possible only for an Avatara to pass between the Real (Nitya) and divine-sport (Lila). He has made possible some impossibles which none except God could dare to do. If anyone except God-Incarnate tries to imitate Him, he is sure to be doomed soon. Giving sannyasa in the room of a hotel to Ma Aparajita, a learned lady serving in the Benaras Hindu University and belonging to a dignified family, immersing the devotees in the depths of samadhi while playing Holi with them, sinking some others in samadhi by His mere sight are some of the many wonder acts of Bhagavan.
In the meanwhile, Bhagavan continued inspiring people by travelling from one corner of the country to another. On March 6, 2005 He went to Varanasi accompanied by Sangha Janani Guruma. They were welcomed cordially with all love, affection and respect. Two days later i.e. on the 8th of March, it was the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. Bhagavan’s presence in Varanasi during this occasion was significant in itself. Devotees started pouring in from the early morning. Ma Aparajita worshipped Bhagavan with full rites and offered Him a golden wood-apple leaf. Thereafter other devotees followed and paid their obeisance by washing His lotus feet with milk, water of Ganga, flowers, garlands and wood-apple leaves. Kozima Halliday of the United Kingdom was a regular visitor of the ashram for some days. He was present during the occasion. He too offered flowers and wood-apple leaves at the feet of Bhagavan and paid his reverence by prostrating at His feet. As he touched Bhagavan’s feet, he felt as if a powerful electric shock was entering in him. He sat before Bhagavan’s feet and went into deep meditation. He could not understand what was happening to him. All his thoughts as if became still. He remained in that state for quite a long time. Later on Bhagavan said that spiritual energy was infused in him and that he was initiated. He was thereafter given the ceremonial initiation. Another young girl who was a devotee of Bhagavan and worshipped Shiva from her childhood had a similar experience. She too felt a strong and powerful electric shock passing through her body as she touched Bhagavan lying prostrate at His feet. She was out of her self and clasped Bhagavan’s feet as tight as she could. Other devotees present there tried to free Bhagavan’s feet but she proved to be too powerful. After much efforts by the devotees her hands were removed. She was then carried off from the prayer hall with the help of some female devotees. After a long time she gained consciousness of the external world. Everyone present sang to the tune of ‘Om Nama Shivaya’ and expressed their reverence to Bhagavan.
A press conference was held in the following day wherein reporters of various esteemed dailies and television channels participated. Bhagavan requested and appealed them to think seriously about the present world. He said, "I am a house-holder like you. I’ve loved God and God has filled my heart with his love. I spread this very message wherever I go and this is helping everyone. People are being transformed coming to me. I wanted this transformation. I’ve never blamed others. I have seen my own fault in every failure and this showed me the direction. I’ve not deviated and neither do I allow one coming to me to deviate. I’ve realized that this world is not real and I tell this to everyone. This is however sad that those who see this world as real they themselves are busy in destroying it. Those who realize it to be unreal, they work for the welfare of others with great love. They give their life for its well-being. Spirituality enriches us with selfless love and makes us true patriots. The present condition of the country proves that we did not learn either religion or spirituality. We have to reassess what we are doing, where we are heading to. Yesterday a person from Holland came to me. He asked me when our country was going to develop. I answered, ‘We are already developed, else why would you come to me? You have progressed. You’ve come up with some good buildings, good roads and some scientific discoveries and inventions. We’ve developed our minds and that is the real development. We’ve taught the world spirituality and love. We’ve said – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam i.e. the world is our family. You’ve sold arms, we’ve spread love. We are more developed than you.’ " Thereafter Bhagavan appealed them all to work for the cause of the Ganga and the Vishwanath temple.
Today, i.e. the 10th of March, is the new moon day. The whole ashram wore a festive look as the monthly Kali Puja was to be held in the evening. The puja began at 9 in the evening. Bhagavan has, by then, gone upstairs in His room. Swami Probuddhananda was assisting the priest. Suddenly it appeared to him that the Mother was present within them. He hurried to Bhagavan’s room. Bhagavan was not keeping well for some days. He was lying on His bed. Probuddhananda did not say anything to Him. He prostrated infront of Bhagavan and returned back. His mind was fixed on Bhagavan even during the worship. "He is the Mother embodied", he thought. He repeatedly offered his mental obeisance at His holy feet. He had a deep meditation. He felt as if he was very close to Mother, that Mother was hearing him, that he could touch Mother with his hands and feel her. He had no idea how time passed by. The worship was over and it was now time for Yajna (sacrificial fire). He performed the yajna but his mind was still fixed on the lotus feet of Bhagavan. He wished if he could have worshipped Him today. Now it was the time for aarti (act of greeting a deity by waving lamp, incense stick, fan etc. in front of his or her face). Swami Probuddhananda was performing aarti of the Yajnakunda (the place where the sacrificial fire is lit) and Mother Kali. Suddenly he felt as if someone was there behind him. On turning back, he found Bhagavan standing on the staircase. He was enjoying the aarti, worship and the devotion of the devotees towards the Mother in a pleasant gesture. As a mother enjoys happiness and bliss seeing her children from a distance so was Bhagavan enjoying with a pleasant smile on His face. Swami Probuddhananda completed the aarti and went to near Bhagavan and offered his obeisance by bowing down at His feet. There was a peculiar attraction in the salutation and he was gradually immersed in the attraction. Suddenly someone from his inside said, ‘Look, look at Bhagavan.’ Swamiji looked at Bhagavan. And what was he seeing! What a divine form! This is Mother! The whole countenance was radiant with a glow. Bhagavan’s eyes were closed. The smile on His face was no more yet it reflected the expression of an affectionate Mother. Swami Probuddhananda said, "Bring lamp and incense sticks." He himself ran inside the temple and came back with a garland which was on the Mother’s hand. He also brought some flowers to offer at the feet of Bhagavan. Bhagavan stood still. The dhak (drum) was going on. Bhoga was being offered to Mother. Swamiji garlanded Bhagavan. As he was about to offer the flowers to Bhagavan, devotees took the flowers from his hand and offered them at the feet of Bhagavan. Swami Ramananda started to perform aarti. All the devotees present offered flowers at His feet and paid their obeisances. The doors of the temple wer dhak e shut for bhoga. All the devotees spontaneously turned towards Bhagavan. Everyone including Swami Sankarananda, Swami Ramananda and Swami Premananda shouted peals of ovations for the Mother – "Hail Mother Kali".The tremendous noise of ovation amalgamated with sounds of the dhak and other instruments created a celestial atmosphere. The devotees present stood with folded hands in front of Bhagavan after paying their reverence. Their eyes were fixed on the divine and affectionate deity of Bhagavan. Their hearts resonated, "This is the Mother." A few moments passed. Bhagavan opened His eyes. He looked at the devotees. His vision was inexplicable. Only one who has seen the eyes of Mother Kali can comprehend this else there is no other way to explain.
