The copyrights for this book are reserved with Sadguru Consciousness Society, H-243, Kunwar Singh Nagar, Nilothi Mode, Nangloi, Delhi-41. Any person / institution / group may not try to re-publish this book in some form or the other or its translated version in any language.
The copyrights for this book are reserved with Sadguru Consciousness Society, H-243, Kunwar Singh Nagar, Nilothi Mode, Nangloi, Delhi-41. Any person / institution / group may not try to re-publish this book in some form or the other or its translated version in any language.
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The copyrights for this book are reserved with Sadguru Consciousness Society, H-243, Kunwar Singh Nagar, Nilothi Mode, Nangloi, Delhi-41. Any person / institution / group may not try to re-publish this book in some form or the other or its translated version in any language.
Droits d'auteur :
Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Formats disponibles
Téléchargez comme PDF, TXT ou lisez en ligne sur Scribd
Swami Sri Krishnanand Ji Maharaj ISBN : 9 Author Published by : Diamond Pocket Books Pvt. Ltd. X-30, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-II New Delhi-110020 Phone : 011-41611861, 40712100 Fax : 011-41611866 E-mail : sales@dpb.in Website : www.dpb.in Edition : 2009 Printed by : Adarsh Printers, Shahdara, Delhi-110032 THE PATH OF ENLIGHTENMENT By: Swami Sri Krishnanand Ji Maharaj Sadguru Dham Ashram H-243, Kuwar Singh Nagar Nilothi Mode, Nangloi Delhi-110041 Sadguru Swami Sri Atmadas Ji Dedicated to The copyrights for this book are reserved with Sadguru Consciousness Society, H-243, Kunwar Singh Nagar, Nilothi Mode, Nangloi, Delhi-41, Ph. No. 9910055223. Any person/ institution/ group may not try to re-publish this book in some form or the other or its translated version in any language. Anybody trespassing this warning will be responsible for the consequences. All the disputes regarding this will be settled in Delhi jurisdiction only. Translated and Edited by : Acharya Jayesh Sharma Coordination : Acharya Kunal Swami An Introduction to the Author Krishnanand Ji was born at his maternal grandfathers house on 8th December 1949 at 10.00 pm. Mother left him for heavenly abode at a very tender age. His grandfather abandoned the worldly comforts when his father was just five and grand- mother too followed her husband. Swami Atmadas ji, his grandfather, was a saintly person. He had a good command over all the four arts of Yoga ie. Hath Yoga, Sahaj Yoga, Raj Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. His father, once a government official in Bihar, too followed the footprints of his parents. It seems as if Swami ji had divine qualities from the previous birth. At an early age of five years he adopted his grandfather as his Guru. He was a brilliant learner. He always stood first in class. He took higher education in science, literature and law. He was never keen of doing job, so in order to explore the truth he expertised the art of Tantra Vidya on the bank of the river Brahamputra in Kamakhya, Assam. Afterwards he learned Hathh Yoga and Sahaj Yoga at Gomukh and Nandan Van in the Himalayas. Further he mastered Raj Yoga at Kedarnath, Tungnath, Badrinath and Alkapuri. He also learned yoga, meditation under great saints like Anand Murthy ji, Sai Baba ji, Rajnish ji, Ram Vilas Saheb etc. In the end, he reached from where he started his journey. The Guru and disciple share eternal relation. The Guru provides you Moksha, the salvation. At 28, he, under the guidance of Swami Atmanand ji attained enlightenment on the banks of the Ganga. With the blessings of his Guru he went on the thrilling journeys of various realms. The devotees Foreword It all started as a pastime out of curiosity but I was sort of sucked into the vortex of higher realms by some of the great spiritual persons and hence I had been associated with many spiritual personalities prior to meeting with Swami Krishnayan ji. Meeting with Reverend Swami Krishnayan ji in Delhi was not just by chance. It appeared as if it was pre-destined and was a continuation of the previous lives. In our first meeting there was not much of interaction as he had been invited as a special guest to speak about various types of meditations in one of the forums. Our quest was for knowing various techniques of meditation and the intricacies involved therein. Nearly a year after that meet, second meeting with him was also a unique experience. I nteractions with him kept on increasing and I found myself in a different state of consciousness. Whenever I had discussions about any of the esoteric fields of Yoga, Meditation, Astrology, Palmistry, Tantra, religious scriptures like Upanishad; I found him at ease on all the subjects. In the hypocrite world of today where most of the so called spiritual Gurus are vying to compete with each other using theatrics and false proclamations, and there is lack of desire of people seeking true knowledge or the eternal bliss, he has emerged as a true Sadguru (a Guru in real sense). Entering his aura acts as a tranquilizer, for the agitated minds of the people and they experience the state of eternal bliss. In this book Swami ji has narrated the turn of events related to his own Guru Swami Atma Das ji, who relinquished the family wealth and lead the life of austerity, leading to enlightenment. He did not stop there. After achieving enlightenment at a young age, he dedicated the rest of his life for the betterment of the society, which had set a precedent at believe in them while the non-believers deny the same. He is a hard believer in the truth seen with naked eyes. He is transmitting the message of global welfare with the creation of a harmonious society. Each of his literary creation has a unique touch. The books like Kundalini Jagran, Yantra Mantra Rahasya, Swar Se Samadhi, Kahe Kabir Kuchh Udyam Keeje, Ek Onkar, Yogion Ka Path, Shiva Tantra, Mere Ram, Rahasyamai Lok, Lok-Parlok, Uma Kahun Main Anubhav Apna, Guru Hi Muktidata, Shiva Netra, Bihar Ki Vedna etc. are marvellous creations. A single reading can clear many doubts in ones mind. He has deeply analyzed the divine mysterious science through which a meditator can attain the highest state of meditation in a short span of time. His Asharams are established at various places in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Badrinath (Uttrakhand), Jharkhand and Delhi. His followers are spreading his messages and teachings all over the world. Sadvipra Samaj Sewa is a spiritual institution which is practicing to bring out the real essence of life and to create true peace, under his guidance. The institute treats the whole world as one family. Jati-paat ka Rista Chhodo ! Bhai-bhai se nata joro !! that time. Even after so many years, since he left his physical body, the way people living in and around Varanasi still remember him, is remarkable. Similarly lots of literature is available about Gautam Buddha, but the way Swami ji has narrated the saga of compassion and eternal love touches the inner core of heart, particularly the conversation between Prince Gautam and his charioteer Chhandak is remarkable. It is possible that some one may find the answer to his unanswered questions which may be the turning point in his life. Similarly Swami ji has described the biographies of Sheikh Farid, Devotee Narasi, Pundit Jajali and Guru Nanak dev in a way which is an eye opener for most of us as few of them are lesser known amongst us, although the achievements in their lives are not less than any one. Importance of the book increases multi fold when written by a Sadguru and the taking a cue, reader can transform his life. Once transformed he can work for the betterment of the society and the whole world as a Sad-Vipra (=< l = +| |-- lz|| a||- l+-) - a person having special knowledge of the absolute truth since eternity. Let us all feel obliged for his creation for the betterment of the society and the world. I hope that this will act like a torch bearer for the people who seek the absolute truth and have already taken a few steps on the path of enlightenment. It is also my belief that this book will also help in transformation of those people, who are still neck deep in the complexities of the material world and have never sought the absolute truth. His original work in Hindi was widely proclaimed as a great work. In an attempt to translate and give the correct message, which Swami ji wanted to convey to the masses, I have tried my level best to do justice to his original work called z| +| |. If there are any shortcomings, they are because of my limited knowledge of the highly technical words used by Swami ji. But if the message is correctly conveyed to the masses then it is due to the divine grace of Swami ji. Eng. P.S. Rai Preamble It takes thousands of years, before Buddha incarnates on the earth, for a very specific task, to strike at the roots of the corrupt values and practices prevailing in the society. They are the sources of enormous and never ending wealth KNOWLEDGE. Their knowledge is not worldly, nor is full of phrases or literary or ritualistic, but is very simple, natural, and full of realities of life. It is true, that, at times, they have freed the society from the clutches of fallacies of the rituals, double standards associated with the religion at that time. Their preaching is even more revolutionary than the verses (Shlokas) of the prevailing religious literature, e.g. Upanishads, and strike at the root of the evil without fail. Whatever they say, is because of compassion and for the betterment of mankind. We may call them Buddha (The enlightened person) or a Sadguru (A guide in the true sense or real teacher). The word Guru is basically an Indian invention. There may be several enlightened persons but, a Sadguru is very rare. At the time of Gautam Buddha, there were 24 equally enlightened persons, and at the time of Kabir there were 40 such enlightened souls, but Sadguru is very difficult to find. Enlightened person is one, who has discovered the truth, but the Sadguru is the person, who after knowing the truth, guides and helps others also to know the truth. Enlightened ones acquire the knowledge, but the Sadguru, not only acquires, but passes on the knowledge to others. Enlightened one is a small boat which carries him only to the other side of the journey called LIFE, but the Sadguru is like a fleet which carries many more. One who dares can cross over to the other side. The crowd misses the Sadguru, and follows the enlightened ones, strung by the miracles taking place near them. Sadguru becomes a fleet on the voyage towards eternity, where, there are no boundaries, no bindings, no limits, and all the religions dwarf against the infinite. All the religious literature seem untrue, or incomplete, all knowledgeables look blind. That is why all the so called religious preachers, get enraged because of the preaching not conforming to the religious literatures, like a bull gets charged up after sighting a red cloth. Preaching of all Sadgurus is alike, be it Gautam Buddha, Mahavir, Kabir, Nanak, Mansur, Jalaluddin, or Rabia. Name or faces can be different but their message, language, music, feelings, is same. One, who recognizes one Sadguru, recognizes all. All the Sadgurus of the past, the present and the future are present in him. Since Sadguru is ultimate and pure light, like God, darkness cannot exist in his presence. To meet a Sadguru Ego is the biggest obstacle. One who surrenders, receives the light of knowledge. Door remains closed for persons having Ego, Stubbornness. Ego blinds a person, whereas humbleness gives him an Eye to see and feel. It is sufficient to stay in touch with the Sadguru. Even one step along side him can usher in a new era, and full moon, otherwise full moon and no moon (Dark) nights are fifteen days apart. The gap can not be overcome in several lives, but if one surrenders at the feet of the Sadguru, light of knowledge is showered upon him. On the contrary if one bows at the feet of a Sadguru, with Ego, the darkness will engulf him. One who dares and takes risks with love, passion, and bows at the feet of Sadguru wins. His life becomes successful and his journey, called life, gets completed. Enlightened ones cross over to the other side and never look back, as they merge into completeness. A Sadguru is one, who after attaining enlightenment, returns back due to compassion and love for the mankind, like an ordinary person. They are called Bodhisatva (Essence of knowledge) by the Buddhists (followers of Gautam Buddha) and Tirthankars (reincarnations in Jain religion).Their compassion is limitless. Renouncing the happiness of truth, pleasures of Brahm state (being a creator), Tirthankars return back, where they tread the path full of thorns, along with those who are lost in the journey for so many lives and alert them, guide them, correct their course of life towards completeness, they are Sadguru. By doing so, they face the dangers from all quarters of life. So called religious preachers and leaders denounce them, berate them in the name of religion, caste, creed, knowledge, or learning of the previous lives (called Sanskar). They are called irreligious, and are sometimes, hanged, or poisoned, or stoned. In such adverse and difficult circumstances or conditions, comes a Sadguru. He transforms Doubt into Respect & Faith by the fire of his attained knowledge. Now Respect does not yield Doubts. Appearance of doubt is an indicator that you have saved & protected your acquired knowledge. When the doubt is covered in the veil of argument, respect is not worth a penny. Sadguru brings you closer to truth. He lives his life, by staying awake. He combines awakening with living. He lights the flame of meditation (|-) in the darkness of life. Now slowly you start to recognize, the God. Recognition turns into acquaintance which strengthens the bond. Embrace becomes stronger and of long duration. Finally this embrace becomes eternal and this results in his merger into infinite, the completeness. Then there is no darkness in life, it is brightness all over. Now death becomes Nectar, towards immortality, eternity. Because of all this Sadguru appears to be, a crooked one and the preacher looks simple. Sadguru appears against the religion and the person who performs the religious rites at the place of worship appears to be religious. Truth can only be achieved through means, which appear contradictory to the established laws. Sadguru appears to be opposite to the established laws i.e., rituals, thats why Sadguru Kabir also appeared to be opposing the basic tenets of the religion prevailing at that time. Swami Atmadas ji was also a similar Sadguru; he still exists and shall continue to exist in the time to come. Sadgurus physical body may be bound by the time, but in fact he has crossed all boundaries of time. He has in fact crossed over to the other side, but due to compassion he returned back for the mankind. His each molecule is free and this was the basis of tradition that his mortal remains / physical body was not consigned to flames and was enshrined. The place where he meditated and attained enlightenment remains charged up, for at least a couple of thousand years. This may be the reason for establishing a place of pilgrimage, where a Sadguru has attained enlightenment and similar tradition is probably, being adopted by major religions in different forms. Since time immemorial, he is not recognized by the people living in his close proximity, as they consider him as one of them. Even Krishna was not recognized by his son, grandson, relatives and friends. That is why Arjun asked many questions from Krishna. Even Guru Nanak was not recognized by his family members. Only the lucky ones or those who have performed good deeds can recognize the sadguru. As Gautam Buddha initiated all the family members and obliged them, Sadguru Swami Atmadas ji not only initiated his father, brother, wife, son, but also initiated the village folks and helped them on the path of self realization. Whenever hypocrisy peaks and so called perpetrators of the religion start exploiting the common man in the name of the religion behind the garb of false rituals, rites, violence, coercion , nature looks at the Buddha or Sadguru of the past. Then only they reincarnate as super human being endowed with the extra ordinary capabilities to lead the masses in the form of Buddha, Devotee Narsee Mehta, and Sheikh Farid or as Guru Nanak. To reach the infinity each of them may have treaded different paths but they all had the same experience. In spite of different social backgrounds, different circumstances they unshackled the masses from the false hood of the deep rooted beliefs, in their own way. They all reached the same destination and re established truth. They all preached about union with God and saw him in each particle of the universe. Service to mankind has been described by them as the service to God and welfare of mankind as the supreme Welfare. This is the true path. The path treaded by the enlightened souls. Any one who sincerely and earnestly followed the Sadguru, crossed over to the other side, got enlightened; but those who miss shall keep wandering for several lives. You are free, to decide the path, you will tread in the present life. 31.8.95 Evening 4.20 Swami Sri Krishnanand Ji Maharaj Contents 1. Swami Atma Dasji 17 2. Swami Shree Das ji 130 3. Lord Buddha 142 4. Sheikh Farid 183 5. Devotee Narasi Mehta 197 6. Pundit Jajali 217 7. Guru Nanak Dev ji 229 8. Guru Amar Das 240 9. Guru Ram Das Sahib 240 10. Guru Arjun Dev 240 11. Guru Har Govind ji 241 12. Guru Hari Rai ji 241 13. Guru Harikrishan Sahib 241 14. Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib 242 15. Guru Govind Singh 242 16 17 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Swami Atma Das ji Swami Atma Das jis date of birth is not exactly known, but whatever could be found from his place of birth, place of action, place of meditation, and place of Nirvana, is being documented below. Swami ji was born in a village in Shahbad district in Bihar. The village is located in the present day Buxar district. The village is called Kopwan and is 8 Km south of Dumraon sub- division. It is a prosperous village surrounded by numerous varieties of trees, plants, shrubs etc, at a small distance from the highway. Therefore the village cant be seen from the highway. On the eastern flank of the village there is a temple of Ma Bhagwati (Kali), and a beautiful pond nearby. There is also another temple of Ratoi Ma, at a short distance from the temple of Ma Bhagwati. Ratoi, word is derived from the word Roti (|-i- Hindi word for crying / weeping). Swami ji explained that Ma Parvati wept here and the tears accumulated, forming this pond. This pond is situated near the temple of Ma Ratoi and is the only temple of Ma Ratoi on earth. When Sati (Chaste Lady, who is pure from within and name of consort of Lord Shiv) Parvati disguised herself as Sita (consort of Lord Ram), he recognized her and asked her chuckling: Ma! Why are you wandering in the forest? Where is Lord Shankar? Hearing this, she was deeply in remorse and came to this place. She repented for not taking the advice of Lord Shankar*, and started weeping. Villagers took her as an ordinary lady crying for some reason, so they started calling her roti (the crying lady). Later on the word roti got distorted to Ratoi in the long run. 18 19 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Our reverend Sadguru Swami Atma Das ji used to say that Ratoi Ma is the family deity of the descendents of Vishni clan of Kopwan. Swami ji also used to say that the family, which does not propitiate its family deity and ancestors, starts regressing. Kopwan is also a part of the character forest and also called Siddhashram (living place of Ascetics). From here Sati went to attend the Yagya being organized by her father, Daksh Prajapati (Skillful and Expert lord of the public). Lord Shankar also left for Mt. Kailash from here. When Sati committed suicide by jumping in the fire of the Yagya, after receiving ill treatment from her father, Lord Shankar destroyed the Yagya in a fit of rage, which was followed by sad feelings for losing his consort. In that inebriated state he carried the charred body of Sati on his trident, to different places on the earth, like an insane person. To take him out of this condition, Lord Vishnu cut the charred body into pieces, using his disc weapon (-+). Wherever those charred remains of the body touched the earth, that place became the power centre (Shakti Peeth in Hindi). Lord Shankar felt lonely and started wandering in search of a serene and divine place to get rid of the associated thoughts. In this pursuit he arrived here and stayed at the Ashram of Maharshi Vishwamitra (one of the greatest sages, named lz|ln|; Friend of the universe) and on his suggestion, went into deep meditation at this place. Due to his long meditation, this place became divine and prosperous. Meanwhile taking advantage of Lord Shankars deep meditation, a tyrant king, called Tarakasur, became very powerful after receiving blessings from Lord Brahma, that he could only be killed by the son of Lord Shankar (who was deep in meditation and without a consort. If at all he comes out of the trance and finds a consort to beget a son). Lord Shankar was so deep in meditation that it was nearly impossible for any one to bring him out of the trance, due to the fear that how will he react to being disturbed? After lots of consultations and meetings, inhabitants of all the three living worlds approached, Kam Dev (+|n<-God of desires) who reluctantly agreed to bring Lord Shankar out of the trance, using his skills. But he knew that this act could get him killed. He agreed to do this as charity in the interest of the mankind and as a divine duty. When Kam Dev reached this place, along with his accomplice, he almost entered into trance like state, due to the spell casted by the deep meditation by Lord Shankar. He was prompted by others accompanying him, O KamDev! There is nobigger charitythan helpingothers. In this effort you mayget killed, but even then, you will becomeimmortal without a physical body. Your will becomeeternal. This placewill becomemost revered placeon earth. Sages will always bewillingtoreincarnatehere. Hearing these pleasantries Kam Dev, prayed to Lord Shankar and started casting his own spell, as his divine duty, with the complete awareness that going against the desires of Lord Shankar will certainly result in his death and this may be his last spell. As his spell started to take effect, all the living and non-living beings surrendered, leaving all inhibitions, to the carnal desires. Even this spell could not bring Lord Shankar out of the trance. Then Kam Dev released his five most complicated of his spells and went into hiding. This resulted in Lord Shankar coming out of his trance, and that infuriated him. Lord Shankar opened his Third Eye (The gateway to unlimited power, which destroys everything in the state of rage, and can create anything in the state of bliss) and as a result, Kam Dev was burnt to ashes. Since Lord Shankar expressed his anger at this place; therefore this place is called Forest of Anger (+| - in Hindi pronounced as Kope Van) by Maharshi Vishwamitra, and the word got distorted to Kopwan (+||). Rati, the consort of Kam Dev, was brought here by few divine souls, led by Sage Vishwamitra. Rati prostrated at the feet of Lord Shankar and became unconscious after narrating the plight of her husband. Lord Shankar, who is also called Ashutosh (~|z|-|| who can easily be pleased), was pleased with the prayers of Rati to pardon her husband and 20 21 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment revive him; told her, Sinceshecamealongwith sageVishwamitra, her husband will becomeomnipresent in all lifeforms without a physical body. Still if shewants tomeet her husband in physical body, hewill be reborn as descendent of sageVishwamitra, son of Lord Krishna. His namewill bePradhyumn and heshall becomeyour husband onceagain. Till that timeyou should meditatein front of Shivalinga (phallus symbol representingenergies of Shiv). In duecourseof timeyour descendents will inhabit this placeand you will betheir familydeity. You shall also protect your clan. This truth can be seen by any person having divine vision and he can understand the reasons, that till date, one great sage is always present on this land. People of Vishni clan (l|i z| Warrior clan and descendents of Lord Krishna) are in majority here. Although people of all races, faiths, religions live here, in harmony, they have the traits of Vishni clan. The village has a school, a Shiv temple on the northern flank as well on the western flank, vast expanse of land is for cattle grazing and for children to play. There used to be a large pond too. Pond and the grazing ground are shrinking with the passage of time. Nearly two km. north of the main entrance of the village, there is a temple of Kali in Karuaj. On the east of the village, is a small rivulet called Kaanv(+| ). On the eastern flank there is a canal and the highway too. The landscape round the village is naturally beautiful and pleasant. People live happily here in harmony with nature and are prosperous. On the northern side of the village, a family headed by Shri Ram Sakhi, having firm belief in the god used to live here. His personal traits were like his name and the household was prosperous by all means. He possessed several oxen, cows, horses. Several servants and maids were ever ready to attend to the needs of the family and their guests. He was very gentle and generous in nature. He used to render justice with his sharp intellect and far sight. All had faith in the justice rendered by him, thats why the family was called the family of justice. The house has a big court yard, where daily meetings were held. Every thing was completed as per fixed schedule. Religious activities were organized all the time. Discourse on Ramayan, Mahabharat, Sukh Sagar, and Shiv Puran, were organized regularly and were attended by all the village folks of that area. Later on some sages, and saints started visiting for giving the discourses in these gatherings and to stay as a guest. They were given gifts at the time of their departure. These activities continued for years together. Milk and curd were always made available to the guests. A time came when any sage or a passenger appeared in the village at dusk; he was ushered towards the house of Shri Ram Sakhi, popularly called Baba (Grand father). That place looked like a confluenceof sages. Time passed by, with the singing in the glory of god. No child was born to all the seven brothers / co-brothers in the family, and this was the cause of concern for him. Birth of Swami ji Villagers started whispering that Baba pretends to be generous, but does not have any child in the family. Anyway the couple used to sing the glory of God and used to take meals after offering the meals to the visitors. Days passed by, as if by the grace of god, one day when the discourse was in progress an ascetic arrived at dusk. Baba washed his feet and offered him sweets. The discourse on Ramayan continued and no body conversed with the ascetic about his native place, his religion, or the purpose of his visit and destination. After the nights rest when the ascetic was bid farewell after the morning meals, he said; O noble man! You are the Dharm of the Kaliyug (the present era, the other eras being Satyug, Tretayug, and Dwapar yug). Dharm akin to Narayan shall soon be born in your house. You are the blessed one and your wife is also blessed one. The boy will be a Sadguru and you will be initiated by him (on the journey to infinity) and your family will become his disciples. Baba was shell shocked, as if day dreaming while standing there. Ascetic had long gone, but Baba continued 22 23 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment thinking, is it true? A son is born, if he is religious and righteous then is acceptable, but an ascetic is not. Who will inherit the wealth of the family? Confusion prevailed. Everything got fizzled out with the passage of time. Happiness prevailed in the ambience of the household and the family members were pious. The year was 1886 and bumper crop was harvested. Couple of cows and buffalos was the source of milk for the household. Big and healthy oxen were tied near the entrance. Horses were making noises. Trees and plants were supporting the veins. Birds were chirping. All the ten directions were looking pleasant, as if nature is gearing up to welcome a new visitor. Baba was sitting near the entrance. It was the early morning of the full moon day and the month was June. Main house was at a distance from the main entrance, where ladies of the house resided. A maid servant came running and after touching the feet of Baba, said that the moon god has visited the house. When Baba said what are you saying? Speak properly. Maid could barely utter few words- Baba, Baba, God has visited the house. Then Baba called another servant, named Hari, and asked him to find out, what is the matter? He came back running after a few minutes and said with exhilaration, Owner has come, a baby boy. Baba asked both of them, what do they want? You can tell your desire. They both asked for a calf for each of them. Baba happily granted their wish. Jubilation at birth A new born arrived at home. There was the atmosphere of jubilation for months at a stretch. Religious discourses were continuing as usual. Sages and ascetics visited their home regularly for discourses and chanting. Months got converted into Year. The atmosphere was charged with joy. Even the down trodden of the village were happy. The child had completed one year and had started uttering a few words and had started toddling in the court yard. One day the same ascetic, who predicted about the child, arrived. Baba recognized him at once and was given a warm welcome. He asked, the god of Dharm (righteousness) has arrived? Isnt it? When Baba tried to put the child in his lap, he put the child on his lap. Ascetic and the child kept looking at each other, as if trying to recognize each other. Ascetic suddenly uttered, so you have come. You are Dharm. It is sad that, I will not be around when you will attain enlightenment. But I will try to be there at that moment. Since you are from the Vishni family, and born on the full moon day, you name will be Dharm Dev. Ascetic handed the child back to Baba, and asked him to take care of the child. After saying these words, ascetic was on the move. He disappeared after walking some distance. All including, Baba kept staring in that direction, in which the ascetic had disappeared. The child was smiling. Death of mother and start of education When Dharm Dev was six months old, his mother left for heavenly abode. He was looked after by his fathers sister (Bua or Aunt). His Bua had no one to be called of her own. So she groomed him, as if he was her own son. He also used to cling to her. Time was running fast & the small kid started growing even faster. He was dear to all in the family. He was growing amidst lot of love and affection. When he was five years old, he was enrolled for learning on an auspicious day. His teacher used to come to the house for teaching. He was a genius and could memorize the subject after reading once only. The teacher always used to say, it seems that the boy already knows what is being taught to him. He always ranked first in the class. He was enrolled in a school in the Dumraon, at the age of five. His father made arrangements for him to stay in the hostel. He always studied in the royal manner. Monthly expenditure even in those days was Rs.10/ -, at times when rice used to cost not more than Re.1/ - for 47 Kg. His father used to arrange for all 24 25 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment that was required. Lot of children became his followers, in a short span of time. His fellow students were king of Dumraon, Shri Ram Vijay Singh and the Ex. Chief Minister of Bihar. They also used to get flabbergasted, looking at his talent and spending. He used to spend only a rupee and a quarter for himself, but used to disburse rest of the money among the poor and needy students. During the lunch hour, he used to take some other students to the nearby forest, where all used to sing hymns / devotional songs. Sometimes he got carried away and used to miss the classes. The teacher used to scold all the students. At a tender age of ten only, he used to immerse in the devotion towards god and inspired his fellow hostel mates, to singing of hymns. Thus he continued his studies. When he was 6years old, his father succumbed to the pressure of the family to remarry. His co-brother was born followed his three sisters, when he was 12 yrs old. His foster mother used to love him more than his own son. She used to give him money without the knowledge of his father. She used to shower maternal love on him. His father got worried after observing the change in behavior. His father often used to tell him, Devotion and meditation aretobepracticed in theold age. Young ones of your agedonot singhymns or meditate. He merely used to listen. On the way to school, he used to lead fellow students to the nearby forest and inspired them to sing hymns and meditate. He often used to go there alone and used to meditate under the tree. Some times he used to meditate, whole day, as if he arrived there, just a while ago. He used to rush toward the school after coming out of trance, but only after the school hours. His teacher used to make complaints to his father that, even after having a sharp brain, he is irregular to the school. The boys used to inform the teacher that, he goes to nearby forest to sing the hymns and is not even scared of wild animals. He was counseled by his father, as well as, by his teacher; but he was always engrossed in his own world. One day he reached the forest by 8 oclock in the morning. He planned to go to the school, after meditating for a while. In the deep trance he observed, that a golden object, like sun, is descending towards him. A divine person emerged out of the divine light and said what is there for you to study. You are already a learned one. You should finish your worldly duties. Young Dharm Dev asked- who are you? Divine person replied, you can call me by any name, be it Sadguru, or sage, or hermit, or a divine soul. You too are like us and this is the reason why I am always with you, and shall always remain with you, in the future also. Saying this, the divine person started to merge back into the divine light. The ball of light started receding back. He opened his eyes and found some flowers scattered nearby him. He picked them up and after paying due regard to the divine person, started running towards the school. He reached the school around one oclock in the afternoon, after the school closing hours. Teacher got angry with him, but as the boy replied politely I had gone to the nearby forest and was deeply engrossed in meditation. Hearing this, the teacher threw the stick, lifted him up on his lap and said You are great. Alas! I could also meditate like you. We are impressed by your politeness and intellect. Anyway I will teach you separately. In return, you teach us meditation. Worries of Father His father remained deeply worried, as if his own future is shattering in front of his own eyes. He was smart and good looking. He was also the first child of the village, studying in the eighth class. Whenever he used to come home, during holidays, there always used to be crowd of those who wanted their letters read and replied by him. He was jovial by nature. Grand mother always used to keep him with her. She used to feed him with her own hands and used to smear his forehead, to protect him against the black magic or evil spell. During the night, she used to narrate the religious and mythological stories. 26 27 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment During day time, when his father used to come home, for lunch, she used to sing lot of praise for him, saying Mygrandson is verysmart. Hestudies a lot. Hecan read theletters for anyone. Seehow heread theletter fromCalcutta and alsowrotethereply, immediately. This is theright timefor himtoget married. I want his bridetobe, as learned and smart, likehim. If sohappens, our housewill become, just likeheaven. She was getting overwhelmed and kept stroking his head gently. Father also said, Lot of such marriage proposals are in the offing, and it is the right time for the boy to get married. He does not go to school for studies. He goes to the nearby forest, sings hymns and meditates. He also encourages other boys to do the same. Now his teacher is also learning meditation from him. Saying this, his father told him, Dharm Dev, be with me during the summer vacations. Together they rested after the lunch. In the evening father asked him to get the horses ready, for a ride. Boy Dharm Dev saddled two horses and brought them like goats. The horses were jittery and were muscular. His father asked, which one would you like to ride? The boy said politely, any one, you would say. His father got surprised and said, ride the bigger of the two horses, who is ill tempered and lot of expert riders are scared to mount on him. Can you mount the bigger horse? The boy Dharm Dev said, why not? Only your permission is required. His father said; then what is the reason for delay. Hearing this, Dharm Dev, let the horse loose in the streets of the village and jumped on to the saddle, while horse was cantering. Horse started galloping at the crack of the whip, as if riding of the wings of wind. The horse and the boy disappeared in a few moments. His father got worried about the safety of the child. He gave a chase on the other horse, but the boy had gone out of his reach. The boy returned after two hours and both the boy and the horse were tired. The father returned after another half an hour and he enquired about the safety of the child. Finding him safe in the house, lifted the child in his arms and started kissing him with words of praise for the boy, You are the blessed one and brave. Today I have come to know that you will make the family name, shine. Father was now assured about his son. Marriage His father started thinking that, if the boy is married off to a decent girl then, he will get involved in family life. He will look after the business and worldly duties, leaving behind his daily prayers and meditation. Meanwhile his father received a marriage proposal from a family of repute. The girl was beautiful, well mannered, and was full of virtues. She had completed six years of studies in the school. The marriage was fixed after consultation with the priests and elders of the village. Dharm Dev ji got married to Vasmati Devi, with lot of fanfare, pomp and show. Dharm Dev ji continued his studies and he completed matriculation in due course time. In those days, it was very difficult to find matriculates, as this was the pre- requisite for studying law. His classmate, Sardar Harihar Singh was, probably not even matriculate, got elected as the Chief Minister of Bihar. Jobs started pouring in from the Education department, Police department et al. He served the education department during the British regime. As he had to stay away from the family his father forced him to leave the job. Subsequently he finished I.A. Thereafter both husband and wife started teaching, free of a charge at their door steps, as if the house has been converted into a school. Thus, the self studies also continued, besides imparting knowledge to the village folks. His wife was also aware and conscious of her duties to be ever ready to serve the cause. It appeared that as if the heaven has descended to their house. There was no shortage of anything. Tied up with Karma Dharm Dev ji started making herbal medicines after studying Ayurveda (the knowledge of life science). Patients used to get cured after using a single dose of the medicine 28 29 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment from him. Medicines given by him were giving unfailing results. His medicines started becoming popular. Gradually people all around the village started maintaining good health. He used to purchase rare herbs and he used to formulate the medicine from those herbs. He never demanded money for the medicines out of sheer compassion. He used to say Thepatient is already strugglingand sufferingfromdisease, it is not justified toask money fromhim. Thus he spent a lot of his fathers wealth on disbursing free medicines to the needy ones. His father did not utter a word, but stopped giving him money, for buying herbs for medicines. Meanwhile he came in contact with another ascetic, who was tall and handsome and had a divine light in his eyes. He started imparting knowledge of all types of Yoga to young Dharm Dev including Hatha Yoga (ta |- In this type difficult yogic postures are maintained for a longer duration, stretching the physical bodys capabilities to extreme limits), Swara Yoga ( | Knowledge of different types of breathing techniques), Naad Yoga (-|< | Knowledge of different types of internal sounds used to go deep in meditation). Ascetic used to teach him the controlling techniques (Tantra), using sound / syllables (Mantra), & the rites to be performed in the cremation ground. Ascetic used to go in hiding along with him, in the night. When his father came to know about this, he threatened the ascetic with dire consequences, should he be spotted in the village. The ascetic left the village silently. But the teacher and the disciple used to look out for each other. Ascetic was messenger / incarnation of Lord Shiv, who came as a hermit before and after the birth of Dharm Dev ji. Now he made his appearance as the teacher (in the garb of an Ascetic). After being scolded by the father neither the student nor the teacher uttered their protests. Rather the disciple, Dharm Dev ji, started making discrete visits near the river Kaon, where he used to meet his teacher. He used to meditate till 4 oclock in the morning. Family members thought that Dharm Dev has now been transformed and does not follow pursue the occult practices. Ascetic had stopped visiting the village. During day time he used to educate the people along with his wife, who used to educate the girls of the village. Thus the self less service was given to the villagers. Experience One day he was sitting out side the Shiv temple on the outskirts of the village at dusk. He was thinking, what was the reason behind the creation (of the universe)? The question was in the subconscious mind. Suddenly he visualized a turning wheel of light. Light was very bright but, was pleasant and attractive. He was drawn towards the wheel and was getting oblivious to himself & surroundings. The wheel of light was approaching him. He visualized a black man (+|n |) driving the wheel, when the wheel came very near to him. He climbed aboard and was enthralled about the experience. He started wandering inside the wheel of light. The scene was panoramic. Till then he had not explored or thoroughly studied the religious scriptures. He only had the knowledge acquired by some experimental rituals, as taught by the ascetic. He reached another side of the wheel and found a divine tree, which was full of gems and colorful lights. He started heading towards the tree. A white person emerged from the tree, which bore a gentle smile on his face. The white man picked him in his arms with affection and said to him: so you have come. He further said, this is the wheel of creation. Saying this he made Dharm Dev ji climb down the wheel and then prompted him to climb up the wheel. This process was repeated several times. On being asked the purpose behind this, the white man explained that, the black man driving the wheel, is the wheel of time (+|n -+ Kaal Chakra), the tree in sight is Kalpa Vriksha (The mythological tree known to have the capabilities of fulfilling material desires of the person approaching it). Climbing up and down from the wheel is like dying and being born, again and again. This is an eternal law. 30 31 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Taking an Ascetic as his Teacher Whenever Dharm Dev ji faced any conflicting situation about righteousness, there always was a divine intervention to resolve the matter. Therefore he did not feel the compulsion to study the scriptures. He was learning the occult from the ascetic. The ascetic never visited their house. Now the pupil used to reach the river Kaon. One day he left the house in pretext of taking a holy dip in the river Ganga but instead reached district Buxar. Earlier whenever he used to leave the house, he was accompanied by someone, to take care of him, but on this occasion, he was alone. At Buxar he reached the character forest (Charitra Vana), where the same ascetic was eagerly waiting for him under the Banyan tree. He was delighted to see Dharm Dev and told him that tonight he will transfer the power of Mahakaaleshwar (Lord of the Death), to him. Ascetic told Dharm Dev that he will achieve a higher level of ascetics, than that of him and also that he is lucky to have a disciple like him. You have relinquished all the luxuries of the life and have turned towards the hardship of the austerity and self restraint. Ascetic assured him that he will not be given flesh and blood, which is en essential part of such rituals. Mahakaal (another name given to Lord Shiv) has instructed him to keep you away from flesh and blood. You know that two guards of Mahakaal are protecting you round the clock. I feel like transferring all the powers tonight. Now you should go to Ram Rekha Ghat (one of the Hindu cremation grounds on the banks of river Ganga). Ascetic told that he shall start preparations for the rituals from 6 oclock in the evening, which will continue till 12 oclock midnight. From then onwards rituals, using a corpse will continue. Nothing is to be left for tomorrow. Mahakaal has preserved a corpse for you. He really takes good care of you. Dharm Dev ji proceeded towards the local market, bought all the material required for the rituals and returned back to the cremation ground. Dharm Dev ji observe that corpses were burning all around the cremation ground. He stared at them without blinking his eyes. The body which was tendered when alive is burning like wood, as if there is no significance of the physical body and each body ends up like this. He was deeply engrossed in such thoughts, while the corpses were burning. A tall and dark man with bare body was picking up the burning logs of wood and was setting afire the partially or un burnt corpses, while laughing aloud. He was uttering few syllables. People were giving him way, in whichever direction he was going. Dharm dev ji was overwhelmed with the thought of renunciation. The bare bodied man approached him and asked what was he doing there? This is the world. Take this log of wood and follow me. I too picked up few logs of wood. Eyes of the bare bodied man were red and therefore Dharm Dev Ji could not recognize his ascetic teacher for a while. He followed the ascetic behind the banyan tree. That area was covered with the layer of cow dung. Fruits and flowers placed neatly along with other offerings. Dogs and pigs were roaming there. He was apprehensive that those animals may devour those offerings. As if reading his thoughts, ascetic laughed aloud and said Dont you see? Lord of the cremation ground is protecting this place, and without his permission even ants can not enter this area. Only you have been permitted to enter this area, even birds have left this place. Look there, the lord himself is guarding this place; pay him the obeisance from here. On turning back, he saw a dark complexioned man, standing guard and holding a long trident. Dharm Dev ji paid obeisance from that place. The man thundered and said; I cant accept the obeisance from a pious soul like you. Mahakaaleshwar himself is protecting you and no one can harm you in the three worlds (Physical, Metaphysical, and Spiritual worlds). The ascetic instructed him to go to complete his daily rituals, of meditation and breathing exercises and return back, as the dusk was approaching. He took bath and completed his daily routine 32 33 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment of meditation after taking bath in the river Ganga. Time was around 7 oclock in the evening. The ascetic was reciting certain mantras for igniting the fire. Dharm Dev ji got up from his place and reached the altar where all the offerings were placed. Before sitting on the mat of grass, he bowed to his teacher and paid him obeisance. The ascetic instructed him to follow the instructions. He was instructed to ignite the fire. He started looking around for burning wood. The ascetic thundered and said: dont look around, as you arefireyourself. Look within yourself. Firewill ignitewhen you blowwind fromthemouth. He meditated for a while and blew from his mouth, aiming at the log of wood. To his surprise the log of wood was set ablaze, as if waiting for a signal from him and also as if it was made of fire. Now the teacher was reciting the mantras and the pupil was doing as instructed. These rituals continued till midnight. It was pitch dark. The lord of the cremation ground was standing guard, unnerved. Some mantras were taught, and then suddenly the ascetic instructed him to open his mouth and take his tongue out. Teacher wrote some mantras on his tongue using ash of the cremation ground and a mixture of eight essences. The ascetic announced happily that from now onward, whichever mantra is invoked by him using the power of mind, will present it self, along with the controlling power (Tantra). Now very short time is left before the midnight. You should invoke the spirits of the dead ones. Suddenly he recited a mantra saw a lot of spirits in front of him in different forms. They were making different noises and some were waiting for orders. The teacher instructed Go to the river Ganga and after paying obeisance to Ganga, request for a corpse. Bring the corpse here with the help of these spirits. Dharm dev ji moved briskly towards the river Ganga. All the spirits were walking besides him. After paying obeisance to river Ganga, he requested for a corpse. Within a few moments a corpse started floating on the surface. He thanked the river. He also paid obeisance to the corpse as well and touched. To his surprise the corpse was picked up by the spirits. He led the spirits back on his way to the cremation ground. The corpse was kept on the ground anointed with sandalwood paste. An animal made of wheat flour was sacrificed while chanting mantra. Blood started oozing out of the animal made of wheat flour, which was collected in a special pan and Water of river Ganga was used as a substitute for wine. By the time these rituals were completed, it was 12:30 just after midnight. The ascetic instructed him to sit on the corpse in the Lotus posture (Padmasan) and start breathing (Pranayam). Dharm Dev ji followed the instructions & then he sprinkled water on the face of the corpse as per instruction. Suddenly the corpse opened eyes, as if they were emitting light. Corpse opened mouth and asked, why has he been called? Ganga water used as substitute for wine, and blood collected in the previous ritual, was poured in the cavity of the corpses mouth. The corpse had calmed down and said; Order me, Let me get up, release my body. Dharm Dev ji said; your body has been tied with Mantras, to prevent you from creating havoc. Corpse replied; your teacher is a perfect ascetic, you too are master ascetic. I cant harm you, even if I desire so. Our master Mahakaaleshwar (Shiv), himself is protecting you. I will obey your order. Hearing this Dharm Dev ji got up. The corpse also got up and paid him obeisance and circumambulated around him. The corpse asked for an order, and was told to wait for an appropriate moment, when a suitable job shall be assigned. After this other spirit, ghosts, vampires, devils also asked for an assignment and they were also told to wait for the right moment for an assignment. Then all the spirits showered flowers on to him. Dawn was approaching. The Ascetic was watching all this, silently, sitting under the tree. Dharm Dev ji looked at his teacher and paid his highest regards by putting his head at the feet of his Guru. The ascetic started stroking and patting the head of his pupil and continued to do so for a long time as if the time has stopped ticking. Suddenly the Guru asked him to return to his home, and said; Your learningis complete, and I 34 35 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment havetaught whatever I knew. Your father is losingpatienceand is abusing me. Heis threateningtobeat meand is sayingthat I amspoilingyou. Thereforeyou should return back toyour home. God bless you. I will contact you whenever thesituation demands. I amunnerved bytheabused & threats of your father and dont and dont care. After returningyou should continuepreachingYoga and work for theupliftment and welfare of themasses. Your journeyis not yet finished, but has started now. Dharm Dev ji was completely dedicated with devotion towards his guru. He requested his guru; Pleaseallowmetostay with you and dont send meaway. The teacher explained him that he has to learn a lot. Whenever your job is complete, god, the almighty will call you back. He followed the instructions of the teacher as an order, and returned back home. At home, he observed pandemonium. Father had gone insane and was calling his name, again and again. Family members had returned back after searching for him at Buxar. Some of them had gone back to search for him. Later on all were pacified and the situation normalized within a couple of days. Horse Trading Days were passing by normally. People used to pass comment to his father, what does your son do for living? Did he waste money in the name of studies? Earlier father used to say that, my son need not work. He should stay in front of my eyes. God has given us enough. But one day he told his son Son, you should dohorsetrading. I will giveyou moneyfor thebusiness. You should gotoPunjab for buyingthehorses and thesamecan be traded hereat higher price. Horses shall beused for ridingas well as for trading, toearn profit. Although not willing, he agreed to go for horse trading, just to fulfill his fathers wish. Whole family started preparing for his journey to Punjab. Father gave him Rs.10, 000 and saw him off to Punjab at railway station. His mind was always focused on the almighty but now he left as a horse trader. His fathers was famous even at distant places. Since the old Shahabad district was the area catered by the Soan canal, the area was predominantly a paddy field. Basmati rice of this area, with the brand name, Sonchur was famous. People from distant places used to camp at the residence of the reputed persons, while on business trips. When he landed in an industrial town of Punjab, an acquaintance from old days recognized him, and asked Dharm Dev ji, what are you doing here? Your father, Ram Sakhi ji, how is he? Is he alright? He was looking at that Sikh with consternation. The Sikh said; You maynot recognizeme. First you givemeyour luggage. Everyyear I gotoyour placeas a cloth merchant and stayat your residencein theout house. Your father is a pious soul. Whenever I staythereI get free boardingand lodging. Mynameis Pyara Singh. I amenthralled and feel luckytofind an opportunitytorepaythedebt byservingyou. Hearing the name, Dharm Dev ji stressed his memory and remembered that he is the one who presented a Dhoti (draping cloth for men) to him and Saree (ladies draping cloth) to his mother. He was saying that since this saree is too good and there is hardly anyone who will buy this. His father bought the saree for two rupees. He was wearing the same Dhoti. While he was thinking, Pyara Sigh recognized the Dhoti and said; I supplied this dhoti. Near a house Pyara Singh stopped and said; This is your house. Lets goinside. He stopped at the entrance, as there were women and girls inside. Pyara Singh said; this is Punjab. Wehavecommon entrancefor all and dont haveseparateentrancefor ladies. Our ladies work in thefarmland / fields. I havebeen visitingyour placebut have never stepped insideyour house. I havenot even seen your mother. Once I sawyour grandmother and had an opportunitytotouch her feet. Sheis likea goddess. One girl came from inside the house and took care of the baggage being carried by Pyara Singh. They both went inside. For a few days it looked odd, but slowly everything was normalized after getting the respect form the house hold members. Pyara Singh used to accompany him while making purchasing the horses. All this took twelve days. He started his return journey after buying 16 horses. 