Bhagavan silently returned to His room and eased Himself on the bed. He was absorbed in deep contemplation. Swami Probuddhananda entered into the room. The atmosphere of the ashram grew heavy. Everyone was endeavouring to recapitulate the feelings of those rare moments. It so seemed that the devotees had just woke up from a deep slumber and before they could comprehend anything, the event came to pass. Swamiji’s body began to tremble on remembering that wonderful form of Bhagavan. His world was, as if, tottering. He however fixed his eyes on Bhagavan and stood still. Bhagavan was gradually regaining normalcy. "Has everybody left?" He asked. Swamiji replied, "No". Bhagavan said, "Tell everybody that Mother is pleased by everyone’s devotion. Offer sweets to all and serve them bhoga and tell everyone that today Mother has really accepted bhoga. Today is Mahabhoga."
Thereafter Bhagavan summoned some of His devotees upstairs. He asked them all about the incident. Everybody replied that they have seen Mother. Bhagavan said, "This place has become world famous from today. People from all across the globe will come here. Today it has been truly established as an ashram. Mother has become lively today. Power has been infused in the devotees today. The message will be conveyed to the whole world from Benaras." How true His words are! Today IVS is working in a number of countries and all these are chiefly carried out from Varanasi.
Explaining His feeling He went on, "When I was standing on the stairs, I was enjoying seeing the puja and the devotees. I felt that I’ve built a temple of Mother in Benaras where so many devotees are enjoying coming to her. I will not be sad even if I die tomorrow. Here it will be the Mother who will be worshipped, not me. I need not be worshipped. Let people come here only to see me. A little later, I saw that an energy emerged out of the deity of the Mother and mingled with Me. In 1992, I saw that the Mother is united with Me. Today She has mingled and become One. People turned towards Me as soon as the doors of the temple were shut. This is of great significance."
Chapter 26: ONCE AGAIN IN VRINDAVAN
Bhagavan’s next destination was Vrindavan. This time Guruma, Swami Probuddhananda, Swami Sankarananda, Swami Premananda, Swami Sadananda and Bhakti Chaitanya accompanied Him. Arrangements were made for their stay in an ashram. Swami Sadananda, the youngest of the sannyasins was given the charge of preparing food for Bhagavan. He carried out and performed his service with utmost sincereity. Bhagavan was pleased with the arrangements and the devotion of the devotees. He said them to ask for anything they wished. However none of them wished anything. Swami Sadananda was busy in the kitchen. Bhagavan called him too. He came and sat at Bhagavan’s feet. Bhagavan said, "Look, I’m very pleased today. I’ve told everyone to ask for anything they wished. Now it’s your turn. Ask anything." Sadananda kept mum. A father generally loves his youngest son dearly. Hence Bhagavan was smiling as He went on repeating those words – "Come on Sadananda, tell me, what you want?" A few moments passed in silence. Thereafter Sadananda solemnly replied, "I don’t know." "You do not know what you want?" said Bhagavan in all amazement. Everybody knew that what Sadananda said was true. Bhagavan further asked, "What do you wish to do in future?" "I do not know", replied Sadananda in a resolute voice. Bhagavan was pleased by the reply. He said, "You have spoken like a true jnani (self-realized person). A jnani really is not aware of anything. Henceforth perform the works with sincereity as they come before you." Saying thus Bhagavan took him in His arms.
Bhagavan went to visit Nandagaon, Barsana and other places. The temple of Radha in Barsana is situated on a hill-top. When Bhagavan visited the temple last time, He underwent tremendous pains in His knees and back. This time devotees decided to hire a palanquine for Him. Bhagavan consented to their decision. When after visiting the temple Bhagavan entered the palanquine for descending, the devotees took the palanquine on their shoulders and shouted ovations of Bhagavan. It was a beautiful sight. As an old father is pleased by the service of His young sons, so do the sons get satisfaction and joy in serving their aged father. Devotees have since ages manifested God likewise carrying Him on their shoulders. Today this age-old tradition was served and a divine moment was created in the holy temple of Radha Rani in Barsana. Blessed is Radha Rani, blessed is the holy soil of Barsana where Bhagavan and His devotees enjoyed this divine bliss. What could have been more blissful if the devotees could have carried Bhagavan on their shoulders and travelled the entire earth! However Bhagavan resides in the heart of the devotees and they realize this truth wherever they are. Bhagavan once said to His sannyasin devotees, "Wherever you go, you will find Me in each turn, in every street, I’m ever impersonal." This truth has been realized not only by His sannyasin devotees but by His house-holder devotees too. He is All- pervading, the Inner-Being. Nevertheless does He ever say that He would solve all the problems of His devotees. He has taught to rely on God, to be firm in truth and fight. This is why He is not yet popular in this world of the feebles and weak, but the fact lies that He has gifted unto mankind such a weapon which would require some more time to comprehend but when it would come down to man at large on practical grounds then everyone would find themselves enriched with the power of spirituality. He has given mankind the weapon ‘Sadhana’ (the 12 divine commands) following which one can manifest his potential divinity and transform himself to God. The ‘Sadhana’ says -
Meditate.
Read Vedanta.
Take care of Thy health.
Avoid misuse.
Think of others.
Be self-reliant and true.
Cultivate love.
Expand thy heart.
Believe on God, Guru, Scriptures And self.
Become perfect.
Give up spiritual ego at last.
Say ‘Hare Krishna’.
Innumerable people regard Bhagavan as God, as their ultimate destination. He, however never said to anyone that He would do everything for him. On the contrary, He taught everyone to struggle. And the key factor of this struggle is truth and sincereity. Perspiration is the only weapon to success but this too must be based on discipline and selflessness. He sets tough standards for His devotees so that they too may become God-loving and man-loving like Him. He always aims to destroy the ego of His devotees. This ego is the chief hindrance on way to God-realization. A devotee bereft of ego is like God and Bhagavan ever endeavours to establish His devotees in this supreme position. This justifies the philosophy He practises– ‘Man is God.’ ‘Sarvam Khalvidam Brahman.’ i.e. whatever we see is Brahman. This ultimate truth must be reflected in everyone’s life and one must be able to recognize himself as well as everyone and everything else as Brahman. Bhagavan has come to demonstrate concurrence of this supreme ideal with life. He has come to enlive religion and spirituality. To Him spirituality is not confined to scriptures. It is neither an imagination of lofty ideas. He breathes spirituality and toils hard to see this reflection in one coming to Him. He has translated Swami Vivekananda’s saying – ‘Vedanta must be living and poetic’ into reality and inspires one and all to live upto this ideal. Revolutionary are His ideas and hence He dares to say, "I’ll crush the deity of stone into dust and spread them in mankind."
Once Swami Probuddhananda’s feet were cracked. He was then working hard for the procurement of the building ‘Vedanta Bhavan’ in Varanasi. On coming to Varanasi on the occasion of it’s inauguration Bhagavan noticed Swamiji’s cracked foot. Days after the programme, Bhagavan called him, took his foot on His lap, and nursed his feet with warm water and cream with great love and affection. On another occasion in His railway quarters Bhagavan asked Swamiji to sit on the bed on which He was lying. As Swamiji began to rub his feet to clean off the dust, Bhagavan said, "Leave the dust of your leg on my bed, I will roll upon them." This is Bhagavan. He has to be contemplated upon, His words are the subjects of great researches. He has inspired, nay taken everyone – child, young and old men and women alike towards salvation. For this daring and tremendous act He was tortured, abused, neglected, scorned and despised by this society. Yet like a shameless, He went on with this indomitable task fighting against the hatred and disbelief of the society. He has been distributing the elixir of love enduring all pains and sufferings. His love flows equally for the one who do not believe Him as it does for the one who believes Him. His clear message to His devotees is, "The world is burning, there’s no time to sit back in your house. Plunge into the world." "Learn to love each other, love, love and only love." Blessed is Vrindavan for such a magnanimous lover has touched it’s soil again. He came here to take rest, rested for a while, satisfied and now it was time to proceed. Good bye Vrindavan. Kurukshetra is needed as is Vrindavan for sustaining creation. Hence ends the chapter of Vrindavan and commences the episode of Kurukshetra.
Chapter 27: ON WAY TO KURUKSHETRA
The devotees of Delhi received Bhagavan with the warmth of their heart. This was the first time that they were meeting Bhagavan yet their eyes were full of tears. Bhagavan’s presence brings in a transformation in the external atmosphere as well as the atmosphere in the heart and mind of the devotees. It becomes hard to hold back tears. As a son embraces his lost mother after a long time and weeps so does the devotees on seeing Bhagavan embrace Him and cry bitterly – a cry which expresses bliss and sorrow – bliss in uniting with God and sorrow due to the long detachment after coming in this fare of world. This occurs before everyone’s eyes yet it is a strange fact that we are unable to comprehend this divine sport! We justify this by saying that Bhagavan does not make us understand His nature and veils it by His Maya. This is however a wrong notion. During the last twenty years we’ve seen Him endeavouring to His utmost capacity to unveil Himself before us. He has given His best to make one understand God and Godhood. He has through His words, actions and divine sports given one clear message- "Cognize Me", yet we could not comprehend Him to this day. The fact lies that we do not posses the adequate qualities to recognize a God-Incarnate. We’re slaves of our desires and lusts and we come to Him to fulfil them. Instead of becoming His servant we rather try to make Him our servant. Hence His real nature ever remains under the veil, unknown to us.
Once Bhagavan said, "A group will come to me who will plunge into the world for me. There will be another group who will remain in their house with my thoughts and ideas. There will also come a third group for my opulence. There will be doubts in them and they will come in great numbers." We are also the ones who come to Him for His opulence. We cannot, therefore cognize Him. One whose heart would desire to comprehend Him would always yearn only for Him and not anything else. This can bring one face to face with the annihilation of one’s desire and his world. Yet he would remain unperturbed and will inevitably be gifted with the knowledge of the real nature of Bhagavan. But this calls for indomitable courage, a fire in the heart, a large heart, faith and devotion and love which we do not posses. Hence we spontaneously say, "We do not understand Him." Fie upon us. Inspite of being born on this land which has witnessed the birth of so many God-Incarnates, we’re still slaves – at times of others and sometimes of our own. Ye heart! Give up selfishness. The world is burning, destruction is on the horizon. The only way of liberation is to take refuge. This refuge is not weakness; this is ultimate courage, extreme valour. Surrender everything at the feet of the Lord who resides within you and plunge into the world for the welfare of humanity. God teaches us to stand on truth, to love. He comes verily for this reason. Open thy eyes! He has come. Do not destroy yourself on remaining in your own limitations. Arise! Awake! And proceed to create a new civilization, to assist Him in His divine work. He once wrote to His devotees, ".....Be noble, let all of you become noble. I’ll seek from you as long as I live. I’ll not let you live in peace. Do you know what will I seek – men, men and more men. You would forget to look for your own peace amidst this crowd. How wonderful, isn’t it? – Bhagavan."
Chapter 28: IN KURUKSHETRA
"Kurukshetra– a name which plays many different scenes before the mind like a movie. The war-cries of the soldiers, blowing of conch shells, charging chariots, clash of titans, cries of horses and elephants, clashes of swords and twanging of bow-strings, dialogues between the heroes and, above all, Lord Krishna delivering the secrets of life in the form of the Gita to Arjuna in the middle of the battlefield in the eighteen days long great Mahabharata war – all these and more are what makes this otherwise just another town a worthy place to visit.
Kurukshetra has been a holy place to the Indians since ancient times. It is believed that king Kuru performed austerities here for a long time and the place came to be known after him. Thousands of devotees from all parts of India gather at this place during the eclipse to take a dip in the lake here whose water they believe get them rid of all their sins and help them attain the effects of thousands of Aswamedh Yajna. It is also said that those who die here attain moksha. That is why the great war of Mahabharata was organized here.
In my childhood, my mother used to tell me stories of the Mahabharata and the stories of the war sometimes played like a movie in front of my eyes. Everything in it was of great proportion.The divine ‘Viswarupa’ (Universal Divine form of Krishna) and finally the victory of virtue over vice, all made great reading. I sometimes wanted to visit the place which eventually changed the history of the nation as a whole. And when at Vrindavan I was told to accompany Bhagavan to visit this great place, my joy knew no bounds. As I knew, if Bhagavan is visiting the place, something special is going to happen.
In the evening of the 18th of March 2005, Bhagavan with Guruma and the sannyasins arrived at New Delhi. I was there in advance to make all arrangements for His stay there. We stayed at the newly constructed flat of a devotee of Bhagavan at Dwarka. The devotees of Delhi gave a warm receiption to Bhagavan on His arrival.
The following day we toured the India Gate, the Parliament, Rastrapati Bhavan and others. In the evening Swami Probuddhananda took us to the house of a rich man at Lajpat Nagar. The person along with his family gave a very nice receiption to Bhagavan, draped Him in a shawl and took Him inside. We had a very good time there, chanting the Mahamantra and having a small sitting. But all the time, as the moment to start for the Kurukshetra approached, the attitude of Bhagavan was changing. He was becoming very calm, very serious.
From the morning Bhagavan was at the peak of spirituality. Silently one by one we all got ready. All the packing was done. There was a white Toyota waiting outside for us. Bhagavan was very composed and extremely serious. Nobody dared to utter a word in front of Him. The weather outside was overcast. Around 7 a.m. I took the bags and came out of the building to the waiting car. The daylight was fading fast. As soon as Bhagavan came out of the building, there was a loud thunderbolt. And soon it started raining heavily.