36 37 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Only the will of the almighty prevail. Perhaps he did not like him as a trader. On the way back four of the horses died due to illness. He returned back with 12 horses. Another two died after reaching home, within two days. Now only ten were left. All the relatives started coming as the prospective buyers. As they were told the purchase price earlier, they also didnt pay anything extra. They didnt even bother to consider the money spent to bring the horses to this place. They bought the horses at the purchase price only. Some of the relatives borrowed the horses and promised to pay in installments, which were never paid. Thus he lost Rs. 5,000 in the business as a horse trader. He returned his father only Rs. 5,000 which was kept silently. Seeing Light One night he was sleeping in the fields. It was no moon night and it was pitch dark. He was thinking that even after studying he could not help his family. He saw a ball of light descending from the dark, but starlit sky. Then he saw a divine person coming out of the light holding a discus, a mace, a lotus and a conch, on a giant bird. Divine person disembarked from the bird. Dharm Dev ji bowed to him and paid obeisance. He was invited by the divine person to come aboard. Bird took off for yet another flight. Divine person kept telling about the different worlds. After a while they returned back. Dharm Dev ji asked, what is all this? The Divine person replied; this is the creation. You have to do something else. You have to achieve completeness, thats why you have come. Your Sadguru is waiting for you, thats why you cant succeed in anything. You have to achieve the essence of success. What is the origin of all, you have to attain that. After reaching there, nothing is left to be achieved. Therefore you should proceed towards your origin. We are all with you. Divine person took off and merged back into the darkness. He thought this incidence as a dream, as if dreaming while awake. He was unable to sleep. Out of curiosity, he moved towards the heap of harvested paddy, from where Lord Vishnu took off for the journey to space. He saw few of the bright objects in the darkness. He touched them with his forehead. There were two lotus flowers lying there, having a strange but divine fragrance. He kept looking at them for a long time and fell asleep. In the morning when he looked for those flowers, he could not trace them. He had no idea about the happenings of last night. All that had happened was just like a dream. In the morning he completed his daily morning rituals. The servant was holding a glass of hot milk, at the door of the barn; and requested him; Pleasefinish theglass of milk and then after reachinghomeshould takethebreakfast consistingof curd and rice. Your mother was waiting for you. He wanted to take only one glass of milk but the servant, Hari said; Pleasefinish all themilk. Your mother has instructed that you havetofinish thecompletemilk. You havebecomeweak. On this he told his servant that he can not consume all the milk. The servant pleaded; Pleaseconsumeall this thelast timeon myrequest. I shall not forceyou in future. Dharm Dev ji said you make such promises daily but could not refuse him at last. Teaching to Sheetal ji Dharm Dev ji started teaching the kids of young age and taught them the course books and the knowledge of rituals. Shree Sheetal ji was his cousin brother and used to praise that, the elder brother teaches him with lot of care and affection. One day he went to school when the result was declared. He was promoted to the next grade. He came back home, running and looking for Dharm Dev ji. Not finding his elder brother there, he went to meet him at the farm house. On being asked about the result, when Sheetal ji said I could not pass theexams, Dharm Dev ji suddenly flared up in anger and started beating him with the thick rope leaving the marks on his back, said to him You havestarted lyingalso. He came back home crying and complained to his parents about the incident. They said Dharm 38 39 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Dev is like a god, you must have made some mistake. Then Sheetal ji acknowledged his mistake and vowed that he would never speak lie in the life again. Later on he became the disciple of Dharm Dev ji. In the old age also Dharm Dev ji looked like an icon of truth. Shri Sheetal ji used to say, I am nearing seventy years of age. I have traveled a lot but, have never seen a person who is as divine, devout, pious, religious, and as knowledgeable in the fields of Astrology, Tantra-Mantra, as Dharm Dev ji. Now he is not our elder brother, but he is our reverend Sadguru. Similarly every body in the village had something to say about Dharm Dev ji. Childhood memories of Sheetal ji Swami Dharm Dev ji had become an exponent in the filed of Tantra (the controlling techniques). A man becomes slave of his desires and weaknesses. On the other hand he can also become lord of his own senses if he leads a disciplined life. Every body has six drainage points in his life Laziness, Excitement, Lack of courage, Indiscipline, Excessive Sleep, and Tiredness / Drowsiness. One who plugs these drains i.e. controls all these traits, he gets the nectar, called knowledge. Swami ji had complete control on these six traits. One day Dharm Dev ji was sitting in his farm house after completing his daily rituals, some women of the village approached him. He asked them what the matter is. What is bothering you? Mother of Sheetal ji said, I have a son like you, even then I am sad. Your younger brother and disciple Sheetal is sick for the last one month. You are not taking care of him. Sheetal is under the control of some spirit. For the last one month he has been shackled and the moment he is released he starts creating chaos. Exorcists have been called, but all of them have run away after confronting him. If someone dares to stay, he gets beaten by Sheetal. Almost all the exorcists in the nearby vicinity have been beaten by him. Yesterday one pundit, who is also a practicing exorcist, was invited on a palanquin, from the village Arianv and he performed some rituals. When Sheetal was released, he started mauling the exorcist, like a hungry lion. He was beaten blue and black by Sheetal. Blood started oozing out of his nostrils. It took a Herculean effort by at least ten people who have tied Sheetal with thick ropes. Pundit asked the spirit humbly, his introduction and the purpose of doing all this. The spirit replied in the voice of SheetalI ama representativeof Lord Shankar and a bodyguard of theperson livingin thefarmhouse. I liveon thetreein front of that house. This boyused togoin theserviceof theman living in that farmhouse(DharmDevji). Onedayheinstructed theboyto keep theplacebeneath thetree, clean and never pass urinethere. In spite of his warningthis boypassed urineunder thetree, in theprideof beinga wrestler. I havenowpossessed himand this is thepunishment for not obeyingtheinstruction. Whoelseexists on theearth other than Lord Shankar? If you want anybetterment in life, takerefugeunder his shelter or elseyou will alsobecomean evil spirit. Mother of Sheetal said, today I have come to you. Please protect us. Swami ji said in a laughing manner, you areworried, just for this. Go, releaseSheetal and ask himtotakea bath. Todayyou preparefood for me. She said, son you have a diet, like that of a bird. It will not be a problem. Even then I will check up with your aunt and prepare the food with my own hands. You please come in time. Swami ji reached at 10.00 a.m. He was offered the seat with honor and respect. He was served different varieties in the meals. Once Swami ji started eating, he did not stop before finishing all the meals prepared for about 10 persons. On being asked what has happened to you? Swami ji said, today I feel hungry. What ever is available in the house, please bring. He finished all the rice, milk etc. available in the house. After washing hands he returned to his place. His aunt asked, have you finished the meals? He replied, not yet. His aunt started a brawl with the mother of Sheetal, for keeping him hungry for so long. She didnt bother to listen what was being said. Swami ji intervened and said, Sheetals 40 41 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment mother is telling the truth and she had fed me enough. His aunt retorted, even you are favoring her. Your diet is too little, how you can eat so much. He started laughing and said, aunt, I did not eat anything. Whoever was possessing Sheetal, has eaten all that. You can verify this and see in your backyard, a large pig is still devouring the meals. The women rushed there and found a large pig eating, all that was offered to Swami ji. Some of the women fainted after seeing that. Since that day Sheetal became an ardent follower of Swami ji. Horse trading again Few days after that incident, his father gave him Rs.10000 once again for the horse trading and sent him to Punjab. This time he went to the Sindh province (now in Pakistan). There also a Hindu family was his host and became the family member. He bought 18 horses this time. As the destiny can not be re written, and he was destined to tread the path of the God, four of the horses died on the way back home, after reaching the North Eastern province. Another two died after reaching home and four fell sick. Large amount was spent on their treatment. This time also he did not trade the horses properly. He used to accept any offer price without bargain, considering that as the will of the God. This time also, he lost Rs. 5000. He felt sorry for the loss in the business. His father consoled him with soothing words and said dont bother about theloss. All themoneywas earned byme. You could not havedone better. Dont worry, just enjoythelife. He tried his luck in other business, but there also he incurred losses. At the end he re started what he was best at, devotion, considering it to be gods will. Birth of Son With the passage of time Swami ji was blessed with two sons. All in the family were happy and the house was filled with joy. Atmosphere was charged with happiness in and around the village. As he was dear to all, nobody from any caste had any complaints or ill feelings against him. He also loved all and never used bitter language with anyone. Of late, he started to remain aloof from the family life and started to dislike the family life. While sleeping he used to stare upward as if some one is calling him. He was getting restless and developed a strong desire, about eternal union with god, the almighty, and the state of total bliss. He was not attracted to anything and the whole world looked like an illusion, far from the truth. He was listening to the call of god from each molecule of his physical body. He decided to leave the house and move to the place where, there is nothing else, but devotion to god. One night, he saw a shadow emerging from a corner of the house, which was not clear and it was saying something to him in very low voice. To day is the right time to initiate the renunciation (of the world). This will be your first of such journeys, which will hurt your father. During the second of such journeys he will be devastated and start thinking of being strong enough to take care of him and the dependents. Third of such journeys will be last. On being asked, the shadow replied, Yes; but also added Pleasehurryup, I havebeen keeping an eyeon you for thelast coupleof months. You arethinkinga lot. Now is thetimetostop thinkingand toact. Lets move. Thedoor is open. Your father is sleeping, theservants aresleepingand thedogis also sleeping. All will continuetoremain asleep till you reach thesafedistance. Swami ji asked the shadow, Whoareyou? Pleaseidentifyyour self. WhereI amsupposedtogo? Pleasetell me. Shadow replied, Thisismy jobtotakeyou toa placewhereyou aresupposedtogo, introduceyou tothe peoplewhoyou aresupposed tomeet, inspireyou todowhat you are supposedtodo. Theintroduction can wait; consider methewheel of time. I dont wait for anyoneandalwayskeepmoving. Pleasecomeout with me. Swami Dharm Dev ji, somehow got up from the bed and started to follow the shadow. He found that the door was ajar, which he closed himself. The servant was asleep. The dog was fast asleep, who was always alert. With each step he started moving away from the house, the street, the village. He was 42 43 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment thinking, the ways has been cleared for him. He was unaware of the fact, how he reached Kashi (holiest of the places on the earth). Dawn was breaking and the saints were taking a holy dip, in the river Ganga for their daily rituals. He too had a bath and changed the clothes. He was about to move after paying his obeisance to river Ganga, he heard the voice, Dharm, you havecome. Followme. He turned around and saw a sage wearing red clothes. His face was away from him. He followed the sage on the banks of the river. They reached an isolated place, which was devoid of any habitation. The sage stopped and said, sit here. Swami Dharm Dev followed the instructions. The sage, who was dark, had a glow on his face. He introduced himself as Shivanand (One who is always in a state of bliss of Shiv) and said; todayyou will begiven theShivSadhana (a yogicpractice which can empower its practitioner, as powerful as Lord Shiv). You havecompleted Sadhana of theAghoreshwar (another nameof Lord Shiv, which associates himwith theintenseTantrik practices involving dead bodies), this is alsoan instruction fromlord Shiv. Swami Dharm Das took his seat facingeast and thesagesat in front of him, facing west. Knowledgeof ShivSadhana was given tohim. Immediatelyhe was directed tomovetowards east, towards Buxar, alongsidebanks of theriver Ganga. Swami ji asked, I have come from Buxar only and I am being asked to go back in the same direction. The sage told with a chuckle, yes but you need not argue. Accept all, whatever you get on the way. Make night halts where ever you reach. Keep moving in the direction and also keep practicing what you have been taught. Till now you are not used to accept the things given by others and you dont beg. Now you have to change this habit. Swami ji paid his regards to the sage and proceeded in east, general direction. Now he was doing all, mechanically without giving a second thought. He got the feeling that he is merely a tool and the god will get the things done as he wishes. Henceforth the journey became pleasant. At meal times, he used to go to some village and used to sit in front of any house. People offered him food and after meals, he used to leave the place silently. He used to follow the same routine in the evening. He used to maintain complete silence. He used to chant mantra, without giving a break. People used to comment; In spiteof havinga healthybody, Hehas becomea sageduetofear of hardships of thelife. Some used to comment; Helooks likean ascetic. He used to listen to all, without emotional feeling, silently. People used to offer him food, clothes, blanket in the night due to compassion, mercy or due to formality. He started talking mono syllables in reply to the questions in Yes or No, as if he had lost all desire to speak. He stopped a few miles after Gazipur, near a banyan tree. He used to bathe in the river Ganga, and took rest below the tree. Sooner, people from the nearby villages started gathering there. They used to discuss about his spiritual progress. He never used to peach or given sermons. Yes, he used to accept whatever was offered to him, but used to return the remaining food. He never touched money. He stayed there for about fifteen days. In the name of clothes he had only the clothes he was wearing, but due to stay under the tree, people offered him another set of clothes and a sheet along with a blanket. He was spending all his time for devotion. He was least bothered for his future and also never repented for anything done in the past. He used to practice, as told by his guide. Returning home with father One morning while he was meditating beneath the tree, he heard some noise. As he opened his eyes, he saw an elderly man lying on the ground, surrounded by a group of people. His favorite servant was staring at him and was crying with folded hands. He was trembling, but was unable to say anything. Wiping tears, he said You ran awayfromthehomesilently. Your father has stopped takingfood, sincethen. Healways keeps cryingand keeps utteringyour name. Hehas becomeinsane. See, hehas reached herelookingfor you. Havingseen you in this condition hecould not stop himself and has lost his consciousness. Whenever hegains consciousness, utters your name. Hehas been completelytransformed froma jovial 44 45 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment person whoused togivea lot in charity, toa person whoseems tohave lost everythingand is broke. Hecan not survivewithout you. Your mother has alsostopped eatingand is preparingtoleaveher bodynear Lord Shiv. Your wifeis alsoutteringthenameof Lord Ram. Shehas lit an eternal flameand is always thinkingabout you. Your housewhich was likeheaven has becomelikecremation ground. Swami Dharm Dev ji got up and approached his father and called him. His father opened his eyes and after collecting all his remaining strength murmured in a faint voice, Dharm what has happened? NowI can not besaved. Whycant I leavemy physical body? I had raised you likea princeand you haverenounced everythingand livingyour lifelikea hermit. Having said this he fainted once again. Crowd kept swelling in size. All men and women were crying and the scene all around was full of compassion and cries. All were seemed to have been carried away in the stream of compassion. Chief of that village was also in the crowd and he recognized the father. He touched his feet due to respect and took stock of the situation. Removing the crowd he asked the fatherson duo to accompany him. Father of Swami Dharm dev ji said Nochief, I dont need anything. Heis myeldest son, you must haveheard about. Nowseewhat heis doing. You pleasepursuehimtoreturn back home. Chief of the village made arrangements for their travel and instructed his people to bring the horse driven cart. Meanwhile he arranged for the food for everyone. He requested the fatherson duo to take bath and food. But the father refused politely the offer of food, for the fear that any delay may turn their house into a cremation ground. He requested the village chief to help them reach home at the earliest. As soon as the transport arrived they all started their return journey. No body spoke a word throughout the journey back home. They all reached home by dusk. Whole village looked like a graveyard. Everybody had tears in his/ her eyes. Every person in the town was apparently running, possibly to inform their house about their arrival. The whole house looked like a morgue. Food was not cooked since the day he left the house. Somehow all seemed to be living. All living being had their eyes filled with tears, but nobody could say a word to him. The situation normalized after a few days. Interruption in Practice of Hatha-Yoga He started practicing yoga while staying in the village. Evenings were spent in the religious discourse on Ramayana and he was the narrator. All used to listen with full devotion and concentration. At 03:00 in the early morning he used to go out of the village. Sometimes near the well on the western flank of the village or sometimes to the banks of the river Kaon. Both the places were notorious for being under the influence of spirits and ghosts. He always used to carry a small urn and rope for pulling water from the well, a towel, a spare set of clothing, muslin cloth, and small flexible cane stick; which were required for yogic practice. Once he got up, in the middle of the night, at 12:30 and moved towards the well on the western flank of the village. He kept all his belongings on the parapet of the well and went to relieve himself. He selected this place for being lonely as the people of the village were scared to come there, particularly in the middle of the night. He used to start his cleansing process after washing hand with the sand, eleven times. Then he used to clean his throat deep inside for special yogic practice, called Khechari. This was followed by sprinkling of water on the eyes and forehead. Then he used to clear the nasal passage using a thread. This was followed by drinking of 5 litres of water for cleaning the stomach using a special movement of the stomach muscles. Whole process used to take one hour. Then muslin cloth was swallowed using the flexible stick and the water was expelled from the stomach. He was about to do the last of the steps to cleanse the body, he heard shouts Dharm Dev, Dharm Dev. The voice sounded like his fathers. He became little nervous. He thought that his father never came in this side of the village. Who could be there at these odd hours? He moved 46 47 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment away from that place with lot of effort and came near the Fig tree and tried to spot the person who called him. But he could not see anyone. Suddenly a strong breeze resulted in the fall of the muslin cloth and the flexible stick in the well. He immediately understood that it was the game plan of some forces, who never wanted him to tread this path of attaining enlightenment. He was worried of the water lodged in the stomach and wanted to expel the water at the earliest as this could result in the permanent illness. He lowered the urn with a rope to retrieve the cloth and the stick, but after reaching bottom the knot opened up, resulting in the fall of the urn into well. Then he remembered that he had forgotten to protect his body and all his belongings. It was past midnight and the dawn was about to break. But what could be done? Whether to leave the water in the stomach or try to expel? He decided to make use of some make shift stick, made from the branch of the nearby bush, which was not as smooth as the cane stick. Only some of the water could be expelled out of the body. Then suddenly blood started coming out of along with water, the stick had damaged the respiratory tract and part of lungs. He tried to stop the blood by shutting his mouth, but the blood started to come through nostrils. He was unable to comprehend, what to do? He had heard that a Yogi becomes sick for life, if he errs. His life was in danger. He went to the hut inside the field and through someone he got another utensil for water. Somehow he took bath and started to meditate. He used his inner strength to stop the blood, oozing from his nostrils, but he could not stop bleeding from his mouth or rectum. He was envisaged that he is nearing the end of his life. He used to think that it is better to leave the physical body. He started looking weak, as he had lost all desire to eat. He was always sad. Family members were worried about his well being. His father, who never used to enter his room, became a frequent visitor, he was restless. His father used to ask repeatedly, What is the matter? Why are you becoming weak? Why dont you eat? Why are you sad? His mother also used to ask the same questions? Whole family was bit agitated. His father gave him some money to get himself treated by a doctor in the town. He went to the doctor and told him the truth. After knowing the whole truth doctor touched his feet and said Nowonly Lord Shankar can saveyou. Your lungs and part of theheart is damaged. Howcomeyou arealive, it is a marvel. Then he prayed to Lord Shankar Pleasesavethis Yogi. With these words he returned his fees and with full regards, asked him to return back. On reaching home, when his father asked what did the doctor say? He was unable to tell the truth about the diagnosis. He was thinking that if he tells the truth, then life of all the family members will be difficult. So he said, Lord Shankar will treat him to good health. Mother kept quiet but his father had doubts. His wife was like sati (pure), whose happiness depended upon his liking. She used to follow the instructions given by him. She used to keep quiet in public, but when alone, he used to tell You areknowledgeable. Pleasedoonlythat, which is good for your future. I amyour shadow. Your well beingis mywell being. It is my dutytoassist you, in all walks of life. I can not becomean obstacleon your path towards enlightenment. Beingthemother, I havethe responsibilityfor upbringingthechildren also. I want toseeyou happy. I dont haveanyother desire. Journey to Mount Kailash After losing all hopes of regaining health, he was waiting for what was an imminent death; he received the instruction Movetowards Mt. Kailash. Lord Shankar will bless you. Next day he kept thinking about the consequences and ultimately decided to move towards Mt. Kailash. He left home silently without telling anyone. Once near Kailash, and about to enter the thick forest ahead, he was called by a shopkeeper Swami ji, whereareyou going? WaytoMount Kailash is theother way. You can havethis Beetleleaf. Followthepath ahead; you mayeven catch up with Gorakhnath. Hehas just nowleft. He was surprised to hear that, 48 49 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment as he knew that Sage Gorakhnath had left his physical body, long back. How is it possible? Anyway he had the beetle leaf and moved ahead on the path as guided. He reached the edge of the thick forest. There he saw few huts. To his surprise he found remains of cinder as if someone has cooked meals a short while ago. He sat there. A sage with a divine glow came out of the hut. He offered Swami Atma Das ji, some butter milk. He said SageGorakh nath has just left alongwith his disciples. I tooshall goafter them. Swami ji accepted the butter milk, and when the sage was about to leave, Swami ji asked Who does these these huts belong to? The sage replied, this one in the front belongs to Kabir Saheb. Next one belongs to Guru Nanak, Buddha, Mahavir, Paltu, but you would not find anyone, as they all have gone for giving the message to the masses. When asked by the Swami ji, how can they be alive, as they have died long before? He was asked that how can a yogi or realized soul die. Although they leave the physical body, they remain in the metaphysical body. Out of compassion they keep passing the knowledge to their devotees, when it is needed most. After saying this, that person left the place. Swami ji consumed the butter milk. It gave the feeling as if he was offered nectar in the guise of butter milk. Each cell of his body was charged and energized. He slept there for long time and when he woke up in the morning, he left for Mt. Kailash. There he took a holy dip in the lake Mansarovar, and met Lord Shankar, who offered him some herbs (details of his journey to Mt. Kailash are given in the book Awakening of Kundalini, hence it is only being hinted at this point). Now he was completely healthy. He meditated there and felt no physical discomfort. He was filled with divine strength and was thinking to take some rest, but left that place after being prompted by Lord Shankar. Now he was always in trance and wanted to remain like this. He used to make a night halt at the place, where he reached at dusk. Next morning he used to move ahead for journey back home. This journey took six months. Meditation at Markandeyshwar and being spotted by his father One day he was staying at Markandeyshwar (Lord of Sage Markandeya) near Kashi. He was resting under the tree after taking dip in the holy river Ganga. If someone offered him food, he used to take meals; otherwise he used to sit quietly. Hymns and devotional songs used to be regular feature at the place of his stay. He suddenly heard the agitated voices of some people, who were coming towards him. He saw his father was accompanied by five six people. His eyes were swollen and the face was sullen. He ran towards river Ganga, and jumped into stream. He had taken vow to remain under water for three days. He emerged out of the river Ganga on the other stream after three days. He was wringing his clothes dry and was oblivious of a boat which stopped nearby. As he was about to leave, some one grabbed his arm, and said Swami ji, please havemercyon your aged father. Howyou survived for threedays after jumpingin theriver. Look at theother river bank. Wholevillageis waitingfor you. All thefishermen wereasked tolook out for you, but you could not bespotted. Your father is standinglikea statuefor thelast threedays. Look there, twopeoplearebringinghimthis side. He turned around and saw his father was dragging his feet somehow. His father asked him Our life is in your hands. We have been searching for you for the past six months. Look at me and take a stock of health of all the family members. You can stay at home and meditate. Who is there to stop you? He was oblivious to all the words being said to him. Meanwhile village folks arrived in several boats. They all put him on the boat and a community feast was organized on this occasion. All elders of the village were vouching for his father. They said, why do you do all this, after studying so much? These things are to be done in the old age. You are physically fragile and so young. At home you have old parents, and an innocent child who does not understand anything. You should take care of them. All 50 51 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment the women folk of the village started crying after looking at him. They said You should think about the woman, who has been brought here by you. Whole village was in a state of mourning. That day they all stayed in the village. Next morning he was escorted by some boys, who were guarding him like a prisoner and two of the boys were taking care of his father. On the way back home, all were counseling him. They took two days to reach, back home. This time whole village was waiting for him. He was surrounded by the villagers from all directions. Everybody started crying after looking at him. Somehow they all reached home. Cots were placed near the entrance. All were wiping their tears. He started looking downwards as if he was a criminal. What could he do? Some women brought water in a tray and they all started washing his feet, thereafter he was offered the ceremonial worship, which is received only by the most reverend persons of the community. Meanwhile his mother and aunts also arrived. He touched there feet and in turn, they tried to embrace him. They had forgotten all social inhibitions and started crying like a child. Till that day people had seen, a child crying in the arms of mother, but now the mother herself was crying. All the eyes in village were filled with tears. Those, who were holding back, started crying after seeing the union of the souls. He also could not hold back and started crying in the arms of his mother. He told his mother, Please dont cry. Look, where are you standing? Please oblige me and stop crying. After lot of counseling she stopped crying. Wiping his tears, with the corner of her sari, she said Whyareyou crying? Howcan weseeyou crying? You areour strength. Whole village stopped crying, after the ladies of the house were sobered. All were awestruck. Mother took all the women of the village, inside. She said, Wehavetoprepare thefood for Babu (Nick name of Swami ji). Dont knowwhether he has had anydecent meal for, god knows, howmanydays? Men folks sat on the ground. Boys, who accompanied swami ji, were offered food and place to take rest, by the villagers. After meals swami ji entered his private room. The ambience was emotional. Recluse at home and disturbance by black magic He started practicing yoga, at home. He was spending life like a hermit in recluse. But he was not interested in the powers, which would come to him as a result of his life style. He always kept brooding about the uselessness of Tantra, Mantra or any other powers, which would come by. He used to go to the well at the western flank of the village, even before dawn. He used to return only after he would complete his daily routine of meditation and other yogic practices. One day he was relieving himself in the morning at around 4 oclock in the morning. He spotted a woman, around 100 yards from the well. She had lighted the lamp, and was doing something with it. He didnt pay any attention to that. Suddenly he saw two giants. There faces were capable of frightening anyone. He started thinking about them. He observed that they did not have any shadow, indicating that they were the insatiate spirits (demons), who could not find a proper resting place and are being controlled by some other person. He understood that they are here to kill him. Somehow he saved himself and returned to the well. He sipped water from his palm (called ~|-n- AACHMAN, a ritual in prayer) and after reciting mantra he spotted them behind him. He heard them saying, Todaywearegoingtokill you. The ladywhois invokingus for thelast ten days is sendingsomeother spirits, vampires, and draculas alsokill you. Swami ji told them that he has not harmed anyone. Those spirits replied Sinceyou haveaccumulated lot of powers and prowess through meditation, the ladywants tokill your physical bodytomakeyou, her chief deityof her tantrik rituals. Shehas been chasingyou for thelast somanydays, but sinceyou havealways been protected bytheguards of Lord Shankar, shecould not harmyou. TodayseemtohavegonetoMt. Kailash. It is theright opportunityfor us toperformthedeed. Saying so one of the giants (n |-|=), charged at him. Swami ji recited some mantras and sprinkled the energized water at them. They started yelling 52 53 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment and said that it is not our fault. It is the wife of Judawan (|-) who has sent us. Swami ji set them afire with mantras. Seeing this, other spirits vanished from there. He immediately returned to his farm house after taking bath. He immediately asked for yellow mustard, as he intended to put an end to all the dark forces associated with the wife of Judawan. He immediately sat in meditation. When he opened his eyes, it was dusk. His grandfather, Shiva Deni ji, was weeping non stop. His mother and aunt were crying too. He enquired from Sheetal about yellow mustard. Sheetal replied that after leaving this place, he forgot to bring the mustard. When grandfather asked, what is the matter? You were meditating and you have opened your eyes after two days. Swami ji told that hehad sent Sheetal to bringyellowmustard. I was waitingfor him. As Sheetal did not return, I kept waitingfor him. When I burnt thespirits sent bythewifeof Judawan, shegot theindication that her existenceis threatened. She used her full forceand started dancingnaked. Sheinvoked all her black forces tokill me, and aimed with her most lethal weapon of her arsenal. I would havebeen hit with that, but for thepresenceof theguards of Lord Shankar, whochanged thedirection of her weapons. Guards of Lord Shankar protected mefromthespirits sent byher. Nowthose guards havegonetokill her. Nowthat shehas becomeinsane, I have opened myeyes. Hearing this, his father and grandfather took their swords out of sheaths, and called for servants. They ordered their servants to bring the horses. All the relatives and servants gathered in very short notice. They were saying that being a person living on their charity, how could she dream of such a thing. Let us go, and teach her a lesson. We will drag her, after tying her with the legs of the horses. They were all charged up and ready for action. Swami ji asked, where are you going, to beat a woman? She is being punished by the guards sent by Lord Shankar. She will arrive here in a few moments. Just wait for some time. In a few moments, all the present persons heard the commotion and the cries of a woman Save me! Save me! Hearing this all the persons rushed to the exit of the farm house. They all saw a half naked lady running like mad. She entered the house and started crying after putting her head on the wooden slippers of Swami ji. She cried Pardon me! Pardon me! I shall not repeat, such a mistake, again in my life. Swami ji opened his eyes and looked at the wife of Judawan. All were stunned. Some people shouted slogans Kill her, as she is a witch and has killed lot of youths from the village. She wanted to steal the gem of the village and put us all to shame. There was a pandemonium and all were shouting kill her. She is a witch. She is sinner. Swami ji stopped them all. He said From today all her black powers will be rendered useless for her. From now onwards the spirits, she controls, will finish her off. All were pacified hearing this. He put his sheet and covered her half naked body. He told her respectfully Pleasereturn back toyour placeand always remember thegod, if possible. In troubleyou can call upon me. The lady started crying and said Howcan I goback home? Thereare twopersons thereand theycall themselves as followers of Lord Shankar and your protectors. Theysaythat nobodyother than you in theuniverse can protect me. See, thereis a mark of beinghit with thestick. Blood is oozingfrommybody. Theyhit myhead on thewall. Theythreatened to hangmewith a ropeon thesamefigtreewherethespirits attacked swami ji. All will seeyour fate. SomehowI escaped fromtheretoseek your protection. Swami ji assured her to go back, and said Wrap mysheet around you. Theywill not harmyou. Theywill moveawayfrom you after seeingmysheet. After she left that place, the life returned to normal as everybody started there daily chorus. In search of Sadguru Now Swami ji was fed up of the Mantra-Tantra, Riddhi - Siddhi (Wealth and Prowess). He loved being alone. He used to gaze at the unseen, as if some one is calling him. His used to question himself, whether he is destined to get a Sadguru, who will guide him to attain freedom from all the abnormalities of the life. Time passed by, in the thoughts of an unknown 54 55 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Sadguru. Learned ones of the village used to say that you already have a guru, then why are you worried? He used to reply When I needed to learn, I studied. When I needed Tantra and Mantra, my guru was a tantrik (a person who is proficient in all the controlling techniques). Now I need a Sadguru who can guide me to become a free person, from all which I hav e accumulated and giv e me infinite happiness. No I need permanent happiness and nothing else. He was living his life with these thoughts. At last god showed some mercy. One day early morning he had a vision of a person. He said Tomorrowyou should reach myplaceat Belpathara. Mynameis Kewal Das. Peoplecall meGosain sahib. You must beinitiated tomorrow, before0800 hours. He was wondering whether it was a dream or a reality. He got up from the bed and after finishing his daily routine work, started enquiring about the place called Belpathara. Nobody could tell him the exact location of the place. In the evening a sage appeared at the door steps. After offering him food and place to rest, Swami ji asked that sage humbly about the location of Belpathara and asked whether there is a saint in that village? The sage replied laughingly, yes son! You go to the other bank of the river Ganga and go to Bharwali by boat. Once there move on towards Isupur and few kilometers from there is the village called Belpathara. A divine soul lives there whose house is like hermitage. His family lives with him. All villagers are his disciples. He is not only a saint but a Sadguru also. Please see him. You will consider your self lucky after meeting him. But on the other hand he does not belong to the upper caste like you. He is an illiterate, whereas you are educated. How you can pay obeisance? How you can surrender to him? Have another thought. Pride of belonging to the upper caste is the biggest detrimental force in ones development, followed by pride of the lineage, and self esteem, that I am supreme, I am educated. Evaluate all this. He does not belong to your class. I know both of you. Your fame is spread like the moonlight. Who does not know your father and grand father? Your father accepts food, only from the Brahmins and Kshatriya (belonging to warrior clan). He does not accept water which is touched by any person, not belonging to the above mentioned casts. Your grand father does not allow the cowherds and like him to touch his personal belongings. Since he is respected by people from all casts and creeds, all his necessities are provided at his doorstep. Think of all this. He belongs to Koire (+| i) community. Koiries cant imagine, even to muster at your doorsteps. How dare you ask his address? On being asked how do you know him, Sage replied I havearrived fromKashi and belongtoBrahmin community. I keep wanderingfromplacetoplace. I renounced world ten years back. OnceI reached that village. Having seen his level of renunciation and theglowon his face, I decided to becomehis disciple. I followed himtohis villageand enquired about him. Hebelongs toKoireycommunity. I was stunned. Howcan a Brahmin accept a person fromKoireycommunityas his guru? Somehow, I reached his hut. I stayed therefor sometimebut did not accept even water. I could not muster enough couragetotalk tohim. When I was about to leavehecameout and asked me, what was thecasteof Shabari (an elderlytribal woman character in Ramayan)? Towhich caste, Valmiki, Vidur, Ravi Das, and Kabir belong? I could neither look straight into his eyes, nor replytohis questions. I could not muster enough courageto stop and offer myobeisance. I moved on fromthat placeand till dateI amon themove. Till todayI remember each of his words. I strongly yearn tobewith him, but thesocial standingprevents mefromaccepting him, as Guru. I havechurned out lot of books, havebeen in thecompany of lot of learned peopleand cametoconclusion that it is foolish to enquire about the origin of a riv er, and the caste / community of a Sadguru. A person searchingfor truth should desireonlyfor thetruth. If a thirstyperson does not jump intotheriver toquench his thirst, then theriver can not doanything. Swami ji (Dharm Dev ji) said, I am obliged to hear all this from you. Please take rest and meanwhile food will be arranged for you. I shall make a move around midnight toward that 56 57 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment village. Let us see whether the caste, community, education, creates hurdles or removes them. Whatever creates hurdle in the quest for knowledge should be renounced. Seeker of truth should get truth. To remove darkness one needs light, it does not matter what is the source of light? Be it Sun, or Moon, or Lamp or Electricity. Whatever removes darkness for us is reverend. Who has given me the caste, so that I can return back his caste? I think that I am only a truth seeker and nothing else. We are the creation of God almighty; even a person belonging to a lower caste is also made by him. Orthodox thinking is given by the people of low esteem to satisfy their ego. A person, who does not know anything, does not do anything; talks only big and cites his ancestors for everything to prove himself, a superior being. A capable one will never look back, he will only look ahead. I am in search of a Sadguru, wherever I find him. I am searching for a lotus, irrespective of its place of origin. Thorns are also associated with roses, but does it make people, hate them? I want a blooming flower, that too, a smiling one. Branch, on which it blooms, is irrelevant. You please take rest. Thanks a lot for guiding me. He went to his room after meals and tried to sleep. That night sleep eluded his eyes. He was able to see the path ahead. He yearned to be with his mentor of the future. Around midnight he left the room and took a major step towards his future. He left the house without informing any one. Without a shred of fear in his mind, he was fully charged up with energy, which he never felt earlier in his life. He was heading towards his destiny, to meet his Sadguru. Suddenly all cobwebs cleared and he could feel the inner peace, as never before. He treaded on the path, cutting through the silence of the night. He followed the path parallel to the canal. At one place he had to cross over, to the other side of the canal. As soon as he was on the bridge, he encountered a pair of king cobra. He was thinking of the ways, how to cross over to the other side of the bridge? He remembered his future Sadguru and prayed to him, Please dont take my test now. If at all you have to test my allegiance, then it should be done after the initiation process. I cant be stopped now. I have to march ahead. Now, nothing can become a barrier between you and me. Suddenly he started uttering the words Jai Guru Dev! Jai Jai Guru Dev (Salutations to the guru). All of a sudden the pair of the serpents disappeared as if, being attacked by a giant eagle. Now he was care free, full of vigor. He reached Buxor by 4 oclock in the morning covering a distance of nearly 20 kilometre. He started the journey by boat, after taking bath at Ram Rekha Ghat (Embankment on the river Ganga). By 5 oclock he reached Bharwali. After paying obeisance to river Ganga, he walked briskly and reached Belpathara by 8 oclock. He enquired from a person near the hermitage about Gosain sahib. That person guided him to the hermitage. He rushed towards the person sitting on the wooden plank, and paid obeisance by prostrating in front of him. He had forgotten about his existence and was completely overwhelmed with joy. Gosain sahib got up from his platform and embraced him. Gosain ji asked about his well being. Swami ji replied that he had come from Kopwan. Gosain ji said I was waiting for you only. Today itself the initiation process should be completed. There is very little time. Y ou are Sat Chitt (Pure heart) and the Anand (eternal Happiness) is waiting for you. Few paces from there, in the hut, two blankets were neatly arranged. An urn filled with water was kept and the incense stick was burning, as if the preliminary preparations were completed in anticipation. Gosain ji asked, Dharm Dev, do you want to ask anything. The reply was prompt that nothingis tobeasked now. Pleasetakemeunder your shelter. Pleaseignitetheflameof knowledgein me. I dont want anything else. Hearing this Gosain ji said happily, You will becomeenlightened and fromtoday, your namewill beAtma Das. Saying this he instructed Dharm Dev to sit in the lotus posture in front of him. Reciting some mantra he touched the forehead of Dharm Dev with his hand. All of a sudden Atma Das ji was covered 58 59 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment with light, as if happiness was being showered upon him. He was overwhelmed with joy and happiness, he never felt in his life. Within few moments, he was not aware of his existence. He stayed with Gosain ji for the next three days, and practiced under his guidance. He had an opportunity to do service for Gosain ji for three days. On the fourth day he was instructed to return back to his native place, after lunch. He was told that his father and his aunt wereverymuch worried about his well being. Donot torment themlikethis. Practicewhileat home. If possibleask for alms fromyour home. After acceptingalms noonewill haveanyexpectations fromyou. Hearing this he was disturbed a bit, but accepting this as a divine instruction he marched towards his house. He reached home by evening. His aunt embraced him and complained to him that heshould not leavethe houselikethis, without informinganyone. You aremylife. Howcan I livewithout mylife? Nowyou aremyonlysupport. He remained silent. In the evening he meditated after taking bath. Taking Alms, year 1935 While staying at home and remaining engrossed in his own world doing introspection, he converted his own house into hermitage. Now he was either meditating or living in the company of like minded people. After some time he cut himself off from the society. A young fellow from his village came in contact with him and was slowly drawn towards spirituality. He lived in the neighborhood. He was tall and handsome, but he was also obsessed about renouncing the world. He always remained in the company of Swami ji. His name was Kapil Dev. Swami ji consulted Kapil Dev and decided that it is justified to start taking alms from his own house. He could not indulge in the daily chores, as doing the daily chors was like entrapment in the cobweb. He decided to renounce the family and the world after accepting alms from his house. Thereafter he shall be practicing, what was taught, on the banks of the river Ganga or near Sadguru. He was still in a dilemma, as to where from, he should start taking alms. Family members will not give him alms. Also families from the upper caste will not offer him alms. He decided to start from families belonging to the lower cast, living in the south of village. Next day he directed Kapil Dev to start taking alms from his own house and told him that he will start from the south of the village. Bare foot and bare bodied, he headed towards the south end of the village. He was holding a dried shell of red pumpkin. He said in loud voice; Ma! Please give me alms. There was no response from within the hut. And how can some one respond to such a call? There was hardly anything to eat in house, for days, in a row. The house hold was at the mercy of the villagers, who used to support them by giving them the left over meals of the previous day. After three four repeated calls, Subba, keeper of the cremation ground, emerged from the house. He was stunned, as he could not believe his eyes. Was that a dream? How is it possible? All the house hold members came out one by one. They were all stunned. Slowly each living person of the colony gathered over there. Atma Das (New name of Dharm Das after being initiated by Gosain ji) begged, Please give me alms. Whatever is left over of the night, please give me. Subba was witnessing all, hearing all, but still he could not believe his eyes or ears. Suddenly he started shouting, Oh god! What has happened? Is hethelord of thevillage? No! No! It is not possible. Lord of thevillagecan not bein this condition. Welive on thealms given byhis family. Howcan wegivehimalms? See, is he Dharmdevji? Noit is not possible. Lord of thevillage, and in such a patheticcondition. Till today, nobodyfromhis familycametothis side of thevillage. Howcould hecometothis side? Atma Das was silently watching as if saying, please give me some alms. Subba could not bear all this. He fell on to the feet of Atma Das ji. All the remaining villagers followed suit. There was pin drop silence. All were silent. Atma Das ji said, So! You will not give me anything. You all are disobeying me. I am going ahead. Hearing this, all the people moved, and brought everything they had in 60 61 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment their household. They said in a chorus O Lord! What can we offer you? All were crying. They said You were a saint while you lived in your house. Why are you doing all this? Why are you killing us by such acts? What will happen to your father and grand father? They will never accept you in this condition. They will die of shock. Why are you seeking alms from us? All that we have is given by you and your family. You can take all. Your words are enough. Atma Das ji politely kept handful of rice in the pumpkin shell. Having received alms, he moves on to the colony of the Koirey community of the village. They were all surprised to see the family of Subba, the keeper of the cremation ground. Then they were all surprised to see Dharm Dev ji, the most educated and respectable person of the village. People took out their cots to offer a seat to him and brought water to wash his feet. Meanwhile this incident spread in the village, like a forest fire. All the elders of the village gathered to counsel him to reconsider his decision. All were saying what are you doing? You have all the respect, standing in the society. Why are you seeking alms? Suddenly some one shouted, Take him to his place. His aunt and uncle have become unconscious after hearing that their beloved is seeking alms from all the down trodden of the society. All in the village were crying loudly, unashamedly, and they were all saying that please forgive us for whatever mistakes we have committed. If we have done some good deeds then take the credit of that. But, he was standing there without any emotions and saying Hari Om! Tat Sat! (Oh Lord! You are the only truth). His face was expressionless. He was uttering only few words that you all are like my parents. Please give me alms and also the blessings for renunciation. He was made to sit on the palanquin after several requests and was alighted only at his residence. Villagers informed his grandfather about his arrival. Someone sprayed cold water on his face. He got up, embraced him and said Did we provide education to you, just for this day? What are you doing? He kept saying that Please give me alms. His grandfather snatched the dried pumpkin shell and threw away. All the gathered people were crying, as if their next of kin is begging. Now, Atma Das (who was not Dharm Dev, any more) had become very humble and was sitting on the ground, silently. Taking alms from the wife and family It was noon and the sun was at its zenith. Whole village was surrounding him as if no body had any job to attend to. As if all were beyond thirst and hunger. He sat there as if he was meditating. After several requests he broke silence for saying few words I will keep sittinglikethis unless I receivethealms, even if I die. Then silently he went back in the meditative trance. All the elders of the village had gathered around him. No decision could be taken on that day. Condition of his grandfather, father, and aunt was beyond reconciliation, as they had not sipped water ever since the news broke out, that he is renouncing the world. His elder son, Sukh Dev and the younger one Hare Krishna, were watching the whole episode with astonishment. Elder one was ten years old at that time and used to preach like a veteran philosopher. He was counseling his mother, Whydont you givealms tofather? Renunciation is a noblething. Urmila, wife of Dharm Dev ji, was also of the opinion that alms be given. It is better that he stays alive, doing whatever he likes to do, rather than sitting at the door steps without food and water. But his aunt and his grandfather will not tolerate this. His son said, mother please request the other family members to give him alms. Wife replied, No my son! His aunt cant listen to all this. She will rip that person apart, like a tigress, whoever goes with this request. She is the one who raised him, since his mothers death. She cant see him facing hardship of any type. Whole village worships and adores her like goddess Durga and no one can look back into her eyes. Therefore leave her alone to take the decision. Third day has arrived. Atma Das is sitting quietly like a statue. Whole family is sitting around him without eating. All 62 63 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment the women folk of the village came out openly, abandoning all inhibitions and started to pray to him as if he is god. People started gathering from the near by villages also. All were discussing, what shall be done? At last on the third day at around five oclock in the evening the decision was taken that the whole village should give him alms. Pay obeisance, anoint him and pray to god for success, in his new life as a hermit and for his enlightenment. But who will give this message to his grandfather and his aunt? At last all the elders of the village went to convince his grandfather and said that he is very lucky. Your glory and greatness is known to all. Dharm Dev ji is sitting like a statue for the last three days and nights. Please give him alms and your blessings. Also please allow us to pay our obeisance and give him alms to share the glory; he is going to bring to the village. His grandfather unwillingly agreed. After getting approval from the grand father, all the villagers stormed in to give him alms. After being informed by someone, that the villagers are giving alms to Dharm Dev, his aunt came out roaring as if some one is trying to snatch the cub from a lioness. She said Howdareyou givealms tomyson, in front of me. Hearing this people started running for cover, as the clouds are dispersed by strong wind, and the animals run for the cover hearing the roar of a lioness. Aunt lost her consciousness after saying this. She was brought back to senses by sprinkling water on her face. She comes back to senses and retorts Givehimalms. Nownothingcan saveme. Whoshould I livefor? On being asked by father, what are you saying? She tells him about the dream that when she started scolding him what she saw was, Young DharmDevaround twoyears old requestingher that alms begiven to him. Heis sayingin a child likevoicethat till todayI havenot asked anythingfromyou. Pleasegivemealms. She tells all that it is all beyond her tolerance limits. Please give him alms. With these words everybody started giving him alms. At last his aunt gave five rupees and five kilograms of rice. His wife also gave him five rupees and five kilograms of rice and paid him her obeisance. The scene was beyond comprehension for most of the village folks. All the elders left the place. There was an eerie silence prevailing in the village. Fourth day in the morning, he got up at four oclock, paid his respect to all the people present at that moment, while standing at the same place. He picked up only five rupees and five kilograms of rice from the heap; and marched in the north direction. It appeared as if the soul of the village is leaving its body (the village), sun was also hesitating to rise above the horizon. Swami Dharm Dev, now Atma Das was walking as if freed from all the shackles of life; towards freedom, infinity. In another house of the village father of Kapil Dev was telling him Look you dont havethepersonal traits of DharmDas. Heis leavingthevillageafter renouncingtheworld. Hewill return as Buddha. You aretryingtoemulatehim. You will drop your guards at theslightest provocations bydesires and affection. If you dont want to listen tous then you shall leavethevillagewith him. Weall, including your wifeshall giveyou alms. You shall goafter him. Hehas not gone very far fromthevillage. You should not leavehimunder any circumstances. Heis akin togod, Lord Shankar. Todayonly, I have keenlyobserved him, judged himveryclosely. At the outskirts of the village a beautiful girl was standing with eyes full of tears. She called him with a gesture and gave a golden coin as alms. She blessed him and also gave regards. She said in a broken voice I amhappyand at thesametime, sad also. I amyour familydeityRati (Ratoi Devi). Happy, becauseyou will bringlaurels tothefamilynameand will attain enlightenment. I will be honored. Sad, as all thechildren and thegrand-children, will become orphans. Howcan I seemydaughter in lawin whiteclothes? You tread thepath of Dharma. Blessings of thealmightyand your Sadguru are with you. You aremypride. Saying so, she kissed his forehead and saw him off with tearful eyes. 64 65 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Reaching again at the door steps of his Guru Atma Das ji reached at the door steps of the Guru, full of happiness, as if received the kingdom of the universe. Gosain sahib was a realized and enlightened person. People used to say, he has been blessed by Saint Kabir in person and had learnt the Swara Yoga (Breathing techniques), Naad Yoga (Knowledge of using different internal sounds for meditation), Surati Yoga (=l- |- focusing all energies and thoughts towards the goal of merging with God) and various meditation techniques form him. He was desperate to teach all that he had learnt, to some one. But he was unable to do so, as he could not find a suitable disciple. Accepting him as a disciple, Gosain sahib was so happy as if a blind person gets eye sight. His wish was fulfilled. He could not stop him after spotting Atma Das, and ran towards him with the same eagerness of a cow full of milk, which is always eager to feed her calf. Gosain sahib hugs him with the eyes full of tears with the words You area braveperson. You area perfect yogi. I ammerelya channel. You area Sadguru yourself. After spending the life like a prince, he renounced the luxuries like Buddha and Mahavir did. His feet and body were bare but his face was glowing with joy. Gosain sahib said Your physical bodyis manifestation of Yoga. O Sadguru! Pleasepass on, all that I haveearned through yoga and meditation, tohim. Atma Das ji prostrated at the feet of Gosain sahib to pay obeisance. Gosain sahibs hands spontaneously reached for his head. Both were brimming with affection. The whole village was witnessing the rare phenomena and was wondering, what has happened to Gosain sahib? He is such a serious person. He never been seen to bless nor curses a person. He did not offer food or water to this young hermit. He got carried away, like a river brimming with water sweeps away all the shrubs and the nearby habitation alongside its banks. Kapil Dev, who came along with him and all the villagers were awe struck and witnessing perhaps once in many life times phenomena. Divine Union of souls Atma Das jis head was on the feet of his Sadguru and in turn Sadgurus hands were on the head of his favourite disciple. Energy started flowing from the feet of the Sadguru. It appeared as if the flood of energy from the feet of Sadguru was inundating the physical body of Atma Das from below and the flow of energy from the hands of the Sadguru was like heavy downpour from above. This situation can only be described by a person who is treading the same path. It appeared as if the time had stopped. Both had forgotten their physical existence. They had become one. Slowly a circle of bright light formed around their bodies. No body could believe their eyes. Was that a dream or reality? They have all been living with Gosain sahib for years, but never witnessed anything like this. What was happening was beyond anyones