Our journey started. In the front, beside the driver there was Swami Probuddhanandaji. In the middle there were Bhagavan, Guruma and Sankaranandaji. In the back there were Swami Sadananda, Premananda, Manik and me. Outside it became very dark, like evening, and there was tremendous rainfall. We were all silent. The Toyota was taking various twists and turns as it sped out of New Delhi. The roads were nearly empty because of the rain. Only the rumbling sound of the engine and the rain were there to give us company.
Breaking the silence Sri Bhagavan roared suddenly, "Those of you who are accompanying me, take the soil of that land and take an oath to explode this truth (Bhagavan and His divine play) to the world. In this land (of Kurukshetra) all the great men of that time had assembled and I am one of them. Either I will explode or I will retire somewhere or leave this body." After a while He said, "Those who will be with me, they need to be extremely worthy and the worthiness is – concentration on me. I don’t care about what you get or desire."
Within another fifteen minutes we were out of New Delhi on the highway in Haryana. We stopped at a roadside restaurant and finished our breakfast. The rain had stopped by now. The car again started rolling.
Haryana is a relatively prosperous state. Wide roads, flashy cars, lush green fields, agriculture-based industries– we found everything on the way
Near Panipat, on a wall near a police reserve was written, "Work like a coolie (porter), live like king." Bhagavan saw the graffiti and said thus – "Yes, this is how you should all be. You all should work like a coolie and live like a king. I like this very much."
On reaching Kurukshetra, we went for Jnan Jyoti. It is the place where Sri Krishna delivered the Gita. There is a small pond called Jyotisar. There is also a banyan tree called the Akshay Vat under which there is a small chariot made of marble in which there is a statue of Sri Krishna delivering the Gita to Arjuna. Around that is a small but neatly maintained field with some small trees.
Sri Bhagavan sat under a tree encircled by the sannyasins. In this historical war-field His attitude is now that of a warrior. He thundered again, "Either you all shall explode or you start following another Bhagavan, forget me. If you all leave me, there will be one person who will not. She is Guruma. She has been with me in all my good and bad times. She has not left me amidst many turmoils. At least she will be there with me if everyone leaves me.
"Those who have hit us directly, we will not spare them. We will hit them directly. Our fight is with bare hands. He (Krishna) said the Gita; I directly say Bhagavan Uvacha (Bhagavan Speaks). You have to become the greatest sannyasins, greatest sages and the greatest lovers. Those of you who have come along with me, they will lead this war. Today in this greatest place on earth, the greatest Master is speaking to His greatest disciples at the greatest time. This place is the greatest because it is a place of knowledge. Knowledge restores everything. If there is no knowledge, where will we love?"
After saying all these, He stopped. We were all spell-bound on hearing this. It was very clear to us that it was not He who was speaking, but the Supreme Power in Him who was speaking. We were all feeling highly charged up. Slowly He started descending from the heights. After a while He said, "Do at least one hour research on me everyday. This is your sadhana."
He left the place and started walking towards the exit. Near the gate, there was a book-seller on the pavement. Bhagavan purchased a Gita for each sannyasin as a souvenir of this visit. We then went to visit some other places.
Later in the afternoon, we visited the Sri Krishna Museum. Inside there were wonderful statues and paintings from different parts of India and from different times. Bhagavan stopped near such a statue. It was the scene of Bhishma lying on the bed of arrows surrounded by all the heroes of the war, including Krishna. Bhagavan looked at the scene, smiled and said, "Yes, I was looking for this picture in which everybody is present."
After we had seen the museum we came outside and were about to return when the guard at the gate urged, "Sahib, you have seen only the museum, are you not going to see the Panorama? Please see it once. It is worth seeing." Bhagavan listened to him, gave a thought and said, "Okay, let’s see the Panorama."
We entered the Panorama. The gory of the war was depicted on the walls in great paintings, and great details were added by light and sound effects. Bhagavan, after looking at the scenes uttered, "When the Vrindavan Lila took place, when the new Gita (Either you all explode.......) has been delivered, then Kurukshetra is bound to happen. A much more devastating Kurukshetra."
After some time we came out of the Panorama, got into our car and started for New Delhi. On the way He said, "One who loves me, his entire character will become like mine. One who says that he loves me but he doesn’t change, he doesn’t love me, he is only acting. Do you understand?" We all agreed.
By this time the car had come onto the highway and was zooming towards Delhi. The sun was setting on the western horizon. Bhagavan was now much more cheerful, much more relaxed. The team that was returning was distinctly different from the team that had arrived. They were now much more refined, much more composed, absorbed in the memories of the events of the day. As for me, I was desperately thinking – When am I...?"
Chapter 29: AT DIFFERENT CENTRES AND IN MUMBAI
Mousumi, the Vice President of the Female Wing was then present in the ashram and played a crucial role once again to ease the pains of Bhagavan. While she was boarding the bus to return to Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, she took off her much costly golden bangle, handed it to one of the female devotees, and asked her to give it to Maharajji and use it for Guruma’s purpose. On coming back to the ashram, the devotee handed it over to Maharajji. All the devotees present were amazed at this wonderful act. Bhagavan too was overwhelmed. He said not to use it for any purpose but to preserve it for the future mankind to see.
Gradually things started to change and Bhagavan was pleased with the amendments made. Now it was turn to return. Before His return Bhagavan went to Ranjit Sikdar’s house. He was given a warm receiption on His arrival with five dhaks (drums). Thereafter the host devotee called a priest and worshipped Bhagavan with all rituals as does a priest worship a deity in a temple. With things changing rapidly according to His wish, Bhagavan was in a cheerful mood. Devotees present were in great joy to see Bhagavan in His usual gaiety. They danced to the beats of the drums with a portrait of Bhagavan on their head. Bhagavan spontaneously said, "This is Durga Puja." Lateron it was surprisingly seen that it was in reality ashtami (the eighth day of the new moon) of the Chaitra month of the Bengali calendar, the day in which Mother Durga is worshipped. Bhagavan lateron told Sri Ranjit Sikder to celebrate the day every year. The following day all the wives of the Sikder family worshipped Bhagavan as the Mother, Narayana and Shiva.
An interesting incident occurred this day. One of the wives of the family could not believe Bhagavan as God-incarnate. She was unwilling to come to see Bhagavan. However she thought that if Bhagavan did not give any proof that day then henceforth, she would never come near Him. Reluctantly she worshipped Bhagavan. As she paid her salutations at His feet lying prostrate, she fell in samadhi. She couldn’t get up for quite a long time. Thereafter she was carried off by some female devotees to another room. It took the whole day for her to regain full consciousness of the external world. All the doubts in her mind regarding Bhagavan were dispelled!
Bhagavan was to return to Kolkata the next day. Hence devotees started congregating from the morning. Seeing them, Bhagavan began to speak to them in His usual manner. Gradually His words gained momentum. They entered straight into the hearts of the devotees and instilled vigour and renunciation in them. They could no more sit quietly. Smt.Juhu Chakraborty opened her golden earrings and handed them over to Bhagavan for the completion of the building. Soon all the female devotees took off their golden ornaments and offered them to Bhagavan. Bhagavan was taken aback. All these happened in so quick succession that He could hardly speak a word! After a few moments, He requested them to refrain from the act. But by now the devotees were seized with renunciation. On seeing this Bhagavan shouted and ordered them to stop immediately. Gradually things cooled down. Bhagavan wept bitterly and said, "You all have unitedly intentionally defeated me in love." As mentioned earlier, Swami Bhaskarananda was the incharge of the construction project. Bhagavan handed him all the ornaments. Swamiji in turn on the advice of Maharajji returned them to Bhagavan saying that they were not yet worthy to take those invaluables." Bhagavan was pleased to hear this. He took them with Him back to Kolkata where those are kept as the memoirs which mankind would see in the future. The devotees bade farewell to Bhagavan for this time with tears rolling down their cheeks and their hearts torn apart in the anguish of the separation of their beloved. Bhagavan’s car silently crept away and made its way to the airport.
Bhagavan returned to Kolkata with Dulu (lateron Swami Sevananda), a dedicated ashram inmate. The devotees of Kolkata received him warmly. In the class held in the evening after the prayers, He narrated the incidents and praised the devotees of Guwahati. The devotees hailed the glory of Bhagavan. This however created an adverse effect on the neighbours. There were violent eruptions. They came out of their houses agitating shouting against the chanting of Krishna naam and the evening prayers. Soon the picture turned chaotic. However Guruma came to the act and requested them with folded hands to cool down and assured them that the chanting of Mahamantra would be stopped. Police from the nearby police station came and asked to negotiate.They suggested to carry on the activities and prayers at a low volume with all the windows closed. Bhagavan was tremendously irritated. He said to immediately stop all the activities of Mayer Bari and said that only worship would be carried out that too without the blowing of conch and bells. He left the responsibility of reopening the activities of Mayer Bari at the hands of the Mother Kali. Bhagavan thereafter went to New Barrackpore. In the meanwhile, the condition of the colony was worsening. Bhagavan said that the people of the colony must be conquered with love. Here Swami Prajnanananda and Sanjoy Banerjee played a vital role in easing the tension and setting things correct. They went to their neighbours, talked with them, and softened their hearts. The situation was gradually brought to normal. Bhagavan was pleased by their act. However, He said them to look for a place in Kolkata. He asked the devotees to look for a rented house in Kolkata and expressed His eagerness to move to Kolkata at the earliest.
In October 2005, Bhagvan visited Varanasi along with Guruma and Swami Sankarananda. During His brief stay, He was invited to the Senior Citizens Forum. Bhagavan was cordially accepted by the august gathering comprising the experienced intellectuals of Varanasi. The Vice-Chancellor of the Benaras Hindu University also visited Bhagavan. Thereafter Bhagavan along with Guruma, Swami Probuddhananda and Sushri Sheela Lele set for Mumbai. Swami Sankarananda along with Sudip Chakraborty, another devotee of Bhagavan went to Mumbai in advance to make the necessary arrangements. During His journey to Mumbai Bhagavan had a wonderful realization in the train. It was night and everyone was fast asleep. Bhagavan too was sleeping when suddenly He saw His master Swami Pavitrananda. Swamiji came to Him. Bhagavan saw the words- "I am God" written which were the very own words of Bhagavan. He asked His Master why he was not slapping Him for saying that He is God? Swami Pavitranandaji said that what He said was truth. He was God indeed. Bhagavan was awefully surprised. This realization of His Master touched the finest chord of His heart.
In Mumbai Bhagavan stayed in the house of the famous classical singer Smt. Soma Ghosh. She received Bhagavan with due reverence and love. She was in constant service of Bhagavan during His stay at Mumbai. Her husband Sri Subhankar Ghosh, a film director also served Bhagavan with devotion and sincereity. Invited by Smt.Soma Ghosh eminent personalities of the city came to visit Bhagavan. The then editor of the Nababharat Times was in particular inspired by Bhagavan. He published detailed news on Bhagavan, Vedanta and the International Vedanta Society in his esteemed daily. Bhagavan visited the places of interest of the city. Bhagavan also went to Goa and enjoyed the exquisite nature. However here also He spoke on Vedanta to a group of intellectual youth. One of the chief characteristics of the highly realized souls is to sow the seed of spirituality in whatsoever way with whomsoever they meet. This clearly reflects in the life of Bhagavan.
In the meanwhile, a house was rented in the Lake Gardens Super Market area in South Kolkata. Swami Nirgunananda and Swami Prajnanananda made all necessary arrangements for Bhagavan and some sannyasins and whole-timers who would stay there. After His return from Varanasi Bhagavan began to stay in the new rented house.
Chapter 30: IVS SPREADS ON
19th November 2005- the seventeenth Annual Convention of the Society at Guwahati gave the organization a global spiritual outlook on a large scale. Though devotees from all across the world came to the Varanasi centre and were introduced to Vedanta, IVS and Bhagavan, yet this particular convention provided the opportunity to display unto the society at large that the long cherished dream of the International Vedanta Society to spread the message of Vedanta all across the globe was gradually yet surely becoming true. Devotees from all over the country participated overwhelmingly in the programme. Devotees from Spain, the United Kingdom and Chile also joined in. It was a sight to behold. Bhagavan and His devotees were received with all pomp and grandeur. Twenty-six dhaks (drums) were beaten and the devotees danced in joy as they do while bringing home the Goddess Durga. The programme got a tremendous response from one and all. On November 19, Tarun Bhattacharyya, Sujan Das and Dulu Sutradhar embraced brahmacharya and were renamed as Brahmacharis Bhakti Chaitanya, Swarup Chaitanya and Seva Chaitanya.
Bhagavan thereafter went to New Bongaigaon, Abhayapuri, Rangapani and New Jalpaiguri. In New Jalpaiguri Smt. Basanti Guha Roy organized a wonderful progamme wherein innumerable aspirants and intellectuals of the place interacted with Bhagavan. Everyone was filled with joy.
Activities of the Society were spreading fast in all spheres. All the centres carried out various programmes and many came to know about the International Vedanta Society. During this period Swami Prajnanananda and Nirgunananda met eminent personalities of Kolkata and intimated them about the International Vedanta Society and Bhagavan. Many of them turned up and paid visit to Bhagavan.
During the auspicious Maha Shiv Ratri 2006, Bhagavan was once again amidst the devotees of Varanasi. This time Bhagavan expressed His desire to offer a special puja at the famous Viswanath temple. For this He asked His devotees to donate whatever little they could and to be a part of the sacred ceremony. On the 1st of March, the puja was conducted. Eleven brahmins chanted the sacred hymns. As Bhagavan listened to the hymns, He entered into samadhi. However soon He returned to the normal plane of consciousness and Himself worshipped Lord Viswanath with all devotion and love. Devotees present in the ceremony assisted Him. After the worship He was offered tremendous reverence by the priests of the temple. Thenceforth on the 1st of March every year the puja is offered to Lord Viswanath. Bhagavan also instructed the inmates of the ashram to offer water to Viswanath everyday without fail.