comprehension. All those who were present there spontaneously fold their hands and bowed their heads in respect. Chants Jai gurudev! Jai Jai Gurudev! (Salutations to Sadguru!) were charging the surroundings. This condition lasted for more than hour, as if Atma Das ji was in the trance, lasting few eons. It appeared as if he has come out rejuvenated after taking dip in Mansarovar (A legendary lake created by the creator himself with will power, or the power of mind.), the lake called Sadguru. His physical body was brimming with the energy and the aura of divinity, which was seemingly emanating from his physical body. He attained that state in a moment, which normally takes many lives to attain by others. His face was smiling and it appeared as if he had become infinite after merging with infinity. While separating, Sadguru said Atma das, you aremysoul. Let us go inside. Once inside, Gosain sahib introduced him to other disciples as A Paramhans (nt= - a realized and enlightened soul), and told them, You should consider yourselves luckythat Atma Das is present here. You should all payyour obeisancetohim. Then he announced that there shall be a community feast in the 66 67 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment evening. By evening thousands of people gathered in the village. Devotional songs were being played. Atma Das was draped in new clothes, was garlanded and the masses paid obeisance by prostrating before him. This was followed by the community feast. I t appeared that moonlight has descended in the hermitage. Moon himself seemed to have taken refuge at that place and wanted to make that place his permanent abode, along with his cool vibes. Moon seemed to embrace his descendant. Whole place was inundated with a divine fragrance. It appeared that moon is showering its light and flowers are being offered by the demi gods. Whole night devotional songs continued along with the feast. Atma Das ji never imagined that he will attain divine bliss, so soon. Now he was seeing every person as his own image. He was looking at others, as his own god in different forms, performing different deeds. He was enjoying every moment of it. He had nothing left to meditate upon. The difference between the object (of the meditation) and the subject (one who meditates) was eliminated. Now a blissful peace and happiness was omnipresent. Directive by Sadguru and living austere life (ri) He remained in this state for a while. He used to stay in the house of his Sadguru and used to attend to his needs. Whenever he used to go to touch the feet of Sadguru, Gosain sahib used to say, Nowdont touch myfeet. Goout and dosomething for thebetterment of thepoor souls in thesociety. Y ou are a Sadguru yourself. Start the job for which you have incarnated on earth, and never ever you should care for fame. Y ou should guide poor souls who are desperate for communion with the Supreme Being. Y ou become there guide and the medium. Lots of souls have lost there aim in life and are deep in the muck, as a result of sins committed by them. Bail them out of that situation. God is keeping watch on you with hope. Weexpect this thingfromyou. Yes, stayherefor a while. Although I dont feel likeleavingyou, but I havedueregards to thedirectiveof SupremeBeing. Three months after, Atma Das ji requested to be in solitude for six months. His follower Kapil Dev also underwent the initiation process and used to follow Atma Das ji like a younger brother. The instructions of their Sadguru were very clear, Staywith Atma Das likehis shadow, as heis likelytoforget his physical existence. As a result of this hemay fall anywhere. Dont panicat that time. Caress his feet, and sprinkle cold water on his head and face. Heis likelytoignorehunger, therefore offer himfood, milk, water and soft drink timely. Otherwiseheis likely toleavehis physical body, anymoment. Hedoes not need this body. He has alreadyattained metaphysical body. We, as well as somanyother souls need his physical body. Thereforehis physical bodyis a legacyfor us. Kapil, you should takecareof his physical body. This is your supreme duty. Your physical bodyis strongas you areyoung. Your emotions are alsoyoung. You should takeit as dutytotakecareof his body. If you will behonest then you will deservehis blessings. You need not doanything. You can get anything, oncehedecides tobless you. You arefortunate enough that you haverenounced this world alongwith him. It must be thefruit of thegood deeds donebyyou in your previous births. Sodont let this opportunityslip out of your hands. You should bein his service and you can receiveanythingin return. Just followmyguidance. This is thehighest formof meditation for you. Sadguru instructed to Atma Das You should gooutsidethe villageand meditateon what ever is left tomeditateupon. Rather you should takecompleterest. Diga burrowof 8-10 feet deep for you. Cover it fromthetop. Makea small exit. Kapil shall guard from outside. Whenever you will not emergefor twodays, Kapil shall caress your feet and trytobringyou back tosenses and sprinklecold water on your face. It is Kapils dutytoescort you for bathingand feed you totake careof your health. A burrow was dug up, just outside the village as per instructions of Sadguru. Whole village was ready to do anything for him as if mesmerized by his charms. Atma Das ji entered the burrow by 6 oclock in the morning, sat in the 68 69 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment lotus posture and forgot the sense of his physical body in no time. Kapil Dev kept waiting for him outside the burrow. His physical body was strong which demanded three full meals a day and two heavy breakfasts at different times. His breakfast included half a kilo, ground roasted grams and two blocks of jaggery ( ) which is concentrated and solidified form of molasses obtained from sugar cane). Syrup made from the jaggery was also a constituent of his breakfast. At ten oclock he needed 1 kg rice, pulses, cooked vegetables, curd. Around 2 oclock in the afternoon, similar food was required by his body. In the evening around 5 oclock his body demand included meals consisting of rice, maze, pulses and jaggery. Some times his meals included powdered roasted grams, green chilies, radish etc. He also consumed lot of cane juice three times a day. He always used to think that when is brother Atma Das, coming out of his borrow. There should be limit to meditation. Food is more enjoyable with Atma Das as lots of things are offered when both are dining. Morning meals included urn full of curd and in the evening large quantity of milk is offered. Atma Das ji used to eat only that much which was necessary to sustain his physical body, as if just tasting the food. When he used to say in the burrow till noon, Kapil Dev used to get impatient. He used to rush to the hermitage and make complains about long stay of Atma Das ji in the burrow. Gosain sahib said in a humorous manner Wait for twodays beforeyou trytowakehimout of thetrance. Kapil Dev used to say Hedoes not feel hunger but I amhungryall thetime. What will bemy fate? Gosain sahib assured him of food availability and said that he has to eat properly to take care of Atma Das. Kapil Dev said Waitingfor himtocomeout of theburrowis a Herculean task, which causes lot of tiredness. You pleasetell mewhat is this special meditation? Hewent in at 6 oclock in themorningand till noon hehas not comeout of burrow. Nowyou aresaying, wait for twodays. I shall diein twodays. HowI can wait, without eating. Gosain sahib assured him of continuous supply of food to him and that he will get meals outside the burrow. He also instructed Kapil Dev to sleep near the exit of the burrow and vigilantly guard the entrance. Hearing this Kapil Dev was elated and happily accepted the arrangement, as suggested by Gosain sahib. Out of curiosity he peeped inside the burrow to see whether Atma Das ji is awake or asleep. As he opened the hatch of the burrow, he was confronted with very bright light, as if the sun has descended into the room. He got frightened and after closing the hatch returned to his place thinking about the bizarre vision. After a short nap, he still found the door locked. Door remained closed till the next morning. The word spreads like jungle fire. People from the nearby places start pouring in to have a glimpse of the sage engrossed in deep meditation. That place started to look like a pilgrimage. Kapil Dev took position on a cot near the burrow and started to give instructions to people, to maintain calm. He instructed all to pay obeisance from a distance and leave the place quietly. He threatened of dire consequences, if peace in that area was disturbed. People started to make offerings like they do on their pilgrimage. Fruits, rice, sweets, pulses and cash were gathered at the end of the day. Now Kapil Dev was a happy man. He enjoyed being in the controlling position to take charge of the situation. His physique ensured that all the visitors used to follow his instructions without arguments. He used to enjoy the eatable and used to keep the money. Now he did not have any grudge with this life. After another two days he opened the hatch of the burrow hesitantly, to find, a smiling face of Atma Das. Kapil Dev went inside and said Brother, you are sittingherewith a smilingfaceand I amon theguard, sittingoutside. First daywas traumatic, but nowthereis noproblem. I can sit likethis for rest of mylife. You can stayinsidetheburrow, as longas you like. Slowly Atma Das ji opened his eyes and came out of the burrow with a smiling face. There was a sea of people waiting outside the burrow. Kapil Dev said at the top of his voice Swami ji will gofor a bath. Swami ji took a glass of milk after bath and 70 71 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment re-entered the burrow. Kapil Dev asked Howyou can surviveon a glass of milk? You should takefull meal. If you like, I can leave somefruits and sweets for you toeat later on, whenever you feel like. Or shall I send all this, later on, but pleasedonot releasethebrightness likethat of thesun. Swami ji asked him to leave him alone. He said he does not need anything and if required he will ask for that. He told Kapil Dev to enjoy his meals. He said Leaveme aloneand dont wastetheprecious time. Kapil Dev latched the door from outside. People standing outside; consider themselves lucky to get an opportunity to touch the feet of Kapil Dev. Enlightenment and sighting of the giant serpent Swami Atma Das ji made giant strides on the path of enlightenment and made tremendous progress as he got completely engrossed in meditation. Sometimes he used to stay inside the burrow for two days, four days, or for weeks together, but he always used to come out at 4 oclock in the morning with a smile on his face, hail and hearty. He spent very little time outside the burrow. After attending to the natures calls and routine bath, he used to go back inside without taking more than a glass of water or sometimes a glass full of milk. It appeared that he did not like being out of the self imposed confinement. Neither had he liked talking to others nor did he like to listen to others. He was completely engrossed within himself. As if sayings of Kabir had come true, word by word Onceyou areengrossed within yourself, thereis theneed totalk to anyone. His face was glowing with radiance, like that of a blooming lotus. Outside the burrow crowd started to swell in size. Last day when he emerged from his burrow he instructed Kapil Dev Now only a fortnight is left before end of the stipulated period of six months of meditation. I shall come out on the full moon night. Therefore do not come inside. I will come out on my own. After giving the instructions he entered the burrow. Kapil Dev used to think, Swami ji has also comewith mefromthevillagebut henever feels thepangs of hunger or thirst. Even then his faceis glowingwith radiance. I dont knowwhat does hekeep doinginside? Ten days were past like, blinking of an eye. A community feast was being arranged by the people outside on the occasion of full moon night to celebrate the occasion. Sages, hermits and prominent personalities were invited from distant places. Preparations were also made for religious discourses. People were willingly contributing for charitable cause. Crowd outside was continuously swelling in size. On the 10 th night Kapil Dev opened the door slowly out of sheer curiosity to check well being of Atma Das ji, but he was confronted by a giant wheatish serpent. He was knocked out his senses. When he mustered enough courage and opened his eyes once again, he saw a colorful giant serpent having over thousand hoods, right in front of him. He retreated his steps and closed the hatch of the burrow slowly. He could merely cover a few steps before falling like a dead tree. When he opened his eyes, it was already 6 oclock and the sun had already come up above the horizon. People were standing outside the burrow, holding silent prayers and staring towards the burrow, without blinking. Having seen Kapil Dev lying on the ground, crowd also prostrated. With fear written all over his face, the ruffled hair, and totally disoriented, Kapil Dev and narrated the whole incident to Gosain Sahib. Gosain sahib laughingly told Kapil Dev, Why did you open the hatch? He has attained the enlightenment and his energy (Kundalini-cosmic energy) has arisen from the ROOT (ewykkkj p) to the CROWN (lglzkj p). He has succeeded in gaining the control of the universe within himself, in a way he has conquered the universe. Since you were taking care of his needs, you could see the Serpent and come out of that room alive, otherwise your death was imminent. Kapil Dev asked while stammering, Howcould this happen? I cant concentratefor a minute. I feel thepangs of hunger all thetime. 72 73 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Gosain Sahib told He is an ascetic since his previous birth. Therefore he could achieve all this at such a young age, which even I could not achieve in my life. He has become Supreme Being. He has attained the state of cosmic consciousness. Therefore, it is in the interest of all of us, to be his humble servant. I am his guru for the name sake. He is the only true Sadguru. Kapil, you should be in his service. If he shows compassion, then you will also achieve some milestones in the journey, called life. Never ever, dare to open the door, unless asked for. Dont allow anyone to make noise. He will emerge out from the burrow on the full moon night. Still four days are left to full moon. Number of sages and the hermits was increasing and all were awestruck with his determination to achieve the ultimate. Community Feast Preparations were in full swing for the community feast to be held on the full moon night. Around 15000 people took an early morning bath and they were all waiting outside the burrow for Swami Atma Das, holding garlands in their hands. Even numbers of people were waiting at the hermitage also. The place looked like a camp where lots of tents were erected for the people camping there. For some of the prominent sages, temporary huts were constructed. Some of the people were praising Swami Atma Das, where as some of them were calling the event, a farce and they were skeptical about the whole show. There were few ascetics also who made vows, not to let the successful completion of community feast. At 4 oclock, when Swami Atma Das got up from meditation, there was an inexplicable divine halo around the burrow and the cosmic sound of OM! seemed to be reverberating in the surroundings. All started looking in the general direction of the burrow. Swami ji emerged out with a smiling face. Everybody started showering flowers from the place, where they were standing. Kapil dev ji paid obeisance to him and escorted him for the routine cleansing and ritual bath. He also instructed people to stay clear off the path and not touch the feet of Swami ji. After bath Swami ji reentered the burrow. Kapil Dev also followed him into the burrow and asked Swami ji, what next? Is therestill anythingleft tobedone? Todaythereis a big communityfeast in theevening. A discourseis alsobeingplanned. You should alsogivethediscourse. Swami ji said I dont feel like talking. Just leave me alone for a while. Kapil dev said Swami ji you arean accomplished ascetic. But I request you tocomeout in theevening. Theyareall standingout just tocatch a glimpseof you. It appears as if you havenot even looked at them. Nowpleaselet me know, what would you liketohave? Swami ji replied he does not need anything. Anything leftover of the feast should be sufficient. Now dont bother about me. Y ou should look after the arrangements for the evening community feast. Let me sit alone for some more time. Kapil Dev iterated Themoment hewill leavetomakearrangements for thefeast, the crowd will start pouringin. His dutyis tolook after this placeonly. I shall tell themall that Swami ji will comeout at 12 oclock in the afternoon. Pleasetakerest but pleasedonot meditate, otherwisethe wholeprogramwill go haywire. I shall go out and look after the arrangements outside. Spell by an ascetic during the feast Feast started at the hermitage. Simultaneously, the discourses also started for those, who could not get place in the first sitting. All were yearning to catch a glimpse of Swami ji. Number of people started to swell and their patience also started to ebb. Stipulated time of emergence of Swami ji was already over. The village folks were washing the feet of the reverend sages and guiding them to a vacant place for meals. Meanwhile a devotee came running in inebriated condition and told to Mahant (who looks after the cooking arrangements during the community feasts etc. on contract basis) Ram Dev sahib, a strange thing has happened. There is an ascetic sitting 74 75 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment below the tree. We offered him food, but he said that dont give me alms, as I am hungry. On being told like this, he was given food which was sufficient for 20 people but within a few minutes all the food disappeared. Mahant assured the messenger not to worry and give him more food. Food normally consumed by fifty people was offered to him. But all the food given to him disappeared in a few minutes. Now the ascetic started thundering Shall I goback emptystomach? Whois this man, whoclaims tohaveattained self realization? What does hethink of himself? Heshould comeand fill up mybowl, or elseI shall consider this feast incomplete. Thousands of the villagers surrounded him and started to flatter him in various ways. Everybody was spellbound and praising the miracles performed by the ascetic. All were paying full attention towards the ascetic. His stature had been elevated to the seventh heaven. A message was sent to the Mahant that it is just 1 oclock and the feast is going to be a flop show, unless some measure are taken. Mahant sahib gave instructions to increase the number of cooks and also, to prepare more food, vegetables, and sweets. This feast is to be continued till midnight. Meanwhile some people came rushing there and informed that the bowl of the ascetic is still not full, even after 20 kilos of rice was giving to him. Mahant assured them, and offered one quintal of rice for the ascetic, but even after two quintals the bowl of the ascetic was still empty. This was a miracle. All those who were present there, were singing in the praise of the ascetic. Ascetic sensed victory and his eyes were changing into fire balls and he was taking an attacking stance towards the organizers of the feast. Another message was sent to the Mahant that the bowl of the ascetic is still empty. Now Mahant himself approached the ascetic and requested him with folded hands O reverend! You arecapable and great. Pleasebless us sothat our feast is completed successfully. Ascetic thundered again and said when you could not fill my stomach then I demanded rice to be filled in the bowl. I shall prepare and eat. But you could not do so. How can you organize a feast? Who has made you the supervisor? Fill up my bowl or else your feast will be finished. All the pleas made by Mahant were turned down. He returned like a defeated soldier, who has lost the battle. He headed towards the burrow of Swami ji. He was murmuring O god! What have you done? Let us see what can our brother do? Atma Das ji is younger to us. Whether, can he save our prestige? Seeing him near the burrow jolts Kapil Dev. He gets up and asks Mahant what is the matter? Why is he here? Mahant requests him an audience with Swami ji. Once inside, Mahant narrated the incident to Swami ji and pleaded with him to protect and save the prestige. Swami ji gets up with a smile on his face. Kapil Dev escorted him and led him to the resting place where the ascetic was sitting. People made the pathway clear for swami ji. Now Swami ji was in front of the Ascetic. Swami ji said with a smile on his face Please accept the ambrosia (In the community feast meals are generally called as ambrosia, due to the belief that it is left over of the meals taken by the Supreme being). Also, please accept the parting gift (nf{k.kk) . If you cant bless Mahant, then please do not curse him. Putting an end to the evil spell of the Ascetic, by Swami ji The ascetic roared So here you are. You are the one, for whom this feast is being organized. You are a boy. Here I am, practicing and meditating for the last forty years and you are the one who claims to be an accomplished one. You have attained realization, overnight. How come? Fill up this bowl then I shall consider you as a great soul, or else, this feast is not to be considered complete. Swami ji replied calmly Yes you arean accomplished one. I amjust likea child toyou. I request you tokindlyput an end toyour spell & Tantra and allowus tocomplete this feast. The ascetic thundered once again and invoked Kaal Bhairav (+|n | fearful form of Shiva as controller of the Tantra and its practices) & Mahakaaleshwar (God of Time or 76 77 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment death) and asked them to teach this boy a lesson. He murmured some mantras and threw some sand towards Swami ji and challenged him to protect himself. The sand transformed into a flame after reaching near Swami ji. It was a miracle that crowd which was witnessing the scene started running, whereas Swami ji was standing there with a smile on his face. The flame got extinguished and fell, just short of Swami ji, as ash. Ascetic said So you know the mantras also. Then let us see how you can handle this it is the killer Tantra (called =t|l|i +l-|+| in Tantrik terminology). Ascetic chanted some mantras and released his trident, aimed at the neck of Swami ji. Kapil Dev and Mahant also started fleeing from that place. It was chaos all around. All the women secured their houses. Every body was scared with premonitions, but the trident changed its course after reaching near him, towards the ascetic himself who released it. The trident struck the ascetic on the neck and he started bleeding profusely from his mouth. Ascetic lost his consciousness. Swami ji pulled the trident away from his neck and drove that trident in the ground, near him. After gaining consciousness, the ascetic saw the crowd looking at him and the smiling face of Swami ji. He roared Soyou havecalled me heretokill me. Swami ji replied with folded hands It is not so. Weshall all look after you. The ascetic roared Then why dont you fill up my bowl. Swami ji raised his hands put some rice grains in the bowl and also on the plate made of leaves. All that had been served to him came out of the bowl, covering it. The ascetic said so you know the mantras also. Swami ji replied I dont know anything, but from today, all the powers associated with you will not be of any use to you. Y ou have harmed many people using these powers, but not any more. All the powers and the spirits, which you have been controlling till now, shall not remain with you. Saying so, he quickly returned to the burrow. Mahant Ram Das said to Swami ji You are our soul. Today you have saved the prestige of the village. You should also take the meals. Still cooks are preparing the meals. Swami ji said All right, then send a glass of curd for me and pass on instructions to stop cooking. Hearing this, Mahant Ram Das said Then how will the feast continue. Swami ji gave some rice grains to Mahant. He instructed to mix them with the prepared meals and cover up with a sheet of cloth. After that feed as many number of people as you wish. Saying this he quickly retracted back to the burrow. The crowd started shouting slogans in praise of Swami ji. Mahant stopped further preparations of meals. Village folks continued enjoying the feast till midnight and they returned back to their respective native place, completely satisfied. The ascetic fell down, as if life has been snuffed out of him. He kept roaming in the village like a mentally sick person. Worries of the family and death of the close ones Now the family members came to know about the existence of Swami ji, but they could not muster enough courage to approach him. His aunt lost her voice and was bedridden, since the day he left the village after taking alms. She always used to curse herself and used to think; shegavealms tohimwith the samehands which tended himin thechildhood. Shepermitted with the samemouth toallowhimtorenouncetheworld, which used tokiss him with affection. Shesawhimmovingaround thehousewith her eyes and thesameeyes sawhimleavingthehouseand village. What is theuseof theseeyes now? Whyhavent theseeyes lost their sight? WhyI cant be deaf, when I cant hear his voice? When heused tocomeback fromthe outside, heused totouch her feet, whytheselegs dont get broken? What is thepurposeof mylife? What for, I amstill in this world? Whyis god thealmightysocruel tome, whydoesnt hecall meback? She kept thinking only this and exactly six months after Swami ji left the house, she left for heavenly abode in 1936 on the day of community feast. Was he instrumental in the liberation of his aunt, who tended him during childhood and played the role of his mother? Was the community feast dedicated to her? 78 79 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment These were mere speculations only and people kept pondering over this for a long time. Death in the family was like a blow to his grand father (Shiv Deni). After Swami ji renounced the world, he seldom spoke to any one. He only used to whisper few words to his daughter. He stopped visiting places and confined himself to the house only, as if a king has lost his kingdom. Everyday hundreds of people used to visit, religious discourses were also held almost daily, sages and hermits used to visit, but he was not at all concerned with any such activity. He used to shed tears continuously and lost his physical strength. He had no desire to live any longer and his desire to face the death was getting stronger every day. His sons were ready to take care of him but he used to refuse to take their services and he stopped taking medicine. He used to say Whyshould I live anymore? What is thepurposeof mylife? Whoshould I see? My grandson is beggingin front of myeyes, should I seeall this? This is not possiblefor me. God has forcemetoseeall this. Wifeof mygrandson is spendingher lifelikea hermit in whiteclothes, this is beyond comprehension and I amforced toseeall this. God is socruel. What he wants metosee? Was I supposed toget all this as a result of my religious deeds? I amforced toseemyprincelikea beggar and his wife likea hermit. This is not goingtobe. He always used to beg for an early end to his life from God, the almighty. Anyone who used to visit to console him, used to cry after hearing his compassionate voice. Thus he too left for heavenly abode after a year in 1937. Responsibility to look after the family fell on the shoulders of his father, who was forced to perform the last rites of his sister and father with pomp and show. It was the matter of prestige for the family. After his father finished last rites of the deceased ones, he came face to face with education of his younger brother, who was 12 years younger to him. Who will take the responsibility of his education? Why should he also carry on with studies? Elder brother has renounced the world after higher education. Now the family members used to get irritated, at the mere mention of higher education for anyone in the family. Emotional detachment of his father His father lost all the desires in life. He lost interest in farming. He used to start crying the moment he saw his grandsons (sons of Swami ji) or his daughter-in-law in white clothes. He had lost all interest in horses and sold them off. He used to cry like his father, (grand father of Swami ji) while sitting near the entrance of his house. After some time he stopped visiting the house as at home he was forced to see his daughter-in-law like a widow and grandsons like orphans. He was not able to see all this. Once he reached home for the meals. His grandson came running to him Baba, let us go, meals are ready. Hearing this he fell like a dead tree. He was taken into the house with lot of efforts by the women folk of the house. He stopped going out of the house after the incident. His farming, business, family started to disintegrate. As a result of this younger brother of Swami ji could not finish his studies. He hated studies. His father left the house for pilgrimage, along with his wife, daughter-in-law and children. Whole family wandered for two years like nomads and went around the four main places of pilgrimage. After returning to the village he performed a Yagya. He donated lot of money in charity, which gave him some peace. He tried to give education to his grandsons. He got his daughters married off in the families of repute. He married of his second son, half brother of Swami ji, with a suitable girl and then he was once again off to a pilgrimage along with his wife and daughter-in-law. All wore white cloths like hermits. This time they went to different places. They used to camp at the same place where they reached at dusk. Next morning they used to start their onward journey after their morning prayers. Their eyes were searching for their beloved Dharm Dev, now Atma Das. They met lot of religious people, sages and they spent lot of time in listening to 80 81 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment the preaching of various saints. This pilgrimage lasted for three years. Household affairs were being somehow managed by the younger son. He had firmed up in his mind that his wish and management will not yield anything against the wish of god. Swami ji : a wandering monk After the feast Swami ji stayed at the hermitage for some more time and then he left for an unknown place. Kapil Dev stayed there for almost a year some how and then returned back to his home. Swami ji started wandering like a nomad on the face of earth. He used to stay at a place at his own will. He used to inspire the villagers for meditation and religious discourse. He as adored by villagers, wherever he stayed. When he used to sense that the villagers are getting attached to him beyond a certain limit, he used to leave the village quietly, in the middle of the night. He never touched money with his hands. He used to eat whatever was offered to him. He only had a spare set of clothes. He used to walk long distances, but whenever he had to travel by train then somebody would buy him the ticket to the destination. If the ticket was not arranged then he used to tread on foot. This journey on foot continued for years together. Villagers used to build a hut for him, wherever he stayed for more than two-three days according to his requirements. He walked the entire length and breadth of the country on foot. He visited Nepal, Tibet, Burma (the present day Myanmar), and Bhutan. He stayed at the Buddhist monasteries and studied there literature thoroughly. After studying their literature, he developed an understanding and established rapport with their religious leaders. He traded the essence of Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, wherever required. In the Himalayan ranges, he met lots of enlightened sages and hermits, and it is not appropriate to mention about them in details. He had become a wandering monk. Arriving at Hastinapur It was the year 1938, and Swami ji was walking down towards Hastinapur. He was alone and totally engrossed in his thoughts. He reached the desert area. He felt the pang of thirst. There was no village within sight. The area was arid and there were no signs of a tree or a pond. It was noon of the summer month. Sun was at its zenith and it appeared to be showering fire balls on earth. He was looking for a village in that area. After about an hour, he reached a village. As he entered the village and was on a lookout for a place to take rest, three youths from the village approached them and told him in a rude language You area hermit, a monk, a swami? Haveyou stashed awaysomeof your earnings in this village? Whyhaveyou cometothis village? You haveentered this village, and found a sittingplace. You will ask for water, then somethingtoeat. Then you will say, you want to takerest here. In theeveningand after sunset, you will intoxicatethe villagers with thereligious sermons. You havesuch a healthybody. Why dont you work somewhere? You arerunningawayfromthehard labor. Get moving, and vacatethevillage. Meanwhile few more villagers arrived on the scene and they all seemed to express the same view. Being helpless he moved on, but thirst and fatigue was not allowing him to speak or walk even a few steps. Somehow he reached another village and as he was planning to take a shelter, he heard same voices Now you will sit in this village. We are chasing you since you left the previous village. This whole area belongs to us. We dont allow any beggar or a hermit to take shelter in this area. Swami ji moved on to the another village, and the time was around 3 oclock in the after noon. His feet were full of blisters. It appeared that the head was getting roasted in the fire being showered from sky. His eyes were red from heat and exhaustion and it appeared that his life was getting snuffed out of his body. His body was rebelling against any further movement. There also he was scolded by those three youths, who were chasing him out of every village, he entered. He moved out of the village. He spotted a tree 82 83 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment and he involuntarily moved in that direction. Near the tree his body apparently lost all its strength and collapsed. There also those three youths challenged him, Get moving. Does this tree belongs toyou or has been gifted toyou byyour ancestors. Wewill not allowyou totakeshelter here. He was unable to utter a word. One of the three youths marched ahead and pushed him with his foot. He also told him to keep moving and vacate the village area. Somehow he opened his eyes and saw their faces staring at him, but he was so helpless to speak in his own defence. He thought even if they kill me I will not leave this place. Meanwhile other youths also started to kick him. Suddenly he could not control himself and said Y ou have gone insane. I have pardoned you enough. Y ou are chasing me out of every village. Do these villages belong to you? Y ou must be the descendant of some sages. Repeatedly, you all are telling me that if I have to meditate then I shall go to the jungle. Now, come what may, I will set afire this whole universe, because of you. Let me see who comes and saves you? When I will not get a place to stand, then what is the use of this village or the world for me? Now get yourself burnt in the fire. Saying this he slept. He woke up after some time hearing the shouts of the villagers O lord! Please save us. Please forgive us. He saw the whole village burning in devastating flames. As if the doomsday fire wants to engulf everything in the universe, to destroy everything. He got up gathering all the remaining strength and saw hundreds of men, women and children crying in front of him. The three youths were also standing there, like a statue and shouting for mercy. Their feet, which kicked his body, were frozen and they were not able to move at all. Their noses were bleeding and the whole upper body was full of agony. Within no time the scenario resembled doomsday. He closed his eyes and saw Lord Shiv performing TANDAV (A dance of death by Lord Shiv which is believed to destroy the universe). Lord Shiv was saying that wherever there is no place for my Yogi, that place and the creation around do not deserve to remain in existence. He requested Lord Shiv with folded hands O Lord! Pleaseforgive themand stop theTANDAV. Lord Shiv said that he is simply trying to fulfill the wish of his yogi. Swami ji replied I dont know how I uttered these words. Even I am unable to comprehend. Lord Shiv agreed to stop the TANDAV, and offered him an urn full of water from river Ganga. He opened his eyes and saw that the flames had started to scale down. He looked back and found the urn. He drank water to his satisfaction. It had a soothing affect on him. Then he saw people prostrating in front of him. Some of them were crying. Few elders of the village came forward and said O reverend! We are the heads of the villages. These young people here have formed a cartel and created havoc. They dont allow any sage or hermit to take shelter in the village, thinking that most of these sages and hermits have run away from hard work and there presence will affect the youth of the village. Now please pardon us all. We will not let this happen in future. All of them were standing like a statue and with repentance in their eyes. Swami ji listened to all this quietly. He said that Pleasego back toyour homes. Let metakesomerest here. One gentleman prostrated in front of him. He requested Swami ji to visit the village and oblige them. Swami ji told in unambiguous words NowI can not goback toyour village. Thereis nopoint in returningto thevillage, wherefromI havebeen driven and kicked out of thevillage. All were scared and said that these boys are paralyzed below the waist as if buried in the earth up to waist. They have become immobile. Please have mercy and pardon them. Swami ji said these feet must have hurt lot of sages in past and in future also they will continue to do so. What is the need of such feet? On being requested by the villagers repeatedly, he said that in future if anything like this happens again, then nobody in the universe can pardon them. Immediately after this the three youths fell down like dead. They were attended by the villagers. When they gained some of the strength, they repeatedly vowed, 84 85 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment not to repeat the same mistake of chasing out the sages. Swami ji neither did enter the village in spite of repeated requests by the villagers, nor did he accept their food. He returned everything back. He took rest in the night under the tree and left for Hastinapur early in the morning. Reaching Hastinapur and Meeting Ashwatthama Swami ji was marching ahead while holding religious discourses, meeting the elevated people at different places. He came to know about a congregation of sages, hermits, and realized people at Hastinapur. He moved towards that confluence of the sages with enthusiasm. There was proper arrangement for the stay and food for the sages and saints. He too joined the confluence. One day, he was resting under the tree after meals. The spot was having a well in the vicinity. The place was beautiful and no one was around. He was thinking of staying at that place for a few days more. At that time he saw an elegant horse approaching in his general direction. Since he used to enjoy the horse ride, it was but natural to pay attention towards the horse. The horse was not being accompanied by any one. He approached the horse, which looked divine. Horse also bowed its head, as if paying obeisance. He was looking at the horse without batting his eye lid. He was wondering, why this horse is passing through this lonely garden. It must be accompanied by its owner. While he was thinking like this, a strong person appeared behind the horse, and said Swami ji, why are you holding the horse? Swami ji said that he is merely looking at the horse and not holding it. Swami ji asked him about his antecedents. He introduced himself as Ashwatthama. Swami ji was jolted out of his thoughts and said Hari OmTat Sat! (O Lord! You are the only truth) with folded hands. Swami ji asked him, Whyareyou wanderingin this wilderness? He replied, Swami ji Karma can be destroyed onlywhen their fructification process is complete. I was attached toHastinapur. Sometimes I comeherefor a short visit. Whenever I cometoknowof anyYagya (Fireritual whereofferings aremadetothe deities through fire) beingorganized here, I visit this place. Everything has changed. Thosepeoplearenomore, that palaceis nomore, conditions havechanged. All this appears tobefalse. NowI amtryingtodissipate theKarma and tryingtoprevent theformation of newKarma, bysinging in thegloryof God, thealmighty. Sometimes I feel ashamed of whywas I doubtful about anyone? Whydid I lovesomeone? NowI can feel that doubt and lovecan not co-exist, in thesameheart. Swami ji said, But you were so strong and immortal too, where did you err? Ashwatthama replied in a gentle but repenting tone Swami ji, the powers offered in the service of the people are immortal. Y ou are great. In spite of having everything in this world, you have chosen the path of renunciation and wandering place in the service of mankind. All your karmas are burnt as if grams are roasted in fire. Now there is no possibility of sprouting of the seeds of Karma. I feel highly obliged having met you like this. Swami ji asked him O reverend, you are from the era of Lord Krishna. You must have seen him, understood him. He replied with moist eyes Yes, I have seen him, but understood him, no. If I had understood him then my plight would have been different. Still I am trying to understand him. No one is elder by age. Only through knowledge, one can be superior to others. After this both greeted each other with Hari Om Tat Sat! and went their own ways. Stay at Madras (Chennai) Wandering here and there he reached Madras. One evening he gave a religious discourse and decided to stay there for a four month period called Chaturmas (four months). He walked for years together. Some times he used to get food, but some times he did not get even water. Each cell of his body was dead tired as if no energy is left in them. He fell sick because of continuous traveling and climatic changes. His 86 87 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment condition worsened with the time. He refused to take medicine also. Villagers started to consider him as burden on them. They used to think that if he dies then who shall take the blame of his death? Everybody used to talk about his health. The villagers collectively took care of him in the beginning, but in the end only a poor couple was left to take care of him. Their means of earning was hard labor in the day time, even that was not on regular basis. He took Swami ji to his home and attended to his needs without asking anything in return. Both husband and wife used to stay awake one by one and take care of him. They used to attend to his personal needs also, taking care of his daily bath, washing his face, taking him to the toilet, and making arrangements for drinking water and fruits for him. They spent all their savings on his treatment, but earned well being for them. They borrowed 100 rupees from the moneylender and the remaining 100 rupees were collected from the sale of their ornaments. In 1938 Rs. 200 were spent on the treatment of Swami ji. At last they purchased the herbs as per directives from him and prepared the medicine from the goose berries. The medicine was supposed to be taken with the cows milk. It took four months for complete recovery. Villagers used to think that the poor couple has lost his fortune to take care of this wandering sage. But the making or losing the fortune is in the hands of the lord himself. That poor couple was so discreet in taking care of Swami ji that they did not let him know, how he was looked after. Swami ji recovered completely after a period of four months. Swami ji told that couple You havelooked after mesowell, that if you had not attended methen I would havedied. Nowpleasepermit metoleave. Hearing this, the couple looked at him with eyes full of tears, and said Where will you go? Please stay back. We will take care of you. Swami ji asked them Iyer, you aresopoor. You feed your self after a hard days work. Of late, you havenot been working. Tell mehowdid you meet theends, and wherefromyou purchased themedicines? Iyer couple was quiet and they were looking at him with eyes full of love and affection. Swami ji visualized the truth in no time and said Oh! So, this is the matter. Y ou hav e sold your ornaments, including your Mangalsutra (An auspicious Gold ornament woven in black thread, which represents well being of a married lady). Y ou have taken loan also. How will you repay the loan? All right, now I shall make a mov e. Y ou will get ev erything in return along with interest, what ever you have spent on me. Y ou will become a prominent person of this locality. Also, you dont have a son now. Y ou will have a son also, who will be very capable and shall devout his life for you. Y ou will have all you wish, fulfilled. But you should look after the sages and saints like you have done for me. Do not try to look out for me. Saying so Swami ji walked out of the house and moved ahead briskly. The couple held on to his feet to stop him, but Swami ji blessed them and moved on towards unknown. ** ** This incident came into light when Swami ji was in the process of leaving his physical body. His health was deteriorating rapidly and he was admitted in the hospital at Varanasi (Benaras). I was also present in his service. An old couple and their son used to cry near the feet of Swami ji. They some how approached me and on being asked by they narrated the incident. The old man said After thedepartureof Swami ji, Goddessof wealth, Laxmi enteredthehousebyall means. Thisson wasborn after oneyear. Nowheisin thelocal legislativeassembly. Somehowwehavereachedherewithlot of difficulties. Everydayweusedtoworshiphim, asper hisimage, aswesawhimlast time. Everydayweusedtopraybeforesleeping. Every dayweusedtoseek blessingsfor onemorechancetohavea glimpseof him. Last night onlywesawhimin our dreamthat heisin theprocessof leavinghisphysical body. When I toldmyson, heagreedtocometothisplacein notime. Pleasegiveusan opportunityto doservicetohim. Wewill alwaysbeindebtedtohim, even if weoffer our livesin return. Not only, I kept listening quietly, but also I turned down their offer as there was no need to accept their offer and I wanted to be in his service, myself. They were asked to return back to their native place after one day. Since they re- quested their identity to be kept a secret, it is not being mentioned here. 88 89 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Visit to Kanyakumari and meeting with father Swami ji continued his journey southwards like a person who would neither accept nor retain anything for himself. He reached Kanyakumari, the southern most tip of the country, and stayed there for a couple of years. When people started to know about him he moved in north direction, following a different route. He moved to Girnar hills of Gujarat state and stayed there for some year. He made a temporary hut near the banks of one of the rivers in the state of Gujarat and stayed there for a year. During the course of his stay in different parts of the country he passed on the knowledge to lot of people and guided them. On the way towards north he meditated at Vindhyachal range of hills for some time. When people used to get some hint about his prowess, he used to move on to the next place. During this journey he visited all the four main pilgrimage centres situated at four corners of the country. During one of such visits to the places of pilgrimage, one day he came face to face with his father. They were staring at each other without batting an eyelid, as if trying to recognize each other. Father recognizes his son. He feels emotional about his son, but very soon emotions turn into fits of anger and he loses consciousness. Realizing his duty, Swami ji sprinkled some water on the face of his father, from his Kamandala (a bowl made from shell of pumpkin fruit). Father opens his eyes for some time and again loses consciousness. This scene was enough to pull the crowd. Father told his son that he had come there to fetch some water from the river Ganga. He was accompanied by his wife and daughter-in-law. They are staying in the inn. He prompted his son to meet his family. He told his son, not to spend the life like this. He offered to build a hermitage for him in the garden at his native place, which he can use for his rituals. He told his son that seeing him like this is heartbreaking scene for him. Swami ji told his father in clear words that he is now a free person. He also advised his father to continue the onward pilgrimage along with the family. Father repeatedly requested him to return back to the native place, but he firmly stood his ground. His father gave the logic and asked Whether Buddha, Mahavir, or Kabir did not return back to their places. He firmly stated What is your, what is mine? If I come toward that direction, then I promise to come back home for a few moments. Now the whole world is mine. I have no animosity with anyone. No feelings of belongingness. If you have someone as your own, some one else will also follow the suite. Saying so, he quickly moved, merged with the crowd and then disappeared. Visit to the place of birth and blessings to the family It was the month of May in 1940. His father was going to marry off his eldest grandson at a tender age of 15. Their marriage was being solemnized with the daughter of a family of repute. Every member of the family was concerned, whether the newly wedded couple will receive the blessings of Swami ji or not. Swami jis wife remained composed, most of time, and took care of the kids and the family. She never cursed her fate. She never discussed the shortcomings of her life with anyone. She always used to say, Whatever happens is always for good. If god wishes toget somethingdonethrough me, let himfulfill his wish. Let himkeep mein anycondition. Whyshould I worryabout that? She was the only child of her parents and the most beautiful girl in the village. She was educated also and she used to teach the village girls, in her spare time. She used to recite chapters from Ramayana and Shrimad Bhagwat. On such occasions women of the village used to opine, where ever Swami ji is, he should visit here to bless the newly wedded couple. This was the wish of every one in the village. After the marriage was solemnized, the family was returning with the newly weds. In the lead was the palanquin of the head of the family, father of Swami ji. It was being followed 90 91 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment by Swami jis son. Eight to ten palanquins were in the caravan. The caravan was passing through the main road. Suddenly a divine figure appears in front of the procession. Every body starts looking in that general direction. Father gets down from the palanquin and calls his grandson, Comehere. You arevery lucky. Run, it is your father. Takehis blessings, and touch his feet. Everybody in the procession requests Swami ji to visit the village, but he turns down their requests. When the crowd requests him to bless the bride, he calls up his son and says pick up the sand from this place and throw on the palanquin of the bride, god will bless the bride. Saying so, he quickly marched ahead. Some of the villagers tried to give him a chase but they could not keep pace with him. He told them This is not thetime. I will return tothevillageat an appropriate time. Nowyou should stop chasingme, and return back tothevillage. Villagers kept chasing him, but he was beyond their reach and villagers returned empty handed. Superiority of being a Family man One who takes shelter of the name of God, gets his all the wishes fulfilled. No body other than the God knows, what is going to happen next? Swami ji had no more desires left of his own. Whatever took place through him was the wish of God. He moved towards him according to the wish of the God. He took the path along the river Ganga. Ganga was the beloved river for him, and he spent the night alongside the river banks. Early morning he moved ahead after his daily routine of cleansing and the meditation rituals. He used to get food, just enough for survival and clothes as per his requirement to cover his body. He did not need any more. He was always busy within his own world. Neither he had friends, nor did he have enemies. Walking in his own thoughts, he reached the hermitage of his Sadguru. There he stayed for slightly over three months. He came to know about Kapil Dev, that he had returned back to his family. Some of the fellow disciples of Gosain sahib used to make fun of Kapil Dev by equating him with the rat, which ventures out for some time and returns back to his own burrow. Swami ji said in a jolly manner House hold or the family life is the root or origin of all the religions. All the religions, hermits, sages, and the incarnations are the coming into this world because of the family man. Had there been no family man, world would not hav e come to existence. Being an ideal family man is the following superior most religion of the world, where ideal family man only gives and expects nothing in return. He wants to give all to the family members attached to him. He only knows to give. He takes care of the needs of all. If you want to meet Brahma Vishnu Shankar than one must turn towards a family man. He is very divine, very pious, and very ideal - Bright. He does not need anything for him. Whatever he does, is for others. Birth of the trinity Brahma Vishnu Shankar is the result of a family man. In past there have been some egoists, and selfish saints who have denounced the family life as the lowest form of existence. They have become pests for the society and sucked blood out of the earnings of a household man, like a parasite. They called the family men irreligious, and sinners. These titles have been given due to env y, fear which do not hold ground. In this whole world, it is very difficult to find a person who is more scared than a so called sage, or an ascetic, or a hermit. He is the slave of his desires, anger, greed, and so called attachment with the status he enjoys due to his life style, but to prove his superiority he rebukes a common house hold man. A family man has the calmness of the earth and the stillness of the mountains, placid like the middle of an ocean. There seem to be ripples on the surface on his interiors, which is placid like a lake, due to his eagerness to fulfill his duties. On the other hand, these so called sages are like a barren tree that can never yield flowers or fruits, even if they are irrigated with the nectar. These so called sages would rather 92 93 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment finish off the fruit yielding trees (the people who can contribute for the betterment of the society), like cancer. T his is the reason, that all the enlightened people, reincarnations and the iconic people have been family men. House hold life is like a mine, which contains diamonds as well as coal. It all depends on the capabilities and needs of a miner, what he can derive from this life. Find of the Indian society, which is utmost pure, the family life. Therefore whatever is said about it would not be sufficient. These so called sages never get tired of being called Superior most and Reverend, whereas these family men are always silent. A superior person never boasts about being the best. Diamond never evaluates itself, but coal will boast I am diamond. We are basically same; there is no difference between coal and diamond. Coal will boast about its virtues and may even write autobiography, to prove its superiority. A diamond will always shine with a smile, where ever it is, like a family man. Hearing this, fellow disciples of Gosain sahib were speechless and were thinking that it has never been penned down. Were all those great people, like coal, who have been described in the religious literature? Thinking all this they all dispersed in the darkness of the night. Hearing all this Gosain sahib hugged Swami Atma Das and said You are blessed one. Your talent is great. Whenever you speak, your whole body gets charged up with divine aura. Whatever you say becomes divine sermon, the truth, and nothing but the truth. Only enlightened ones have the right to say anything about the truth, enlightenment. So called learned people have veiled the truth with their false understanding of the truth. They have trapped the truth within the maze of words. God save us from the so called learned ones, who appear in the garb of sages or hermits in front of the society. They have the oratory and writing skills, which will make them the known face in the time to come. Everyday flowers are blooming. No body knows about their existence, and without coming in limelight they spread their fragrance in their surroundings. It offers smile to all the people who cross their path. Gives the pollen and nectar to the bees & butterflies, and dries up silently on the tree or shrub. He does not have a wish. The one who thinks of building a house here or this world is ultimate truth is a common man a house hold man. The one who thinks otherwise and that the only truth is the Almighty and his ultimate abode is near him, is a hermit, a monk in true sense. The flower which is the creation of these so called learned ones, with their imagination stays here for a long time to come. The next generations accept that as the only truth by sifting through those pages from the history. The passage of time only adds to its authenticity. Till today, this belief keeps on repeating. The one, who is not capable of seeing the truth, or who has not seen the flower in full bloom, will have to accept the flowers described in the books of the history. These so called sages, monks are the poorest of all the creatures, and deserve mercy. Dwelling in a hut Arrival of a Sadguru ushers in a new era and miracles start to happen at that place, even if people do not notice this. Development gathers momentum. Some people became his disciples. Harinam Yadav was among the first ones to among his followers. Waves of development and change became stronger. People started living their lives in a disciplined manner and became vegetarian. They started to follow the instructions as given by Swami ji. Swami ji used to see men and women as equals, and because of this the women of the village started becoming hid disciples. The area where he started to dwell was backward and underdeveloped, witnessed a tremendous increase in the development activities which resulted in the economic development also. Life style witnessed a change. With the passage of time the hutment of Swami ji got converted 94 95 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment into a pilgrimage. People used to visit him during the day but they never stayed for night as they were