Bhagavan also spent Holi in Varanasi. The devotees’ joy knew no bounds. They all played, sang and danced in delight. On this day, Swami Ramananda had a wonderful realization. It is generally observed that on days of spiritual significance Bhagavan remains on a high spiritual altitude. On this day too He commenced the day on a high note. After His routine samadhi after breakfast, Bhagavan came downstairs in the prayer hall. He was yet to regain full consciousness of this mundane world. Swami Probuddhananda assisted Him and made it sure that Bhagavan does not fall down. Thereafter Bhagavan sat on His chair in a relaxed way. Devotees garlanded Him. He was however motionless and His countenance calm and still. Gradually He entered into samadhi. Devotees gazed at Him in all wonder! Some moments passed. Bhagavan slowly regained external consciousness. He then asked Swami Ramananda to sing the bhajan, ‘Rang de chunaria... (Dye my cloth....). Swami Ramananda pour out his heart and sang. As he went on, his body became light, his eyes fixed on Bhagavan. Suddenly he saw Bhagavan in an immensely huge form. It was as if infinite. And the next moment His body was no more. He could only see Bhagavan’s face as big as the limitless sky. Bhagavan’s mouth was wide open and all creatures were coming out from His mouth and again entering into it. He saw whole universe in it. He also saw innumerable Rama and Krishna in His mouth! He no longer had any control on his song. Nevertheless his sweet voice amalgamated with his realization, devotion and the spiritual atmosphere created a stir in the hearts of the devotees. One of them could no longer hold herself and taking due permission from Bhagavan began to dance with the song. Everyone was surprised. After a while, He asked Ramananda to stop. After much effort Ramananda stopped. Bhagavan applauded Ramananda’s song time and again and taking out a garland from around His neck garlanded Ramananda. Ramananda prostrated at Bhagavan’s feet and burst into tears. He wept bitterly lying on Bhagavan’s feet for a long time and cried Hey Ram, Ram... and repeated it time and again. Thereafter it took a long time for him to return to the normal plane.
After the introduction of Mahamantra Bhagavan decided to give initiation. However, He didn’t give initiation at a large scale. It was only on an experimental basis while some requested Him to give them initiation. Bhagavan also chose a few and initiated them. Nevertheless His selection did not discriminate the rich and the poor. He initiated devotees from every strata of life – right from the slums to the skyscrapers.
The vision of spreading the message of Vedanta from door to door gave birth to the International Vedanta Society. Hence it was observed that Bhagavan’s inspiring words reached to far and wide places. His words and letters inspired His devotees placed at different nook and corners of the world. These letters were compiled and given the shape of a book ‘Iti Tomader Bhagavan’ which was published on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima in 2006.
The agreement of the newly rented house at Lake Gardens was due to expire in November 2006. Bhagavan, as one still finds Him does not wait for the last moment. He does everything beforehand. As stated earlier He took voluntary retirement from His service seven years before His original super annuation. He handed over the Presidential post to Swami Keshavananda Maharaj long before His devotees could anticipate. This character was reflected in each and every sphere of His life. And this case was not any exception. Bhagavan left the rented house in October and returned to ‘Mayer Bari’. During this period Sri Sudarshan Mondal and his wife Smt. Jharna Mondal wept bitterly and prayed Bhagavan to give them some time and requested Him not to leave Lake Gardens.
Before His return to Birati Bhagavan had some tremendous realizations. After one such realization He said, "As do music have tradition so does the Vedanta Society. Its tradition is ‘Ajatavada’ (Birthlessness). In another instance Bhagavan said, "I’m the fear of fears, Rudra of Rudras. On my slightest vibration does the universe vibrate. This world is bound to obey my words with respect. I’m the Isvara of Isvaras."
Bhagavan, as we have seen, experiences samadhi everyday. It is during this period when He descends that some divine and important thoughts are vouschafed in His ‘first mind’ – the term He generally uses for the pure and still mind. This we have witnessed in our earlier chapters. One such incident occurred on November 15, 2006 when He was in New Barrackpur in the residence of Sri Dipak Das. He experienced a deep samadhi where He got hint of Mahasamadhi. He also wrote in His diary that sannyasins would get a house.
The 18th Annual Convention in Varanasi saw the International Vedanta Society spread its wings and soar smoothly in the spiritual world. Bhagavan was in His full bloom. Several literatures including ‘Advaita Vedanta’ – a compilation of articles written on Vedanta by Swami Sankarananda were inaugurated during the convention. The convention was tremendously supported from both the print media and the electronics media. Bhagavan also initiated a group of devotees from the country and abroad. However soon after this Bhagavan fell ill seriously and was admitted in a nursing home. He was exhuasted due to the tremendous spiritual energy that was transmitted from His heart to the heart of His devotees. After His release from the nursing home, Bhagavan rested for some days in Sri Saradeshwari Tapovan and then returned to Kolkata along with Swami Probuddhananda. Before moving to the next chapter we would like to mention an incident which would reveal the wonderful spiritual strength of the International Vedanta Society.
It so happened that all the inmates of the ashram as well as the members of the Society of Varanasi worked tirelessly in order to make the convention a grand success. However just days before the commencement of the programme, Swami Abhayananda and Brahmachari Bhakti Chaitanya fell ill. They were both admitted in the Mata Anandamayee Hospital. The convention was inaugurated with a grand prabhat pheri (morning procession) and went on as per the schedule. The main programme was to be held on the 19th of November. Prior to this day Bhagavan instructed the sannyasins to speak to the hospital in-charge and allow Brahamachari Bhakti Chaitanya to attend the evening session’s programme for a while. He also said them to include a speech of Brahmachari Bhakti Chaitanya in the programme. As per His instructions, the devotee took permission from the hospital, delivered a short yet heart-touching speech and went back to the hospital. Everyone was astonished.
Chapter 31: VEDANTA
However it was not only the devotees who showed determination. They appealed Bhagavan to make a centre close to their locality and assured Him of their full co-operation for its maintainance and expansion. Bhagavan complemented their efforts by visiting Lake Gardens from time to time and His visit reinforced their will and determination. As a matter of fact His presence among the devotees provided the necessary impulse and gave a huge momentum to the movement in Kolkata.