scared of the spirits, reptiles and insects. Hence he used to be alone in the night. There was a mosque nearby and a graveyard too, having around 1,00,000 graves. Muslims used to offer their prayers (Namaz) in the mosque every Friday. People were scared of the spirits of the dead ones and were living life like zombies. They used to grow maze and bajra. Some people used to grow beetle leaves and nuts. The so called rich ones used to grow paddy in their fields, but that was not sufficient to make their ends meet. Hence the poverty was natural. Pathan of Imambara (Mosque) of the Baraipur in the service of Swami ji Swami ji used to be all by himself in the night and he used to spend time in his own self. He used to be surrounded by reptiles, wild animals, as if they all were guarding him. They used to disappear with the rising sun. Swami ji had given strict instruction that nobody will trouble the creatures here, as all the living beings have a right to live their lives without fear. One night as he was busy meditating he heard some voices and the canter of the horses. He thought that whoever is riding the horses shall approach in a few moments, but no one approached. He asked his disciples in the morning, about the people keeping horses in the area. They replied with astonishment, who can keep horses here? No one is wealthy enough to maintain the horses in this area and no one can dare approach this place in the night. Same incident was repeated on the next two nights and he heard the noises and the canter of the horses. He did not utter a word. On the next night he heard the same voices and their leader seemed to give command Look, Swami ji is meditating. Ensurethat heis not troubled byanything. You should bealert all thetime. If heis troubled byanythingthen we will not beabletogivejustification for lapsein our duty. Hearing this Swami ji asked aloud, who is standing outside? Please come in. Hearing this, a Pathan (People living in the area of Afghanistan are called Pathan) entered the hut. After prostrating he sat in front of him with due regards. He was having a long beard, wearing a turban and was holding a dagger. He said in a respectful voice, I amthegroup leader of thedjinns of this area. Swami ji asked him where do you live? I have not seen you in this area during daytime. I hear the sounds of your horses in canter. You belong to which place? He replied respectfully Swami ji, we live in the adjacent Kabala. When you arrived here from Ramnagar, we were assigned this duty by the attendant who is in service of Allah. Hence eight of us are on a roaster of three shifts to take care of you. You are being watched every moment. We are keeping an eye on the wild animals, as well as on the small insects. In the dark when you go for early morning bath to the banks of river Ganga, whole path and the river Ganga is sanitized, so that even the smallest of the insect can not cause any discomfort to you. All the visitors should not face any hardship. Please see for yourself that path to the river bank is also repaired by our people and the thorns are also plucked from the route you take to the river banks. Swami ji told him that from now onward they should not take any trouble for him, take rest and stop worrying for him. The Pathan replied How is it possible, Swami ji? We have been given this assignment to serve you, due of our good fortune. Being in your service can bring good fortune for all the souls deputed to be in your services. Therefore we request to you, please do not take this opportunity away from us. If there is anything else we can do to help you then please tell us without hesitation. Everyday, I listen to the sermons delivered by you from the tree or the top of the hut, and while listening I take care that neither you nor the visitors face any hardship. We are lucky and reap the double benefit of being in your service. Well being of us is a certainty, if we are in your service. We all are very happy. Almighty is very happy with us, thats why he has sent us to a pious soul like you. Saying so, the 96 97 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment group leader started crying. His tears were full of affection. Swami ji was also filled with compassion. He told him to continue his duties and all the possible support will be extended to him. Hearing this, Pathans face was brimming with happiness. He got up and moved out of the hut after paying regards to Swami ji. Making hermitage in Baraipur Number of followers started swelling. His hut started taking shape of meditation centre, place of pilgrim and hermitage. All the illiterates also started talking about meditation. Hundreds of people started to gather near his hut for meditation. Those who never went to school and held a pencil started reciting shlok and hymns in Sanskrit while praying. Popular adage Parrots start calling names of god in the company of humans was practically being witnessed. Some youths of the village renounced the world to join him and started pursuing their studies in the hermitage. All were in the state of eternal bliss. All the youths associated with the hermitage used to work for the cause of their Guru and in their free time, used to meditate. This started the chain reaction and lot of people from the nearby villages started to approach Swami ji for being initiated for meditation, to become his disciples. Villagers started to de addict themselves from liquor, became vegetarian and adopted the life of a hermit. People started to have merciful feelings for the animals. Caste barrier got shattered, and was being replaced by the feelings of love, compassion for each other. People started to emerge out of the shell of false egoism. Feelings of brotherhood were on the rise. Now, every body was their own. There was no theft, no treachery, and no violence towards the animals. All the directions were reverberating with the chants of Sadguru Sharanam Gachchami (Going under the umbrella / protection of Sadguru). Every day used to bring new experience to the devotees and the practitioners of meditation. Children of the villages memorized Ramayan by heart, even Muslims of the area memorized verses of Ramayan. Illiterates of the villages not only started talking of Kundalini (the hidden serpent power, lying dormant in the physical body) but started to have experiences too. Ramayan of within started to emerge. These are wonders, miracles, or inquisitiveness for those who dont follow a discipline life of meditation. Men and women of the village were learning the yogic techniques of self purification; physical and metaphysical. They stopped ringing the bell of the temples, instead started to listen to the music hidden within. They started to remain blissful round the clock and enjoyed the feeling of nectar within their own body. It was but natural to have changes physical level, while the changes were taking place on the metaphysical level. Taking people of lower class as his disciples: A revolution Till now who were fishing in the river Ganga, but used to remain empty stomach at the end of the day, started to meditate while bathing in the river. They left their profession of fishing and switched over to other professions, like selling grocery, milk, or vegetables. Children started to go to school regularly. People changed and so did their family atmosphere. An ordinary person wandering on the village street became rich and famous in the city Varanasi, by their standard, but there was no sign of ego. Everything they earned was dedicated to the Sadguru. It was all given by the Sadguru, and hence it all belonged to him. With the increase in the noble thoughts, their wealth also increased. It is a fact that Offerings madetothealmightynever result in diminishingwealth. As oneshouts in themountain, his own sound is echoed somanytimes. Mountains dont keep scorecard that the sound is tobeechoed onlya limited number of times. It is in natureto return back manifold and sois thenatureof Sadguru that anything offered tohimwith love, affection, and dedication is returned bySadguru thousands of times. It depends on the devotee. Sadguru only 98 99 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment returns manifold. Ocean never tells I amfathomless. Whyhave you brought a small bucket tofetch water? It is an insult tome. Whatever utensil you havefill it up, dont goemptyhanded. Only those return empty handed who go to the sea shore with a bottomless urns. They try to get their urns filled up, just trying to emulate others. They see their urns being filled up also but when they come out, their urns are empty. We dont inspect our own capacity to collect and start cursing the ocean for not giving us as it has given to others. It is an irony. Ocean also feels pity on such persons. It calls through the waves and shouts Pleaseinspect your urns, just transformyour self intoa receiver and then collect as much as you like. I dont haveanyobjection and I dont want anythingin return also. Myonlydesireis togiveyou all sothat you dont haveto return tomefor more. Myhappiness is in givingyou all that I have. But how much one collects, depends upon his capacity. So does Sadguru Kabir say O Sadguru! Your glory is beyond infinite and can not be written down as a manuscript. One, who is infinite, can not be confined into limits. Blessings for a disciple Sadguru does not know mantra, tantra, or rituals. Or say, he has left them far behind on his journey to meet the almighty, which he does not realize. Now he remains engrossed in his own world. Devotion is the first step and almighty is the last one. Physical body is one end of the soul, which can be held. Soul is the last end of the physical end of the body, which is invisible and beyond the reach of most of the people. For Sadguru body and soul become one, there is no difference between the God and the material. Everything becomes unified, what should he define as god and what should he call material. God is omnipresent. Once he reaches this level, incidents start taking place involuntarily, which people call as miracles. Sadguru remains oblivious to these so called miracles. The year was 1950. There was a devotee named Kallan, who had blind faith on Swami ji. He married off his daughter Raman to a person from a Yadav family, belonging to Varanasi. Her husband was bedazzled with the modern ways of life. Somehow, he wanted to get rid of his simple wife and he was looking for an opportunity to do so. After some time he got an excuse that he is not getting a son from her, and he drove her out of his house. Raman returned back to her parents. She told her mother everything about her husband. Mother told the story to the father (Kallan). Kallan was highly demoralized and dejected. He had good reputation in the nearby villages also. Once he thought of teaching his son-in-law a lesson, but changed his mind. Wish of his Sadguru is supreme, thinking this, he kept his mind composed. Next day he consoled his daughter Sheshould not bother about this event. Sheshould stay back with themand bein serviceof Swami ji. Gototheriver Ganga everydayand after takingbath in theriver, preparefood for Swami ji. After offeringhimfood, accept theleft over as ambrosia. O daughter! Swami ji is your god. If thegod himself comes and says that heis the god. Hehas comeherein person, then I shall saythat nowI dont need you. I havemet mygod. However heis heis completefor me. Next day his daughter takes a holy dip in the river Ganga, prepares food for Swami ji. After prostrating in front of him, requests Swami ji to accept the food prepared by her. Swami ji quietly accepts the food, and maintains his silence. The girl asks him whether he needs anything else to be done. Hearing this, Swami ji lifts his fork and angrily says Although correct, but I shall not do anything against the public opinion. Then he hits with the fork on her back. She never anticipated this and started crying. Swami ji said Go now. Dont come back without your husband. She reached home crying. Her parents demanded the full story and asked who has done this to you? Girl replied in short, Swami ji. Parents of the girl were stunned by the revelation as if the raging fire was extinguished by torrential rains. There was an eerie silence. After some time mother asked the daughter What happened? Swami ji is reverend to us and if he sets us afire we 100 101 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment will not utter a word. We have completely surrendered to him. Why we did so, we dont know, just we did surrender to him. The daughter said Swami ji told me not to come again, to the hermitage without husband. Just go away. Saying so, he hit me with the fork. Hearing this her mothers eyes filled with tears, but those were the tears of joy. Mother told the complete story to father. Father Kallan said I will escort the daughter to her in-laws. Punishment of Sadguru is also like blessing and it will not go in vain. He hit our daughter once, it means that our daughter was not destined to have a son but she has been blessed with one son. Salutations to Sadguru! Early next morning Kallan escorted their daughter to her husband. She stayed with her husband for about fifteen days and returned back to her parents. After about two months she showed symptoms of pregnancy. Her husband took her to the doctor. After preliminary examination the doctor said, it is nothing but gastric symptoms. Raman was disappointed. Her husband was sarcastic about the incident. She returned back crying to her parental house. She narrated the whole incident to her parents, but they were so adamant and had blind faith on Sadguru. They refused to listen anything against Swami ji. Everyday they used to take holy dip in the river Ganga early morning, followed by visit to the hermitage, to offer prayers to Swami ji with flowers and incense stick. They used to offer the holy water used for prayers, to their daughter. Whenever she had pain in the abdomen area, she was given the holy water to her. After full term Raman gave birth to a son. Her husband came rushing to their place. He was surprised to witness the miracle. The young couple started to visit the hermitage regularly and later on got initiated by Swami ji. They requested Swami ji to name their son, who is well settled and doing business in Varanasi (at the time of writing this book). Each disciple was witnessing such miracles every day. Each disciple was being blessed according to his capacity. Request by disciples to visit his place of birth Some how the disciples came to know the birth place of Swami ji. All the great people and the flowing river dont get tied up to one place. They continuously keep moving from one place to another. Wherever they find the people who need, what they have, they give them everything. A lotus always keeps smiling and never tells its place of origin. A person like Krishna never waits for a palace to be born in; cellular jail is also an appropriate place. A person like Kabir shall appear even near a pond, no matter, if he gets weavers as parents. For the enlightened people there is no difference between a house or a slaughter house or a brothel. They will convert these places into places of worship, where as the so called preachers of any religion convert the places of worship into the trading places of falsehood, where they trade faith of people with devotion. It all depends on personal traits. Some of his disciples started requesting him to show his place of birth, but Swami ji used to dodge the question and said that they will be taken there at an appropriate time. Wait for an appropriate time. I dont teach you to get anchored to one place or a person. I teach you to become a free person. If you want to get tied up to a place, then having seen me in person, what else will you achieve after visiting that place? Now if you request a lotus to show his place of birth, he will never tell. If by mistake he tells you his place of origin, then you will never have any desire to visit that place. It is quite possible that either you may get stuck in the mud or even your clothes get smeared. You will start hating him for its place of origin in spite of being beautiful, unshackled, and being the most pious. Therefore before you visit the place, have enough courage, leave likes and dislikes. This deed is very courageous. If you go to see the birth place of Krishna, possibly Kans will put you behind the bars. First you should learn how to free yourself from being shackled. 102 103 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Finally swami ji had to give in to the requests and demands of his disciples. He, accompanied by around 20 of his male and female disciples, left for his native place in the morning. Their journey took almost full day. Natives of the village were shocked to see so many visitors at a time. Villagers were wondering, who they were and what was the purpose of their visit? Elders of the village looked at the crowd closely and they recognized Dharm Dev ji. They did not call him by name, as he has become a sage, a hermit. Some people were prostrating and some bowing in respect; where as some young people of the village were making lewd remarks Look this swami is moving with somanygirls. Different people had different feelings and different thoughts. The disciples were thinking Perhaps this was thereason, Swami ji asked us togather all thecouragethat we have. The year was 1954. Some people ran towards his house and informed about his arrival in the village, accompanied by lot of people. People considered them lucky and stated cleaning the house. A podium was set up for him and carpets were spread in the courtyard. All the preparations were made for the evening prayer. Meanwhile Swami ji arrived at the house in composed manner. In a matter of few moments all the people of the colony gathered there. His father came to the door to welcome him. His father had become old. He stopped his father from performing the rituals for him. Other villagers performed rituals. Everybody accompanying Swami ji was given befitting welcome. After the evening prayers, Swami ji gave discourse. Earlier disciples of Swami ji also attended the discourse and requested him to be their guest. Evenings were kept for such engagements. Thus he stayed in the village for ten days. Whole village was experiencing the unprecedented wave of devotion. The atmosphere of the village was charged with the divine energy. Villagers used to question him about the incidents of Ramayan and Mahabharata. Everybody in the village wanted to become his disciple; they were shackled up with their customs, their culture, their family traditions and their family Guru. Initiating his Son During his stay in the village, a spiritually evolved person, who happened to be a relative of Swami ji, arrived in the village. He was very much impressed by the sermons delivered by Swami ji. In spite of having a spiritual guru, he got initiated again from Swami ji and accepted him as his Sadguru. He also encouraged the eldest son of Swami ji, Shuka Dev, also to be initiated and accept his father as Sadguru. He said that As per familytradition I alreadyhavea guru and I was followingtheinstructions given tome. Hewas Guru / Guideof thewholevillage. It was his familytradition tobecometheGuru of thewholevillageand this was goingon for generations. When myGuru was on thedeath bed, his wife (myGuru ma) called meup totakea youngcowand inviteMr. Tiwari at theearliest. Upon beingasked byme, about theurgency, shereplied, Guru ji is on the death bed and is very soon have his last breath. Whole life we have been initiating the villagers and nev er thought about ourselv es. We thought, the journey of life is very long and what is the urgency? We can get initiated some day. Now Guru ji is on his death bed, please call Mr. Tiwari at the earliest so that we can get initiated. Please hurry up otherwise it will be very late. Shuka Dev, what could I havedone, under thosecircumstances? Earth seemed tohaveslipped beneath myfeet. Sincethat day, I was in search of a Sadguru. Never ever trust a familyguru. An elevated soul is the onlyonealive; nomatter what is his cast, or creed. Oneshould be initiated fromsuch an enlightened soul only. See, howluckyyou are? You area government officer and happened tobeon leave. Coincidentally, your father has just nowwalked in likeBuddha. Nowpleasehurryup and donot wastethis opportunity. You should accept himas your Sadguru. Tomorrowmorningyou should takeinitiation. Havenofear of your familytraditions. I will tackleyour familyGuru. Ocean of divinityhas cometoyour placeand you want todiga well. Freeyourself fromthe shackles of tradition. Takea plungein theocean. I shall return tomorrow morning. You, alongwith your wifeshould takeinitiation. Whole night Shuka Dev was engrossed in the internal conflict. He kept thinking, whole life who was father till 104 105 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment yesterday, all of a sudden how to accept him as his guru? Most of the night he was fighting with himself and he slept very late. He got up early in the morning at 4 oclock, and he had a vision that a streak of light has descended to his forehead and a voice addressed to him You should stop thinkingnow. You should takeinitiation today; it will begood for you. You aretheblessed one. Sadguru has cometoyour door step. Riseabovethearguments. You are devoteeof your mother and fromnowon you should alsobecomea devoteeof a Sadguru. Hearing the voice he was enthralled. After his daily routine, he went to his mother and informed her that he will take initiation. His mother was stunned and asked From whomand when? he said Buddha has cometomydoor step. I need not search for a Guru. Mothers eyes were moistened with affection. She stroked the head of her son and suggested Take theinitiation alongwith his wife. I was goingtosuggest toyou totake theinitiation alongwith your wife, but you can nowthink better than me. I shall makethepreparations. Saying so, she disappeared in the house and brought five sets of clothes, and fifty one rupees for each to be offered to Guru. She said she will send the flowers and sweets later on. Whatever is offered to the Guru is not enough, in return to what he gives to you. Shuka Dev prostrated at the feet of his mother with devotion. She always lived her life like a peasant, but she never complained about the difficulties of life to anyone. Even if she cried, she did so in isolation. Whenever the son asked his mother about her needs, she used to say I need you happiness, a smile on your face. Hearing this he also could not say anything in return. She always wanted to give as if she never had any personal desire. Shuka Dev along with his wife went to that part of the house where Swami ji was camping with his disciples. All the servants were shocked to see them early in the morning and asked them about their purpose of visit. He politely replied We want to be initiated by Swami ji. The person who prompted Shuka Dev was discussing with Swami ji, perhaps requesting him to accept Shuka Dev as his disciple. The all of a sudden al the disciples were very happy and they brought variety of musical instruments to mark the occasion. After the ceremonial prayers of the Guru, they all started dancing and were enthralled. He followed the instructions given to them by the senior disciples. After the prayers both the husband and wife were asked to make the offerings to the Guru. This was followed by the requests made by the disciples on their behalf for the initiation. Swami ji looked in their eyes and called them to come closure. He told them the mantra for meditation and transferred the energy through eyes. Both the husband and wife were very happy to have undergone the initiation process. Swami ji instructed them to meditate twice in the day, in the morning and in the evening. Swami ji also told them to contact, should they have any query or difficulty at times. Shuka Dev felt, as if he has transformed in a moment. He felt that he is no more the same person. He offered his salutations to other disciples, which he never did earlier and returned back to the house. After reaching home he prostrated at the feet of his mother, who in turn blessed them with well being in their life. Now the wave of spiritualism swept the whole village. During his wandering years, Swami ji used to visit his disciples and their respective villages. People of all the sections of society started to become his disciples. Forgetting the difference of their social status, they all started to spend more time in singing the devotional songs. When Swami ji used to come out of his hermitage to alert the disciples, hundreds of his followers, men and women used to accompany him. It looked as if Gautam Buddha was moving along with his disciples. The ambience used to get charged with divinity. Initiating his wife It must be the year 1956. The fields were full of the grains and paddy. Farmers were reaping the harvest. Suddenly some one came running and shouted that Swami ji has arrived in the village accompanied by his disciples and is camping at the residence of Khalifa. As soon as people came to know about 106 107 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment him they all rushed to the camping site to have his glimpse. He was surrounded with sages, hermits, ascetics etc. and was looking as if Jupiter, teacher of the gods was sitting there. During this visit youths of the village became teetotalers and relinquished non vegetarian food, alcohol. Even the elders of the village accepted him as their Guru. All were being carried away by the tsunami of divinity. After four days swami ji came to the western flank of the village and camped at the door of his father. Every day, the community feast was being organized by some one in the village and the person organizing the feast used to invite every one in the village. One fine day, on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon wife of Swami ji and mother of Shuka Dev expressed desire to be initiated. These words spread charged up the disciples with a new vigor in their life. All the disciples were happy. Their Guru Ma (wife of Guru is treated as mother by the disciples as per tradition) will be with them. Perhaps this was the second incident after Gautam Buddha, who not only initiated his family but his father too. Buddha initiated his all the family members, but could not initiate his father. Till the last moment of his life, father of Buddha kept opposing his son. It was a special occasion on the night of 14 th lunar day (waxing phase of the moon), when the community feast was being organized. Wife of Swami ji emerged out of the house in white dress. All present on the occasion started dancing and the chants of Jai Guru Dev, Jai Jai Guru Dev seemed to pierce the sky. It appeared that goddess of wealth, Laxmi was renouncing the world. All the disciples were showering the flowers as if the elders and the gods were blessing her. Swami ji was sitting as composed as ever. Al last he initiated his wife and told him the Guru Mantra. Every body started calling her Mai Ram, who had love and affection for all. All were delighted to be in her company, and considered themselves lucky to have an opportunity to touch her feet. Now all that happened was beyond tolerance, for his father. Early morning he asked one of the disciples of Swami ji, Cant I beinitiated? NowI dont seehimas myson. When he initiated mygrandson, it looked strange. I thought of tellinghimof leavingthevillagefor ever, and dont spoil our familybond. NowI have started tolook at himas myGuru. Pleaserequest on mybehalf togive mealsoGuru Mantra. All preparations were made and father was also initiated on the 15 lunar day of the bright phase. This was the end of the journey. All the family members were his disciples. His home got converted to a hermitage. All the family members started to live like a sages who have renounced the world. Their family was now called the Family of sages. Only his younger brother Ram Yuga did not accept him as Guru. Whenever Swami ji used to visit the village he used to touch his feet and move away. He never came face to face with him although he used to make all the arrangements for the community feast which were organized in the village. He always used to say Wehavenot studied. Our learned bother has spoiled thehousehold, byrenouncingtheworld. Had hebeen an officer then wealsowould havebeen in good position. Wholefamilyhas been destroyed. Heis elder and likea father figuretome. I amunableto arguewith him, but it is truethat our familyhas onlyregressed. My nephews, whocouldhaveachieveda lot, I couldnot doanythingfor them. Our wholefamilyalwayscriedfor him, when heleft home. Howcan such a lossbecompensated? When everything was swept in the wave of devotion to renounce the world, he silently stepped aside. He always longed for the family reputation, wealth, position. Expansion of the hermitage His followers started to grow in number and so did the number of cottages in the hermitage. Whenever Swami ji used to visit Kashi, people used to lone up on both sides of the road to have a glimpse of him and to offer him prayers. They always carried pitchers full of water and the same was sprinkled on the entourage using mango leaves. Land lords in the vicinity of his hutment encouraged him to establish a hermitage in Baraipur village. Land lords of the area willingly donated the 108 109 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment land adjacent to the highway, for constructing a hermitage. Swami ji himself laid the foundation stone and the hermitage was ready in 1956. He always used to live in the hut on the banks of river Ganga, but all the programs were organized in the hermitage. All the disciples used to live near his hut during day time but used to shift in night to hermitage. A temple of Sadguru Kabir was constructed on this land. Wife of Swami ji also left her residence and made hermitage as her permanent home. During day time she used to worship her Sadguru like other disciples and in the night she used to take rest along with her fellow disciples. Meanwhile some landlords of the area donated few fields for farming. Some more farms were purchased. Management of the hermitage was entrusted to Mahatma Chandra Das. He was a stout man and also a disciple of the Guru of Swami ji. Rebellion by Chandra Das Chandra Das was also a celibate person. In the name of treading the path of spirituality, he only studied the books written by Kabir, and eating a lot. He used to pray in the morning and in the evening but he was far from the meditation. Swami ji used to take very good care of him. He was the first person to be provided all the things he needed, be it grocery or clothes. He used to accompany Swami ji and used to carry the utensil filled with water. Since the construction of the hermitage he was made the caretaker of the establishment. Now that Swami ji used to stay away from the hermitage, it was but natural to face the shortage of the food material. Still a lot of people become hermits or sages for the lust of getting good meals and for getting the respect of the common man. They are least bothered about the real spirituality and meditation. They are suffering from the pangs of poverty. They neither have anything to eat nor are they capable of fulfilling their material desires through hard work. To fulfill their ambitions, they comprehend becoming the disciple of a famous hermit and try to maneuver towards a position to become the caretaker of the hermitage. Only one or two in millions are real seekers of truth, rests all are just trying to satisfy their lust. They neither tread the path of meditation and nor are they conv ersant with the techniques. They some how learn few tricks and cram up some of the religious epics and some of the chants / mantras. They adorn their foreheads with sandal paste and make fool of the general public. They are glib talkers who can preach and they set up their shops. They hire some disciples, who pretend to worship them and spread words about the so called mystical powers acquired by their master. Seasoned hermits / sages, just smile, but dont say anything to them. They pity these so called sages, due to compassion. Pseudo sages then start criticizing them, scolding them, and start to spread rumors about the real seekers. General public adore them like a messiah, presume them to be their saviors and completely surrender to them. Society is bearing the brunt of influence of such pseudo sages. Chandra Das also used to behave like an obedient disciple in presence of Swami ji, but in his absence he used to envy Swami ji. He used to curse himself for his status in spite of being elder to Swami ji and possessing bigger physical frame. He used to think I eat likea sageand I ama celibateperson since childhood. Although it is true, that myparents died in mychildhood. I never possessed anythingother than ruins of a house, oncepossessed by myparents. I was born in a upper cast family. I had tocometothe hermitageduetopoverty. I planned toget married but duetopoverty, could not find anybridefor myself. Hetried tobecomea wandering monk and lived on thealms of thepublic. But in theend hewas forced tocomeunder theaegis of Swami ji. Sincethen hewas gettinggood food and clothes. This was thereason that hetook permission fromSwami ji tobein his personal service. But this is known onlytome. Others know meas a celibate, and a person whohas renounced theworld. But I wonder whypeopledont becomemydisciples. I havememorized epics 110 111 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment and thepreachingof Kabir. He used to envy with the inferiority complex. The result was explosive. He started criticizing Swami ji in his absence. Some thing went in his favor also and some people became his disciples also. He started initiating the simple and illiterate village folks. He used to receive some funds also. Now he was emboldened by this. He along with his disciples started a campaign against Swami ji. Swami ji having soft corner for Chandra Das All the disciples of Swami ji decided to hold a meeting and passed a unanimous resolution that Mahant Chandra Das ji, you dont get alongcordiallywith Swami ji. You havestarted a tirade against Swami ji. Hearinganythingagainst Guru is sinful. Weall are not socapableof listeninganythingagainst Swami ji. This hermitage was built byus. Onlythosepeoplehavetheright tostayhere, whoarein theserviceof Swami ji, wholeheartedly. Thereforeyou arerequested to leavethis hermitageand moveout toanyother placealongwith your followers. One of the inebriated disciple of Swami ji announced that if Mahant Chandra Das is not moving out we will throw him out. Now Chandra Das was at a loss of words. He asked for a weeks time. After giving ultimatum to Chandra Das, all the disciples went to the hut of Swami ji. They found him preparing to move out to unknown place, with his stick and his umbrella. Disciples prostrated in front of him and requested him to tell his destination. Swami ji answered I amleaving. You all should livein harmonywith each other. I will find shelter. You all haveasked Chandra Das toleave. Tell mewhereyou will send him. Whowill givehimfood and shelter? I will get hundreds of shelters. Now all the disciples were standing with their heads bowed in respect. One of them mustered enough courage and said We dont like to listen to the false criticism of our Guru. Swami ji replied You should always keep theperson whocriticizes you, within theshades of you placeof living. Sayings of a Sadguru arenot onlyfor reading; theyshould bepracticed in thereal lifealso. Haveyou ever heard that thesandal treedrives awaythepoisonous snakes? Nomatter, if thesnaketakes a biteat thetree, healways gets a cool and secure shelter on thesandal tree. Hearing this, all the disciples felt the humiliated and they all prostrated in front of Swami ji. They all said in a chorus, Swami ji please do dont leave us, else we all will be orphaned. Swami ji asked them to repent for their mistake and request Mahatma Chandra Das to kindly stay back. Mahatma Chandra Das said Hewas confident that Swami ji will dojusticetomeand hewould not ask metoleavethehermitage. Heis a great and pious soul. When wemakecomplaints tohim, healways keeps his cool and deep likean ocean. It is truethat duetomyown ignoranceI havebeen criticizinghim. O Lord! Pleaseforgivemefor this sin, unknowinglycommitted byme. Guru Poornima and prayers for the Guru After the incident the routine meditation and the discourses continued as earlier. On the occasion of Guru Poornima (Full moon night dedicated tothegloryof Guru is celebrated oncea year in the rainyseason. It is considered tobethebirth dayof sageVed Vyas, famous Guru of Kuru Dynastyof theMahabharat era) the hermitage was decorated like a bride. Disciples reached there one week in advance. Meditation sessions and discourses were being regularly organized in the morning and in the evening. During the day all the disciples used to spend their time giving their services for maintenance of the hermitage. Even I (The author of the book, Swami Krishnayan) had gone to the hermitage on that occasion. Devotional activities had already started early in the morning near the hutment of Swami ji, on the banks of the river Ganga. The small area comprising of some trees and shrubs looked like a dense forest. It appeared as if all the sages and the demi gods had descended on earth to pay their obeisance. It appeared as if the trees were also singing devotional songs in their rustling sounds and making offerings as leaves and fruits. Swami ji was blessing them all silently. Some of the disciples arrived at around 1100 hours from the hermitage and requested to him to visit their, 112 113 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment as a strong crowd of 10000 was waiting for a glimpse of him and to pay their obeisance. Within no time, Swami ji got up and started to move towards the main hermitage, covering a distance of about 2 kms. The crowd was standing on both sides of the road ready to shower flowers and to pay obeisance. A disciple was leading the way as if trying to clear the path for his easy movement. Seeing him, the crowd used to start slogan of Jai Guru Dev! Jai Jai Guru Dev!! in deafening roars. He was being followed by thousands of disciples. At places some boys, girls and women were carrying earthen pitchers filled with water and bunch of mango leaves. On the way, Swami ji used to stop for a few moments and used to sprinkle water on the crowd as blessings using mango leaves. People considered themselves lucky, if those droplets fell on them. When the procession arrived at the Baraipur hermitage, flutists started playing auspicious tunes. Some of the disciples welcomed him and guided him to the Dias. There five young girls carried a big flat utensil which was having eleven silver coins. All of them washed his feet and offered the water as nectar from the feet of the Sadguru to all. This was followed by the prayer using different types of musical instruments. After the prayers everybody prostrated in front of him to pay their obeisance. Each disciple made offerings of money, fruits, flowers, clothes to him as per his capacity and was overwhelmed after having a close glimpse. I also waited for my turn and offered him clothes, fruits and sweets. Having seen me there he said Soyou toohavearrived. Dont gowithout meetingme, on the dayafter tomorrow. I took my seat near the troupe singing devotional songs and was overwhelmed. Few of the inmates were serving water, sweets to the visitors, where as some were busy preparing the ambrosia. Some of the inmates were making arrangements for stay of the disciples, arriving from far off places. All were feeling themselves as the humble servants and the lord simultaneously, far from the cast or status feelings. Discourse by Swami ji Around 10:00 oclock in the night all the activities were put to halt. An announcement was made by one of his disciple, for every one to take their respective place, as our reverend Swami ji will give his message and blessings to all. Swami ji started with a small phrase: Everybodysays tomovetowards Vaikunth (abodeof Lord Vishnu, as per mythological belief), without knowingwhereVaikunth is? Thosewhoknowa littleabout it, describe as a complicated discourse. When thedesiretoknowabout Vaikunth arises, then thedesiretolivenear thefeet of Hari (Another nameof Lord Vishnu) alsobecomes stronger. Theytalk a lot about thewayto Vaikunth, but in theabsenceof strongdesire, theycant gotheir. Saint Kabir has said that thecompanyof theenlightened persons is like livingin Vaikunth. Sayings of Sadguru Kabir, was made to understand by another Sadguru of the recent times. All present there were so overwhelmed that they seemed to have forgotten their existence. They seem to have merged in the divinity. When Swami ji said that you all are nothing but the extension of the supreme being, and hence I give my respect to all of you. Hearing this, everybody present there came out from the spell cast by the discourse and they all started to sing You are like mother and father to us You are our friend and relative, You are knowledge and the provider, and You are everything to us, even the god. All present there started dancing in frenzy, forgot their existence and it seemed that the time stood still there. It was well past midnight but no body believed their own eyes after looking at their watch. Community feast Swami ji then moved towards his place near the bank of the river Ganga, and this was followed by the community feast. Feast and the devotional chants were being organized simultaneously. It all continued till 4 oclock in the morning. 114 115 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Swami ji went deep in meditation immediately after reaching his place. He got came out of the trance at six oclock in the morning. All present there had a glimpse of Swami ji and continued feasting till 4 oclock. After taking bath at 6 oclock in the evening, all took there position and sat for group meditation. After they came out of the trance at around 9 oclock, Swami ji started his discourse which was nothing but the blessings in the form of words coming out from his mouth. He said These discourses and the meditation are for self realization. Y ou will not become a realized one by simply performing some rituals e.g. taking holy dip in the river Ganga, or by making offerings in the temples. Y ou will achieve everything within yourself. Y ou start the inward journey and you will become a realized one. If you have any doubts you can seek clarification from me. I will guide you. I shall help you, provided you are ready to take a plunge, and help yourself. My help solely depends on your preparedness. If you keep sleeping then how can you see the infinite? Hence you have to be alert all the time. Take every breath with complete awareness. Carefully observe, as you can be transformed within a moment by the Supreme Being. It may be possible that next breath may be your last one and probably you may cease to exist while it returns. If you will cease to exist then only He will exist, one who is omnipresent, and is present since eternity and shall exist for ever. Y ou just have to be alert all the time. Hari Om, Tat Sat (O Lord! Y ou are the only truth). After the discourse was over every body went to there designated place for the night rest. All those who came from far off places started returning back from morning. Some people stayed back for few more days and utilized every moment with Swami ji. They were eating very little of what was being prepared and drinking the water from the river Ganga, but they all were full of enthusiasm and energy. The desire was, always be at the feet of their Sadguru. Giving order to Fire (Controlling by Words) This incident took place in 1960. With the blessings of Swami ji a community feast was organized and it was the full moon night of the month of Vaishakh (According to Hindu calendar, and equivalent month of February). Saints from all over the country were invited. Lot of followers of Kabir, were also invited. Tents and camps were organized for the visitors. Everybody was being looked after by the devout volunteers as per their status. It was the sight of the biggest congregation of Hindus, called Kumbh. I (author) had also gone to attend the same. Head of Kabir Chaura (hermitage where Saint Kabir used to live along with his family and followers) Acharya Ram Vilas sahib was due to lead the Chowka Arti (-|+| ~|-i - Traditional ritualistic prayers performed by followers of Saint Kabir, in which the devotees and the guide sit around a square platform adorned with earthen lamps, flowers and fruits amidst chanting of mantras). Devotional songs were being sung and the atmosphere was brimming with spirituality. Acharya Ram Vilas was given a welcome, around three kilometers from the hermitage. Amidst the tumultuous sounds of drums, trumpets, chants and people eagerly waiting to have a glimpse of him, he reached the Baraipur hermitage while blessing the crowd lined up on both the flanks of the road. Swami Atma Das ji was standing at the main door of the hermitage and welcomed Acharya Ram Vilas. Acharya in return also paid respect to Swami ji in a tradition, as being given by the followers of Saint Kabir. The atmosphere got charged up with the echoes of the welcome phrases. Acharya was guided inside the hermitage and after the traditional washing of feet, he was offered the refreshment. Devotional songs and the discourses continued for the whole day. Acharya Ram Vilas praised Swami ji, O supremebeing! You arenot onlythephysical manifestation of confluence of threestreams but of theinfinitestreams. I amwitnessingfor thefirst timein mylife, that follower of various traditions, sects havegathered at thesameplaceand that all havethesamefaith in you. Prayag(one 116 117 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment of theholyplaces in India) is said tobetheconfluenceof threerivers only, but you aretheconfluenceof infinitestreams. You area perfect Yogi with prowess. Divinepowers seemtobefollowingyou. During night, a ritual called Chowka Aarti was about to start. The platform was decorated with flowers and earthen lamps, in a bid to recreate the divine world which is supposed to be filled with light and fragrance. It appeared as if, the Supreme Being was about to make an appearance. Suddenly trumpets drums, bells and the conch started playing in manner which charged the atmosphere with the divine energy. It was the time Swami ji along with Acharya Ram Vilas was about to make an appearance. Atmosphere was filled with the chants of Jai Guru Dev, Jai Jai Guru Dev!. As a kid, I was following Swami ji like his shadow. The rituals were performed successfully in a grandiose manner. All the saints and the ascetics were taking rest at there designated places. After consultations with the Acharya Ram Vilas, Swami ji instructed his disciples at around 4 oclock, Makepreparations for thedepartureof thevisitingsaints and thehermits after givingthemsuitablegifts. The disciples were giving parting gifts to the sages as per their superiority. Lots of people were still sleeping on the roof. Suddenly there were shouts of fire. Body of one of the sages was engulfed in flames. Swami ji was sitting along with Acharya Ram Vilas in the court yard. All were stunned. Swami ji said in a manner as if scolding some one What is happening? Hearing these words, the flames were dowsed as if there was no fire at all. Swami ji immediately went to the site and found out that the victim was a wealthy and an influential Mahant (who looks after the cooking arrangements during the community feasts etc. on contract basis). He immediately folded his hands in salutation and said I dont understand howI survived. Mywhole bodywas engulfed in flames a fewmoments ago, nowthereis nothing. Was that a dream? Wholebed and thepillowwerecompletelyburnt. Therewas a gallon full of petrol and all theclothes werecompletely doused with petrol and thesmell of petrol vapors is still in the atmosphere. I havesurvived, becauseof your blessings. TodayI am born again. All the disciples were furious and they presumed this to be handy work of some of the anti social elements living adjacent to the hermitage. They all departed to settle the score without informing Swami ji. When Swami ji came to know about, he stopped them and told his disciples This Mahant is a wealthy person. Heowns thousands of hectares of land. This is thehandywork of hi rival Mahant whois involved in a legal disputeover a pieceof land with him. Pleasedonot over react and dont doanythingunjust. All the disciples were respectful towards their Gurus wish. By ten oclock all the guests had departed the hermitage. Acharya Ram Vilas said in his discourse You have seen it all with your own eyes the prowess of Swami ji. A blazing fire was extinguished after hearing the scolding from him. Flames were extinguished as if there was no fire. This is called controlling by the prowess of words, to accomplish anything by saying few words only. Such personalities can not be recognized by external and physical means. Miracles of Tantra-Mantra and Astrology I had an opportunity to stay with him. As I tried to delve more into his domain, I found even more expanse of him. Whenever I discussed about astrology, he used to talk like an exponent of astrology. He was the physical representation of the confluence of devotion, yoga and spiritual knowledge. I had never seen a personality like him. Outwardly he was a very simple person but he had an in depth knowledge of Tantra and Mantra. He had developed a different technique of the ascetic practices. He used to say that an ascetic is a person who does not need a physical body to meet the objectives of his life, i.e. he is not bound by the laws that govern the physical bodies. It was an incident of 1970 when the eastern part of the country was reeling under famine. Most of the water bodies, even in the forest area were dry. Rivers and the ponds contained 118 119 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment very little or no water. The tribal of the forest area were also reeling under the famine attack and were no better than the wild animals, which were dying due to non availability of water. A disciple of Swami ji was a forest officer, who wanted to dig water well in the forest area where majority of the land mass was covered with huge rocks and boulders. Hence it was very difficult to drill a well. One of the disciples of Swami ji was sent by his senior officers with the sample of clay from the area, which was earmarked for the water well. He stayed at the Baraipur hermitage for three days. He participated in the meditation and discourse sessions, but never dared to ask about the clay samples. One day when Swami ji was alone, he narrated the hole story and the plight of the people living in the forest area. Hearing this Swami ji asked him, Howdid you got entangled in theweb of Tantra-Mantra. You arean ardent follower of mineand the devout person whobelieves in theSupremeBeing. Howcome, you have developed faith in theprowess of Tantra and Mantra? You haveto search for everythingwithin you. Everythingis an expanseof your physical manifestation. You arepresent in all theforms. Saying this, he kept silent for a few moments and took the clay in his hand. He closed his eyes and started saying Y our officers are talking about you and are waiting for you to return. Al right, now move forward a little distance..the sign board says it is a village called Katoria.this area has water reservoir.now move on towards Jagatpur (he described the terrain of the area)..now move towards the place where water is being explored..drilling is going onboulders are being blasted away usi ng dynami t e..mov e ahead by fi v e kilometershere is a narrow passage..it is leading to the interiors of the forestthick forest.here is a pond.clear water.wild animals are drinking water from it.have you ever seen it?...go there on foot or by using a cyclejeep can not go therenow let us go back to the well which is being drilled dig a little more dont stop.five feet moreafter this you will find a huge aquifer.dont pani c..hav e pat i ence.wat er i s pure and i n abundancethat it will never last. Saying so swami ji opened his eyes, and said please do not tell anything about this to anyone, as I dont know what I said. Now you should return back to your work place. Do good service for the society and keep meditating for yourself. He never performed miracles. He used to say A dev out person should not chase the miracles performed by the Tantra (Controlling) techniques. These powers are the followers of the people who are treading on the path of enlightenment. Meeting with the Imam Once a disciple named Satyanarayan Yadav (Now Satyanand ji) went to meet Swami ji. The moment he entered the chamber of Swami ji, on the banks of river Ganga, he observed a peculiar fragrance of Kewra (type of flower) and other scents. He was stunned and asked Swami ji, Till today I have not experienced such fragrance in this room. O reverend! Is there any special reason for this? Swami ji replied in a smiling manner Look Satyanarayan, you are devoted to me, so I will tell you all. Last night Imam (head priest) of the local mosque (called Imam Bara, or the residence of Imam) accompanied by Jamal Sahib of Jamalpur visited here. Lots of serv ants were accompanying them. Those serv ants cleaned this place in no time and sprayed this fragrance. This was followed by the visit by Imam Sahib. He said that a congregation of thousands of Djinns, Vampires and spirits is taking place, and they had come to invite me as their chief guest. They said that the dais is set in front of your place. He was accompanied with his brother. His brother also prostrated in front of me. When I went out of my place, I found that lot of people are showering flowers and spraying perfume. Some people were playing different types of musical instruments. Some of them were singing 120 121 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment devotional songs. When I went out, all of them prostrated in front of me. I was escorted by Imam Sahib & his brother and I was walking like an emperor being escorted by Kings. Those two were mov ing with the grace of kings with complete devotion. There was no sign of jealousy or hatred. Few steps ahead of us a chariot with five horses was waiting for us. Ev en the charioteer was wearing white dress. I climbed on board and we all started mov ing, as if controlled by some mechanism. The chariot came to halt in front of a giant door. I got down and was welcomed by a crowd of thousands of people with garlands. On a huge platform only three chairs were arranged for us. One in the middle was made of gold and the chairs on the flanks were made silver. I was honored and was offered the middle chair. Imam Sahib and his brother occupied the chairs on my flanks. A person called Aslam held the stage and started the proceedings It is a matter of great pleasure and honor that in our function, which is held once in ten years, his holiness Paighambar (Messenger of God) Swami Atma Das ji has consented to chair the proceedings. After he decided to shift to this place, our reverend Imam Sahib joined us, as per directive from Allah himself. People say that religion teaches us hatred, loathing towards others, but we find that Swami ji loves us as much as we love him. Now I will request Imam Sahib to welcome him with garland. From now on, Imam Sahib will conduct the proceedings. Jamal Sahib, who was around six feet tall, fair, having white beard, wearing a crown, and a pearl necklace, came along with four people who were carrying a huge garland made of white flowers having a divine fragrance. I stood in my place. Imam Sahib and his brother Jamal Sahib offered the garland to me. The garland which appeared very huge was weightless and the whole tent was getting illuminated with the aura emanating from that garland. ImamSahib said Our reverend Swami ji!, havingseen you among us, wehaveforgotten our own existence. Sincethedayyou haveincarnated on theearth, this placehas transformed a lot. Under your aegis all the djinns, spirits etc. havestarted workingfor thebetterment of mankind. Weall havestarted tomeditateregularly. Wehavestarted toparticipate surreptitiouslyin thediscoursedelivered byyou for themasses. Weall havetaken oath toprotect you byall means and bein your service. We all request toyou, tokindlytell us themethod sothat wecan alsoachieve ultimatein life, and can communicatewith theSupremeBeing, theAllah. Wecan alsobecomebeloved ones for him. Wecan get freedomfromthis lifeform, and moveon tothehigher realms. Wherewecan bein eternal bliss and help others toachievethestateof eternal bliss. Elseweshall try to get thelifeformas human beings and further explorethe possibilities, ways for achievingspiritual advancement. Weall request toyou tokindlyenlighten us with your views, and oblige. After that I addressed thegatheringfromthedais My dear Imam Sahib, Jamal Sahib and friends. I never considered you all, as different from myself. Y ou all are different forms of my own soul. What ever you do, think as the job is being executed under the aegis of Allah and you are merely the medium. He only does ev erything in the univ erse. Everything is an extension of him. Everything is nothing but his manifestation, his own image. My physical body is merely an instrument to achieve his goal. For example, there are hundreds of branches and every branch has many leaves. All are different in shape, size, texture, and design. Even if a single leaf may consider itself unique, due to its ego, or ignorance. If the leaf does any introspection, then it can see who is providing food for existence? What is its base? Then only it can realize that the food is supplied by small veins, which are fed by the tiny branches, which in turn are being supplemented by larger twigs, which are not t he ult i mat e prov i ders of food. T he food i s supplemented by the trunk and then by the roots. Roots get the nourishment from the soil. Soil gets energy 122 123 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment supplement from the sea, which in turn get energy from mother earth. Mother earth gets energy from the solar system. Solar system gets energy from sun and the sun gets energy from the cosmos. This is the perpetual supply chain, which get terminated only at one point i.e. Supreme Being, the God. What is the existence of a person or a religion, you can very well imagine. I request to you all that, be under the aegis of the Supreme Being, the creator of the universe, where the duality ends and he only exists. This can be realized by the finer aspects of the knowledge, and movements. From now onwards you have to feel and keep thinking that I am an extension of him (the Supreme Being), his image and one day I will achieve him. Thought of duality is my foolishness. I hope that you will imbibe these words in your daily life. I salute the Supreme Being, who dwells within all of you. After this, thecongregation cametoan end and theydropped meback with all duerespect, a fewmoments ago. Leaving the Spiritual Legacy Swami ji was all set to leave his physical body in 1978. He told his disciples I wish to depart from this world. No one took it seriously as he was hale and hearty. His sensory and internal organs were working fine. He is delivering the right discourses to the disciples. What is prompting him to leave for heavenly abode? He said I dont seeanylogicfor staying anylonger. Whatever I knew, I havegiven you. Someoneelse, will spread theknowledgeat an appropriatetime. I amjust leavingmy physical body. Yogis livein thecosmicbody. For thebetterment of the world, should anythingberequired then I will get that accomplished. You all know, towhomI havegiven everythingI acquired. I have transferred all myprowess and powers totheperson whowill inherit my place. Theperson, whowas beinggroomed bymein thehermitage, did not learn what I wanted toteach him. Theperson, whohas studied whilelivinghere, has nointention todelvedeeper in spirituality. Because of his bad habits, hehas lost his character. I appointed himas Acharya (As per Hindu tradition Acharya is theteacher who moulds the personalityof his disciples bylivinga lifewith austerityand his disciplined lifein thehermitage, becomes an examplefor his disciples, tobeemulated byall), and madehimthecaretaker of thesehermitages, but heis causingdestruction likea man possessed. I suspect that heis goingto bringan end totheexistenceof thehermitages under his control and the tradition beingfollowed here. This person is ambitious and hecan not practiceself restraint. Henever behaved likea Brahmin. Henever accepted anythingthat I wanted togivehim. Heonlygrabbed theland, wealth, place, etc. Hebecameinsaneafter acquiringall thewealth. On theother hand this person, whowas not groomed byme, nor was taught byme, never expected anythingfrommein return, used totend myfeet till midnight and used tobeinquisitive. I alsofelt that heis dedicated, has faith and gives dueregards too. InitiallyI told himthetechniquefor Kundalini (Serpent power) awakening, a 21 days practice, but I observed that heshowed signs of couragewhich was not suppressible. I was looking for such a person. It was not appropriatetomakehimwait anylonger. In just threemonths I gavehimall what I earned in mywholelife. I havegiven himdirectiveand thework plan for thefuture. Hewill accomplish thetask and moveon ahead in his life; fromtherehewill work for thebetterment of thesociety. When one of the disciples asked about the identity of the person, some of the disciples pointed said Perhaps he is Swami Krishnanad ji, who has come here recently. He keeps sitting out side the cave of Swami Atma Das throughout day and night. He comes out only for paying obeisance to his Guru after taking bath, and then returns back silently to the cave. He has been entrusted to accomplish a task in Nepal and Bihar. He is grandson of Swami Atma Das and look wise he replicates him. It appears that Guru Dev himself has molded him and appears to be present in him. He has entered the world of spirituality and renounced the world after studying a lot. He does not need anything, as Guru Dev has not given him any thing belonging to the material world. Having seen the possibilities in him; Guru Dev, Swami Atma Das ji has reincarnated in his form. One day he is likely to 124 125 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment light the torch of enlightenment in the world. Supreme Being is getting eager to spread his message to the world, through him. It is also true that some of the disciples are jealous of him due to inferiority complex. Process of leaving the physical body, by Swami Atma Das ji Accompanied by two of his disciples, Swami ji left for Gorakhpur, in eastern Uttar Pradesh. He stayed there for a couple of days at the place of one of his disciple. From there, he left for Nepal and initiated few more people and told them the method of meditation. After a journey of one month, he returned back. He informed his disciples that it was time for him to leave the physical body, and hit the bed at the Baraipur hermitage. All his disciples gathered around him. He was admitted in the hospital of Kashi University. Most of the doctors and the officers were his disciples. Every body attended to him considering as there duty. I was in Patna at that time. I was meditating, after taking a dip in the river Ganga, when I had a vision of Swami ji in the hospital and also that he wanted to talk to me. After telling my friends I boarded the train for Buxar. As soon as I reached Buxar, I saw one of his attendants. He approached me and informed that Swami ji is in Varanasi and is eager to see me. On being asked about his state of health, he said that everything is all right. Swami ji wants to talk about some important issue. I had purchased the ticket up to Mughalsarai but I was advised to go to Varanasi. As I was nearing the hospital, I heard the chants of Jai Gurudev! Jai Jai Gurudev!! Near his room which was surrounded by hundreds of his disciples, everybody willing to do anything for Swami ji. One of his disciples came running and prostrated in front of me. He ushered me to the room of Swami ji. Having seen me, Swami ji got up in the bed and asked me Doyou want toask anythingfromme? Is thereanyquestion left tobe answered? Nowit is thetimefor metoleave. PleasetakemetoBaraipur hermitage; I shall leavemyphysical bodythereonly. I informed that some people are coming to see him. I supervised the arrangements after that. All the doctors were in his service. Donating Blood to Swami ji After spotting me, the doctors told me with a chuckle, We wish to transfuse some blood to Swami ji. Are you willing to donate some blood? I showed my willingness and said Even if mylifecan beof someusetohim, I amreadyfor that also. Doctor, pleasedonot ask likethat. I amindebted tohim, and trytorepaysome of thedebt towards theGuru (as per Hindu tradition, a person is indebted fromhis parents, fromGods, and fromhis Guru. It is the supremedutyof a person tosquareoff all thesedebts in his lifetime only, sothat hecan befreefromthecycleof lifeand death.) On being informed by the doctor that blood group of Swami ji is B +ve, I also volunteered my blood for match. Incidentally our blood group matched. I was elated. Although it was the first instance in my life that a needle would pierce my body and should lie on the bed in a hospital, but I was enthralled to the extent that I was thankful to the almighty that at least I could be of some help to my Sadguru. At least some of my blood will be useful to him. Thinking this I was engrossed in the thoughts of Guru Dev. It appeared as if he patted me on the head and lovingly said So you have given blood to save my life. But I shall not accept that. Since you have donated blood in my name, it will not go waste. It will be the biggest donation given by anyone. What do you want from me? I replied that I need only love from you. He replied Sobeit. I got up and found out that one of the doctors was laughing. All the nurses had gone. I asked the doctor about blood which was supposed to be taken from my body. Doctor replied, It is over ten minutes sincetheblood has been collected. Wedid not giveyou anesthesia. You weresmilingall thetime. After that thereweretears in your eyes and a smileon your face. I was stunned tolook at you. You must behaving deep emotional bond with Swami ji. At least I could dosomething worthwhilefor him. Saying so the doctor hugged me and he was 126 127 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment overwhelmed with tears in his eyes. On being asked by me about the time of blood transfusion, doctor replied that the process will be completed tonight. Yielding to the Requests made by the Acharya After that I went to Kabir Chaura (main hermitage where all time great saint Kabir used to stay and from there his followers are presently spreading his message to the world), and after giving due regards to the Acharya Mahant Amrit Sahib asked about his well being. He enquired about the health of Swami ji. He was informed that Swami ji wants to reach the hermitage and leave his body there itself. Hearing this Acharya Amrit Sahib instructed Shri Ganga Sharan to seek his company. Swami Atma Das ji is an enlightened person and a pure soul. Shri Ganga Sharan was asked to do the needful, whatever was appropriate for the occasion. Shri Ganga Sharan accompanied by five of the inmates of the hermitage met Swami Atma Das ji and after giving due regards exchanged pleasantries. Shari Ganga Sharan said Swami ji, areyou in anykind of discomfort? You havegonebeyond theboundaries of this physical bodyand dont haveanyconcerns for it, but wewill takecareof your physical body. It does not makeanydifferent for you, whether you stayhereor at the hermitage, as you arein thestateof eternal bliss. You arelikean eternal flamefor our sect (followers of Kabir). You arebeyond thesects. Swami ji kept listening to their words without showing any interest. All of them left after some time. I started to attend to his needs in a devout manner, with a new vigor. In the night around 10:00 pm, doctors returned and they were very disappointed. Doctors informed me that change in the blood group of Swami ji had changed to B negative. They were astonished to see the change and were wondering, what does Swami ji want? Suddenly I remembered the words of Swami ji as he told me your donation is supreme, but now I shall not accept the blood. Knowing this, I sensed that he may leave his body by the next morning. All the doctors were stunned. Leaving the Physical body It was around 6 oclock in the morning. Swami ji said All thedisciples haveleft, but you arestill here. Look, a person with thousands of eyes is standinghereand saying, Swami ji, if you agree, then shall we leave? Look, heis sayingthat thetimeallocated tothis body is over. It is timetoleave. Myregards, toall of you, Sahib Bandagi. Saying these words, he was out of the confines of his physical body. His body started to loose warmth from feet upwards. Doctors and nurses were ready for any eventuality along with there life supporting apparatus, but Swami ji breathed his last and left the body in a fraction of a second, though the Sahastrar (Crown chakra). It was seventh day in the bright half of the moons phases in the month of Jyeshtha, Vikrami Samvatsar 2035 (third month of Hindu calendar called ==), on 13 th June, 1978 at 08:00 oclock in the morning, the day of salvation. Suddenly all the devotees and disciples started crying. I was also standing there among the crowd. I did not cry when my mother left for heavenly abode, suddenly I too was shedding tears, for the first time in my life. My heart skipped its beats as the most reverend person in my life has left for heavenly abode. For next half an hour I forgot everything as if the time has stood still. Then I was jolted out of that state to perform my duties. My father was also standing alongside. He was the last person to make a visit and half an hour after meeting him Swami ji left his physical body. Accompanied by my father I came to the main market opposite the Benaras Hindu University, and purchased 16 yards of muslin cloth, garlands, incense sticks, and an earthen lamp etc to start last rites. After that I arrived at the main Baraipur hermitage along with the physical body of Swami Atma Das ji. Enshrinement of Swami ji All the saints at the Kabir Chaura and the places around were informed. They all arrived in time for the last rites. Body of Swami ji was bathed in the water of river Ganga at his hut in the small Mirzapur. Then his body was brought to the main 128 129 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment hermitage of Baraipur. Acharya Ganga Sharan Shastri was supervising the last rites. Thousands of his disciples arrived at the Barai Pur hermitage to have the last glimpse of their reverend Swami ji. A small pit was being dug in the main hermitage. There was no sign of rigor mortis till the time his physical body was buried in the evening at 06:00 pm, with a lot of fan fare. Some very astonishing incidents were taking place. Exact number of bricks was received from an unknown source, not even a single brick more or a brick less. Leaving the 1/ 2 km radius of the hermitage, it was raining heavily as if Lord Indra supposed to contribute to total rain fall on earth. Thus a supreme person left earth, for his heavenly abode. Till today any one, who goes there with pure heart and with a pure intention gets his desires fulfilled. That place is most suitable for those who tread the path to attain enlightenment. Since each atom of Swami Atma Das was free, any one who meditates near him (it is believed that Swami ji is always present there in the etheric or the metaphysical body) attains high energy level and prowess to perform miracles. This place is heritage for all the persons seeking enlightenment. That place is still charged with his energies and all the activities in the hermitage take place as per rules made by him. Till now anyone who offers flowers, fruits, with pure heart gets his all desires fulfilled and a person with malicious intentions or tries to misuse the belongings of the hermitage for his personal gains, gets destroyed. His appearance turns devilish and turns into zombie, a dead man walking. Any one who donates in his name gets wealth in return manifolds. The hermitage is surrounded by the djinns, spirits, and other divine souls who take care of the belongings of the hermitage. If any one tries to damage the items donated to this hermitage, these souls destroy him by all means. On the other hand, if any one tries to protect the interests or belongings of the hermitage, these souls become their guardians and bring him all round happiness, wealth, and honor in their lives. He is protected by these guardian angles from all evils. Even till today, such miracles can be witnessed, that anyone who performs charity for the interests or inmates of the hermitage is inundated with wealth and happiness. Any one who makes arrangements for the community feast, he experiences unexpected windfall in very short time. In the year 2001 Shri Banwari Lal Yadav (Ex Chief justice) visited the hermitage. He meditated near the place where his physical body is preserved. As per his experience I havevisited lots of shrines and places of pilgrim, or even totheburial places of saints, but this placeis socharged with positiveenergies that anyonecan goin thetrancewithin a short time. An ordinaryperson experiences upward movement of theKundalini (thehidden serpentine) energy, which mayresult in completechangein his outlook. Hemayseek or indulgein physical pleasures all thetimes. Donations and theservices given here will bereturned tohimmanifolds. It is myfirmbelief. Any one who treads the path of liberation / enlightenment can achieve anything in mere thirty one days, even if he could not achieve any thing in the last one year. This is the special feature of the hermitage where some one has achieved enlightenment. This place can be very intimidating for the persons with evil intentions, but on the other hand can bring about sea change in the personality of a pious soul who is seeking enlightenment. Any one can witness this and can achieve as per his karmic balance. Till today, this place is protected by the guards of Lord Shiva. It is charged with divine energies. You are all invited here to meditate. !! Hari Om !! 130 131 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Swami Shri Das ji Sorrows of our life are our own creation. We want to attach ourselves with everything in our life. This is the beginning of sorrow. All types of sorrows are, because we limit ourselves. I am incomplete. I need so many things to become complete person. As we go on possessing worldly objects, success; our ego acquires bigger dimensions but we still remain incomplete. I will remain incomplete, even after achieving everything. As long as we are dependant on others even for a small thing, we will remain dependent, slaves. Joy can not exist under the aegis of slavery. Root cause of sorrow is, dependence. Eternal bliss is the result of Independence. What is independence? Controlling the mind and hence becoming master of senses is independence. Being contended within the self is independence. This independence is called salvation or eternal freedom. This is enlightenment. This transformation is, being complete in all aspects. There are four types of such people who become liberated or enlightened due to 1. Their own Efforts: These are the people who have attained the highest level of energy. Even then they return to the earth due to compassion for their followers and devotees. They want their followers, disciples, friends, relatives to attain freedom. Their followers want to fulfill only the material desires. Such people, who are ensnared in the worldly muck, put the blame on their Sadguru and disassociate themselves from him. They advertise What have we achieved? Position in the society, wealth, worldly desires etc. Whereas, the Sadguru deprives him of everything attached to them. First of all he takes away associated personal traits e.g. self esteem or ego, position in the society, honor, wealth, attachment, and desires. These traits are the most powerful shackles, which keep a man trapped in them for many lives. Such people look very ordinary, down to earth. He performs rituals just for you, although he is worshipped by all the gods and demi gods. He is the ultimate creation in the universe. 2. Inheritance: These are those people who attain enlightenment due to their own efforts in all their previous lives, or by inheritance or by the blessings of their Sadguru. Such souls are invited by extra ordinary souls (as parents), e.g. Lav and Kush inherited from Lord Ram, Pradhyumn from Lord Krishna, Rahul inherited from Gautam Buddha, Kamal inherited from Kabir, Shri Chand from Nanak. Lord Krishna said in Bhagwad Gita All those who leave their physical bodies while practicing Yoga, are sent back to the families of Yogis or in the royal families. It is myfirmbelief that theenlightened or thefreesouls return tothis world, onlythrough thesouls whohaveattained enlightenment, becauseordinarysouls can not contain theaura of such enlightened souls. It has never happened that peoplelikeLord Ramareborn in the familylineageof Ravana, or Lord Krishna is born in thefamilylineage of Kansa. KingJanak was born in thefamilyof enlightened souls. Lord Krishna has imparted theknowledgeof Raj Yoga (kind of Yoga practiced bytheyogis havingRoyal temperament) onlytothosebelonging toroyal families. Lord Krishna himself was fromroyal lineage, his audienceArjun was fromroyal lineage. Thesameknowledgewas shared bySanjay, Dhritrashtra, Bhishma all belongingtoroyal families. Thats whyfirst of all I tell mydisciples tobehavelikeroyals do(meaningset veryhigh goals in life, and donot get bogged down bythedifficulties of life) and then impart themwith theknowledgeof Raj Yoga. 3. Blessings of Guru: This is the result of the blessings of the Sadguru Enlightenment due to the blessings of Sadguru. The disciple serves his Sadguru with all his resources, physical or financial; and with complete 132 133 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment dedication without expecting any thing in return. He does not have his own desires. All that is desired by his Sadguru becomes his sole aim of his life. He sees his Guru all the time. One day his Sadguru blesses him all of a sudden Attain enlightenment. Be unified with the universe, e.g. Vivekanand, Uddalak, Aaruni, Shruti Gopal Das (Disciple of Kabir). There are so many saints from this tradition. Meera, Shabari and Sahajo Bai were also from the same tradition. 4. Efforts: These are the people who make lots of efforts on their own. Their efforts take several lifetimes to achieve the enlightenment. They crawl on the path of enlightenment like a snail. They remember the happenings of their previous lives. They are not influenced by materialism. They have lot of patience. They tread the path on an eternal journey. At the time of dusk (i.e. when they leave their mortal body) they take some rest (i.e. in the fluid state of hibernation they search for the appropriate parents, who will assist them in their next life and will not cause impediment). Once born they again continue their journey. They are very determined and nothing can lead them away from their goal; neither relation, nor any other form of distraction. On the contrary, the happenings around them propagate them towards their goal. Examples of this kind are, Gautam Buddha, Mahavir, Raman, and Tulsi Das. Buddha has narrated several incidents from his previous births to his disciples (as mentioned in his biography). Lastly he attained enlightenment and he became the Buddha. Swami Atma Das ji attained enlightenment as a combination of third and fourth category. He was completely devoted to his Sadguru. Although he belonged to an upper cast family than that of his Sadguru, but he was not deterred by that. His Sadguru was forced to say You area clairvoyant. You haveseen your inner self. You arean enlightened soul. You are Narayan. After that he achieved all that was said by his Sadguru and attained enlightenment. The physical body he acquired was cleansed by following the path of Hatha Yoga (Yogic practice with very strict regime) and very intense Tapasya (penance). His eldest son was five years old and the youngest one was four years old. His wife was a teacher. His father had six brothers and he was the only one, who was educated. Even then he relinquished everything and became a saint. Under these complex family circumstances eldest son Shuka Dev attained adulthood and gradually came face to face with the ground realities of life. He received renunciation as inheritance. His mother took her father-in-law for pilgrimage after leaving the well established job. Since his grandfather was shattered person as his son had renounced the world, his mother took charge and played the role of a responsible son. As he attained the age of 15 years, he was married off and soon after, his mother too renounced the world. His mother accepted her husband as her guru, her mentor; as in the lineage of Lord Buddha. His mother attained liberation and merged into the infinite while worshipping her husband in the same manner as Laxmi (the goddess of wealth) merged into Narayana. From such parents, Shuka Dev was born. He worked for the Government of Bihar and was often referred to as an honest officer. He arrested a judicial Magistrate, an Engineer, a Doctor and a businessman for illegal hunting of a deer. He was threatened, offered bribes, but he took his guard and firmly held on his stand, which resulted in their punishment. He was a topic of discussion in the Bihar assembly. He was offered promotion and an extension to his services but he took voluntary retirement. For a short period he helped his son in the business, but soon after his son renounced the world and embraced sainthood, he too renounced the world and his name changed from Shuka Das to Shri Das. During his service tenure, he used to donate ten percent of his earnings at the feet of his Sadguru. His brothers used to suggest to him to refrain from doing so but he never compromised with his devotion towards his Sadguru. Mother 134 135 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment became the Guru ma (as per tradition wife of the Sadguru becomes mother to the disciple). He took the words of his Sadguru as the words of God, the Supreme Being. He never saved for his remaining life. He neither enquired nor bothered about the education of his children. He remained aloof for the marriage of his sons. On being asked about this behavior, he used to reply Everythingwill happen as per desires of Sadguru. It is his domain. Whyshould I bother about such trivial matters? He never built a hut for himself or for his children on this earth. He did not even bother to save a penny for old age. He did only one thing, that is, he constructed a shrine/ memorial at the hermitage and a temple. That was his whole lifes earning. He distributed all his wealth among the saints and held community feasts at regular intervals. While leaving for another hermitage at Buxar, he told one of the inmates called Ghasi Baba at the Baraipur hermitage, I amleavingthis placefor ever, and shall never comeback. Ghasi Baba took this as a joke. Buxar is the place where Lord Ram helps in the transformation of soul from one life to another at the time of death and Sadguru Vishwamitra gives a mantra, which helps the soul in overcoming the difficulties after death. Hence this place is invaluable for the mankind on the earth. On 15 October, 2004, on the occasion of Nav Ratri (a Hindu period of nine nights which recurs twice in a year and is considered auspicious from the point of view of performing special meditative practices for spiritual ascension) he organized for chanting the hymns in praise of Lord Ram for 24 hrs, without a break. Sumeshwar Rai, his beloved one took active part in the chanting along with other devotees; Janardan, Govind, and Akshay Kumar who used to be in his service all the time. On the next day, that is on 16 October, 2004; he organized a community feast and then at the time of bidding farewell to the visiting saints, he told the people assisting him Nowyou should bid farewell tomealso. I toowant togoback home. He was giving hints, that the place of his Sadguru is permanent dwelling place for a soul, a heavenly abode. But alas! That was not understood by any one present there. On 17 October, 2004 he said you people are not getting me. I have to return, back home. If you are not sending me then I will go on my own. On 18 October, 2004, Akshay Kumar helped him during bath and Janardan helped him in getting shaved and offered him the breakfast. Akshay Kumar told him that he is going to get the vehicle and then he will take him, back home. He informed Akshay that he has no more desires left, and will go on his own. In the presence of Janardan and Govind he chanted in very low voice Jai Gurudev! Jai Jai Gurudev!! (Hail the Sadguru) and then real Sadguru took him along with him. At 09:30 in the morning he left for his heavenly abode happily, carrying Mala (stringed beads) worn in the neck, Sumirani (=lnl- short string of beads held in hand), and Beejak (book based on the preaching of St. Kabir). I got the message at 11:30 in the morning of 17 October, 2004 and immediately left Delhi. On the way, I was thinking He has got a temple constructed for him and also he has liberated the land of his mother. Why not get him enshrined in the temple constructed by him. I reached Mughal Sarai railway station at 03:00 in the morning along with Kunal Swami and Sunil Tiwari. We were received by saddened Acharya Gulab along with a group of people. I quietly followed them and reached Barai Pur hermitage. He was seated on a chair with serene expressions on his face, in between the tombs / shrines of Swami Atma Das and his beloved mother, as if he is very happy to be with them. Inmates of the hermitage were chanting in the praise of Sadguru and an incense stick was burning to keep the environment pure. I offered him the last bath with the Ganges water. His body was anointed with sandal paste and prayers were offered on his behalf. All the prominent persons of the hermitage offered him last clothes. He was finally entombed between 04:30 and 06:30 in the morning of 18 Oct, 2004. 136 137 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment There was a big community feast on 04 Nov, 2004 and was attended by a large number of sages and hermits. Each one was offered appropriate gifts. In the night special prayers were held, headed by Acharya Ganga Sharan Shastri. There is no place on earth where the disciple son is enshrined along with his parents who happen to be his Sadguru. Saint Kabir was entombed in the Kabir temple, which is at a distance from the place, where his parents were entombed. Therefore this place will be a place of pilgrimage in the times to come. Any efforts made by a seeker e.g. meditation, charity, donation etc. will return multifold, back to him. Obituary- Swami Shree Das One may call it a coincidence or is it the eternal law of the nature preparations start taking place, three generations in advance, for the arrival of a Sadguru. Today we have all gathered for an obituary of a person who was the link between the Guru and the Sadguru, a bridge to bring in the Sadguru to this world. When river Ganga was scheduled to descend to the earth, Emperor Sagar perished while praying for the descent. After him, it was the turn of his son Anshuman, who also perished while praying to bring the Ganga to the earth, but could not succeed in his efforts. He passed on the responsibility to his son, Bhagirath. Subsequently Bhagirath also handed over the reigns of the empire to his son Dileep and made his whole hearted efforts to bring Ganga to the earth. Ganga agreed to descend down to the earth from the tarn Mansarovar, after several requests from Bhagirath. Bhagirathi (another name of Ganga) was reincarnated into the world. With the urge to have Lord Vishnu as a reincarnation in their family, Raghu (son of King Dileep) started his arduous efforts. These efforts were continued by his son Ajj, followed by Dashrath, who ultimately succeeded in pleasing Lord Vishnu to reincarnate as Lord Ram. King Dashrath proved out to be a lucky father and Lord Ram, a lucky son. Exactly the same pattern was initiated by Swami Atma Das. He acquired the coveted status of Sadguru. He not only laid the foundation stone of the hermitage-but simultaneously, he brought in another enlightened soul Swami Shree Das in to this world. His simplicity, gentleness, and generosity, was known to all, but he preferred to remain anonymous. He was blessed by the guru in his life time, and reaped the fruits of his fathers yogic accomplishments. He preferred to remain a silent spectator. Meanwhile the present Sadguru was born and he directly inherited everything from his grandfather and guru. Swami Shree Das never got the opportunity to serve the mankind (humanity) independently and he considered it as a blessing in disguise. He was always giving honor to the Sadguru of the time and remained in the state of eternal bliss. Only a handful of people could actually recognize him, that, he too possessed all the traits of Swami Atma Das. Those who recognized him were blessed by his generosity. During one of his visits at the Buxor hermitage, when I went to see him he was elated. When I tried to touch the feet as a mark of respect, he (Baba) said This is not our tradition. Weonlytouch the ground in front of thereverend and offer thesalutations thrice. I replied in a laughing manner But you are our father. I am not a follower of the Kabir sect. As far as I am concerned this is the only way to show respect to our father. I feel elated after seeing you. Hearing this he laughed like a child. Although he talked with every one intimately but every one felt that he had a soft corner for me. Even I too believed this as Sadguru Swami Atma Das also used to make my arrangements in the same room where Swami Shree Das used to stay. He used to keep me in his room and used to say that, I cant understand most of the things swami Atma Das says but I like your sayings more. One day I was adamant to hear his memoirs. I told him that he evades this request very cleverly and also that I suspect that he hides a lot of things from us. Baba started laughing Only the subject which is worth telling is talked about. The 138 139 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment subject that can not be explained is not worth talking about. Some times I used to doubt about his achievements, but when cornered he used to cleverly evade the topic by saying that he feigned his ignorance and that was the indication, that he is not interested in sharing his experience. He had tremendous self control. A very much liberated soul, who was also known as a very noble person. He used to hide the experiences of his life, his journey within. Only about 15 days before his soul departed for heavenly abode, he called up every one and said Let menarrateoneof themost memorableincident of mylife, which is unforgettableand on that mybelief got thestrength that, god is within all and helistens totheprayers of his devotees. I was a forest officer and I was transferred to Assam. The basic problems in that part of the country were, illegal felling of trees and theft of the treasures of the forest. My well wishers requested me to get the transfer deferred as the place is very dangerous. I told them, if the god is sending me to that place then he will make the place suitable for me. When I joined there, I found out that none of my predecessor used to visit the forest due to fear of the poachers. But I decided to stop the theft and in fact, I could succeed. Prev i ous offi cers used t o encourage t heft for ext ra commission. All the inhabitants there are basically very honest. People used to call me Kabir Sahib, which was very embarrassing for me. I used to tell them that St. Kabir was a great person and it is not justified to compare me with him, just because I work with honesty. But I was always given the jobs which required accountability. Today we saw him crying for the first time in our life and it was impossible for any one of us to gauge the depth of those tears. Comparison with St. Kabir had shaken him, from deep within. I wondered whether he is the reincarnation of the great saint. On being further prodded, he started narrating the incident That incident was not an incident, but was tte- -tte with certain death, encounter with the king of the forest. On that fateful day, I was going with a handful of forest guards to inspect the area of the forest which was the territory of tigers. All the forest officers were scared to enter that area. I told them, Tiger is thekingof thejungleand I tooam a son of theking, called man. Let us goand meet him. It was not necessarythat therewill bean encounter. Wewill return in a short time. We all boarded the jeep. On one of the turnings, we actually encountered a fully grown tiger that was bigger than the bull and was resting in the middle of the road. All the people accompanying me became pale with fear. They started saying today is the last day of our life. Even that was my first experience with the tigers. Vehicle had stopped. When I told the driver to start the vehicle, he started stammering and replied that if the tiger wakes up, we will all be killed, so let us reverse the vehicle. I told him how are you going to reverse, there is hardly any space for reversing the vehicle and we may tumble down into the gorge. Driver saidKabir sahib, death has trapped us fromboth theend, solet us praytogod and turn back. I persuaded him to blow the horn and told him that even the animals have basic understanding, and the tiger will give us path to move ahead. Driver saidwewill diebut will not blowthehorn. I silently prayed to Sadguru and asked him Are you testing our faith? All right then, I shall not let anybody die. If it is your desire then I shall alight from the vehicle. Seeing this, the staff tried to prevent me from getting down from the vehicle. I replied back that being a man I can not return back. If he is the lord of the forest then I am also a king. Thinking this I started moving ahead in the direction of the tiger and was feeling that Sadguru is accompanying me and nothing will happen to me. The tiger was nearly 50 yards from us. I said Oh lord of the jungle, accept my salutations. We are requesting you; to kindly let us move ahead. If you are truly a king then you will give us the way. I requested like this, 3-4 times. Tiger flipped his tail 140 141 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment and looked in my direction. Once again, I requested him I am your brother and requesting you to let us move ahead. I am here to protect the forests. If you are happy with my arrangements then kindly permit us to move ahead. Even till toady, I cant figure out the source of strength on that fateful day. Tiger silently got up and went in to the forest. I returned to my v ehicle. Forest guards touched my feet and said Kabir Sahib, the tiger listened to your request , you are t ruly Kabi r sahi b and you hav e insuppressible courage. I was overwhelmed by the blessings of my sadguru. In the evening we returned back to our camp. Accompanying guards spread the details after exaggerating the incident that Kabir sahib talks to the tiger and tiger agreed to his request. He is like god, a true saint. People kept pouring in to meet me. Till evening all the tribesmen gathered in the camp and started shouting slogans. They did not even listen to me. Without deserving I was honored beyond my imagination and that became an unforgettable incident of my life. But my faith got strengthened, that even if the bodies are different in case of men, animals, or even birds, but the soul in them is same and also that the soul understands others language. My faith in the sadguru became so strong that I felt, sadguru blesses all his disciples evenly. After that he answered many more questions put up by me and in the end I was assured of his greatness and also that he is a realized soul. Just two days before his death devotional songs were being chanted when I visited him. There I came to now about his illness. I prostrated and asked him about his well being. In reply he said I am going. When I asked about the destination he repeated the same thing. When I called up Akshay Kumar and with his help shifted Baba to his room. Akshay informed that he is losing his memory. Now I started wondering that whether his statement I am going is the prediction about his departure from this earth? He was ready to depart at the call of sadguru and that his statement of his departure was the forecast about the inevitable. When I asked him that the devotional songs are being sung by the devotees, when will he go. He replied that let thedevotional songs becompleted, and only after sendingoff thesaints, hewill depart. The devotional songs and the community feast were concluded without any problem, but Baba was determined to move on to his last journey. He was being called upon by his destiny. The supreme authority, god the almighty with thousand eyes was smiling at him. I never imagined that this was the last meeting with him. Next day whoever heard the news about his demise, was sad. Baba left for heavenly abode, leaving us behind, on our own. !! Hari Om !! 142 143 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Lord Buddha Lord Buddha was born at around 4 oclock in the morning under the Saal tree in the forests of Lumbini on the day of full moon night in the month of Vaisahkh (Indian calendar month), 563 years B.C. Ritualism, false projection and the religious bigotry was at its peak. Keepers of the religion were sucking the blood of the believers and the common men, in the name of religion. The common public was at the cross road and there was no one to give them direction. Violence, intimidation, erosion of values, nepotism was at its peak. Religion was the originating point of all this. Perpetrators of this cult dissociated themselves from the so called religion. They started blaming the sins of previous births for the loss their character. Preachers in the society tried to divert the minds of the common man towards past lives, traits of the so called upper class people, etc; but no one dared question their arguments, as to, who was responsible for planting this poison ivy in the society? No one dared to question, whether the perpetrators of the religion planted the trees of nectar, which got converted into poison ivy? Were the perpetrators of the religion, responsible for the erosion of the social values? Or this was indeed the tree with nectar, which was polluted by the deeds of the previous births. Discourses were held on the Vedas, Ramayana, old scriptures; but the resultant was coercion, loss of character. Under these grueling circumstances Lord Buddha came to this world. His father Shuddhodhans kingdom was spread on the Indo- Nepal border. He belonged to the Shakya dynasty and the capital was Kapilvastu (Name of the place was based on one of the all time great, sage Kapil). Lord Buddhas birth was resultant of the deeds performed by the sage. Shuddhodhan was a light hearted person who believed in justice to all. He was married to Mahamaya, daughter of the Koliya dynasty king, Anjana Koliya. When king Shuddhodhan proved his valor and strength, he was permitted to marry one more time. He took Mahaprajapati, younger sister of Mahamaya as his second wife. Both the sisters used to love each other. Shuddhodhan was very happy to live with both his wives. Even after a long period of time, none of the queens could give him the heir to the throne. Then Mahamaya decided to take part in the ceremonies and special religious rites in the summer season. She participated in the rites after taking holy dip in the river and getting anointed with the fragrance of the flowers. On the seventh day she took bath in scented water and after adorning the make up of married woman, she donated 400000 gold coins to the needy ones. That night was the turning point in her life. She saw some divine spirits in her dreams. They carried her along with her bed to a tarn named Mansarovar (pond created by the power of mind). They anointed her with divine paste and decorated her with flowers. Then those spirits carried her to the forest of Saal trees. More divine spirits encircled the bed and she was approached by an enlightened spirit named Sumedh. He asked her whether she would like to be his mother, as he has decided to be born, once more and last time on the earth. Mahamaya replied in affirmative, CertainlyI would be veryhappytohaveyou as son. At that moment, Mahamaya came out of the slumber. She narrated the dream to her husband, who in turn consulted his astrologers about the dream. After analyzing the dream and the place described in the dream, they prophesied O emperor! A son will be born to your wife and certainly the spirit who asked the question has entered the womb of the queen. If he stays back in the house then he will be the undisputed Emperor on the earth. But is he decides to leave then he will attain enlightenment. As he himself has told, that this would be his last birth. Last birth is only assumed 144 145 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment by the enlightened souls only. Mahamaya kept the baby in her womb for ten whole months. Sensing the delivery date approaching; she expressed her desire to visit her father as per her family tradition. King Shuddhodhan made all the necessary arrangements for the journey, and her father was informed about the visit. Preparations were in full swing for the reception of the newly born. Queen Mahamaya started her journey in her palanquin (a housing carried by four or eight people).She was escorted by the protective guards and accompanied by an experienced mid wife and several maid servants. The whole convoy proceeded toward Lumbini forest. She entrusted her younger sister Mahaprajapati to look after their husband. Younger sister saw her off, to their parents house, and told her sister coyly I ama bit hesitant tosaythis, but pleasecomeback with a son, whois heir to thethrone. Meditation by Mahamaya in the Saal forest Mahamaya was being carried in the golden palanquin. She was very happy and the result was the glow on her face. By the time she reached Lumbini forest, she was completely mesmerized by the charms of the forest. Birds were chirping on the trees laden with flowers and fruits. Black wasps were causing reverberations in the forest with there humming noise, as if the nature was getting ready to welcome the divine person, like a bride. It was nearing dusk and the sun was peeping from the western horizon in their general direction. Moonlight started covering the forest area after sunset. That was the full moon night. Mahamaya suddenly ordered to stop. Her palanquin was put down on the ground. She came out and having seen the forest beauty, she decided to make their night halt in the forest. All the attendants started making arrangements for erecting the tents and preparing for the meals. Mahamaya starts taking a stroll. She takes a seat under a tree after some time and suddenly goes into trance. The attendant maids surround her for protection. Trees start dropping flowers on her. Her face suddenly starts glowing with the divine aura. Cool wind was blowing, spreading the fragrance all around. There was a divine serenity in the atmosphere. When the soldiers came looking for her, one of the maids signaled them to keep quiet and return back to the camp. Birth of Siddharth Mahamaya remained in that state for nearly three hours. She suddenly returned back to senses as if she went into trance only a few minutes ago. She found all her maids surrounding her. She asked them, Why are you sitting here? One of the maids dared to speak and said, If permitted, shall we return back to the camp? We are already very late. They reach back to the camp, where a spacious white tent was erected for her. The bed was covered with satin bed sheets. A part of the tent was open in such a way that portion of the sky was always exposed. Being the full moon night, the tent was illuminated with the moonlight. After the meals queen expressed desire to take rest, alone. Maids kept an eye on her from some distance. She was resting like the goddess of the forest. She was fast asleep in a few minutes. Early morning she went into labor and the heir to the throne was born. The boy walked seven steps and then started crying in the lap of her mother. All the maids were alarmed by the wails of the crying baby. They all rushed towards the queen and her son to take care. The queen returned back towards home, instead of moving towards the parental place. A messenger reached ahead of the caravan to inform his majesty and received the pearl necklace as a reward. Whole of the capital city was decorated as a bride. All the citizens flocked towards the palace to have the glimpse of the queen and the prince. Shakya dynasty celebrated the birth of the prince with pomp and gaiety. Arrival of sage Asit Sage Asit was meditating in the Himalayas. He saw through the divine vision that all the divinity was in the festive mood and was dancing with joy. They were all discussing today 146 147 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Buddha has incarnated on the earth. It is the good luck of the earth. He visualized that the divine child has taken birth in the family of King Shuddhodhan. He left his place and reached the palace, accompanied with his nephew. He found a large crowd in front of the palace. He sent the message through the messenger about his arrival. King invited the sage immediately, after getting the message. After blessing the king, sage expressed his desire to see the prince. King informed him that the prince was sleeping. In reply the sage said that the boy has not come here to sleep. He is here to awaken the sleeping people. Hearing the cries of the prince King himself brings the prince. Sage spots 32 traits of divinity and 80 other characters. He moved around the boy in a circle and prostrated in front of him. He got charged with joy and then suddenly he started crying. King Shuddhodhan was startled and asked the aging sage in a pleading manner, the reason for his contradictory reactions. Sage replied back, O king! If this boy will stay back in the palace, he will become an emperor but if he decides to leave the house, he will become attain enlightenment and become Buddha. But I am certain that he will become Buddha. When he will attain enlightenment and establish the wheel of Dhamma. This body of mine has become fragile and I am afraid, I will not be around that time. I am crying on my fate, because I came ahead of his time. I will be deprived of the happiness. Then he told his nephew Whenever you hear, that this boy has attained the status of Buddha, come under his aegis. At least you can do yourself a favor. Do not miss this once in the lifetime opportunity. Saying so, the sage made a move. King offered gifts to the sage. Prophecies by eight Learned ones The king was shocked hearing the words of the sage. He was thinking that a heir to the throne was born in the old age and the son would become a monk. It is not fare. He could not sleep in the night and early in the morning he summoned upon eight of the most learned persons of his kingdom. King himself carried the prince to the chamber where the leaned ones were offered the seat. They checked the child thoroughly and seven of them declared that The child has 32 signs of a v ery superior personality. He has complete circles on all his fingers. Therefore, the child will become an emperor. If he chooses to renounce the world; he will attain enlightenment and become Buddha. King was shocked hearing the last sentence. At that time the last of them stood up as if in a trance and declared Excuse me your highness! I am Kanva and I an am exponent in the fields of Astrology and Tantra. This child will be the greatest of all the people who hav e renounced the world. He will not only attain enlightenment but he will also alleviate people from their miseries. He will observe four things in his life and after seeing the fourth one he will renounce the world. Saying so, he sought permission to leave the chamber. King asked him, what are those four things? Kanva (+) replied, Illness, old age, death and a monk. Death of Mahamaya The king was worried and thought how could he plan the future of his son so that he becomes an emperor. On the fifth day the child was named as Siddhartha. Since the king belonged to the Gautam clan, the child was called Siddhartha Gautam. King was always thinking If theperson born in the dynastydoes not rule, or does not expand theboundaries of thekingdom, and alsoif hedoes not protect and feed thecitizens of thekingdom, then his lifeis useless. Becominga monk looks all right in theold age. He then thought, let the child grow a little bit, and then he can be made to understand the intricacies of life. Normally a person thinks something else and actually some other thing takes place in life. Suddenly Mahamaya fell ill and her condition deteriorated. No treatment was effective. At last probably she got the insight that her end is inevitable and very near. She called upon her sister and her husband and said I believethe 148 149 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment prophecyof sageAsit and alsobelievethat his words arefinal. I am sorry, becauseI will not witness theachievements of myson. That would bethemost beautiful dayof mylife, if could seemyson as Buddha, the enlightened person. Oh sister! I nowhand over myson toyou. I amconfidant that you will givehimmoreaffection than I could ever givehimin mylife. Let me diein peace. Now, you havetolook after thekingand family. Angels arewaitingfor me Saying this, she breathed her last. That day Siddhartha was seven days old. Same day Prajapati, sister of Mahamaya, also gave birth to a son, who was named as Nand. Siddhartha had several cousins named Devdatta, Mahanaam, Anand, Prajapati used to breast feed Siddhartha and her son was fed by their maid. She also used to nurture Siddhartha herself and her own son was looked after by the maid. She was just like mother to Siddhartha. Childhood of Siddhartha and his education Siddhartha was very well looked after by Prajapati. She used to ornate him, and used to send him to the temple. When Siddhartha was eight years old, his education was started. All those seers, who predicted his future were his primary teachers. Devdatta, Nand and Anand also used to study with him along with other children. Siddhartha was genius and hence he could understand the complicated issues with ease. Teachers also were very happy with him, and used to feel obliged for getting a pupil like him. Siddhartha always used to keep smiling. His big sleepy looking eyes, curly hair, reddish cheeks and a broad forehead were instrumental in attracting others towards him. Siddhartha had an image of an ideal student. His second teacher was Sabbmitra (=ln-), who taught him complete philosophy. His third teacher was Bhardwaj, who was a disciple of Alar Kalam (~n| +nn). Bhardwaj taught him the techniques for focusing the mind on the way to Samadhi, enlightenment. His father arranged for him to learn the martial techniques, for becoming a warrior, but he was never comfortable with weapons. He used to think This will lead to violence. What type of trait is this (of a warrior). Compassion, non-violence, affection developed within him spontaneously. He used to accompany his father to the jungle, but never used to hunt animals. He often used to meditate, as if guided by the inner self. Whenever his friends used to ask him, what keeps his mind occupied all the time? He used to reply Look at these workers. Theykeep toilingall day, even then theydont haveenough clothes tocover their bodies. Theyhaveverylittleblood circulatingin their veins. Peoplefromsocalled upper class; enjoytheir lavish lifestyle, becauseof their hard work. Howfar, this is justified. He started looking young at the age of sixteen. He was well built and healthy. Due to compassion and affection towards all he became popular among the masses. His cousin Devdatta, used to envy his popularity and always used to keep planning to enhance his status in the society, to become more popular than Siddhartha. He felt the pangs of inferiority complex. He always used to invite Siddhartha for a hunting expedition, justifying it as the traits of a warrior. On the other hand, Siddhartha used to encourage his friends to meditate, maintain silence in order to talk to ones inner self. Mother of Siddhartha used to worry for him. Counseling by mother One day, Gautami, another name of the foster mother of Siddhartha, called him up and tried to explain him that Look son, you arethefutureruler of thecountryand you aredeviatingfrom thetraits associated with therulingclan. You donot gofor hunting expeditions. Whyis it so? Howwill you rulethecountry? I amworried a lot. Siddhartha replied back politely Is it justified to kill an innocent bird in the trait associated with the ruling clan? Is killing of other people in the name of fighting aimless war a trait associated with the ruling clan? His mother says Yes myson, it is thetrait of therulingclan. If you are not strongand powerful, howwill you fight wars? Howwill you inflict fear in thehearts of others? Howwill you rulethestate? Siddhartha 150 151 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment replied back Mother, if an intellectual person also kills another one, like an illogical person, then what is the difference between the two? If we can not create, we do not have the right to destroy some one elses creation. Cant we rule the world with love? Cant we eradicate jealousy with love? Mother, violence begets violence and love begets love. Now you tell me which path should I tread? Mother kept looking at him, speechless. Saving a swan One day Siddhartha accompanied his cousins went to the paddy fields. Celebrations were in progress on the first day of sowing the paddy. As per tradition of the Shakya clan he ploughed through the field. During the noon hours, he was taking rest under the tree. He used to love nature and was happy as usual. He was thinking Cant weextend theboundaries of love? Wedifferentiatebetween thedomesticand thewild animals. This leads togivingpartial treatment toboth of them. Onlythrough meditation, wecan bridgethegap between our own and others. Is it justified, that a warrior has tofight a bloodybattleall thetime? He should makeefforts towin over his enemies with love. When hehas no enemies, thereis noneed of weapons. While he was thinking like this, a wounded swan fell in to his lap. He hurriedly stood up and inspected the swan, which was hit by an arrow and was bleeding profusely. Siddhartha was filled with compassion. He took out the arrow and poured some water in the mouth of semi conscious swan. Swan started looking in his eyes. Perhaps the swan was thinking that one prince shot him with arrow and the other is nursing the wounds. Siddhartha tore up his sheet and dressed the wound. He was holding the swan close to his chest, to keep him warm. Meanwhile his cousin Devdatta arrived there and inquired about the swan. Siddhartha told him that the wounded swan is under his custody and is being taken care of. Devdatta sarcastically said that You area fool. Is this theonlyjob for a warrior tonursea wounded swan? Givemethe prized trophy, as I havehunted theswan. Warriors aretrained touse theweapons and hunt for thepreys. Siddhartha refused to hand over the wounded swan to his cousin. Both started arguing and the matter was referred to the court. Justice by the king Devdatta started narrating the incident O king! I was hunting. The swan got wounded by the arrow fired by me. Hence it is my right to claim for swan, but Siddhartha is not giving me the same. The king was sitting with the council of ministers. He asked Siddhartha to give his version to clarify the situation. Siddhartha said O king! Please tell me, who is the lord of a living being? A person who tries to kill or the one who is the savior. King said One who is the savior. Siddhartha said O lord! The justice is done. His basic concept was wrong, that is why I kept the swan in my custody. Hearing this argument, the king and the council of ministers were dumbfounded. Devdatta felt envious and from then on he became enemy of Siddhartha. Siddhartha also felt it better to save the swan and in turn, he became the target of his brothers anger. Marriage The king was worried after observing the compassionate and caring thoughts of Siddhartha. He was thinking that even at the young age of sixteen, Siddhartha is devoid of the tenets of the warrior clan. He becomes the savior of hunted animals, and gives logical arguments also. He easily proves that the basis of the all the laws of the material world are wrong. To prevent him from veering off the royal way of living, he should be burdened with the responsibilities of the family by marrying him off. If Siddhartha gets entangled in the cobweb of the luxuries of the life, then he will be trapped. Considering this, the king started to spin the web of luxuries and ordered that prince Siddhartha should always be surrounded by young and beautiful girls, dancers and all his advisers, friends should be young boys and girls. Meanwhile king of the Shakya clan Danda Pani, visited the kingdom with the proposal for marriage of 152 153 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment his daughter Yashodhara through the ritual called Swayamvar (where the would be bride had the liberty to select the prospective groom based on his capabilities). King Shuddhodhan sent prince Siddhartha along with one of his trusted aide Chhandak. Chhandak had virtues of a noble and intelligent being. Also he was the charioteer and an adviser to the prince. Swayamvar was attended by lots of princes from different kingdoms, including cousins of Siddhartha. Yashodhara had the garland of flowers and kept ignoring all the prices till she reached Siddhartha. Seeing him she was delighted as she had already accepted Siddhartha as her future husband, by heart. Although lot of girls had desire to become the wife of Siddhartha, but the destiny had already selected Yashodhara as his wife. Father of the Yashodhara was not happy with her selection, and tried to convince her by saying that Mychild, you arestill tooyoungand alsoyou donot knowanything about Siddhartha. Heis not theright person for you. Healways prefers tobealoneand lives in thecompanyof sages and hermits. Heis devoid of tenets of theroyal