In order to facilitate the movement and search a new permanent structure in Kolkata, Swami Nirgunananda and Swami Prajnanananda rented a small two room house in South Kolkata. This decision though a part of the resolution taken in the Trustee Board Meeting in Varanasi during the convention, pained Bhagavan for He could not bear the plight of hardships of His beloved sannyasin devotees. They are dearer to Him than His life. His idea was that sannyasins would toil hard. Nevertheless, they would live like kings. They won’t live like down-troddens and at the same time there must not be lavishness too. He said that if the sannyasins would fall ill due to this, He would give up taking medicines which He had to take to control diabetes. He asked them to rent a better house. Sannyasins responded to His call and shifted to a better house at Bijoygarh adjacent to the famous Golf Green area of South Kolkata. Search for a permenant centre in Kolkata began in full swing. However the devotees had only five lakhs rupees as their capital. Nevertheless their morale was on high spirits. Swami Prajnanananda and Swami Nirgunananda worked tirelessly for the cause. Smt. Protima Banerjee also put her heart and soul in this effort. Their efforts paid dividends. Informations came in from several parts of the locality. However, they were all rejected due to some reasons or other. Bhagavan also wished that the centre be situated at a place within a walkable distance of about 10 to 15 minutes from the previous temporary centre. He set March 2007 as the deadline.
The practical application of Vedanta lies in the fact of remaining calm amidst tremendous activities. As mentioned heretofore Bhagavan was having tremendous realizations during this period. On a particular day He called His renunciated devotees and said, "The method to do spiritual work is to become introspective and pray to the Atman (Supreme). He will make things condusive. If we ask someone to help, he will not help us. But if He does, he would help. Hence our work is to remain more and more with the Self."
Bhagavan, in order to reinforce the cause, summoned Swamis Keshavananda, Probuddhananda and Bhaskarananda. Swami Sankarananda was already in Kolkata. They stayed in Bijoygarh for sometime and during their stay Smt.Protima Banerjee brought an information of a house which was in proximity to the wishes of Bhagavan. All the sannyasins present inspected the house and unanimously decided to buy it. Bhagavan also had a glance of the house and gave His consent. Sangha Janani Guruma gave five thousand rupees for the purpose and blessed the sannyasins. A day before the registration of the house, Bhagavan had a wonderful vision. It was afternoon and Bhagavan was having rest after luch when suddenly He saw Goddess Durga. Mother came to Him and He was gazing at the beautiful Mother. Tears rolled down His cheeks. Bhagavan woke up. There were really tears in His eyes! He said, "Everything is in the hands of the Mother. Even the acquisition of the house."
The next day, on the 18th of May, 2007, the house was acquired by the International Vedanta Society. After registration, Maharajji alongwith Swami Prajnanananda and Swami Nirgunananda came to ‘Mayer Bari’ and offered the papers at Bhagavan’s feet. They prayed to Him to kindly accept the house and said that it would hereafter be known as ‘Bhagavaner Bari’ (Bhagavan’s House). Bhagavan was pleased by this act. He however withhold the name. This tremendous feat was celebrated in all the branches.
This was a lifetime achievement of Bhagavan. Nevertheless, He was not swayed away by the success. It was always observed that whenever there was any achievement, Bhagavan stressed more and more on spirituality. And this instant was not any exception. After acquiring the permanent centre at a vital position in Kolkata, Bhagavan appealed His devotees to concentrate more on spirituality and this, as usual, He demonstrated Himself.
On June 13, 2007, Bhagavan was in New Barrackpur at the house of His devotee Sri Dipak Das. After His breakfast, on this day, Bhagavan had a deep samadhi. His eyes were open. He was gazing at the blue sky when all at once, the sky disappeared and there was another sky. As this happened He entered into deep samadhi with His eyes open. Thereafter calling His devotees He said, ‘Brahmavida Brahmaiva Bhavati.’, i.e. one who realizes Brahman verily becomes Brahman. This has surpassed all events of the past. My state is that of Immovable, Unperturbed and Vaccant."
In the meanwhile the new centre was renovated and given the shape of an ashram. Bhagavan named it ‘Vedanta’ with the idea that the word ‘Vedanta’ would reach people. Such is His love for Vedanta. Bhagavan was mentally preparing Himself to shift to the new centre. On the evening of June 22, Bhagavan along with Swami Sankarananda and Sri Tapash Shaw went to ‘Vedanta’ at Prince Bakhtiar Shah Road, Tollygunj. Providence however had other plans for Bhagavan. On that very day, Bhagavan’s son in law Sri Biman Chakraborty had a massive heart attack. Bhagavan was not informed about the incident as it would prevent Him from going to the new centre and prevent Him from enjoying the tremendous achievement that He cherished so long. Bhagavan was very happy to see the renovation.
However, a strange incident happened that very night. Though Bhagavan was pleased to see the renovated new centre, yet He could not sleep the whole night. He was astonished at this. His mind was calm but still He could not sleep. He loitered in His room the whole night. Back at New Barrackpur and Birati, Debjani, His daughter and Guruma too spent a sleepless night weeping and praying to Mother Kali. The following day He called His sannyasin devotees and informed them about this. They understood the reason yet they kept mum, as the news of His son-in-law’s heart attack would perturb Him. Bhagavan inquired whether everyone and everything was going on well. They answered in affirmative. He rang His devotees in Birati and inquired about their welfare. Everyone answered positive. This relieved Bhagavan. Nevertheless when in the afternoon He could not sleep once more, He comprehended something wrong. Moreover, a peculiar thing occurred. A peculiar restlessness gripped Him. He summoned His devotees present in the ashram and asked them to call a doctor. Now the devotees felt that the very motive of concealing the information of His son-in-law’s illness was defeated. Bhagavan was perturbed and growing restless. Hence they decided to speak the truth. On coming to know about Biman’s illness, Bhagavan took some informations and remained quiet. The devotees urged Him to pay a visit at the hospital. Although reluctant at the beginning, Bhagavan consented at their proposal in the end and went to the hospital in the evening. His son-in-law was kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where only one visitor was allowed to visit at a time. Debjani accompanied Him to the entrance of the ICU ward. Bhagavan went in and remained for a while. Thereafter He hurried back from the hospital. Lateron, He said that Mother Kali Herself stood by Biman’s head. Gradually Biman recuperated and was released from the hospital.
However the restlessness in Bhagavan continued. During this period Bhagavan experienced a tremor within which shook Him tremendously. He would at such times become terrified. It made Him restless as well as helpless. He at times needed to be consoled like a child! Strangely, during the night He was altogether a different entity. Words of extreme spirituality would come out spontaneously and He demonstrated spirituality of the highest srata! Total Godhood would off and on, at such times, manifest in Him. On one occasion He said, "It is not that now I’m the instrument and He (the Supreme) is the doer, now it is only He." At time again He sank in the ocean of tranquility and peace. However, there was no change in His state during the first half of the day. The restlessness in the afternoon continued. Hence the devotees decided to admit Him in a nursing home near the new centre in Tollygunj. On the 13th of July 2007, Bhagavan was admitted in the said nursing home. After being admitted Bhagavan wrote in His diary, "Everything is Maya." On another occasion in the nursing home on July 15, as He was taking rest after having lunch, Bhagavan saw Himself as Mother Kali decorated with ornaments lying on the bed. He remained in this state for about two hours.