family. Still thereis timetoreconsider your decision. Heis accompanied byhis cousins whoarealsobraveand good looking. You should reconsider your decision. Her mother also tied to convince, but Yashodhara did not deviate from her decision. At last the dejected King declared Siddhartha as the husband of the princess Yashodhara. Hearing this, all the princes got furious and some of them even suggested that there should be an archery competition as per tenets of a great warrior. One, who comes out as winner, should be declared as the husband of the princess. King should check himself that whether the prince is really capable or he will hand over his daughter to a sage. This was the insult to Prince Siddhartha. King Danda Pani agreed to this suggestion but the prince did not agree. Siddhartha also agreed to the suggestion after being counseled by Chhandak. Prince emerged as the winner. All other princes were envious about the turn of the event. Now the king and his queen were happy and Siddhartha was married off to Yashodhara. At that time both were sixteen years old. Starting a family life On the arrival of Yashodhara the whole country celebrated. King and the queen counseled her personally Y ou have to be alert as there are certain predictions about your husband. Now it all depends upon you, how you mould your husband. Yashodhara was completely dedicated to her husband. Whole palace was converted into a citadel of luxury and material comforts. Siddhartha stayed with his wife for a ling period. She never allowed any one near Siddhartha who was old, sick, sage and also never allowed him to see a dead body. After several years a son was born to them, who was named as Rahul. Now the king was very happy and he used to think that everything is possible if efforts are made earnestly. Now that the prince is trapped in the cobweb of family life and the luxuries of life, predictions of the hermit have been wronged. Onenever knows when happiness turns intosorrow. Transformation of prince At last the fateful day arrived in the life of the prince which was most feared about. The prince moved out of the palace on a tour. The chariot was being driven by Chhandak and they were moving out of the city rapidly. Both were talking and enjoying the journey. Suddenly Chhandak pulled the reigns. Chariot came to a stand still. The prince was no more laughing. He was looking at the dilapidated and human like figure, which fell down in front of the chariot. He was the remnant of a human and was reduced to a skeleton with white hair. His clothes were torn and untidy. He was searching for the stick and the begging bowl. Chhandak jumped from the chariot and told the old man Howdareyou comeon this path? Didnt you know that theprinceis comingon theway? Just run away, or you will be severelypunished. Old man some how uttered few words in the feeble voice Please get me severely punished, but please make sure that I get the death sentence. Life has become a burden. I will be extremely grateful to you. Somehow the 154 155 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment old man looked in the general direction of the chariot and kept on looking at the prince, as if he was dreaming. He thought of saying few words but could no do so, due to fear of Chhandak. Old man dragged himself out of site behind the tree line. Prince was simply aghast. His face was drained of life. He asked Chhandak, What was that? Who was that creature, who looked like a human? Chhandak cursed himself, but ignoring the question he moved on with the journey. The prince determinedly asked him once again You havetoanswer me. Unwillingly Chhandak replied that he was as human as we are. The prince asked how can he be human? He was like a skeleton, wearing torn and untidy clothes and his hair were white. He was trembling and was not able to speak properly. How can he be a human? Chhandak replied O prince, he was an old man. He has attained the age of being old. Prince asked Do all of us get old? Do all of us will become like this. Chhandak replied while cursing himself for not being careful Yes my prince. Prince asked Will I too, become like him, one day? Chhandak said Why are you asking all this? Shall we move on, if you please permit? Prince said No, first please answer me. Chhandak started crying and replied in affirmation. Prince again asked Will my wife Y ashodhara, also get old? Will all the beautiful people of the palace get old? Chhandak replied while crying Yes prince, it is the fact of life that one day all of us become like this. The prince got extremely worried and with the heavy heart, ordered Chhandak to move ahead. Chariot was moving at a great speed. Siddhartha was physically sitting on the chariot but mentally he was some where else. Suddenly prince shouted Chhandak, please stop. Chhandak pulled the reigns. Prince said Y ou are my best friend and are very close to me. Also you are my well wisher. I completely want to know the facts of life. Will you please help me? Saying so he opened his moist eyes and also found tears in the eyes of his friend. Chhandak was filled with compassion. Words of prince mesmerized him and he said Yes, I promise you, that I shall not hide anything from you. Prince said You aresoniceand intelligent. You understood even beforeI asked you, what is in mymind. Nowfriend, takemearound in thevillages nearby, sothat I can seethe realities of lifewith myown eyes. Chhandak said As you wish my prince, but this is against the orders of the king. Saying this Chhandak turned the chariot towards the nearby village. All the villagers rushed towards them in the hope of getting the glimpse of the some one from the royal family. As they approached them villagers started shouting slogans after recognizing the prince Siddhartha. As the chariot was passing through the middle of the village, prince shouted Chhandak, please stop. What is there on the cot and being carried away by some people? He is shouting and saying - I will not survive, O god please save me. Chhandak replied that he is a patient. When a person does not live a disciplined life and does not practice self restraint, he becomes sick. He is going to a doctor. Prince asked himWhat is sickness? Does it make a person so weak that he cant even walk? Are we susceptible to it? Chhandak replied Yes my prince. All the sick reduce to a skeletal structure. When the sense organs become weak due to overindulgence, a person can be reduced to this state. The physical body that looks so beautiful when healthy becomes ugly and useless. The prince was transformed into a worried person. His face had lost the luster and the smile. When Chhandak looked at the grave face of the prince, he was repenting for being so truthful about the facts of life. Prince was staring blankly in the general direction and was being followed by the crowd of semi naked, weak and sick people. He had tears in his eyes and was broken from within. Chhandak remorsefully asked the prince Shall we return towards the palace? Prince refused to oblige and ordered him to move on to the next village. Chhandak moved on towards the next village, however unwillingly. When the chariot was 156 157 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment still outside the village, horses went out of control, because of the tumultuous sounds of conches and trumpets. Somehow Chhandak controlled them and stopped on one side of the road. Prince got off from the chariot and went closer to the procession. A man was being carried away by four people on their shoulders. Prince could not come out of the shock, when a saw a wailing woman who was being chased by other women. Other women were trying to control and console her. When the procession went a little far from them, prince turned towards Chhandak with lot of questions written all over his face. Chhandak understood the questions written on the face of the prince. He requested prince to board the chariot and said he will explain everything. Prince was trembling with shock and was in no position to talk. Prince was ushered on to the chariot and the chariot started moving ahead. Prince asked in an inebriated state What is this Chhandak? What creaturewas that, whowas wrapped in thewhitecloth, tied with theropes? Helooked like a man. Who werethosewailingwomen? What is all this about, Chhandak? Chhandak- O prince! The man is dead. He is being carried to the cremation ground and persons accompanying are his relatives. After death body is not kept at home. Human body gets converted into corpse and starts rotting, and therefore is burnt in the cremation ground. Wailing woman was his wife, and she has been widowed. Ladies counseling her were there relatives. Prince - Please stop Chhandak. Just stop. Will I also be burnt like him? Will my wife also cry like that lady? Shall we all be burnt like this? Oh what will happen now? Saying so prince closed his eyes. All that happened in the day was haunting him. Chhandak some how brought him back to the palace. Prince was thinking about an old man, a sick man and the dead man. In spite of being surrounded by the young and beautiful people he considered himself old, sick and dead. Whole world was seemingly burning for him. Was it right to celebrate in the world? Now celebrations were almost impossible. Prince always kept brooding that all the living beings are slowly approaching death, but still they are ignorant about everything. They are least bothered about anything. Are they in the state of unconsciousness? What is the secret of old age, sickness, and death? Is the man destined for such sorrow? Is there any way out of all this? Cant we overcome death? All such questions kept bothering him. On another day prince moved out of the palace for enjoying the beauty of nature. Once in the forest he spotted a healthy, young, and monk wearing white clothes. He had a Kamandala (+nn-small utensil made from the shell of the fruit/ vegetable which resembles pumpkin), begging bowl, and was radiating with the divine aura. He was standing below the tree and was smiling, as if the sun was radiating bright light. Presence of a monk answers many questions. Probably, Siddhartha also got the answers of all his questions. He continuously stared at the monk. He asked Chhandak, Who is he? Chhandak got scared as he knew the prophecy, but he answered He is a monk. Prince asked What is a monk? Chhandak replied that Monk is the person, who has won over all desires, anger, attraction and illusions of the material world. For him the world is not everlasting. He always remains in the blissful state and he glows with aura, radiating from himself. Prince said I got theanswers toall myquestions. As far a I am concerned, a monk is thehappiest person on earth. Heis beyond thecycle of lifeand death. Just a glimpseof himhas a soothingeffect on meand I experienced happinesswithin. I feel satiated. Hearing this Chhandak sought permission to move ahead. Prince said NoChhandak, wherewill you takemenow? You havebrought mewhereI was destined. Let mehavefewmoreglimpses of himtofulfill mydesire. Saying this when prince looked in the direction of the monk, he found him missing from under the tree. Prince wanted to talk to the monk so he told Chhandak to go look for him. With these words prince started crying. Chhandak consoled the prince and said Monks have renounced theworld and theykeep movinglikeflowingriver. That is 158 159 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment howtheymaintain their serenity, holiness. Sincetheyarepious and pure, theyarealways in thestateof bliss. Siddhartha said I have found out the answer to all my questions. Without having a word with the monk I have got everything, which I was yearning for. I too will become a monk. This is the only plausible way to get out of the cycle of sickness and death. Saying so, Siddhartha started looking towards the sky. Seeing this, Chhandak started trembling from within. He lost his nerves and was not sure of his next move. Both of them returned to the palace. Siddhartha started pacing to and fro, instead of going to the room of his wife. He was then informed about the birth of his son. He joined the celebrations organized by his father Shuddhodhan. This he did outwardly, where as he had renounced the world, at the core of his heart. Now leaving the palace was merely the formality. He reached the room of his wife in the midnight. Leaving the palace Yashodhara had fallen asleep after a long wait for her husband. She was holding her son close to her chest. Mother and the son were in deep slumber. Prince takes a glance at them and mumbles Now it is time for me to leave, in search of truth, which is the aim of my life. It was a coincidence that we met on the way, but now it will be better that we move on to our respective journeys. O Y ashodhara! Please forgiv e me. Saying so, he moved out of the room. He summoned for Chhandak. All the servants including Chhandak were surprised and confused, Wherewill theprincegoin themiddle of thenight? Todayis thedayof celebrations as an heir tothethroneis born. Wholenation has celebrated thebirth of thenewprince, but there is nosleep in theeyes of theprince. Chhandak gets up and prepares the reins of the horse, named Kanthak. Gates of the palace were opened for the prince. He moves to the border of the kingdom and after crossing the river he cuts his own hair using the sword. He hands over his royal dress and ornaments to Chhandak. Chhandak was numbed by the actions of his master, his face lost all the sheen and he started crying. Some how he could utter few words What is all this, myprince? Prince consoled him Chhandak, nobodyaccompanies anyone in distress, but you havecomewith me sofar in theforest, as you have someaffection and regard for me. You havewon over myheart. But I cant help you on thebanks of theriver Amona. All therelatives remain with you becauseof someself interests. Theyalways expect something fromyou. Nooneis selfless. Myfriend! You aretheonlyexception. Pleasereturn tothekingdom. Thekingwill not beabletotolerateall this and henceI request you topleaseberateme, curseme; sothat hedoes not feel toobad about all this and gets fed up of me. I haveneither come herewith thehopeof goingtotheheaven, or duetolack of affections frommyfamilymembers, or duetosomemomentaryanger. Nobody should feel sorryfor this. Even if we are destined to be together for a long time, we have to part from each other, as parting is the way of life. If we are destined to part one day, then why not today? Instead of destiny separating us, we should part willingly and happily. Every body gets an heir to his wealth, but you will not find anybody as an heir to the deeds done by you. Myfriend! Pleaseexplain this tomymother alsothat her affection for meis beyond anydoubt, but I amnot worthy of her affection. Chhandak replies while crying My prince! It is not possible for me to do all this. Now your condition is beyond my comprehension. I am unable to return to the kingdom. Who will believe me? Who will accept me? What face will I show to the King, the queen mother, and to your devout wife? Kanthak also started licking the feet of the master due to affection. Siddhartha consoles Chhandak Dont feel sorryfor me. Partingis theeternal truth for all thosewhoareborn. Today, if I stayback dueto affection even then death will dous apart. It is likesomebird taking refugeon a treein thenight, but theyflyawaytheir own wayin the morning. This separation is certainty. Chhandak got the cue that the prince has determined to renounce; he bowed his head in respect for the prince as a wandering monk. Siddhartha moves on to his journey. 160 161 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Arriving at the Abode of the kings Now Siddhartha moved ahead on the path of enlightenment with a great determination. On the way he made a halt at the hermitage of two monks. After crossing the banks of the river Ganges he arrived at the kingdom of Bimbisaar, called abode of the kings. He was 29 years of age at that time and had travelled 400 km from Kapivastu to this kingdom. He built up a hut at the foothills of the Pandav hill range. Next day he went to the town for alms (l|-||). He was waiting outside the palace of the king of Magadh. People of the town surrounded him as they had never seen a young and good looking monk, who looked like a prince. Everybody started gossiping and the words reached the king. He chased the monk up to his hut and sat on a rock. The king asked about his welfare. He asked Siddhartha You areSiddhartha, son of Shuddhodhan, arent you? You arefromtheclan of Sun. Your face, looks, & familystatus, are not suitablefor becominga monk. Our kingdoms havea treatyof friendship. Whyareyou doingall this? This will result in insult toyou. If you donot desiretobein your kingdomthen pleasetakehalf of my kingdom. Takecareof your part of thekingdom, whybecomea monk? You areat theprimeof your youth and as per religious literature, this is theagetoenjoythematerial lifeand pleasures associated with it. When a person is youngheshould earn and amass wealth. In theold age, when all thesenses aretired and you havenointerest either in pleasure or in thewealth, thetimeis ripefor religious pursuit. You arethesuperior most of theGautam, and henceyou should changeyour mind and enjoy theworldlypleasures. Becomea monk in theold age. This is theright thingtodoas per religious texts. Siddhartha Gautam said O king! Y ou have rightly said what is appropriate of you. Y ou are born in the clan whose royal emblem is Lion. I have no greed or fear. I also do not fear any thing that belongs to this world. I only fear the shackles of the senses. There is no bigger calamity than falling prey to these senses in this world. Due to ignorance most of the people remain engrossed in them. Any wise man, once fears them would not like to yearn for them. My friend! One, who lives on the alms received from others, does not deserve sympathy. He is the happiest man in this world. He has attained the state of bliss and has secured peace for future also. The person who indulges in the material world in spite of having everything is the one who needs sympathy most. He is neither happy nor at peace in this world. There is no end to his travails in future also. I am hurt by the disturbances of the world. I am in search of real peace. In lieu of bringing an end to this disturbance, I would not even dream of the kingdom of heavens; not to talk of the kingdom of this world. King bowed in respect for him and said O Gautam! Whenever you meet your objective, please do visit us and oblige. Please assure me that you will visit this kingdom at least once. King returned back to his palace along with his council of ministers. Search for Sadguru Young Gautam took refuge in meditation, the way he used to practice in his childhood. What ever impressions are made on the mind during childhood, they all stay for the rest of the life. At times he used to go deep in the trance like state, but at other times he used to start thinking of the time spent with the family members. He used to get worried for the welfare of all acquaintances during those moments. His physical body used to be in the forest, but his mind used to be wandering back to his family. Those were the frustrating and testing times for him. At time he used to get confused and was not sure of his further course of action. It is truethat a Guru is required to acquireknowledgeand totread thepath of findingtheSupremeBeing. Without a Sadguru, it is not possibletovisualisetheeternal truth. Gautam used to sit again for meditation as per acquired knowledge, with renewed determination. He wasted lot of time in doing this without significant achievements. Ultimately he left that place in search of a Sadguru. 162 163 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Halt at the hermitage of Bhrigu He travelled all the way to the hermitage of sage Bhrigu, accompanied by his friends. There he observed that lots of monks are collecting wood, dried grass, flowers and other material for making the offerings through the Hawan (Sacred Fire ritual). Having seen Gautam, every one in the hermitage gathered around and welcomed him. Sage Bhrigu explained to him the secrets of various meditation techniques and there expected outcomes. He met numerous monks who were practicing various meditation techniques in their own ways. Someweresurvivingonlyon water; whileothers weresurvivingon roots. Someweresurvivingon thegrass; whiletheothers weresurvivingon air likea snake. Somewereofferingtheir hair in thefire; whileothers were standingin water, wheretheir bodies werebeingdevoured byturtles. He was explained that the extent of the physical torture experienced during meditation by the monk decides, what he is going to get in the end. More torture will result in the life in heavens and medium torture will result in life in the human form. Undergoing physical torture is the essence of all good deeds. Gautam replied This is thefirst time; I havecomeacross such a hermitage. I could not understand thesequenceof your ways. It appears that your soleaimis togotoheavens, whereas myaimis tofind out the root cause, which results in sorrowamongst thelivingbeings. Can I seek your permission to leave? Bhrigu said You are talking of achieving beyond heavens; hence you should meet Alaar Kalam, who lives in Vindhyachal (Hill range) region. He will tell you about salvation and the ways to achieve that. You should not stop there but move ahead. Learn as much as possible from him. You are a brave man. He went to Alaar Kalam who was available at his hermitage at Vaishali. He was initiated by Alaar Kalam after a formal request. He learnt meditation techniques as per Saankhya Y oga (=| | - It expresses thelevels or spheres of all existence, thecommon sourceof all that becomes manifested, and its unitingthread in all things, it is thepurelight within us, it is consciousness, energyandthefiveelementswhich formall matter.). After practising those techniques for some time, he enquired What is beyond this. Bhrigu replied that what ever I knew, I havetaught you. Gautam moved ahead after taking permission from him. Gautam learnt the breathing techniques from the sage Uddalak and became an expert in those techniques within a short span of time. He sought permission from there also as he could not achieve real peace of mind. Meditation at Uruvela After departing from the hermitage of Bhrigu, he arrived in the forests of Uruvela, along with his five companions and started meditation as per techniques of Uruvela. First he relinquished one meal and later both the meals. He was surviving on water and air only. He tortured himself to the extreme. Earlier he was used to the royal life of extreme comfort in the palace, and now he was at the other extreme of life; torturing his physical body to the extent of abuse. His body was reduced to a skeleton and was devoid of any energy in it. He became unconscious. Coincidentally he was spotted by a cowherd passing along with his herd of cows. Some how he brought Gautam, back to his house, with the help of his friends. He looked after Gautam and brought him back to life. After recouperating his health he went in search of his friends and told them about his new resolution that they will not achieve anything by torturing oneself. His five friends, when came to know about him that he stayed with a shepherd and took meals there, they chided him and abandoned him saying that hehas veered off fromthepath of themonk. It is a sin tobein companywith you. Gautam felt sorry for this but he consoled himself Hehad renounced theworld aloneand this was his own decision. His friends arealsothefellowpassengers on his longjourney. Theywerealsodestined topart fromhim. Somymind! Pleaseleavemealoneand let mehave somepeace. After renewing his resolve and refreshing himself, he sat below the Peepal (botanical name -Ficus religiosa) tree and started meditation. Whenever he used to come out of the 164 165 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment trance, he used to go to the village for alms. After having meals, he used to start meditation again. In spite of living a very austere life, he could not attain enlightenment. He was dejected and vowed to meditate for a longer duration. He became very weak and started thinking of ending his life. If the physical body is not capable of helping him achieve his goal of his life, what is the point in maintaining it? He lost consciousness and fell down from the pedestal. Offer of Rice pudding by Sujata Gautam spent six years like this. Neither he acquired knowledge nor did he attain enlightenment. Even while resting, he maintained standing posture. Sujata was the lady of the village Uruvela. She had vowed to offer Kheer (a special preparation of rice and milk) every year to the deity of the Peepal tree if she was blessed with a son. This year her desired was fulfilled and after preparing the Kheer she sent her maid, Pushpa to make the offering. When Pushpa spotted Gautam beneath the tree, she thought the deity of the tree himself has incarnated to accept the offerings. She informed Sujata. Sujata herself came with the offering in a golden bowl. She also saw a young monk in the unconscious state below the tree. Sujata kept looking at him for some time and then called him Who are you? When she did not get any reply, she took some water from his Kamandala and sprinkled on his face. His body stirred and Sujata said omonk! Pleasewakeup. I havebrought RicePudding(Kheer) for you. Gautam opened his eyes a little and asked her Who are you, who is trying to give a new lease of life to a monk? Sujata replied O monk! I shall replytoyour queries, but first you should accept theoffering. Gautam gathered some energy and in spite of his ordeal he was going through; he said O lady! I have already decided not to take any food or water. I am fed up of this world. Think over this; if I can not achieve my goal, then what is the point in becoming a liability on the earth. Saying so he felt as if, the whole world was spinning, due to weakness in his physical body. Sujata tendered him like a mother and said Nowyou will not utter a singleword. First eat someKheer. Gautam some how opened his eyes and compared the lady to a goddess, a doting mother, who would not settle for anything less than feeding her child. She supported the monk with one hand and with the other hand she offered him a morsel to eat. Mesmerised Gautam opened his mouth and slowly he finished all, which was offered to him. After that he felt a new surge of energy within himself; as if he was filled with vigour, hope, and strength. Sujata wiped his mouth like a child. Gautam asked O lady! May I have your introduction? Sujata said Certainly. O monk! Saying so, she took her seat in front of him and started uttering in sweet words I am a part of the super consciousness, which is omnipresent in all the atoms of the creation. Y ou are also a part of the same super consciousness. Then the question does not arise of desperation. Y ou are the same super consciousness, in search of which, you tortured your self. One which is separate from you is worth searching. Things that are very close or within you become invisible. Hearing this Gautam was overjoyed and said O lady! You are my guide, my guru. Whatever was told by you has been imbedded in the core of my heart. Now please, be kind enough and tell me the methodology, so that I am in unison with the eternal truth, for ever. Sujata said O monk! A look at you reveals that you belong to an affluent family and are treading this path in search of the eternal truth. After going through the hardship you are asking this from a very simple village girl. Gautam said O lady! Please do not put me to shame. It is better to imbibe the knowledge received from any source. Any one, who learns the truth, is really a learned person. He is beyond all the boundaries and limits of the universe. I am already grieving because of the mortal nature of the world, and the curse to the mankind in the form of sickness, grief, old age and death. Please let me teach the technique so that I 166 167 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment become one with the eternal truth, the supreme power. Please oblige me. Sujata narrated O monk! That eternal truth is within you. Y ou focus all your consciousness within you and stabilize yourself on that. Free yourself from all the external distractions. Distance yourself from the pledges and alternatives. Retract all your consciousness close to the super consciousness by following the breath. Y ou will attain the state of eternal bliss. From there your consciousness will move closer to the super consciousness. Then you will find answers to all your questions. Y ou do it your self. Y ou will be enlightened; and attain the eternal bliss. Gautam was mesmerized by those words and was awestruck. Suddenly he asked O lady! Is it possible? Sujata replied in affirmative Yes. O Monk! This is as true, as I am sitting in front of you. Now is the time for me to move. My family must be waiting for me. Gautam stood up and with folded hands he said I amhighlyobliged. You havegiven methe right direction. Sujata said O monk! I am not a knowledgeable one. I am illiterate. Whatever I knew I have told you. People of this world want to know the supreme truth through arguments, through knowledge or through literature. I am not find comfortable with that. O monk! It is not as difficult to know the ultimate truth as believing and merging in that. I wish that you succeed in finding the truth and merging yourself with the ultimate. You may attain completeness, the state of being a Buddha. Gautam said I feel obliged and my heart seemed to have filled with joy and love. You are the end result of all the hardship I have gone through. I feel invigorated with newly acquired knowledge. You have opened many more vistas for me. Now please help me realize the truth which is omnipresent in each atom of the universe. I will be highly obliged. Sujata became serious after listening to the humble words of Gautam. She thought that this monk is the able candidate for sharing the knowledge. She said O monk! Please take a seat and listen to me very carefully and start practicing from this very moment. Becoming Gautam Buddha Gautam took his seat like a child. She started giving him instructions and Gautam started meditation. He started to focus on the incoming and outgoing breathing. Now he started progressing on the finer body level. Suddenly he became an observer of what was happening around him. He started moving ahead towards the supreme consciousness. Each atom of his physical body started to vibrate with the thrilling sensation. He was getting pulled towards the divine light. He started listening to various sounds and simultaneously he started experiencing various delicious tastes. He started moving ahead towards the source of light effortlessly. He felt as if his body is getting filled with divine light and also he was being showered upon from outside, with the divine light. Things are happening and he was merely an observer. He was overwhelmed by the experience and said O mother! I haveachieved thestateof bliss. I feel initiated and I will never part with this. O mother! You arethemother of myknowledge, myguru. You aregreat. Sujata told him O monk! Now you continue meditation. I shall make a move. Today I am very happy. You will certainly be enlightened. Gautam started meditating as instructed. Sujata used to feed him daily and was fulfilling the duties of being a mother and was giving instruction like a Guru. He meditated for four weeks and crossed last four hurdles namely 1. In the first of the stage, he conquered the importance of arguments and thoughts. 2. In the second stage, he was more focused. 3. In the third stage, emotional stability and awareness were achieved. 4. In the last stage, there was union of stability and purity of thoughts as well as union of stability and awareness. 168 169 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Now in the transcended state he bypassed the world of experiences and the world of wealth & Prowess (+lzl=lz). One day Sujata arrived there and found him in deep trance. His face was bright and his body was radiating with the divine aura. She was very happy and returned back. After that she used to visit him frequently and seeing him in deep trance used to return back. Gautam was in deep trance for seven days. He observed the absolute zero in the universe. He became one with the universe, like a drop of water merges in the sea. Now he observed himself as omnipresent. He opened his eyes and found the supreme consciousness every where around. He witnessed bliss in each atom of the universe and nothing else. Compassion was all around him. Supreme knowledge was observed by him, every where. Now he had become BUDDHA, person having complete knowledge. Buddha was pondering on the epicenter of Dharma (religion). He realized following four things 1. Mind is the epicentre of all matters. Hence it is mandatory to keep it under control. 2. Origin of all the good or bad is mind only. Whatever is created within us, is manifested outside in the world. Therefore, it is mandatory to keep it pure and clean. 3. It is better to renounce all the evil deeds. 4. There is nothing worthy in the religious literature. It is better to lead a simple life while doing all the duties. Anguish of Buddha and Starting Dhamm Siddhartha became Buddha at the age of 35 years. Some people argue that he attained enlightenment at the age of 41. Age is not important. Important thing is the path he treaded and enlightenment. He kept brooding under the Peepal tree, I haveundoubtedlydiscovered a newwayof life. It is verydifficult to explain thenewlyacquired knowledgetothecommon man. Common man is trapped in the cobweb of the soul and the super soul (the god). They are not able to free themselves from t he clut ches of reli gi ous ri t es, t radi t i ons, and t he Brahmanism. All are confused in the cycle of Heaven and Hell due to their own vested interests. Thereis nothingcalled humanityand compassion. If I preach themabout this and if theyare unabletocomprehend or theydonot accept or theycould not livetheir life as per this knowledge, then theywill beunnecessarilyburdened and also, I will beperturbed. Thinkinglikethis, hedecided tolead his life as a listless monk. When Brahma observed that Buddha wants to become listless, he immediately appeared in front of him. With the folded hands he requested, Now you arenot Siddhartha Gautam. You areBuddha, a completeknowledgeableperson. You areTathagat (-||- One of the names of Buddha, means A person whoarrives in difficult times). Howcan you shirk your duties toguidetheworld? Lots of people, whoarenot socorrupt, will get totallyshattered if you will not guidethem. Thepresent formof thereligion beingveryold, has becomeorthodox, has shortcomings and lacks manythings; henceneeds tobetransformed. If you will not reformit then whowill doit? ? ~| =|||t (Saarthwah leader of a union or group) ! ~| |l- -| (one whois beyond and abovecastes and creed)! Pleasestand up toit and think about thewelfareof theworld. You arecompassionate. Look around you and seethat everybodyaround you in theworld is far from beinghappy. All arelookingup toyou in expectation. Buddha said O Brahma! O the superior being! I thought so just to avoid the hassles of life. O the superior amongst the mankind! When the world is full of sorrow; then sitting idle like the so called monks and just being an observer of the happenings around you is not appropriate. By torturing ones body in various ways and projecting oneself as the superior in the society has become the trait of being a monk. Hence it is better to change the world. Serving the mankind will be the only religion. I accept your suggestion. Brahma circumambulated (l+n|) around Buddha and departed after offering salutation to him. Buddha started pondering as to whom he should preach first. First of all he 170 171 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment thought about Alaar Kalam and son of Ram, but soon he came to know about their demise. Then he thought about his five companions who deserted him on the banks of the river Niranjana and found out that they were living in Saarnath (Varanasi). He started his journey to Saarnath. When all the five saw him approaching them, they thought that since Gautam has been corrupted, no one will ever talk to him or welcome him. But as Buddha approached them, they suddenly stood up and each one offered him a place to sit, water to drink and unwillingly washed his feet with water. Such was the welcome given to Buddha, an unwanted person. When they asked him Do you still stretch your body to its extreme limits and torture it as it is the only way to go to heavens or you have changed your ways. Buddha replied Friends! Themind believes in thetwoextremes. Oneextremeis indulgenceand theother is torturingoneself. Onesays enjoylifeas lifeis short lived and tomorrowweall havetodie. Thereis nothingleft tobedonein this world. Theother says this world is not ever lasting; it is full of tortureand is theroot causeof thebirth and re- birth. Thephysical bodyis an obstacletoreachingtheheavens and hence theytorturetheir bodies. Both thesethoughts aredead. I havestarted believingin treadingthemiddlepath, which is neither indulgencenor torturingyourself. As longas thereis desiretoenjoythecarnal or the heavenlypleasures, all thepenanceand themeditations will not yield anything. You see, not even a singlesageor hermit could mollifythe desires bypenanceor bytorturingtheir bodies. It resulted in thestronger desires tosatisfytheir lust, carnal pleasures. Then what is thepoint in spendingthelifelikea poor and full of torture. O friends! All types of desires are exciting and a person harboring them is a servant of his desires. But thereis noharmin satisfyingthebasic needs of thephysical body. This will result in healthybodies, a strong will power, and a societywith values. This will result in lightingthe lamp of thehigher intellect. All the wandering monks felt enlightened and together they said O Buddha! Please let us know your Dhamm (Rules or Laws of religion for living). Buddha said Thereligion is not at all concerned with thediscussion on therelation of soul-supremebeing. All therituals havenomeaning. Man is the centre of all the religions. Hence each man loving another man is the only supreme thought. Whyshould a man hateanother man? Next is, acceptance of the existence of sorrow and finding out ways to overcome this sorrow is the foundation of this religion. All those monks, hermits, Brahmins; who do not understand the root cause of grief and the ways to overcome such grief are not monks, hermits, Brahmins in true sense. This world is full of peoplewhoaredowntrodden and theywant torisefor better living. Helpingthemraisethemselves is our religion, our duty. O wanderingmonks! Henceforth you all should tread thepious path of Dhamm. Conduct yourself, sothat thegrief is overcome. Buddha initiated all of them and gave them eight principles or eight folded path of even mindedness: 1. Samm Dihi (=-n l<lt) - Clear vision. Agitated mind be freed from the shackles of thoughts. View the world in right perspective and do not get entangled with the thoughts of your expectations from the world. 2. Virtuous Pledge (=-+ =+-) - Mans desires should be of the highest level. 3. Upright Voice (=-+ ||i) - A man should always speak the truth without fear and should never ever take shelter in lies. 4. Truthful Actions (=-+ +n| -) - Should always teach appropriate and just actions. Do not try to manipulate situations according to ones preconceived notions. 5. Truthful Earnings (=-+ ~|il+|) - For earning livelihood one must honestly perform his duties without giving troubles to others. 6. Proper Exercise (=-+ ||n) - Exercise is mandatory to ward off laziness and to remain healthy on the physical and mental level. 7. Conduct (z|in) - Always be righteous, precise, clear and mindful of what you speak or do. 172 173 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment 8. Renunciation (-+-) Relinquish all the worldly desires on the mental level -detachment. Then Buddha emphasized on charity, remaining steadfast, peace, truth, determination, compassion and friendship. He said O wanderingmonks! Till todayall thereligions wereimposed in thenameof god. All thereligious tests arethepreachings or orders of thegod. Whatever guidelines or thedisciplines weregiven, werebased on theunderstandingof thebasicneeds or requirements of theman. Before nownooneinterpreted themeaningof salvation as thestateof eternal bliss, which can beattained on this earth byhis own efforts and can live lifeas per guidelines of theDhamm. Involvement of Kings as well as with common man Buddha used to preach at all those places, where he used to accept meals along with his disciples. His teachings impressed not only the common man but also impressed the kings of that era and they all accepted him as there Guru. He reached Rajgriha (The abode of kings). There he initiated Kashya brothers. There lived a monk called Sanjay, who had over two hundred disciples. Few of his disciples were not satisfied by the preaching of Dhamm. One day a disciple of Buddha, named Ashwajit, went out for alms. He was followed by two of the disciples of Sanjay, named Saariputra and Mudgalyayan. They were impressed by the mannerism of Ashwajit. They inquired about him and his Guru. Ashwajit replied that he had become a monk recently. On further prompting he explained Once a person starts detesting his unruly behavior or actions then his desires get diminished. Diminishing of desires prompts a person to work hard. Hearing this both the monks became disciples of Buddha. Thereafter Sanjay along with his followers became disciple of Buddha. When the monks started becoming disciples of Buddha, then he became the epicentre of all discussions. One day king Bimbisar was pondering over these incidents, he was informed that 12000 monks of Magadh have became disciples of Buddha. Hearing this Bimbisar also became his disciple along with one hundred thousand people. Thus he initiated nearly all the kings and there countrymen. He preached O monks! You can havevarious desires likeBeauty, Smell, Taste, Women etc. Wherever therearedesires, thereis sorrow. Atmosphere reverberated with the chants I take shelter with Buddha (zn z||n -|ln) I take shelter with Dhamm (religion in Paali language) (-nn z||n -|ln) I take shelter with Union (=|n z||n -|ln) Arriving at birth place Buddha stayed there for two months. His glory spread like the sunlight in all the directions, as if he has incarnated equally for all. Peoplefromall walks of lifearefindingsolaceunder the auspices of Buddha. When this message reached Kapilvastu, King Shuddodhan started yearning to meet his son. He lost his sleep. He used to hear many discourses given by Buddha. He was overwhelmed with love for his son. He got desperate to have a glimpse of him and to hear his voice. He sent many messengers to Buddha but did not receive any reply. Lastly he sent one of the childhood friends of Buddha, named Kaalu Dai. Buddha received him with affection. Kaalu said O reverend! Your father wants to have a glimpse of you before death. He is as eager to have a glimpse of you, as a Lily flower (+nlnl-) longs for the sunrise. Tathagata accepted the invitation. Next day he departed for his fathers kingdom along with his disciples. Kaalu gave the message that Buddha is arriving with his disciples, while giving discourses on the way, to Kapilvastu. This message spread like fire in the forest. King made arrangements for Buddha and his disciples where there were lots of banyan trees. King Shuddhodhan along with his council of ministers waited outside the limits of the capital city. Having spotted Buddha both the king and the queen got overwhelmed and started 174 175 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment shedding tears. They could not find words as their throats were choked due to emotions. As Buddha was approaching them, step by step, their feeling got stronger that Gautam is no more their son. He has become Buddha. Complete knowledgeable person. He is the Sadguru of that era. Hence he got down from his chariot and offered him salutations. King said It has been seven years since we saw you last. I always thought that you might remember me one day. Saying so king and the queen took seat in front of him. They were unable to speak but hey were only crying. After gathering some courage king said I wish tooffer you mykingdom. But if I dosoyou will not treat that morethan dirt. Buddha consoled the king and said I knowthis. O king! Your heart is brimmingwith love. But you arealsosorryfor your son. But thethreads of loveyou aretryingtouse, tohold your son, will snap oneday. Whydont you usethesethreads of lovetolink wholehumanity? Then you will achievesomeonebigger in staturethan Siddhartha. Heis thesame, whois thefounder of thetruth. Heis theguideof theDhamm. Hewill placateyou fromwithin. Hewill help you realizesalvation. Hearing this, Shuddhodhan started brimming with love. He was crying. He said I feel completechange, and a strangejoy within. I amcompletelyplacated. NowI can tastethefruit of your renunciation. I wanted you torulelikea righteous kingtobecomethe founder of such state, and guidethemasses toattain salvation. King along with his queen returned to his palace in the night. Buddha rested there in the park of banyan trees, during the night, along with his disciples. Next day Buddha moved to the town with the begging bowl. Every one in the town came to know about this, that the prince who never toured the town without the chariot, was walking on the streets with begging bowl. When this information reached the king, he immediately reached the spot where Buddha was and requested him with folded hands Pleasedonot put us to shame. You knowthat I can arrangemeals for all of you. Buddha replied O king! This is the tradition of our lineage. How is it possible that no one from my lineage moved on the streets looking for alms ? O king! Y ou and your clan belong to the warriors, but my lineage is from enlightened ones, who have always depended on alms. King had no answer. Tathagat said O king! If an able son finds a treasure, then he hands over the same to his father. I too offer you the wealth of the Dhamm. If you could ever free yourself from the clutches of the illusion then you will find never ending happiness. King replied that he will try to adopt in his daily life. Meeting with Yashodhara and Rahul King Shuddhodhan requested Buddha to visit the palace so that family members could also take the benefit of his visit. Buddha agreed to that. He was accompanied by Saariputra and Mudgalyayan, who used to accompany him all the time to protect him to the extent that no one could even touch Buddha. They were ever eager to be in his service. Buddha met every body and all the inmates greeted him. King Shuddhodhan sent a message for Yashodhara and Rahul. Yashodhara sent back the reply If I amconsidered worthyof meetingthen Siddhartha will comeand meet mein myquarters. Hearing this Buddha immediately got up, and headed for Yashodharas room. Saariputra and Mudgalyayan also accompanied him. On the way Buddha told them I ama free person. Yashodhara is still shackled in theworldlymatters and also been missingher husband. Henceshemaystart wailingor throwing tantrums, which will help her, overcomeher grief. Shemayeven touch me. Pleasedonot stop her. Buddha entered her room, where Yashodhara was deeply engrossed in her thoughts. Seeing him she fell on to his feet and started wailing like a flowing river. She asked him What is mycrime? WhyamI beingpunished? Your son has becomeseven years old and hedoes not even knowwhohis father is. Hedoes not even know that howit feels tobein companyof father. Heconsoles himself by callinghis grandfather as father. Whois moreunluckywoman than I 176 177 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment amwhocan not even meet her husband and can not even introduceher son tohis father? She washed his feet with her warm tears. She was not even herself. Everybody present there was dumbstruck with compassion. Suddenly Yashodhara became aware of King Shuddhodhan and composed herself. She got up shyly and took her seat on one side of the room. King Shuddhodhan said O Tathagat! Sincethedayyou haveleft thepalace, followingyour footsteps, shehas alsoled thelifeof a monk and underwent atonement. Her tears arefull of compassion, loveand devotion for you. When sheheard that you haveshaved your head, shealsofollowed your footsteps and got her head shaved. When sheheard that you haverenounced ornaments, perfume, etc.; shealsostopped usingmakeup. When sheheard that you takeonly onemeal a dayand that tooin theearthen utensils, shealsodid exactly thesame. This is not her sudden outburst of anguish, but is theresult of her seven years of self punishment and courage. Tathagat said While I was a wandering monk and trying to attain Buddha hood, her pious nature, her tenderness, and her devotion were her strength. This was the result of her deeds of past and the greatest nobility. Sufferings of Yashodhara were very harsh, but her patience and her courage contributed divinity, glory to my spirituality. Next day Buddha went to the palace for collecting alms along with his follower monks. Yashodhara was watching through awindow. The moment she spotted him, she started crying with love. She called upon her son Rahul and said Son, do you know, who is your father? He replied Yes, heistheonewhoisgiving food tothemonks. Hehas becomeold and his beard has alsoturned white. Helovesmea lot andheismygrandfather aswell asfather. Yashodhara told No! Son, today I am going to reveal the truth to you, which was hidden from you for the last seven years. Your father is the person, who is like Brahma and taking alms along with his followers. King Shuddhodhan is not your father. Y ou go and demand your inheritance from him, which is yours. He has got unlimited wealth, which is not even known to me. Do not delay. He left the palace on the day you were born and has returned after seven long years. I dont know what future holds in store for me. Therefore it is not advisable to further delay for the noble deed. Go now. I am watching you from here. Rahul obeyed his mother. He approached Buddha and asked Areyou not myfather? AmI not worthyof your loveand affection? O monk! It gives me immense pleasure to be in your company. Cant I live with you? Buddha kept mumfor sometimeas if hedid not hear him. After meals Buddha left the palace along with all other follower monks. Rahul followed him and no one dared stop him. All the eyes were brimming with tears. A little kid was demanding his birth right in words which were not pre meditated. He was demanding his inheritance from the person whom he saw for the first time in his life. Gautam took his seat in the garden specially arranged for the group of followers of Buddha. Rahul stood in front of him and asked with folded hands O father! Will you not pass on the heritage to me? Y ou please t ell me, who shall I approach for t he inheritance? Saariputra could not contain him and requested with folded hands O Tathagat! You are not only my Guru but also the Guru of the masses. Rahul can demand the inheritance only from you. Tathagat said O Rahul! I do not possess the wealth of gold, silver, diamonds; but I have the spiritual wealth. Are you capable of taking care of this? I can not give you the worldly wealth which brings along all sorts of worries. I have the everlasting wealth which is eternal bliss, which is the root of a superior way of living. Spiritualism is the priceless wealth of my Dhamm. Can you take this? Rahul boldly said Yes Tathagat! Certainly I can take it. Tathagat said once again Those who want to attain highest morale, infinite pleasure can achieve so through our Dhamm. Are you willing to enter the Dhamm? 178 179 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Rahul replied in a serious and firm voice Yes Tathagat! Right now I want to join Dhamm. It is not appropriate to delay it any more. All monks were dumb struck. Tathagat instructed Saariputra Please tonsure his head. Replace his royal dress with rags. Give him a begging bowl. This is the appropriate time to initiate him into Dhamm. Saariputra did exactly as he was told. Rahul took initiation and became the youngest monk of that time. Now adorned in rags and carrying the begging bowl he entered the palace with the chanting of Dhamm I take shelter with Buddha (zn z||n -|ln); I take shelter with Dhamm (Religion in Paali language) (|-nn z||n -|ln); I take shelter with Union (=|n z||n -|ln). His mother saw him like this and she was overwhelmed with emotions. His grandfather also spotted him and was also shocked to see him as a monk. He could not believe his eyes and asked his council of ministers Who is this young monk? Ministers confirm that the monk is Prince Rahul. Hearing this King Shuddhodhan fainted. After some time when returned back to senses he was mentally disturbed. He had been witness to the destruction of past and the future in a very short time. This sorrow was unbearable to him. Initiating Mother, Wife and Brother Gautam moved out from the kingdom. His cousin Aniruddh, son of uncle Shuklodan also joined Dhamm. All the learned used to argue with Buddha and used to prompt him to take over the reigns of the kingdom. Buddha used to reply I have come to know the truth of life through atonement and meditation. I can not accept any such throne, which is based on lack of knowledge and is inverted with legs up. I can not accept any such argument which is based on pre assumptions. Man has got used to walk like a blind in the dark. Like this Buddha moved on, while initiating Brahmins and other lower strata of the society and prompting them to join Dhamm. Anand also became his disciple and used to stay close to him. Mother of Buddha, Mahaprajapati; also came along with hundreds of women to be initiated into Dhamm, but she was turned away by Buddha. Buddha even turned down the request of Anand. Mahaprajapati was ready to accept all the norms. Later, Buddha strictly imposed all the eight basic rules of Dhamm on women also. After Mahaprajapati accepted all the norms, Buddha initiated her on behest of Anand. Five hundred women, who came along with Mahaprajapati, were also initiated by Nandak, a disciple of Buddha. Yashodhara was also one of them and was re named as Bhadraa Katyayana. Thus Buddha converted all his family members into monks. Buddha was unhappy due to the sorrows of the mankind. Therefore he had equal compassion for all, irrespective of their cast or creed. He was an icon of compassion and a super human being. Initiating Angulimaal into Dhamm King of Kaushal was Prasenjit. Angulimaal (he used to wear the stringed little fingers of his victims around his neck) was one of his countrymen. King and all the countrymen were fed up of his ways of torture to the general public and King used to feel helpless for that. One day Buddha was camping in the Jet Vana (- -, Forest in the province of Shravasti) and he was taking rest along with his disciples. He was touched by the gory tales of murders by Angulimal and said Killing of a man by another man is the extremely unfortunate. Same day after lunch, he moved on towards the area which was considered citadel of Angulimal. As shepherds saw him heading towards the area which was the refuge of the gang of Angulimal, they tried to warn him for venturing into that area. They warned him that whoever goes in that area does no return back. Angulimal kills that person. Buddha did not give any attention to their advice. As he moved into he forest Angulimal spotted him and he was tempted to kill the young and healthy monk. He tried to chase 180 181 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Buddha. When he thought he was nearing Buddha, he used to find himself way behind. He was wondering, what has happened to him? He was capable of chasing and hunting a deer or a lion, but this monk is always way ahead of him. In the end Angulimal shouted Stop, O Monk! Stop. You havemademechase you a lot. Dont you knowthat thisarea belongstoAngulimal? Trespassing isa crime. Buddha did not stop and kept moving. Angulimal shouted once again O monk! Stop or elseI will behead you. Gautam stopped. Angulimal approached him and picked up an axe. Buddha was calm as he opened his eyes. He looked into the eyes of Angulimal. There was a miracle. Whole body of Angulimal started shivering. First time in his life Angulimal was restless. He dropped the axe. He could not understand what has the sight of the monk done to him? He almost lost his senses. He got the shock of his life and all his bravery was gone in a moment. Buddha said with a smile I stopped long back, but when will you stop, Angulimal? I have come all the way to you so that you should also desist from committing more sins. Y ou should also become the follower of the truth, the ultimate truth. Y ou have also inherited the same truth. Just give me a chance, I will transform you. Angulimal said Soyou havewon meover. Thereis magicin your voice. Divinityis there. Pleaseallowmetostaywith you forever. Pardon me! Please. Buddha took him along with him. He was also given the rags and the begging bowl, and was converted into a monk. King Prasenjit was a worried man. As the general public was about to revolt, that the king is resting in the palace and tyranny of Angulimal was at peak. No one was safe in the country. One, who has survived, could do so only at the mercy of Angulimal. The king paid a visit to the Buddha on the day, Angulimal was transformed into a monk. Buddha enquired the well being of the king. In reply king explained his worries in detail that he was not in a position to contain Angulimal. Buddha once again asked If someonetells you that Angulimal has got his head tonsured, has taken towearingrags, and becomea monk, neither hekills anyonenor herobs or tortures anyone, leading solitarylifeand takes onlyonemeal a day; howyou will treat him. King said O god! I will welcome him. I shall stand up at his arrival. I will also carry his belongings and will make all the arrangements to protect him. But, how could this transformation of a tyrant take place. Buddha indicated towards his right side and told the king The man sitting next to you is Angulimal. The king was stunned and his skin had goose pimples. He never thought of that in his life. The king was scared. Buddha assured him that there was no reason to fear. The king also got the strength from the fact that he was in front of Buddha. King approached the monk and offered him everything at his disposal, but the monk refused to accept anything. King approached Buddha and told him O my god! You have transformed a wild beast into a pet. It is unbelievable. Buddha said with a smile It is true that when the curtain of falsehood is lifted, then only truth is in front of you. Then Angulimal went to the town of Shravasti Kids pelted stones at him, kicked him, and he got drenched in blood. Returned back and prostrated in front of Buddha. Buddha told him to bear anything and everything. He was on the way to become an icon of compassion. He was not scared of being beaten or being killed by the public. He started seeing his own image in everyone around him. One day Angulimal went to the town for alms. People came to know that he is the same dreaded dacoit who used to wear a necklace made of little fingers of 9999 people who were killed by him. Buddha had gone there to give him last finger, and transformed him into a monk. As Angulimal reached the town for alms, people started pelting stones at him. He fell down in the pool of blood. Nobody cared to help him. When Buddha came ot know his plight, he went there himself and asked him O monk! How do you feel? Angulimal replied in humble voice O Tathagat! When a singlelook fromyou could make 182 183 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment mefall ontoyour feet and I asked tobepardoned, you told meIt was all dream, O Brahmin. Y ou are a Brahmin. All the evil deeds done by you were like a dream. Similarlytakingthe beatingand tumblingis likea dream. I amnoat all sorryfor myplight. In thedream, sadness or happiness is not significant. O lord! When your loveand blessings arewith methen thedreamcan beof anytype. Buddha breathed his last after serving the mankind for 45 years and preaching the common man the ways of getting freedom from the sorrows of life, on his birthday at the age of 80 and in the same Saal (=|n) forest of Lumbini, where he was born. Buddha returns back to life on this earth, in one form or the other; but we have formed an image and we dont accept anyone as Buddha. The need of this time is to recognize the Buddha of the present times, and surrender at the feet of the Sadguru. We will be completely filled with joy. !! Hari Om !! Sheikh Farid Gods are not so many, there is the only one god, but he manifests himself in many forms. He can be seen in different forms, or can be experienced in many ways; but the experience will be of one god. Hence all the sects, religions, are left behind and only things that remain are eternal truth, love. All are brimming with the love which is derived from the eternal truth, Sheikh Farid. Sheikh Farid was born in the village of Kothiwala in the district of the province of Multan (now in Pakistan) in the year 1175 AD. Hs father was Sheikh Jamaluddin and mother was Kursam (or Kulsoom, Mariam). He was a devotee of Allah and used to follow the saints whenever he spotted them. He was well cultured and well behaved child. His childish pranks used to mesmerize his father. Whenever his father used to return from work, Farid used to climb up his fathers lap while speaking in unclear voice. Fathers attachment increased with the child with the passage of time. While going out of the house he used to give lot of instructions for his wife, to not allow the child go out of the house as a precaution against bad omens. The son also used to wait for father eagerly. His father died at an early age and there was scarcity of everything in the house. For a long time Mariam used to cry while clutching her son near her chest. So called relatives and the friends also deserted them when they needed help. Everybody avoided them for the fear of giving some help. Some rowdies used to look at them with ill intentions. Mariam used to look at them with the hope that someone will help them, but all used to turn their faces or used to curse her. Mariam diverted her full attention 184 185 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment towards Allah and used to console Farid also by saying that Allah is everythingfor us. Weshall always remember and turn tohim for help. Earlier your father used toprovideus everything, but now Allah will provideus everything. Heis our benefactor, as thepeopleof theworld areselfish. Nowthat theyhaveseen that wearealone, they havedropped us likea treedrops thedried leaves. Allah is theonly savior, soyou should seek shelter with him. Hewill certainlybless you. It is rightly said that mother is the first guru or teacher in the life of any child. In whatever way she teaches, the child is groomed up accordingly. Mariam also fulfilled the role of the first teacher. She never expected anything in return. She propelled her son towards the greatness. Sheikh Farid made his first move towards the kingdom of god, unknowingly. Mariam used to prompt her son for the Namaaz and after the Namaaz she used to give him sweets. When Sheikh Farid used to get up after Namaaz, he used to feel extremely happy and used to tell his mother Look mother! Allah has given methe sweet. Fromnowonwards I shall performNamaaz fivetimes a day. Whenever he had the yearning to eat sweets, he used to recite Namaaz. This way he memorized Kuraan at the tender age of seven. He was regarded as Haafiz. He became reverend among the Muslims. Gods grace was now oozing from his mannerism. Slowly he developed the true love for the god. Now he was not satisfied only with the sweets and he started yearning for the god. He used to become restless for god and used to think that reciting Namaaz was not worth. He was getting detached from the world. One day he asked his mother How can I meet God? Will he not be kind enough to meet us? His mother replied that son he is waiting for you only. He is in the forests and is looking forward to see you. The delay is from your side. Hearing this Sheikh Farid got extremely impatient and immediately made his move towards forest. He used to recite Namaaz without any formal guru. Some times he used to sit with closed eyes and at other times he used to shout Allah! Allah!! He became a real devotee of god. When he felt hunger pangs, he used to eat whatever was available; else he used to consume wild fruits or flowers. If that was also not available, then he used to eat grass and leaves of the tiny shrubs to defeat the pangs of hunger. This way he atoned himself. But it was likechurningwater for butter, his atonement alsobecameseedless which did not yield anything. Three years of atonement weakened his body but he could not see god. He was restless. He returned back to home. He narrated everything to his mother and asked her Mother! I could not seegod. Nowpleasetell mewhat shall I do? NowI dont need sweets. I alsodont need items of luxury. I want pure and divinelight. Mother took the cue and understood that her son is now really yearning for god. It is the guru who first initiates the desire in the disciple to meet the god. Once the desire is ignited the disciple himself goes in search of water to quench his thirst, but where do we find such desire? One day Mariam was trying to find lice in his hair. Suddenly she plucked a hair from his head. Sheikh grimaced in pain and said Mother what you are doing? Why are you plucking my hair? It hurts. As if she was waiting for this question, she replied Son, you tell me. When you pluck leaves from the tree, then do you feel pain? Was that not created by god? Samegod has created you. Hehas onlycreated thetrees, livingbeings, and thewholeworld. If you keep on givingtroubletothepeopleand other livingbeings then you can not seegod, never. Beforeyou lovegod, learn tolovehis creation. Hewill bepleased. On onehand you are tormentinghis creations and on theother hand you areaskinghimfor clemency. Howis it possible? Heis omnipresent and all you need is the vision tospot him. Hecan beseen through theeyes of heart and not through normal vision. Onlyif you can seethrough your heart and learn tolovegods creations, hewill takecareof everythingfor you. Look, all thosewhokill in thenameof god, theycan never seehim. Theysimply wastetheir life. Thosewhocall others kaafir and call for jihad, are thereal enemies of thegod. To meet himonehas to acquire unprejudiced vision. 186 187 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Atonement without food After that encounter with his mother he returned back to the forests. He started showing compassion towards every from of life and was torturing himself. This is also not correct for the practitioner of atonement. Not taking proper care of the physical body weakens it but the mind becomes stronger and attacks the self. Same happened with Sheikh. He stopped eating. He brought a log of wood and consoled himself that it is the only thing to eat. In his words |i ni +|a +i n|| ni || l- ||l<| -l| |- =t <| i.e. Themorsels of wood aresubduingmypangs of hunger, even then mymind is perturbed and I feel remorse. What will be the extent of sorrow of those people, who live a life of luxury? Without proper food his physical body was reduced to the skeleton. He was not able to move on his own, not even able to sit. He fell down under a tree. With efforts he used to open the eyes and look around. He used to coerce his mind to love god, but his mind was not able to keep focus on god. His physical body was under the tree but his mind was roaming around at all places. He became a zombie. All the scavenger animals were waiting for his last breath. One day a flock of crows attacked him and started to eat his flesh. He was unable to move but his mind was able to think i<| -- l| || -ln~| | +| ~n =| -ti |tnt| <| -< < || i.e. The physical body has been scaled down to the skeleton and the crows are eating flesh from the sole. I am so unlucky that till today I could not see god. He is repenting for his misfortune. Crow is about to attack his eyes, which appear to be his favorite food, even then Sheikh thinks +|| = -- ||:| -- -- ||:| n|= <| --| n- ||:| l| lnn- +i ~|= i.e. O crow! You can devour all the flesh of my body, but it is my request that please leave these two eyes as I still yearn for seeing my love (God). Flame is still flickering. One day he will be able to see god. Turning into a termite mound Atonement of Sheikh became so intense that he forgot the existence of his body. He somehow managed to sit under the tree without even moving. His sitting posture was so still that he was surrounded by the termite mound. His body appeared to be a heap of sand. He remained in that posture for 12 years. He went past the boundaries of time and forgot the existence of himself. One day a woodpecker was passing by and he noticed that termite mound. Two folded hands of Sheikh were protruding from that mound and were giving the looks of branch of the tree. Just out of curiosity he removed the sand and was surprised to see the head of Sheikh Farid. He could feel a strange glow from the body of Sheikh. Woodpecker thought that he has disturbed a saint in his meditation. Out of fear, he prostrated in front of Sheikh and requested to be pardoned. Sheikh got up from there and moved ahead, but even after this atonement his mind was still not calm. Whatever he used to think was getting accomplished. His body was radiating with divine glow. He had become adult but his inner self was still yearning for the god. He thought Perhaps his efforts arenot yet sufficient, that is whyhecould not seegod. Considering his own shortcoming he again consoled his mind for even more rigorous atonement and thinks O mymind! What will you dowithout seeing thegod? Even if you get somesolacebut myinner self is still not at peace. I amstill yearningtoseeAllah, and I dont need anythingless than seeinghim. Onecan achieveanythingin theworld with atonement, but seeinggod is not possiblewithout theblessings of a guru. Atonement in the well, while hanging upside down Sheikh thought that, Tocalmmymind, whynot hangmyself upsidedown in thewell. Thereis water in thewell. At anytimetherope might snap and I mayend up in water. This maypleaseAllah or the mind can becalmed down. One day he did what he was thinking 188 189 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment and hung himself upside down in the well. For the next five years he remained in that posture, hanging upside down. His fame spread around and people started pouring in to have a glimpse of him, but neither could he see god nor he his mind calmed down. Diversion of mind from the point of focus is akin to calming of mind. Only calm can result in the eternal bliss. Bliss is the only true love and that love is the ultimate form of the God. Farid returned back to his mother with a disturbed mind. He asked his mother that I shall see the God. I underwent most rigorous atonement that I could do but still I could not see him. Are we not going to find him? His mother said Son you tell me, if torturing your body can help you find the God, all the mountains and trees would have found him. Since their birth they remain still in all weather conditions. They bear all types of physical torture, but they dont find God. If you torture your body then the mind always remembers the discomfort, which results in ego and the physical body feels pain. This has no relation with finding god. If you really want to meet god then you should find an able Guru. Serve him like a slave. If he gets pleased, you will meet god in a fraction of a second, else not only this life but your atonement of several lives might go waste. You should go and search a Guru. Only a Sadguru can help you reach the destination. Farid gets the shock of his life and thinks Why my mother did not tell me this earlier? But without arguing he prostrated at the feet of his mother and go on to search for a Guru. That mother is great which does not bind her son in the shackles of her affection, but ignites the desire to meet god and sends him out in search of God. Now Farid used to think about finding a Sadguru. He asked every one and kept on moving in search of an able Sadguru. Preaching by a woman It was evening time and the birds were chirping while returning to their nests. The atmosphere was charged with joy, but Sheikh Farid was gloomy. He was sitting on the sill of the well under a tree. He was continuously thinking about finding a Sadguru. All the birds were enquiring about welfare from their fledglings. Some were jumping and playing on the tree. Sheikh did not like this as it was disturbing his thought process. He thought that these birds are making fun of his gloomy situation. He was filled with anger. He looked up at them and said You all are making fun of me. Dont you know that I am a very big sage (-i)? All of you must die. As he spoke all the birds started falling dead. Seeing the dance of death, Sheikh his heart melted with compassion and thought What did I do? These birds died for no reason. Mother has told him that all living beings are created by god, and it is not justified to torture anyone. He started repenting and he uttered few words All of you return back to life and fly away. All the birds returned back to life and flew away. Seeing this he thought that my atonement has given me powers and whatever I think materializes. This satisfied his ego, but his mind was still not at peace. He moved ahead on to search for Sadguru. One day while on the move and he felt thirsty. He moved to the nearest village and found a girl pulling out water from the well. That girl was pulling out water and was splashing on the ground. He requested her to offer her some water. The girl asked him to wait. He waited for some time while the girl was continuing with the same act of pulling out water and splashing on the ground. Once again Sheikh requested her for water, but the girl continues her act. Seeing this Sheikh got furious and he said Cant you hear me? I am asking for some water and you are splashing water on the ground. Do you think I am a beggar? I am a sage (-i). The girl again splashed water on the ground next to her and said with a smile Have you thought that I am the bird of the forest that will die if you say so? 190 191 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Hearing this all his anger was evaporated. He started staring at the girl. Sheikh started thinking I have undergone atonement for years and got inflated ego in return. This girl has learned at such a tender age. What does she do? It appears that she has found a Sadguru, who has given her the powers to know everything. He became happy with the thought that this girl will guide him to his Sadguru. He asked her in changed tone Sister, what do you practice and how do you know everything? Girl replied humbly O fakir! You are Sheikh Farid, isnt it? You are roaming in search of a Sadguru. Look, after receiving knowledge from my Sadguru, I serve my husband with all my honesty. As per Gurus instruction I see god in him. This has given me ability to know everything. This is because of the blessings of the Guru, but I am not bothered about them. Then comes the next thing, I was splashing water on the ground. My sister lives at a distance from this place. Her house was on fire and I was dousing the fire. You were thirsty, but could have waited. My sisters house would have burnt, if I had offered you water for quenching your thirst. You would not have been harmed, thats why I assured you to please wait for a few moments. Fire is doused, your quench is also fulfilled and your anger has also gone. Next is the topic of Sadguru. Looking at you gives the feeling that you are yearning to meet god and are devoted for that. You please go to Delhi and you will find a true fakir Khwaja Sharif. Please seek his shelter. If you be in his service with complete honesty, you will be able to see god. He is a true Sadguru for all. Fakir! It is easy to undergo most difficult type of atonement, but it is very difficult to be devoted to your Guru. During atonement process still some of the ego remains, the mind also remains, but while in the service of Guru, all the ego and your mind leave you. If you devote yourself completely to your Guru, then there is no looking back. You can cover the path of several lifetimes in few moments. Now please do not delay and proceed to Delhi. Meeting with Guru Sheikh Farid could not contain his happiness as if he had received the eternal wealth. He repeatedly bowed his head in front of the girl and said Sister, you aremyguru. You havemademy lifeworthwhile. I had veered off thetrack but a glimpseof you has fulfilled mydesire. You aregreat. I amindebted toyou for therest of my life. He moved on towards Delhi. He used to halt in the evening and each passing moment was like many lives for him, but the desire to meet the Guru was always growing with each passing moment. Somehow he reached Delhi (Present name of the place is Nizamuddin). Sheikh Farid approached Khwaja sahib and prostrated at his feet, as if the river has completed its journey with the desire to merge into the sea. Sheikh also found solace at the feet of his Guru. He forgot his existence. Khwaja sahib also understood that he is a devotee and has lost the bearing. He asked Sheikh Son, wherehaveyou comefrom? Sheikh replied O Sadguru! I have come here to be in your service. To be in your service will give me solace and I request you to kindly give me a chance. Khwaja sahib does not ask any more questions about his antecedents, caste, creed etc. as they are not important. Guru had seen that what type of was candidate Sheikh was? Can the energy be transferred? Whether he will be able to contain, what will be transferred to him in future? If the candidate was not seasoned then some more work would have to be done to make him good recipient. In the seasoning process, most of the disciples simply run away as they can not pass the exams set by there Guru. On the other hand, Sheikh was ready to appear for any exam and he promptly got into the service of his Sadguru. Taking exam by Guru Sheikh got into the service of his Guru by heart and was ever ready to take care of his needs. He was always worried that his guru should not face any problem due to deficiency on his part. Thus he spent 24 years in the service of Khwaja. 192 193 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Now a days, when a disciple goes to a Guru, he is always on the look out that what is there for a grab. They are not interested in the real knowledge that his Guru has acquired, but are always on a lookout for acquiring the wealth of the hermitage. Who will wait for 24 years? Khwaja sahib used to smoke tobacco (Hookka) for which fire was required and it was the duty of Sheikh to keep the fire smoldering so that smoke can be offered to Guru instantly, whenever asked for. There was no deficiency in the service of Sheikh, but even then guru decided to take exam of the disciple. One day weather of Delhi got deteriorated and it started raining heavily, along with thunder storm. It was pitch dark and the dawn was approaching. Sheikh noticed that the fire, he used to keep ignited for the smoke of Guru, got extinguished due to overcast sky. It was necessary to offer smoke to his guru when he got up. How could he say to his Guru that the smoke is not available as the fire has extinguished. Since there were not enough means to ignite fire in old days due to lack of technology, people used to keep it burning continuously. In case if fire got extinguished, they used to borrow from others. Sheikh went out in search of fire in dark. He could not find fire in the nearby area so he moved on little further. He spotted a burning lamp and moved in that direction. He reached the house which belonged to a prostitute. She was smoking tobacco. After seeing a fakir early morning, she asked O fakir! How come you are here, early in the morning? The Fakir said O mother! Our guru ji is habitual of smokingwhen hegets up. Sincethefirehas extinguished, I request you topleasegivemesomeburningcoal for fire. Prostitute said Here you dont get anything without paying a price and you have come here early in the morning. Sheikh Farid replied Mother! Whatever I haveyou can ask for that. I amreadytogiveanythingfor my Guru. The prostitute was habitual of cracking jokes, she said If you are a true devotee and you need fire for your Guru, then you can barter fire for one of your eyes. Sheikh Farid picked up a knife and without hesitation took out one eye and offered to the prostitute and said Pleasegive mefire. If Guru ji wakes up then hewill feel uncomfortablein the absenceof smoke. She promptly gave him fire as she never thought even in dreams that some one can go to such extreme. She started thinking Today I have taken one eye of a fakir. O god! I have repeatedly committed sins in this life. Please have mercy on this fakir. Sheikh covered his eye with a bandage and returned to the hermitage. He saw that his Guru ji is still taking rest. He immediately prepared smoke and promptly went in the service of his Guru. Khwaja was wide awake now and seeing Farid, he felt elated. He asked Sheikh Farid! Why have you put the bandage on your eye? Sheikh replied Gurudev! I have put the bandage due to eye inflammation. Khwaja said If there is inflammation, there is no need of the bandage. You should remove it. Gurudev was clairvoyant and he knew everything. Sheikh Farid removed the bandage and was surprised to find that the eye was healthier than before. Farid prostrated at the feet of Gurudev and started crying. Spontaneously hand of Gurudev reached the head of Sheikh Farid and he said Son! TodayI amverypleased with you. You can ask for anythingyou need. I amreadytogiveyou anything. Request by Farid Sheikh humbly replied O Gurudev! You are happy; this is the biggest blessing for me. What else can I ask for other than being in your service, and your happiness? On persuasion Sheikh said I could not get anything even after years of atonement. My body became weak and the only things which got strength are restlessness of mind and my ego. If you are pleased and you want to give me then please help me see the god, so that I move from darkness to the divine light. My wandering should end. Gurudev was very pleased to hear this and took him in his arms for a hug. Sheikh was transferred the knowledge of Noor-E-Elahi and Kalama-E-Pak and instructed him O Sheikh! You should not search for Allah on this 194 195 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment earth. Heis not sittingin themosque. Alsoyou should not look for him in theskies, as hedoes not dwell therealso. Helives in thehearts of Momins. Helives in each breath wetake. O Farid! You maybeobserving that a Muslims search for Allah in themosques and theyhavebuilt big buildings in his name. On theother hand, Hindus aresearchingfor God in thetemples. Theysearch himin theenclosures of bricks and sand. Theyburrythelives of humans in thefoundation of thewalls theybuild around them. Theyprayin thoseboundaries, what theycall as religion. Each religion has its own boundaries. Allah can not be confined to the boundaries, but ego certainly has some boundaries. T his ego turns into a demon and then strangulates the humans. Hearing this Sheikh iterates: i<| +|a n n|l~| (- - n| ln- ln i : ~-| ni +| : -| t| =i ln- | - l= =|: -| l- =| l= +i +|: + - t l n| : | n| =< | | : i<| n |l|| <| n+| <| =-|: l -- -l+ <l|~| -| |l|l (t| ~l i<| l--| n+| || l-| l=|l| - -|- (| <| ||l| ~| a - a|- l-| = ~+| || |i lt| n|i~| n- ( | | | = +i -| l= ~|l + - The head which does not prostrate in front of the god should not be burnt as the fuel. Those parents are also gone who gave birth to the child. This world is devoid of support and there is no friend. All are sad in this world. Every house is burning. Faces of those people are fearsome, who do not recite the name of the God. Beyond the present place they do not have any where to go. Who is rich here? Those who have adopted humility, patience and good conduct are really rich. There is no point in asking the antecedents. When we will recognize our master, then our master will be with us. We will not see any other person. The master is present in many forms and is omnipresent. This is the path of the enlightened ones; path of Buddha. Shiekh had 5 sons and 3 daughters and he was heir to the throne of Chishti, but he never used to touch the money which was collected as offerings. Due to this he never got along with his children. At the end of his life he sent his sheet (n=n|, on which he used to sit while performing Namaaz or prayers) and Tasbih (n|n| stringed beads) to Nizaamuddin Aulia through Mohemmad Kirmani. He left his physical body on 15 October, 1265 at Pakpatan. A Buddha belongs to all and all belong to him. It is a strange situation that we all pray to god as a ritual only and not whole heartedly. Mind remains disturbed and we all keep moving around with hearts full of sorrow. As if there is no unison between illness and the medicine. Every one worships the God, a devotee as well as a demon. One worships him and makes offerings and the other to keep himself alive. Both are restless and worried. Why is it so? Both do not recognize Lord Ram, whether he is Parashuram or knowledgeable Ravan; Krishna as also not recognized by either Shishupal or Kans. Why? A man has got used to look for everything outside. We too look for the God outside and it is like; the illness is within and we are giving medicine for external use only. Termites are destroying the roots and the tree is drying up whereas we are spraying medicine on the leaves to keep the tree green and alive. This is the root cause of sorrow. We dont meet the Sadguru, and are stuck somewhere. It is but natural to get disturbed. If we meet a Sadguru, then he guides us to the place where mind belongs. He helps us communicate with mind. The same mind makes its move towards the Supreme Being through an image. At one point mind also becomes devoid of all feelings and the devotee crosses all the limits. There are no boundaries for him and he expands to infinity. He achieves the state of eternal bliss. Resting in the infinite 196 197 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment is the rest for all those who become Buddha. The journey to infinity is the path of the enlightened ones. Sheikh Farid used to say: I used to think that I am the only person on the earth, who is sad, but I have fond that everyone in this world is filled with sorrow. When I climbed up, then only I realized that this fire is raging in each house (physical body). In connection with the ways to get rid of sorrow, Khalil Gibran said Your sorrow is like a shell which needs to be shattered, which has shielded your knowledge. All the devotees may speak different words but there essence is same, compassion and love. !! Hari Om !! Devotee Narasi Mehta River Ganga has been flowing since eternity. She keeps on flowing till the destination is reached. After reaching the destination, spontaneously she goes on to take rest. Her origin on one hand is Himalaya and on the other hand is the ocean. Origin is very serene place, where everyone attains tranquility, naturally. Anyone can achieve his own ocean through atonement at the banks of Ganga, and is reverend for the common man. Banks of the river were turned into places of pilgrimage. All the sages started describing the greatness of Ganga. They started using its holy water for ritual, for performing rites, for spiritual bathing, or for atonement. Some of them made hermitage alongside the river, while some others sing in the glory of her holiness, worship her and take the holy water along with them while traveling abroad. Her water is used for various rituals and her water is poured into the mouth of dying persons. All rituals are considered incomplete without the holy water. On the other hand there are some people who scoff at these feeling of the people and just to prove them as modern, have established industries which are spewing poisonous gases like their mouths which also spew venom against the popular belief. They started hunting animals on the banks of the river to satisfy their lust for eating meat. Those who denounced their cruelty were called backward and superstitious. They started cutting trees for their luxuries. They were polluting the river with effluents of their factories and defacing the earth with their deeds. Existence of the living beings is endangered due to ecological imbalance. Even then these so called modern 198 199 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment people dont hesitate to call them progressive, refined and successful developers. It is difficult to comprehend, who is the hero and who is the villain? People are even scared to take bath in the river, not to talk of drinking it. We are heading towards a catastrophe. Under these difficult circumstances, saints and elevated souls arrive and they march towards their destination. Initially some obstacles try to hinder their path like small stones and pebbles, but they are not sufficient to halt their march and get swept off like pebbles by the rivers. A river follows the saint in which flows the water of love, compassion. Banks of that river are knowledge and renunciation. Only devotees of that time bathe in that water. People from all walks of life take a plunge in their own way in that stream but they get their peace of mind to the extent of their efforts. A river does not hate any one but takes pleasure in watching others bathe in its water and feels obliged. How can she be prejudiced to others who start their journey from the unknown? The path thus treaded which leads to unknown destination is, the path of the enlightened. Birth of Narasi Mehta Narasi Mehta was born in the Junagarh district of the state of Gujarat in an ordinary family. His father was a pious Brahmin. Brahmins were in majority in the village. Vanshidhar, elder brother of Narasi Mehta was of jovial nature. Their parents married off Vanshidhar to a Brahmin girl named Durati Gauri. Parents of Narasi Mehta died when he was just a child. His brother wanted see him educated, but his sister-in-law was not in favor of higher education for Narasi Mehta. She used to say Whois your brother? All areborn separate. Howcan you remain united even if you makeefforts? It will bebetter if hedoes not get education. If hewill study, hewill get a good job. Hewill marryand livewith his wife. Then whowill takecareof his brother and sister-in- law. His sister-in-law started ignoring him. His brother never used to go against the decisions of wife. His brother could not oppose his wife but on the other hand he used to sing to the tunes of her. Meanwhile Vanshidhar got the job as, In charge of the state prison. Financial condition of the family improved but, Narasi Mehta became a victim of apathy from his family members. He did not find anyone, who he could call his own. He was feeling dejected with life. He lost all interests in studies and he got the feelings that he can take shelter only with god. Unknowingly his inclination towards god started to increase. Village of hypocrites Narasis inclination towards god was increasing but his village was full of hypocrites. Although the village was full of upper class Brahmins but were dead against any form of devotion. They used to get irritated at the mere sight of religious artifacts. Their conduct was totally against the basic tenets of the religion. According to a devotee l- - |- +i nt|n|- n| |l+- nnz| - |- n|n| n<| <l| -|= l+ l-<| a|- (= +n --- || ||- lz||nl| -= - = l+| |-< <||lt ||| ll- -=i tl |- | - l|- -= - = l+| ||i |- || ln| = n| = -ti |l+- +| nz| | | |l+- l<| + n| <|| +n| All those should who talk about the caste and creed should learn a lesson from this. Whole village was full of Brahmins of upper class, but they all were devoid of devotion. Whole village was indulged in all sorts of immoral and corrupt practices, although most of them were highly educated. People from so called upper caste, were indulged in irreligious activities, whereas people belonging to the lower class were god fearing people but could not hold religious gathering due to fear of being reprimanded from the people belonging to upper class. 200 201 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Hermits used to visit their homes secretly and used to depart after teaching them various techniques of meditation. People from the upper class used to jeer at them (people from lower class) and also used to unleash their pet dogs at them. All the devotees were considered fools. Narasi used to sneak in to their homes and for a few moments of love and religious discourse. With the passage of time most of his time was spent among the people from other than his cast. He used to spend his time with the hermits and used to take meals with them. His studies were almost over. Renunciation by Narasi Narasi was feeling neglected by his own people and Brahmins of the village also used to treat him as if he belonged to lower class. He was being taunted at and was subjected to derogatory remarks like If you live with beggars then you will start behaving like them and you thinking will become like them. Narasi had become the laughing stock for the village. He was fifteen years old. Narasi had attained marriageable age, but was worried about his marriage prospects as no one in his caste was ready to marry his daughter with a person, who was being shunned at by his own community. He used to think <z| n| ||i =-- +| < |i +ai n|n| l-n+ <l| + l-<| +- -|i (= +n n a: n|lt -||| +t| l-|i -=i +| -| - |l+- ==l- n| -|i Narasi was feeling dejected and complaining to god O god! Why you have sent me to such a family. Here people are hypocrites and they abuse the saints. The moment they spot mark on the forehead, or stringed beads they start criticizing all. On the other hand I like the company of the saints and like devotion. Meanwhile a visiting saint recognized the state of mind of Narasi and consoled him with compassion Son Narasi! Dont worry. Sorrow and happiness, both are dreams. Both are guests sent by God. A doctor is needed among the sick, as Vibhishan was required in Lanka and Prahlad in the kingdom of Hiranyakashyap. Narasi prostrated at the feet of the saint and said O Gurudev! I dont have anyone else than you in this world. I salute to you and I am your follower. He went home after taking blessings of the saint. Blessings start showing the effect immediately. When he reached home his brother and sister-in- law were talking about him only Narasi doesnt studyand spends most of his timeamongthepeopleof lower class and hehas tarnished thereputation of thefamily. His sister-in-law told his brother excitedly It is becauseof your leniencyonlythat Narasi is behaving likethis. I would havethrown out of houselikea heap of garbage. Vanshidhar left for the job while grumbling. Meanwhile Narasi returned home and he asked for a glass of water with respect and affection, as he was hungry and did not eat or drink for a long time. Hearing this, his sister-in-law hissed like a snake You areworthless. Haveyou taken meas your servant? Haveyou returned back after earningsothat I giveyou water? Just get out of the houseas thereis noplacefor you in myhouse. Thereis noplacefor you in this house. Narasi said Please dont say like this. You are like my mother. Who else can I call my own in this world? Where shall I go? You and brother are the only two people who mean any thing tome in this world. Saying so, he fell on to her feet. Hearing this sister-in-law of Narasi spoke with angry outburst You fool, whoI amtoyou? You just get out of this house. Our reputation is gettingtarnished becauseof you. You can gotoyour hypocriteSatguru or toyour worthless god, but in futuredonot return back tothis house. Duetoyour conduct our child will alsoget spoiled. Just get lost. With tears in his eyes, he surrendered to god and silently took his first step on the dark and unknown path. He reached a hermitage in the dense forest and there he falls down, unconscious. There was an old Shiv temple. 202 203 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Returning home as per instructions of his Guru When Narasi returned back to senses, he saw Gurudev and guru ma. Gurudev bent and caressed his forehead and spoke with compassion. He is allowed to stay at the hermitage and there he learnt yoga and devotion. Narasi proved himself as a good disciple. He completely merges in devotion with his heart and soul as if he suddenly found everything which was lost in this world. He completely forgot his physical existence. He started visualizing gods grace in every aspect of the life. That was the empowerment by Gurudev. Suddenly Gurudev takes back the energy from Narasi and he was returned back to senses. He pleads with guru Pleaselet melivelikethis. I amin thestateof bliss. Gurudev instructs him O Narasi! Still you have to do some deeds; if not for yourself, then for the sake of the society. You should return back to your home. Get married and establish yourself as a family man. Pray to god and you will find him there only. Narasi was shocked as if fell from the sky. He started crying No, pleasedonot givesuch orders. It is not possible. I cant goanywhereelse, leavingyou. You areeverythingtome. I dont want toget intothevicious circleof household chorus. I want to liveas unattached person. Pleaselet mebelikethis. I will singtothe gloryof thegod and spread themessageof god. Gurudev said If you regard me as everything for you, then consider this as my order. It is a myth that one can become a saint without a wife. Renunciation means a person who has no yearning for any worldly desire. That is why all the incarnations were with wives. All the sages in the past were also family men. All the so called bachelor saints have polluted the society, in one way or the other. To hide their weakness they have taken the help of the women. They can not find god, but they become the slaves of lust. They project themselves as the conqueror of lust and claim to be a superior person. When lust is suppressed, it erupts as anger. Greed and infatuation overcome their senses and the moment they spot an ordinary girl then she finds permanent place in their heart and she captures their heart (moZ'kh- one who has captured the heart). He chants the name of god to show off, but his mind is full by lust. Hence O Narasi! You return back to your home and live like a saint. Yes, it is true that your brother and sister-in-law will not give you shelter, and that does not matter. You should build a hut in another locality and settle down with your wife. That place will be like hermitage for you. You will live their like a hermit and will sing to the glory of god. In stead of you searching for the god, he will be searching for you. You become a sage and renounce the world by heart. You can do it. Common man will take a lesson from you. Misconception will be eradicated from the society. Now you should leave at once. Your hut will be the temple and god will knock at you door. I will stay with you in the finer body. Those who have relinquished family and worldly desires, or have taken a vow to shun married life, and also have determined to stay with their Guru and work for self liberation while serving the society are certainly great. They are Ajaatshatru (a person who has won over all his enemies). They are liberated in this world. The whole world is their family. Order of their Guru is Mantra for them. Serving the world is their atonement and meditation. Their conduct is Brahmacharya (conduct of Brahma). Returning to village and getting married Narasi Mehta prostrated the feet of his Guru and returned back to the village. He settled down in Junagarh with a family in different locality. Since Brahmins used to hate him he got a hut constructed with help of people belonging to lower class. Devotional activities and religious discourses became a daily routine involving people belonging to all strata of the society. All those people who used to come for the discourses also 204 205 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment used to provide food for him. With the help of those poor people, a poor Brahmin married his daughter to him. All the Brahmins of the village rejected the marriage and they called him an evil person with loose character and insult him in many ways. Narasi used to engage himself in singing to the glory of the god along with the working class people. By the grace of god his wife was also very cooperative lady and she was always ready to help her husband. With the passage of time two daughters and a son were born to the couple. They all used to welcome the saints and the guests to the best of their capability. They used to accept anything to make their end meet as the blessings of god, far from any type of greed. They never had any desires for material comforts. His wife used to live in the state of bliss along with him without giving heed to the taunts of the fellow villagers (Brahmins). Slowly his family started to swell in numbers. Villagers used to send all beggars who used to come to their village, to his house, but Narasi used to welcome them considering his good luck. He was able to sustain the extra burden of visitors by the grace of god. All the Brahmins of the village including his brother used to discuss about him This is our biggest worrythat Narasi has tarnished theimageof all theBrahmins. Wedont know howdoes hemanageall theexpenses? Thereis nodearth of evil people in theworld and thepeoplearesofoolish that theymaybegivinghim donations in thenameof religion, thus spoilinghis mind. Oblivious to all this, Narasi used to sing in the glory of the god. In due course of time both the daughters were married off to grooms from well to do families. His wife also left him for heavenly abode. He started living with his son, Shyamal Das, after the demise of his wife. Shyamal Das used to prepare food for all the visitors but he never showed any dissent and used to consider this as god sent opportunity. He also used to study at the local school. Other students used to treat him as an outcaste and used to avoid sitting with him in the class. At occasions Shyamal used to feel dejected but Narasi used to console him with his discourse Son! This is the grace of god that on one hand he makes others hate us, but on the other hand he inspires some other people to honor us. Hate and honor are two sides of the same coin. We should remain aloof from both of them. Detached lifestyle of Narasi and Visit to his daughters place Narasi lived in the state of eternal bliss and he used to welcome everyone as if the visitor was god himself. Slowly the number of devotees started swelling and very soon the hut was not sufficient to accommodate the gathering. Every one used to get swayed by the wave of devotion that they used to forget their physical existence. They were all physical labors and they used to spend their daily earnings for the community feast in the evening. All were happy and their faces were glowing with love and affection. The tree of renunciation and atonement started growing and lots of people were taking refuge under that tree. Meanwhile on the occasion of the marriage of sister-in law of his daughter Nanhi Bai, all were invited but Devotee Narasi was not invited at the behest of mother-in law of his daughter. Nanhi Bai felt humiliated for not inviting her father and one day she requested her mother- in-law for sending an invitation to her father, so that she could catch a glimpse of her father. Hearing her request her mother- in-law got furious and started shouting Your father is a fraud. Everydayhekeeps singingwith theblinds and other lower class people. Neither hehas placetolive, nor does hehaveenough food. What gifts hewill bringif invited? On top of it hewill beaccompanied bya dozen of his fellowbeggars and depleteour food stock, which has been kept asidefor theguests. His visit will tarnish our imageamongour relatives and thewholesituation will bespoiled. It is better that hedoes not come for theoccasion. Nanhi Bai started crying due to this humiliation. Her father- in-law felt sympathetic for her and after consoling her, sent 206 207 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment the invitation letter to Narasi. When Narasi received the invitation he consulted his blind friend and started preparing for the visit. He borrowed an old dilapidated cart from one of his poor disciple and a pair of oxen from other disciples. Sixteen of his blind friends took their place on the cart. They all were carrying various musical instruments and on the way they started singing devotional songs. Somehow the old bulls were pulling the ensemble of seventeen people on the way to the city of Anjaar. On the way the cart broke down and all the people fell down. Suddenly a carpenter appeared from nowhere and repaired the cart. Cart continued to move on towards destination. A person who devotes himself to the Supreme Being never faces any hardship in his life. In case if the devotee passes through difficult times god himself comes in and steers his devotee out of the difficult situation. One who was dancing with Meera Bai who consumed poison which was meant for Meera, one who dropped a bejeweled bracelet in the plate of saint Ravi Daas, or the one who took care of all the arrangements of community feast arranged surreptitiously on behalf of saint Kabir, was once again present to steer his devotee out of the no-win situation, repairs the cart and drives the troupe to the destination. All the relatives and in-laws spot them at a distance from the village. They start murmuring among themselves Look, here comes the supreme beggar (|n |), along with his troupe, holding musical instruments in his hand. As if they have come for a concert. Brother-in-law of Nanhi Bai taunted at Narasi Here come the Emperor along with his escorts. Mother-in- law of Nanhi Bai said I told you all, it is better not toinvitethe beggars and street urchins but this daughter of thebeggar wanted tosee her father. Shehas put us all toshame. Nanhi Bai goes to her father and narrates her vows to him. Narasi told her My daughter! We may be poor but our god is not poor. Go and tell your mother-in-law that your mother has died and father is unaware of the customs and rituals. Therefore if any thing is required for any custom; then she should prepare the list and hand them over to me. Also tell her to make arrangements for my stay at any place. Daughter returned to her house and when she told her mother-in-law about the material required for the customs; her mother-in-law got furious and she gave the list of all the villagers and told that her father should make arrangements for new clothes, ornaments, and shoes etc. as gifts to all. Nanhi Bai hands over the list to her father with a heavy heart. Her father looked at the list and asked is that all? She replied that as per custom gifts are given only to the family members but her mother-in-law has included the names of all the villagers. Narasi ji said with the chuckle Noproblem mychild, but pleaseconfirmthelist onceagain with her mother-in-law, if anythingis left out that is tobegiven as gift. Nanhi returns to her mother-in-law and requests her to check the list once again. Her mother-in-law got furious and while trembling with anger she said Heis a beggar but is pretendingas if heis wealthy. Yes one thingis left out, a largeplatformmadeof gold for metotakebath. Add this in thelist and get out of mysight. Dont wastemytime. Nanhi gave the list to her father. Brother-in-law of Nanhi made arrangement for the group in the hut out side the village so that there social status is not tarnished. Gifts to the villagers Two hours before the start of the custom of giving gifts to the relatives, his daughter Nanhi visited him and with the sob asked him O father! Todaymyimagewill befurther tarnished. There is verylittletimeleft and you havenot arranged for thegifts. I havecome herein thepretext of fetchingdrinkingwater. Meanwhileif no arrangements can bemadethen I will jump in theriver and takemy life. Narasi ji was singing the devotional songs in Raga Kedar (oneof manybasicforms of music), while his eyes were shedding tears of love, love with the god. Now who else is going to come to take care of me? This world is full of selfish people and every affair is useless. O god! Y ou are our guru, our 208 209 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment mother, father, brother and brother to my daughter, Nanhi. Do what ev er you want . Narasi ji was engrossed in devotional songs with his blind friends and had forgotten the existence of his physical body. He appeared in some form, for whom Narasi had forgotten his existence. There was unprecedented activity in the village. All the villagers were rushing towards the place where Narasi and his friends were staying. Everybody was discussing about Narasi. All the villagers gathered around the hut as if that place was a place of confluence. A princely looking boy, calling himself as a servant of Narasi, was distributing sweets, clothes and gifts among the villagers, by name. All the villagers were obliged after receiving the gifts and were praising Narasi. God himself completed the rituals on behalf of Narasi, posing as his humble servant. At last Golden platform for bathing to the mother-in- law of Nanhi (the little one), and costly gifts to other in-laws were distributed. Those who felt humiliated, for being relatives of Narasi, were feeling pride in calling themselves as his relatives. This is the ways of life in this world. Narasi ji along with his fellow devotees was not aware of the events of the day. He was in the state of bliss and was busy singing to the glory of the almighty. Giving trouble by Brother and maternal uncle It is our illusion that we think that this world belongs to us. Every one is looking for an opportunity. How can any one belong to us? Only he can be called our own. Relation with this world is possible only through him. Narasi ji was busy singing the glory of God, and was totally engrossed in the act. All were highly charged. Crowds were swelling and all those who were joining, were also getting charged with the devotional energy. All the young ones were also joining for the congregation every evening, and this was a surprise for rest of the villagers. Some time they used to continue till wee hours of the night as if they have lost the sense of time. While earning their livelihood during day time, they were continuously murmuring devotional songs as if they are linked with someone else, from within. This was being looked upon by the so called people belonging to upper class as derogatory and they used to feel jealous. They used to wonder what theseyoungboys and girls weredoingin thenight, surrounded bythebeggars. As per religious scriptures, youngagewas not for devotional music, this was theagefor fun and frolic. Religions is tobepracticed in thefourth and last legof life. Wehavestudied thescriptures; theseyoungkids and theilliterate Narasi alongwith his fellowdevotees havenot studied anything. Since theyarebeggars theyhavenothingtodowith religion. Someeven called themcorrupt and characterless. Someeven blamed their activityfor the death of Narasis wife. Theycould not comprehend youngones involved in religious congregations, as it was nowheredocumented. Theseyoung peoplehavebeen runningamok and will spoil our next generation, if not checked. Hencetheseshould bepunished as per religious dictates, or our prestigewill beblemished. All the Naagar Brahmins conspire against Narasi and his associates. They approach the king and they all collectively complain against Narasi. Each one narrates thestories of widespread corruption and troubles caused byNarasi and his friends. Theyall said that behind thegarb of devotional activities, corruption is flourishing. If not checked early, all theyoungones will becorrupted. Wehave matured whilestudyingthereligious scriptures and understand theessence of thereligion and religious activities. Wehavenot comeacross any situation whereyoungpeopleenjoybehind thegarb of religious activities through out thenight. O king! It is thelimit. Pleasestop Narasi and hanghimfor his sins. Heis a sinner and it is not appropriatetodelay thepunishment. Hearing this, king got worried. He offered to hold enquiry into the matter and asked for some time to investigate. Brahmins insisted on directly pronouncing the verdict. Anant Rao suggested O king! Your prime minister is the maternal uncle of Narasi, and he will tell the truth. Why not ask him? King turned towards his Prime Minister Shri Sharangdhar, who replied In relation Narasi is mynephew, but callinghimmy 210 211 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment nephewis sinful. Heis runninga centreof corruption in thenameof religion. In which religious scriptureit is written that youngboys and girls attend discourses, singand dancetothedevotional musicduring night in thenameof religion. It is all his doublestandards. If you want anymoreconfirmation, you mayask his elder brother, whois in charge of thestateprison. King addressed to Narasis brother, who told Narasi did not studyduringchildhood. Hehas destroyed all the familytraditions in thenameof devotion. After gettingfed up with his ways of living, I havedriven himout of myhouse. Helives aloneand none of our relatives ever visit him. All the villagers have excommunicated him. Heis characterless. Anytypeof punishment will bemuch less that hedeserves. When being asked for proof by the king his brother said Narasi makes a flower garland usinga very weak thread, and adorns thestatueof Lord Krishna with that. All boys and girls dancein front of theidol and enjoy. Garland breaks due toweight of theflowers which is considered as miracleand peoplegathered thereshout praises for Narasi. This miracleis duetohypocrisyof Narasi. Thepoor and illiteratevillagers, whoknownothing, arebeingexploited byhim. Hearingthis, thekingordered his minister topresent Narasi in thecourt. Narasi being cross examined by the Kings council Narasi reached the court next day and ordered by the king to defend the charges leveled against him. Narasi replied Yes, it is truethat peoplefromall walks of life, of all agegroups comefor thereligious discourses and devotional songs. Theyall prayand meditate therewithout differences. Hypocrisy and corruption is beyond my comprehension. Hearing this his maternal uncle and brother use foul language and challenge him to hold a discussion with the learned Brahmins. Narasi replied humbly I enjoythestateof bliss in devotional songs and dont wastemytimein discussions +|n +| n< n|| +| nl | n ||- +| l- +| n | <| -| (+ =n|- | |i l l || |i nl- || |i + <nin +| |i n +t| ~| i |- l-| nin When sensual desires, anger, arrogance and greed take shelter in the heart, then illiterates and learned ones are at the same. There minds are devoid of intelligence after reading the scriptures and their arguments are also baseless. Without knowing my identity and my origin, I am being insulted. His brother and uncle pleaded repeatedly that Narasi is a hypocrite, but the king was not convinced. He ordered the court to be adjourned till the next day with the condition that the king himself will offer a garland made of silken thread, to the idol of Lord Krishna. Narasi Mehta will sing the devotional songs and if the garland snaps then Narasi will be declared as devotee, else he will be punished. Decision of the king is praised by all, who were present there. A Brahmin named Harakhu was a devotee of Bhairav and was holding a respectable position in the Brahmin community. He was approached by all to please Bhairav and when Bhairav is pleased, request him to take the life of Narasi. All the offering for Bhairav viz. alcohol, non vegetarian meals and other offerings were made available to Harakhu. He made it a prestige issue and immediately started attempts to please Bhairav. All the villagers also joined the ceremonies to assist Harakhu. Next day the court assembled at the predetermined time. People from all over the town gathered there to witness the almost certain death sentence to Narasi. All Brahmins from Naagar clan were very happy. King offered the flower garland to the idol of lord Krishna. Narasi was ordered to start singing the devotional songs. Every one was eagerly waiting for the garland to snap as widely believed. Narasi started to sing: t |: -n l- ~| - +|: <|| =|i - t <zn- n|n| ~| ||: t <||- +|| +i n-i n| ||| tn|i =|| - li- t~| +la- i-|| t --t|i -n t| |+-| + ||n <i- <|- ||n ||n + <| +| := |i ~l+-- ~ l- ln- +| n- ||n t |: -n l- ~| - +|: 212 213 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment O lord! There is no one else for me. Everybody, including brother and uncle has turned foes. O merciful! Idol of compassion, please save my prestige. Whole town is against me, and it is testing time for you. You are the protector of the devotees. Please oblige this sinner and non entity. Please do not be late. O lord! There is no one else for me. Tears from eyes and words were flowing from mouth out of Narasi. Heart was brimming with the love for God. Suddenly a strong gush of wind lifted the garland from the idol and fell around the neck of Narasi. Color was drained from the faces of all the Brahmins. All the innocent people started praising Narasi. Narasi was still in trance, when Harakhu came rushing towards him and fell on to the feet of Narasi. Narasi opened his eyes in surprise. Harakhu said O divinesoul! Pleaseforgive me. I was tryingtoappeaseBhairavtotakeyour life, but hescoffed at meand told metotakeshelter with you and seek pardon, elsehewould kill meand shall drink myblood. Narasi Mehta smile and said Harakhu ji! A person, who repents for his sins, is absolved of all his sins. On the other hand if some one commits a crime and tries to shield himself as per dictates of scriptures, is always at risk, as no one pardons him. We accept the arguments given by scriptures as complete knowledge, and nurture our ego. z||| l-| l- l- |n tl -| - |- - - | | | |=| - - Those who do not understand the grandeur of the god and repeatedly utter the verses of the scriptures accumulate sins and can not attain salvation. Marriage of Son of Narasi Narasi was engrossed in the devotional bliss. He was as detached from the world as a lotus is from the water, where it grows. He was completely immersed in the love of god and was above the human traits like sensual desire, anger, greed and attachment. His son Shyamal Das was now grown up and was of marriageable age. He used to think that some one should