During this period Brahmachari Seva Chaitanya served Bhagavan tremendously. Observing his quiet and relentless service, Bhagavan decided to offer him sannyasa. On 30th of July, the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, he embraced sannyasa and was named Swami Sevananda.
Several examinations were carried out so to detect the peculiar disease. Surprisingly everything was normal. He was soon released. Bhagavan gave an indication of the recurrence of Mahabhava. He said that the period was so intense that it shook Him thoroughly. He could not, by any means resist it. During times as such, Bhagavan unable to bear the suffering, even thought to give up life. Despite passing through immense pain and suffering Bhagavan visited the different centres of the Society across the country.
"Truth does not pay homage to any society - ancient or modern. Society must pay homage to truth or die," said Swami Vivekananda. There has always been an uproar, as stated in the earlier chapters, whenever conventional ideas are confronted with truth.Society cannot readily accept truth discarding its limited boundaries, more so when truth assumes a new form. The essence remaining the same truth changes form in accordance to the necessity of time. However, that society is said to be advanced and developed which can accept truth as it is. This recognition brings glory not to Truth but to the society itself. Such an instance was put forth by the Subhashini Mission of Kolkata which on the 18th of November, 2007, felicitated Bhagavan for tirelessly spreading the message of Vedanta to humanity in the truest sense of the term at the Indumati Sabhagriha of the famous Jadavpur University in presence of innumerable distinguished scholars and personalities of Kolkata. Sri Nalini Dey, an advocate by profession, inspired and motivated by the teachings and life of Bhagavan took immense pain to organize the august gathering. This was a milestone both in the life of Bhagavan and in the history of the International Vedanta Society. In the meanwhile unable to detect the cause of the suffering, the doctors treating Bhagavan referred Him to a psychiatrist. He was given several medicines. However nothing changed. After months of treatment that yielded no results, He was referred to the senior and renowned doctor in Kolkata. After keen scrutiny, the doctor said that it was not at all a psychiatric case. He added that he never came across such an instance in twenty-seven years of his medical carrier. It was something beyond the reach of medical science. On the contrary, he invited Bhagavan to deliver a speech on mind in a seminar which his organization was about to arrange. Bhagavan was much relieved.
Chapter 32: A NEW DAWN ON THE HORIZON
As we have read in our earlier chapters that Bhagavan’s father Sri Kanailal Chakraborty settled in Birati after coming from Bangladesh. It was from the year 1947 that this particular small house became the ancestral house of Bhagavan after they left Bangladesh. Since then this place was inhibited by spiritual thoughts descending from Bhagavan’s grandmother, mother and then Bhagavan in succession. The place initially belongd to Bhagavan’s maternal uncle who then in turn sold it to Bhagavan’s mother. It was then that Bhagavan wished to build a spiritual centre in the particular place. He expressed this wish to His uncle. Bhagavan realized His dream with the official inauguration of ‘Mayer Bari’ in the year 2000.
However, it was only one part of the total land upon which Mayer Bari was constructed. This part belonged to Bhagavan. The other portion, the southern part of the land, became a joint property of all the four brothers and two sisters after the demise of Bhagavan’s mother. This joint portion served as the office of Mayer Bari. Nevertheless, with the expansion of IVS, and the increase in the number of devotees pouring in from all parts of the country and all across the globe the place became too small for the proceedings. Moreover, renovation had also become a must. Hence it was unanimously decided to acquire the land. Necessary arrangements were made. Sri Swapan Chakraborty, Bhagavan’s immediate younger brother and Smt. Debjani Chakraborty, Bhagavan’s daughter played a pivotal role in this respect. They brought together all the members of the family who were then scattered in different parts of the country. Though the process started initially, it was not yet certain as to whether the plan could be materialized. There were many crucial and delicate matters to be resolved. The amount required for the acquisition of the land was a vital factor. The Society, though willing to acquire the land, which bore in itself innumerable memoirs of Bhagavan’s childhood, was not in a position to arrange the necessary amount. Bhagavan here came to the rescue. He provided the total amount as loan. Thus, on February 2, 2009, the adjacent plot of Mayer Bari, the ancestral house of Bhagavan was acquired. This marked a red-letter day in the life of Bhagavan as well as the history of IVS.
Bhagavan at present resides in ‘Mayer Bari’ and ‘Vedanta’. The symptoms of Mahabhava have subsided after about two and a half years. Bhagavan underwent unimaginable pain during this period. After the recurrence of Mahabhava He is now reinforced with tremendous spiritual power – a power that can liberate the meanest of mean in no time. A power whose single graceful glance is more than enough to cut asunder the fetters of bondage of thousands of years. Once He said, "I will crush the God made of stone and mix it with people." Bhagavan is now realizing this saying. He is now busy in mixing the Supreme in one and all. Whosoever comes to Him with faith and reverence realizes not only the tremendous spiritual potency of Bhagavan but also unveils the bliss and peace within himself. God-realization, Self-realization is no more confined to the pages of scriptures or in monastries and ashrams but has been brought down to the life of the commoners by the indomitable spirituality of Bhagavan. A renaissance in the history of spirituality has been set!
The era is on the threshold of a change. A new era awaits us. The shadows of war are lengthening fast. Only those will survive who holds fast to Truth, for Truth, God, Atman, Brahman are the different names of the same entity. Truth is imperishable. And the one who takes refuge in Truth does never perish. Arise! Oh inhabitants of the world! Behold! A new dawn is on the horizon. Let the rays of the new dawn deluge your heart. Open your eyes. God has come. We’ve come to you with this message.This is the solution to the burning world. We’ve seen Him. You too see Him. Seeing Him is liberation. This is the essence of Avatara. We have witnessed this. We’ve seen people being liberated on seeing Him. That which is unmanifasted, unimaginable, formless, eternal and infinite has assumed a form. Let the words of the great Swami Vivkekananda reverberate in your ears, "The star arose in the East; it travelled steadily towards the West, sometimes dimmed and sometimes effulgent, till it made a circuit of the world; and now it is again rising on the very horizon of the East, the borders of the Sanpo, a thousandfold more effulgent than it was ever before. (The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Vol.-I, page 20, published by Swami Mumukshananda, Advaita Ashram, Mayavati Memorial Edition. Eighth Reprint of subsidized Edition, May 1999). Bhagavan and His creation – the International Vedanta Society have a close relation with this proclamation of Swami Vivekananda. Look at the Truth. Truth is beauty and knowledge Absolute. A new bliss is gradually unfolding itself unto us. Amidst this dense and thick black night of dissension and destruction, a bright ray of hope, belief, truth, love, oneness and bliss beckons us.
See yourself in everyone; search yourself in everything; feel yourself in everyone.
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