come and take care of the household, prepare food for them. He used to think again that how come this thought ever came in my mind, as this is the job of the almighty and he may do as he feels appropriate. Madan Rai Mehta was a Brahmin of repute and he was in the council of the king. He was searching for a suitable groom for his daughter for the last so many years. He could not find any suitable groom. He instructs his family priest Pt. Dixit to go to Junagarh and look out for a suitable groom as there are over 700 Naagar Brahmin families. He also told Pt. Dixit to meet his friend Sharangdhar, who will help him. Pt. Dixit reached Junagarh and met Sharangdhar, who introduced him to lot of young and eligible bachelors, but Pt. Dixit did not approve any one of them. He found most of them as illiterate and devoid of cultural values. He got dejected and was planning to return back home. Friends of Sharangdhar suggest Pt. Dixit to see son of Narasi Mehta, with hope that he may approve of Shyamal Das due to his virtues. Pt. Dixit agreed to visit the house of Narasi Mehta and requested for the address of Narasi Mehta, but friends of Sharangdhar told him to go there on his own as no one was willing to accompany him to the house of Narasi, as it was the matter of prestige for them. They give him general guidance to reach there and request him to enquire on the way. Pt. Dixit got dejected and had the feeling that those people were now making fun of him. Pt. Dixit bids them adieu and reached the house of Narasi, which was surrounded by lot of people who were enjoying the devotional songs as if they were under the spell. n -| ll | |n ~| - +| : i n -| =<| <i|-| | +| ti n- ||| i | +| || < + =t| i = + == i- n || i 214 215 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment ~|z|| i -|| lni n- ||| n-|n| i -=i +| -|-| + n |n = ~| - l+=i = ~|z|| i There is no one else than Giridhar (one who has lifted a mountain) for me. I have always been obsessed by god as he is the only one I like. I could find him because of my Guru and could find the essence of life in his company. I could liberate from expectations, my thirst was quenched and my mind was in the state of bliss. Narasi is related to Ram only and there are no expectations from any one else. Having seen this, Pt. Dixit took his seat in one corner and he too got carried away in the wave of devotion. He returned back to senses when the devotional songs end. He got up and prostrated in front of Narasi and told him the purpose of his visit. He requested Narasi to call up his son. Narasi told him of the unequal status of the Prime minister & the beggar and expressed doubts about the sanctity of the marriage. Nonetheless he requested Pt. Dixit to take meals before he goes and lookout for another perspective groom. On request from Pt. Dixit, Narasi told him that there is no need for calling his son as he was the one who was singing the devotional songs and he was present there. Pt. Dixit had some discussions with Shyamal Das and requested for the token gift to be accepted as a mark of new relationship. Narasi ji also accepted this as divine wish and agreed to the new relationship. Day of the marriage was fixed by Pt. Dixit. Pt. Dixit returned to Bargain a happy man and explained everything to Madan Rai Mehta. He was not happy with the relationship as he feared loss of prestige. He asked Pt. Dixit to return the gifts. His wife requested that if the perspective groom is worthy of their daughter then they will financially support the groom and persisted on expediting the marriage ceremony. Madan Rai ji finally gave consent half heartedly but refused to invite any one of his relatives who were financially well off. The king was also not invited for the ceremony. He presumed that all the beggars will come as their guests which will tarnish their image in the society. Thinking so he wanted this ceremony to be over at the earliest. Saanwal Shah made all preparations like clothes, gifts, tents, transport etc. on behalf of Narasi Mehta and was ready to proceed towards the brides place. He shook Narasi Mehta out of his trance and requested him to get ready for the procession. Narasi was asked to ride the elephant and lead the marriage procession. No one in the procession was aware of the fact that who was making all the arrangements. Who was funding the events? Some people thought that since brides father was quite influential, he must have made the arrangements. Some people speculate that since Narasi is tricky person, he must have duped some rich and religious person. The procession reached Barhgaon. Madan Rai Mehta was a worried man. He was repeatedly telling Pt. Dixit Thegroomand his companions havenot arrived till now, and heshould goand enquire. First themarriagewas fixed with thebeggar and nowtheprocession has not arrived in time. Mysocial standingis tarnished. I never thought even in dreams that you will cheat melikethis. O god! Nowyou aretheonly savior under these circumstances. Suddenly a servant entered the room and announced while panting, that the grooms procession has arrived and no one has seen such a procession since long. It is very difficult to count the number of elephants, horses, and palanquins. Madan Rai Mehta got furious and scolded the servant and asked him togoenquireabout themarriageprocession which was scheduled toarrivefor their daughter. Goand look out for themarriageprocession havingbeggars and blind people. Meanwhile another servant came running and requested him to go to the main entrance and welcome the marriage procession. Madan Rai Mehta was also informed that all the servants were not in a position to feed the horses of the procession. Madan Rai could not believe his ears. Till then the whole village gathered around their house. Every one was congratulating him for the elegance of the marriage procession which was even better 216 217 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment than the kings procession. People were complaining him for keeping such elegant marriage proceedings as secret. As father of the bride he rushed to the door to welcome the groom and accompanying procession. He sought pardon from Narasi and requested him to take charge of the proceedings. In reply Narasi said You are now our family member and your prestige is our prestige. In addition Narasi asked Saanwal Shah to take care of the all the proceedings, who took charge of all the rituals on behalf of both the sides, brides as well as grooms side. Bride was given the warm send off and groom left for their home with fanfare. Fame of Narasi was increasing everyday and lots of people started witnessing miracles. One night his Guru visited him in astral body and instructed him O Narasi! How long you will remain aloof from God. Overcome duality and merge your self in him, and become infinite. After merger you will not survive, but whatever will be left, will be the eternal truth, eternal bliss. Then life will be like Shiv and Shiv is always beautiful. Everything will be divine. As directed by his Guru, Narasi delved deep into meditation and attained unification with the Supreme Being. It was like an adage an ocean merging into tiny drop. Narasi became quiet and attained eternal bliss. He overcame duality and the only thing that was left was, eternal truth, which was beautiful (=n lz|n =-<n). Route can be different but the destination is same. Experiences may be different but the eternal bliss will be same. Expression may be different but the climax will be same. There is nothing else but eternal peace and nothing but the peace. I n these situations there is no language. Only the feelings remain, devoid of any expressions. !! Hari Om !! Pundit Jajali Since time immemorial, man has nurtured the wrong notion that a hermit does not live in a house, lives naked like a cave man, like a wild animal and eats grass or leaves. He is far from the society and is uncultured. There is no difference between a hermit and a wild animal. Has he become an exhibit which belongs ot zoo? Has he nothing to do with the society? If a hermit is like or as per general perception by the so called religious men about the hermits or sages then let us pray to god that such a hermit or sage should never be born on the face of the earth. Probably the world appears to be ugly because of such hermits who live in imagination only. Perhaps such thoughts originate from the likes of Shankaracharya, who rejected the world; saying This world is false and should be renounced in order to reach the eternal truth. The world seems to be shackled in thoughts of caste and creed. It is ironical that on one hand the world is false, caste is the basic truth, there exists an army of the hermits who live completely naked, Buddhists were made to flee from their homeland for no reason and on the other hand eighty percent of the population is kept in dark and illiterate in the name of religion and cast. Some people declared them as perpetrator of the religion and there were atrocities all over the world in the name of the religion. This resulted in the collapse of the social infrastructure. As a result of this relation between a mother and her son has become loathsome on one hand and on the other hand brother-sister, father-daughter relation 218 219 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment drifted far away from humanity. Animal instinct was ruling the roost. Why did that happened? Did Shankaracharya plant a mango tree which got converted into thorny shrub? These so called, Gurus of the world have planted many such trees or unknowingly some mistake has been made by prominent people of the society. When we project the hermits as a caged animal in the zoo, this will go on for ever. It appears that the time has come for the hermits to come out in open. A hermit can be in every house. A hermit will sit in the office. A hermit will run the grocery shop. A hermit will plough the fields. A hermit will work in all fields from being a cobbler to tailoring the clothes. A hermit will work in all spheres of life, and then only the mankind will survive. Else complete destruction is near certainty. Being complete is another name of being a hermit. That has nothing to do with the so called ornaments, which are for the body and not for the soul. Art of transforming the mind and soul is called, renunciation. Even if there is a single hermit in the family then it may be possible that taking a cue from him the whole family can get transformed, which in turn may become a source of inspiration for the whole village. This is the need of the hour, and then only we can see, smiling faces around us. The time is ripe to introduce the qualities of hermit to the society and spread them. Light thousands of lamps from one, so as to eradicate the darkness from not our lives but from the lives of others also. Changes in the legislation, alone is not sufficient to transform the society as it is not possible to renovate the house by simple changing the plaster every year. Introduction to more and more legislation is a sign of fall of values in the society. If each one of us, adheres to moral values and social responsibilities, then there is no need of the legislation and hence the civil courts. Jajali was a hermit, whose father was a Brahmin and an exponent in the ritualistic ways of life. Following the foot steps of his father, Jajali also opted for the solitary way of living. He did not need the society and the society also did not need people like him. Jajali was a hermit and hence he took pride in seeking alms for living. Society was also full of religious bigots who considered their duty to give him alms, for the greed of earning some goodness from the so called charity. No one argued with him due to fear of being cursed. He used to live in the jungle and whenever he needed he used to make a visit to the nearby town and collect the material he needed from the town dwellers. Since he always was proud of his austere life, he decided to even go for a more rigorous penance. He decided to skip one meal a day but later on he started living on roots and wild fruits. It was but natural that his fame spread around. A person who is more unnatural and pretends a lot about his prowess, religious bigots recognize him as an ascetic. This false praise starts nourishing his already inflated ego, and after being on high, he starts torturing himself even more. This self torture takes him closure towards his animal instincts and he starts behaving like an animal. This becomes an endless cycle and results in mental tension for him. He loses his temper even on very trivial issues. This is the reason that most of the sages have been short tempered, and as a result of this the society has suffered a lot. Same as discussed above happened with Pundit Jajali. With the increased stature, his ego was nourished by false praise. This resulted in Jajali being even harsher with self. One day he thought he should remain standing for his penance, and he became a standing monk. He used to feel restless and sleepy as a result of standing for a longer duration. His legs and feet started getting sore but his ego told him not to take rest. When the pain exceeded the bearing limits, he made arrangements for a swing at the level of his chest and used to take rest on that while standing. This resulted in reduced load on his feet. His nails grew and his hair got matted. He started discarding 220 221 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment his clothes one by one and in short time he was wearing only a loin cloth. When he used to feel cold in the middle of the night, he wondered O god! Arenot happywith me? If you were happywith me, thesun would never havegonebelowthehorizon resulting warmth all thetime. With continuous exposure to harsh weather conditions his skin became like leather like an animal and he got used to all type of weather. His fame spread in all over. People from all walks of life started gathering to catch a glimpse of him as a mark of respect and he became demi god. His ego got a fillip and it was natural that self torture also increased proportionally. Bird making a nest in matted hair of Jajali Jajali got used to standing on feet. One of his feet got injured due to continuous stress and the wound got infected. There were worms in the wound and it was really painful. All his thoughts and attention were centred on the wound, but he ignored the feelings due to false pride. He was always worrying about how to get the treatment for the wound. With the passage of time he was becoming insane due to worsening condition of the wound. He face got distorted and his hair looked like a shrub. One day a sparrow was feeding her fledgling which was jumping with joy and was probably going to take its first lesson in flying. Coincidentally that young bird fell into the matted hair of Jajali, and soon the mother bird also followed her young one. Even after several attempts the young one could not fly out of the matted hair of Jajali. Both the birds decided to stay there for the night. Meanwhile Jajali had got accustomed to sleeping while standing on his feet. When he got up in the morning, he heard the chirping of bird on his head. While he was contemplating to throw out the birds, few devotees arrived there. After spotting birds on his head they said You are great. You are god. Birds are dwelling on you head but since you are so much engrossed in meditation, you did not even notice them. Now Jajali got another certificate of his greatness and prowess. The hand which he raised for throwing out the birds, stopped there and he started protecting the bird to prevent them from falling. He used to think; because of the birds my status has been elevated. Whole day he used to think about the welfare and arrival of the birds after there daily flights after the young bird learned flying. He stopped taking bath and he always used to worry about protecting the nest. Young bird also grew up and also delivered an egg. The bird used to leave the egg which became another object for Jajali to worry about. He paid his complete attention towards the nest to protect the egg. Within few days egg was hatched and the next generation of birds also started flying. When the birds did not return, Jajali waited for the birds for over two months. He felt pangs of attachment. He felt hurt and got mentally disturbed, even more. He plucked out the nest and threw away the same. Hearing a broadcast from the skies Jajali was very much worried and sad. For the peace of mind and cleansing his physical body he moved in the direction of the river. On the way village folks worshipped and praised him. They complemented him as one of the best of the sages on earth. These words full of praises fuelled his ego to hit yet another high. He was thinking Whoelsecan beas great a hermit as I am? I amthebest. For years birds havedwelled in mymatted hair, but I continued with mypenance. I amuniqueon this earth. I have understood thesecrets of thereligion, thats whyI kept thebirds on my head for years, likemyown soul. He cleansed his body like never before after a long time. When he filled his hands with water for an offering, he uttered spontaneously I ama uniquehermit on thefaceof theearth. I havebecomesynonymwith religion. Immediately there was a broadcast from the sky O sage! You do not even know the first letter of the book called, religion. You have wasted your life like a tortoise or a tree. You have accumulated ego till now. His self image got shattered and he asked while repenting O god! Howcan I know 222 223 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment about religion? Another broadcast is heard You should immediately go in the shelter of a Sadguru who is also a family man. Without a Sadguru not only you but no one else can achieve any well being. Key to the doors of the god is in the hands of a Sadguru. Only he can unlock the doors to the supreme being. In search of a Sadguru Jajali was very sad. He felt as if he lost all his earnings of many years. He returned back to his hermitage, which was full of devotees who were shouting praises for him. But Jajali was quiet and was thinking that may be it was the right time to move to Kaashi. He slept for three days and nights after several years. When he got up he felt a bit tranquil. He felt the pangs of hunger and had a sumptuous meal. Thus he rested and had regular meals for a month. He felt hale and healthy after the rest of one month. He came out of the shell he was confined to. After a month he moved on to Kaashi. On the way he was thinking Hewasted manyyears in penance. I shared all theemotions with thebirds duringtheir staywith me. When theywerehappyI used tofeel happyand felt sorrowin their grief. I missed their companywhen theyleft me. Theyalsolived barebodied with mein all weather. Was my effort not morethat a bird or a tree. In fact I did not acquireanyknowledge about religion. I was becomingas staticas a tree, fromwithin, without anyprogress. What did theworld achievefrommypenance? I took from themin onewayor theother, without givinganythingtothemin return. It was myfoolishness that I took mybeingstaticas beingreligious. Mulling over his past and facing hardship on the way he reached Kaashi. He sat on the banks of river Ganga after taking a bath. He was considering the ways, how to enquire about a Sadguru? He was looking for a learned person, a hermit wearing black robe with matted hair. Meanwhile two ladies went past him and they were talking about a lady who was devoted to her husband, has many prowesses and she has all the traits of being a Sadguru. Jajali immediately got up and asked the ladies about their Sadguru. They pointed out in a general direction and showed him the way. Jajali moved in that direction and to his surprise he found no hermitage, or hermits. Only few families were living in that area. After hesitating for a few moments he decided to enquire. He knocked on one of the doors. A person opened the door and was having a divine aura around him. Divine calm and light adorned his face. He enquired from Jajali Yes please! What do you need? Jajali informed him that he is on the look out for a lady who is devoted to her husband. Please go and inform her about my arrival and tell her that a sage has come out of trance of meditation and wants to meet her. The man goes inside the house and returned with the message O sage! The lady has sent the message that she is not free as she is in the service of her husband. You have not done real meditation, but spent life like an animal. She has also asked you to go meet Tuladhar Vaishya (trader). Jajali first got infuriated when he came to know that an ordinary lady was not willing to meet him. He was thinking that the lady deserved to be cursed, but when he heard the message further that he has not meditated in real sense, his anger evaporated. He was wondering that how did that lady know about him without even seeing him. She must be an elevated soul having many prowesses. He got the feeling of churning within how could she learn about everything living an ordinary life as a house wife? What type of divine law is this? I have not got any thing even after so much of hardship. I have not achieved any thing. Is there a flaw in the divine rules and have all the gods gone berserk. I am a sage, a celibate and I possess all the virtues of being a great person. I also know what religion is. Meanwhile the person said What areyou thinkingreverend Jajali? It is not justified tothink likethis. Religion can beknown in a moment provided you meet theSadguru and thereis yearningin you toseek thetruth. Jajali got yet another jolt and asked him, who are you? The man replied I am an attendant. Let us go and let me introduce you to Tuladhar Vaishya. 224 225 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Meeting with Tuladhar Vaishya The attendant showed him the shop of Tuladhar Vaishya from a distance and told Pt. Jajali to meet him in person. The attendant returned back and disappeared after some time. Jajali was perplexed and started thinking; what is all this about? Is god really not in the jungle? Not even in penance or meditation or in hermitage? Is god sitting in the shop? Is god in the family life? These are strange ways of god. We relinquished family life and the family men have come to know about god. He waited for a while, at a distance. Suddenly he came out of trance and moved forward. He spotted a person in the crowd, who was communicating with the customers cordially and was trading goods with money. He was addressing every one as Narayan. Jajali also merged in the crowd as a customer and waited for his turn. He was thinking - O god! What typeof sacrament is it? On onehand thereis world and on theother hand there is god. Both arepoles apart. This person neither belongs toupper cast nor is hedoingsuperior deeds. Healsoappeared, not highlyeducated. Howcan I accept himas an elevated soul? Howto initiatethe conversation? He was getting confused about everything happening around him. Tuladhar Vaishya got up from his seat. With folded hands he approached Pt. Jajali and offered him salutations. The crowd was watching in composed manner. Tuladhar Vaishya said Reverend Jajali ji! You havecertainlybeen born in socalled upper caste familyand this fact has been theroot causeof egoin you. Second reason for egois theextent of penanceyou haveperformed. Third reason for the egois theknowledgeof scriptures and rituals. Just onecauseof egowas sufficient for becominga barrier in your pursuit, but you havethree reasons. Anyway you please take rest for some time. Let me perform my duties as a trader, then we will have detailed discussion in the evening. Jajali was stunned by the revelations. Tuladhar ji instructed a person to offer him snacks and later take him for a guided tour of Kaashi should he so wish. The attendant guided him to a separate area and offered him snacks. Later the attendant offered to him a guided tour of Kaashi. Brain of Pt. Jajali had stopped working by then and he was trying to recall the events of the day. Summoning courage Jajali asked for the introduction of the attendant. He replied that he was a humble servant of Tuladhar. Jajali again said Areyou no thesameperson whomet meat theresidenceof that lady. Nowyou are present heretoo. The attendant replied Wheretherearedevotees of thealmighty, his dutyis toprovideserviceat all thoseplaces. Those devotees areoblivious totheworldlyconduct. TheyseetheSupremeBeing in each creation. Theyarein this world for namesake. Theyperform their duties as offerings togod. Their worldlydutyis their penance (Tapasya). This is theessenceof thespiritual knowledge. Saying so, the attendant disappeared. This event stirred Pt. Jajali once again and triggered another thought process. He was wondering at the turn of the events as he had never experienced such miracles in his life, and also whether he wasted all the years of his life chasing a mirage. At dusk Tuladhar Vaishya pulled the shutters down of his shop. He addressed Pt. Jajali and sought pardon for the inconvenience. He further said I could not help as the Karma is assigned by the god himself and running away from the assigned duties is escapism. Shall we move on to my house? We shall talk there in detail. At the house of Tuladhar Vaishya family members meet him with due regard. Every one touches his feet as a mark of respect with a smiling face. Pt. Jajali was observing that all the family members are very well cultured and there is no sign of ego in there action. Whereas the so called elevated people dwelling in the hermitage are like golden urns which are full of anger, they are still trying to overcome material desires; they are full of envy for others who would not show respect to others. All remain listless as if they are not living in the hermitage but among the graves. Do they repent for renouncing the world? Tuladhar ji said Thinking like this is also not justified. Thinking about god and analyzing your relationship with almighty is like prayers. A person becomes as he thinks. You kept standing for 226 227 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment years, birds built their nest on your head, they laid eggs which were successfully hatched. Fledglings grew up as birds and they abandoned you. People used to shower praise on you and you kept thinking about that only. You were always thinking what else can be done which is unconventional and unnatural so that my image gets a boost. You were thinking about your fame and assumed that this is the only truth of life. You presumed that you have completed introspection. O reverend! This is not the truth, but it can be called sighting your inflated ego. This can get you material pleasures or patronage from the king, but this has no bearing on the real truth and enlightenment. These carnal pleasures can be achieved but they initiate the downfall of a person. Jajalis face got drained of all the vital energy and he felt the pangs of pain. He showed respect for Tuladhar with folded hands, perhaps for the first time in his life. He asked O enlightened one! How can the eternal truth be witnessed? Tuladhar replied in composed manner Taking shelter with a Sadguru can help you reach your destination. Jajali got up and prostrated in front of him. Spontaneously he said You are my Sadguru. Please guide me to attain self realization. Oblige me. For the first time in my life I have found myself helpless and have taken shelter with a Sadguru. Some how, I have got rid of ego. O Gurudev! I was having the illusion that only a Brahmin deserves to attain realization. God can be reached only by relinquishing meals & water, by maintaining standing posture, by renouncing the family life, by living in the jungle. I am surprised with your knowledge. Now I have no illusion or ambitions. My mind has been cleansed. I just want to know; how can I become a yogi? How can I live like a yogi? How can the worldly duties be my prayers? How can I practice yoga without desire? I am in your shelter, please enlighten me. Tuladhar ji replied O superior one! There is no need to panic. I too have attained this knowledge from my Sadguru. First of all you should understand one fact that god is complete. If he is the pleasure then he is sorrow also. If he is day then he is night also. If he is good then he is evil too. If he is heavens then he is hell too. He was roaming in the jungle searching for Sita as Ram and he abducted Sita as Ravan. He reached Mathura as Krishna and he was living in Mathura as Kans. We just understand half truth and ignore the other half of the truth. That is why we can not achieve the other half of the truth. He is in the family and he comes to the shop as the customer. He is omnipresent. Through the knowledge of completeness only, his omnipresence can be felt. Salutation to the omnipresent, who manifests himself in each living or non living beings. Please sit in the erect posture. Focus all your attention on your breathing. Take your consciousness and all your senses upwards along with the breath. Feel the light ahead this is the abode of Supreme Being. This is the eternal truth. This glow is present in all the living or non living beings. One can live life by remaining in this state also. Jajali sat in meditation and for the next two hours he forgot the sense of his being. His face started to glow with radiance. Contorted face transformed into a smiling face. He was in the state of bliss. He was being initiated by Sadguru while receiving the blessings of the Supreme Being as divine light from above. After two hours he came out of trance and prostrated at the feet of Sadguru. Tears started flowing from his eyes. He said Gurudev! This was not possible by my own efforts, at least not in this life. This has been made possible by your blessings only. Today I feel that my life is successful. I will be indebted for ever for your kindness. My whole life is dedicated to you. You may use it as you feel suitable. Tuladhar ji was very happy and he said Now that you have seen god. You should see him every where. Who is small, who is large; all are droplets from the ocean called God. All are linked with the common force called love. This link is severed 228 229 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment by the hypocrites by the sword of hatred. One, who recognizes him, also recognizes his droplets. Also as a rivulet becomes ocean after merging in it , one should try to merge himself in the ocean called god. You have to perform your duties with the physical body but simultaneously should always keep god in his mind. Always keeping your consciousness, focused on god, is like remaining in the communion with the almighty. Duties performed in that state is called desireless communion. One remains free from the shackles of Karma. Now no rituals, religious rites, pilgrimage, or penance is required. Where ever he lives becomes a place for pilgrimage, what ever he does becomes his penance. Whatever he eats becomes offering for the god. Such a person makes himself free of all the shackles and only a free person can help others achieve freedom from their Karmic shackles. His actions become guidelines for others and the path he treads becomes the Path of the Enlightened. Gateway to knowledge was opened for Pt. Jajali and his ego evaporated in the shelter of a Sadguru. He found the key to the eternal bliss and the eternal truth. His aim of the life was fulfilled. A person is sent by Govind (one who is reverend by all the living beings) to the shelter of a Sadguru, when all the karma of previous lives are ready to yield their fruits. Devotion without any desire towards, Sadguru is the result of all good Karma of the previous lives. Under these conditions the god himself will be very eager to fulfill all the desires of the devotee. A devotee should only desire that even if the world goes against him, be it so. O Sadguru! You should never turn away from me. !! Hari Om !! Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) A Buddha person is above all caste and creed. He is beyond all the prevalent beliefs. They can not remain anchored to defined set of rules and usually, they go beyond the traditional values. Since Onkar (vksadkj) is free from all shackles, it is neither true nor false. Words are like pointers to indicate in the general direction of Onkar. One who does not know anything about the Onkar gets trapped in the various discourses on the topic, and in the pursuit of proving himself as a superior person, carries the burden of his acquired knowledge & intelligence on his head and at last, leaves his physical body. In due course of time, his discourses which are compiled as books are sufficient to misguide the so called literate people of the society. A Buddha person does not repeat the sayings and experiences of others, but believes and talks about, what he has witnessed. They have realized there inner self and they want others also to attain self realization through introspection. They try to light the lamps for the quest for self realization and tryst with the inner self. In their efforts for the same they generate a wave which is sufficient to exhilarate the people around them. People surrounding them start singing and dancing. They start forgetting their own existence. Now they do not care what is said by a Pundit or a Maulana or what their preaching says. They do not belong to any sect. They create their own path with their care free attitude, which in turn becomes path for others 230 231 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment to tread. When people start treading that path, they leave the path after some time. With the passage of time experiences of the enlightened ones get, translated into books which in turn fades from the memories of the people. What is left is tradition. Now the man comes out of the old traditions to enter into new ones. The mind always looks out for the novelty. Mind is not worried about real knowledge or meditation. Mind is never ready to enter into new realms of meditation, and gets stuck into the muck of new traditions. In time this new mess becomes more dangerous than the old one. Using the name of a Buddha as a mask, people invent new ideologies to suite their interests. There is a perpetual noise created by new voices, even if these voices are external, enemy to the internal voices, or they are inimical to the interests of the society. Now there is an issue of self prestige, or ego. During these difficult times a Buddha has to face the humiliation and has to face the opposition from the so called wise men of that time. Nanak Dev ji was one of the few people who treaded such path. Nanak ji was born on 15 th April, 1469 on the full moon night. His father Kaalu Bedi was an influential person belonging to the Kshatriya (warrior clan) family from a village called, Talwandi. His mother Tripta was a pious lady. His uncle Lalu Bedi used to take care of the agricultural interests of the family and Kaalu Bedi was the collector, which was considered as a noble and reputed profession. There was a wave of happiness in the family when Nanak was born. Pundit Hardayal gave him name as per astrological calculations. Nanak grew up like a normal child but he never took interest in playing with other children. At the age of seven he was sent to Pundit Gopal for formal education. He completed his education in a short time. He used to discuss religion with his guru. Geeta comprising of seven verses introduced him to his inner self. He narrated this to his father. ~| ln +|-| n |t-n|n- n- : |l- -<t = |l- n| l-n:: The word Onkar which belongs to Vedas is also called Pranav (|.-the sound of Om!). The same Supreme Being which is represented by Onkar is also called a supreme persona (||-|n). He takes the form of vocal sounds or Brahma and creates into new dimension. He created the universe with the power of sound. Devotion towards him is pious. In Gods own words Onewholeaves his physical bodywhilerememberingOnkar (or me) or whilechantingOm, attains thesupremeposition and is eligibleto reach myabode. I amthesmallest of all (Even finer than the time) and in theformof soul I dwell in thehearts of all thelivingbeings. Thus he completed Geeta with seven verses. This one Onkar became a catalyst for the change in his life. In his childhood Nanak took cows and buffalos for grazing. He used to give helping hand in household works which are suitable for a child. When he used to take the herd for grazing, he used to leave them on their own and used to sit under the tree for meditation. He also used to distribute the snacks given to him, among poor people. He used to remain unhappy in his house. He felt the pangs of compassion in his heart which resulted in pain in his chest. His father got worried at his condition and a doctor was summoned for his treatment, but the doctor could not diagnose the cause for the pain. He used to enjoy the company of the wandering monks and hermits. Even in his youth he seldom found interest in the household chores. It was but natural for a father to get worried. One day his father counseled him and said Look son, you belongtoa warrior clan and belongtoan upper class family. Our prestigedepends on your actions. Nowthat you aregrown up, you should carryforward thefamily tradition and dosomegood business. Nanak agreed to do good business. He was given twenty rupees and some instructions Son, you should takealong, our trusted servant Bala, whois smart and educated. Gowith himfor thebusiness and buysomegoods. When he reached a short distance from his house, he met a group of sages. He engaged himself in singing to the glory of the god. He instructed Bala Father had instructed metostrikea good deal. 232 233 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment What could bebetter than this? He later donated all the money to those hermits and told them to buy blankets, sheets and groceries items. Those sages were doing penance for the last seven days and were living without food. They asked him to give food in place of money as who will go and buy groceries for them in the jungle. Nanak ji did as he was instructed. Sage Renu was a fakir with many prowesses. He asked Nanak What doyou want? Nanak replied I want theSupremeBeingwhois Nirankar (formless SupremeBeing). If you arepleased with methen pleasegivemethat SupremeBeing. Renu replied that you are the same Supreme Being. He is taking a peek through you. You are Nirankari (without a form) Nanak. When the dirt settled outside is cleared through meditation, then true and complete Nirankar emerges. Nanak returned with the technique to achieve the Nirankar as blessings. Nanak went into deep meditation in a pit outside the village, using the technique as told by Renu. Bala returned back to the village and narrated the incident to his father. His father started fuming with anger and went on to look for him. The moment father spotted is son, he slapped Nanak. Kalu was so furious that he was thrashing Nanak in blind rage. Nanak was silent and was taking the beating without any reaction. Nanaki, elder sister of Nanak came running to the rescue of her brother. When the king of that place came to know about the incident, he warned Kalu strictly against repeating the act and also retuned twenty rupees to Kalu from the state fund. After this incident Nanaki was married off to a well off young man belonging to warrior clan, named Jairam. Visit of Nanak to the sisters place Nanak ji used to remain engaged with groups of saints at his birth place, Talwandi. He was then a young man of twenty years of age. He used to donate whatever he had, to the saints he came across. One day he donated his golden ring and his urn used for carrying water. His father scolded him and asked him to leave the house for ever. Nanak ji accepted the anger of his father without reaction. After prompting from the king Ram Dular, young Nanak was sent of his sisters village. His father sent Bala also along with him to look after him, to prevent him from meeting saints and from donating his belongings to saints. He also sent the message for Nanaki to find a suitable job and prospective bride for Nanak. His brother- in-law felt elated after seeing him. Using his contacts he managed to appoint Nanak as an officer with Modi mines, belonging to Nawab Daulat Khan. Nanak looked after the job very well. He donated lot of money to the needy but there was no shortage of funds. In his free time he used to enjoy the company of saints. He used to donate everything he earned. Marriage of Nanak Jairam, brother-in-law of Nanak found a suitable bride named Sulakshani for Nanak; who belonged to Batala. Father of Sulakshani was the collector for the ancestors of Nanak. The message was sent through a Brahmin for engagement and the marriage was solemnized after one year. Nanak ji lived in Talwandi for one month with his wife and then he migrated to Sultanpur. Meanwhile Nanak was charged with swindling of funds, but after enquiry it was revealed that the money was due to him. This incident enhanced the reputation of Nanak in the court of the kingdom. In-laws of Nanak ji used to visit their daughter every month. In spite of every facility in the house, Sulakshani complained Nanak ji does not return back home for several days and does not loveher likeother husbands dototheir wives. Healsospends lot of timein thecompanyof saints and hermits. Reacting to the complaints of their daughter, the in-laws of Nanak vent out their anger on Nanaki. One day Nanaki counseled Nanak and requested him to spend more time at home with wife. Nanak agreed to that. At the age of 22 years, their first son Shree Chand was born and their second son Laxmi Das was born after another 4 years. Bala was always there in their service. 234 235 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Leaving home by Nanak As Nanak used to be in the company of saints and hermits, his home was converted into a hermitage. At the age of 26 years and 8 months, he had experienced eternal bliss. Nanak ji was sitting on the banks of the river Bei after taking a bath in the year 1499. While he was meditating he visualized a divine light and entered new realms of deep meditation. Due to the disturbance from family members he started to live like a monk and for some time he lived outside the town of Sultanpur. For this he had to bear the brunt of anger of the family members. Now that he found inner peace, he became quiet from outside also. His wife left for her parents house taking her children with her. Nanak ji had become Nanak Dev ji. He was left with only Bala and Mardana, two of his most trusted attendants. He used to roam around every where as per wish of the Supreme Being, as he had no personal wish, left to be fulfilled. Mardana used to play Rabab and Nanak Dev ji used to spread the message of the god to the masses, through Rabab. Attending a Yagya by Nanak Brahmins were conducting a Yagya for the King Maluk where he was also invited, but he preferred to take simple meals from the house of a down trodden carpenter called Lalu. Brahmins complained to him about this. At last Nanak Dev ji visited the venue of the Yagya. He addressed the king Whydo you think and saythat, in spiteof belonginga warrior clan, I have taken meals in thehouseof an untouchable. I ama fakir and donot belongtoanycasteor creed. You havecastethat is whyyou haveorganized feast for Brahmins only. Saying so Nanak held the food prepared by the Kings chef and in the second hand he held the morsel from the food prepared by Lalu the carpenter. Then he squeezed both the preparations. To the surprise of the gathering, blood started to trickle from the food prepared for the Yagya and milk started to trickle from the simple food prepared by Lalu, the carpenter. Nanak said O king! I donot accept thefood which is soaked in blood. Simplefood offered bya poor fellowand prepared fromhis hard earned moneyis as if it was prepared in milk. All those who were gathered bowed their heads in shame. This way he denounced caste system and untouchability prevailing in the society. He started roaming all over spreading the message Thosewhoremember thegod, areloved byhim. Requests by parents and Uncle for returning back home While wandering, Nanak reached his home town Talwandi, along with Bala and Mardana. He took his seat near the well outside the village. All the villagers came for a glimpse of him. His father was deeply hurt and was accusing Nanak for tarnishing the image of the family. His mother was crying for losing her son and was requesting him to return back home. Nanak said Nowthewholeearth is myhome. Your houseis toosmall for metolive. NowI amresidingin thelargehouseof God. When his uncle requested him to return back, Nanak said Now pardoning (l|n|) is my mother and satisfaction (=-||) is my father. Truth is my uncle which can help me win over my mind. Listen Lalu the traits should be those who link every body with the bondage of brotherly love. So uncle, please have patience, as it is my company as per my choice. Peace is my friend and understanding (nl-) is my disciple. Such is my family and mother-in-law is my playmate. One Onkar ((+ ~|+|) is like my husband which has been described in religious scripts. If you will abandon him then I feel sad. Thus consoling every one at Talwandi, Nanak returned back to the house of Lalu. He stayed there for five days along with Bala and Mardana. After that he left for his journey towards Bengal, considering the journey as the desire of the God. Stay at Kartarpur Nanak used to preach while roaming all over and he used to narrate the glory of Hari (one of many names of god) and 236 237 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment the name of Hari. He also shattered established beliefs with his knowledge. Some time he used to meet Nanaki and at other times his parents. He used to preach his family members also about the importance and glory of name of Hari. While on the move Nanak ji observed that a Brahmin was meditating on the Shaligram (the stone is considered to be a form of Lord Krishna). Nanak ji asked his disciples to remove the Shaligram and all the offerings placed around. When the Brahmin opened his eyes, he started crying after not finding Shaligram. He complained to Nanak ji. Nanak ji said You claimed topossess theknowledgeof all times (past, present and future) if you meditated on theShaligram, but you could not knowabout Shaligram. Brahmin pleaded with him that he used to tell lies about the god for food, required for the family. Hearing this, Guru Nanak ji said Donot tell lies fromtodayand trytofind theenormous wealth hidden within you. Brahmin accepted Nanak ji as his Guru. His preaching is +i-- n l--| n| l-- - n- -i- l|: =n | +| -|= +|: n| ---n tl <~|:: Guru Nanak used to preach and he started living in Kartarpur. His wife moved in with him along with their two sons. Guru Nanak ji lived in Kartarpur during last 18 years of his life. Kartarpur a abode of the doer (God is considered to be the only one who does all in the universe). Nanak is only the performer and he dedicated all, what he did to the almighty. He used to prompt others to remember the name of Hari and used to say- -|n -|n +n ~|| +n ~|| He used to preach and also used to tell the same essence of the chanting the glory of the name of Hari. He helped people visualize the real truth. He used to see Hari every where. ~-< |t tl +| |=| t a|- -|: -|-+ l- ~|| l--tln- |n +i +|: While removing the algae of confusion, he was living in the state of eternal bliss. Only thing that remained was the doer, (+-| the doer) Inheritance to Angad Dev (1504-1552) Nanak Dev ji was worried and was looking around for a person who was like him and will continue the tirade against the wrong traditions. Since his elder son had become a fakir and his younger son was too young to continue what he had started, although he was full of devotion and faith. Meanwhile a Kshatriya (warrior clan) named Lehna came to visit the shrine of a goddess and got attached with him for ever. Nanak handed over to him all that he had earned in his lifetime. Being happy with his devotion Guru Nanak said Since you are born out of me, from now onwards you will be called Angad. You return back to your native place Khandur, meditate and spread my message to the masses. It may be possible that you do not get along with Shree Chand or Lakshman Chand, hence you will start your tirade from your place. Angad Dev prostrated in front of him and returned back to his native place. Meanwhile parents of Guru Nanak Dev ji expired and their family wealth was transferred to his sons. Nanak Dev ji was absolved of the debt from parents (as per Indian traditions a man is indebted to the god, the parents and to the Guru and he has to repay them by his deeds and rituals). Meanwhile Shree Chand ji also became a saint and started his own sect. He was considered as reincarnation of Lord Shankar and lots of temples have been built depicting him as deity. Nirvana of Guru Nanak Dev Principal message of Guru Nanak Dev was Nooneis superior or inferior based on status of his family. Declaring some one as inferior or superior is a result of the being narrow minded. It is better for a person for treading the path of honesty and simplicity. He emphasized on the building a strong character and then further developing it. He said that One 238 239 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment shall gain knowledgelikea Brahmin, becomestronglikea warrior, earn wealth likea businessman (trader) and shall servethecommunity likea servant. It is not correct torun awayfromthedifficulties of lifein this world. Thus he gave his doctrine for remembering the God to the common man and left for his heavenly abode at the age of 70 years on 22 nd September, 1539. He was a guru in true sense. His traits flowed through Angad Dev for the common man. Sikh religion Guru Nanak was the founder of the religion. In Sanatan (eternal) religion whenever traditions and superstitions become more prevalent, masses blindly follow the distorted interpretation of the religion then great people arrive on this earth. These people shatter the falsehood of superstition, rituals using the sword of their words. He was a guru of the same tradition. He embraced Hindus and Muslims with the same affection. He gave the same message of prayers to God to all the sects. He tried to pull the common man out of the mess created by the distorted beliefs and traditions, but it is sad that with the passage of time common man could not stick to the values introduced by him. A man becomes the mouth piece for some one elses ideology using his acquired intelligence and arguments, while using the crutches of falsehood and popular adages to satisfy his ego. Using the media, he tries to enhance his own image Truth dies its natural death, and is buried under falsehood and hypocrisy. In due course of time no one dares to speak against that, as the same hypocrisy and falsehood gives impression of truth. Masses are ready to do anything for their false and rigid notions. Religion is no more practiced and remains confined to the religious literature. Common man gets used to the scenario like a drug addict. One who dares and opposes such conditions is called an atheist, but when the so called atheist leaves his physical body, he and his ideology is used as the base for yet another tirade, this time for the personal gains of the preacher. There ideology appears to be priceless. This cycle has been going on since eternity, that there is no dearth of the people who fight against the established norms, No dearth of people who will hang such people, and then there will be no dearth of the people who will worship the victim of mass hysteria or opposition. Even temples will be built in the name of the person who is hanged. Guru Nanak also belonged to the same tradition who gave importance to a persons intellectual capabilities and not to the family status. Although his son Shree Chand was not only a great saint but a Guru also; due to some reasons he preferred to pass on the spiritual inheritance to Angad Dev. He also instructed his other disciples to accept Angad Dev as their Guru. His disciples were also called Sikh, which is nothing but the different dialect and distorted pronunciation of the word disciple (or lz| is pronounced as lz| which was further shortened to l=|). Angad Dev ji also developed the preaching of Guru while staying at Khandur as per instructions of Guru Nanak and passed on the inheritance to brother Amru in1552, before his merger into eternity on 29 th March,1552. He also had two sons but he chose to make brother Amru (later he was called Guru Amar Das) as his successor. !! Hari Om !! 240 241 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Guru Amar Das (1479-1574) Amar Das was called Sahib. He became the third guru and he was born on 5 th May, 1479 in a Kshatriya family belonging to Vasare village. He was related to Angad Dev as his nephew was married to the niece of Angad Dev. He accepted Angad Dev as Guru at the age of 72 years and served him. In 1952 passed on the spiritual inheritance to Guru Amar Das. He shifted his base from Khandur to Gahadwal. Now Sikh religion was spreading very fast. He involved his sons and grandsons for collection of Guru Vaani (Voice of Guru) and passed on the inheritance to his brother Jetha at the age of 95 and attained nirvana on 1 st September 1574. Guru Ram Das Sahib (1534-1581) Jetha Bhai was called Guru Ram Das Sahib. He was the fourth Guru and was born on 24 th September 1534 at Chuna Mandi (whole sale market of Lime) Gram in Lahore. He too belonged to Sodhi family (another one of the warrior clan). He was married to the daughter of Guru Amar Das ji. He served Guru Amar Das as a Guru and not as father-in-law. He got the spiritual inheritance in September 1574. He established a town called Wheel of Guru in 1577 which was later given the name of Amritsar. He founded the Har Mandir sahib and the foundation stone was laid by a Muslim called Mian Parvesh Mir. He only compiled the voices of Guru (Guru ) and got it printed for distribution for the first time. He nominated his third son Arjun Dev as the next Guru and merged in the eternity at the age of 47 years on 1 st September 1581. Guru Arjun Dev (1563-1606) Guru Arjun Dev took over as fifth guru at the age of 17 years on 1 st September 1581. He was born on 15 th April, 1563 at Goindwal. He too compiled the preaching of all the Gurus. He worked for spreading the message of all the Gurus and as a mark of this he got several water wells drilled, several ponds built at various places. He also renovated the township of Kartarpur. He was martyred at Lahore by the order of Muslim ruler Jehangir on 30 th May, 1606 at the age of 43 years. His son took over as the sixth Guru. Guru Hargovind Ji (1595-1644) Guru Hargovind ji took the reigns at the age of 11 years as sixth Guru. He carried two swords, one to take revenge for his fathers martyrdom and second for the protection of Hindu religion. He was the first guru after Guru Nanak, who moved out of Punjab to spread the religion. He not only provoked youth for the battle against Muslims but actively participated in it by leading the forces. He left his mortal remains on 3 rd Mar1644 at the age of 48 years 9 months and merged into eternity after handing over the charge to Hari Rai ji. Guru Hari Rai ji (1630-1661) Guru Hari Rai ji was born on 30 th January 1630 at Kiratpur, took over as seventh Guru and at the age of 13 years. He started the tradition of community feast and mass prayers. He passed on inheritance to his son Hari Kishan ji and got merged in the eternity at the age of 31 years 8mongths at Kiratpur. Guru Hari Kishan Sahib (1656-1664) Guru Hari Kishan Sahib was born on 7 th July 1656 at Kiratpur and at the age of slightly over 5 years took over as the eighth guru. His elder brother Ram Rai could not accept this and declared himself as Guru with few of his followers. Those who knew the decision of the previous Guru, refused to accept Ram Rai as Guru, who then approached the court of Mughal emperor for arbitration. Due to betrayal of his elder brother Ram Rai, in the hands of Muslims ruler Aurangzeb, he developed very high fever which manifested into small pox and left for his heavenly abode on 30 th March, 1664, but before that, he expressed his desire that Teg Bahadur be made next Guru. 242 243 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment Guru Teg Bahadur sahib (1621-1675) Ninth Guru Teg Bahadur was born on 1 st April 1621 in the Sodhi clan. He took over as the ninth Guru at the age of 43 years. He roamed over the places of eastern India including Bihar, Bengal and Assam along with his family. He left his pregnant wife at Patna and left for Dhaka. His son Govind Singh was born at Patna. He founded the township of Anandpur sahib. He was moved by the torture of pundits of Kashmir by Aurangzeb. As he was about to initiate the tirade against the oppression of Aurangzeb, he was summoned by the message of Aurangzeb to Delhi where he was detained. He accepted martyrdom along with his disciples. While he was making prayers in the morning at Chandani Chowk, Delhi; he was beheaded by the assassins of Aurangzeb at the age of 54 years 9 days on 11 November 1675. His followers were also killed by the henchmen of Aurangzeb. Guru Govind Singh (1666-1708) Guru Govind Singh was the tenth Guru and was born on 26 th December, 1666 at Patna in the Sodhi family of Guru Teg Bahadur and mother Gujari. He took over as guru at the age of 9 years. He inherited the grace of being a Guru and pangs of torture to his parents. He chose Anandpur sahib as his work center. He established the Khalsa Panth (Thepuresect) in 1699 on the day of Baisakhi at the age o 33 years, at Kesargarh, where one Kshatriya and four of the oppressed community came forward for supreme sacrifice of their heads for the sake of religion. He slaughtered five male goats and showed the blood to his disciples. Those five were called the Fiveloved ones. He offered them the nectar. He changes his name from Govind Ram to Govind Singh. He also declared that all his disciples will be called Singh (The Lion). He conveyed the message of universal love to the people =|- +t| =- nt = l- n l+| l-- ti | || I am telling the truth which should be heard by all, one who loves all can only be closed to the God. He passed on knowledge in the form of books. Two of his sons were martyred while fighting against the tirade of Islam. He sent other sons aged 8 and 6 years and his wife along with few jewels to Delhi, along with Gagu Brahmin, who betrayed him by swindling the wealth and passing on the information to the forces of Aurangzeb and they all were arrested. Aurangzeb forced them to convert to Islam, but they all refused and as a result the young boys were sealed in the brick structure which was built around them. Mother of the children also jumped to death. Appointing Madho Das as commander of the forces Guru Govind Singh escaped from the battle and reached Muktasar, where he battled once again. Most of his disciples were killed in the battle. He met a person, named Madho Das (distorted word for Madhav Das) who had renounced the public life and was in penance. He persuaded him to take over as commander of whatever was left of the army and reorganize. He also made him his disciple and instructed him to, remain a Yati (knowledgeable person) and never try to become a Guru. Follow the instructions of the Khalsa (the pure one). He instructed Madho Das to eliminate the sinners and preach the general public. Stabbing by Gul Khan and declaring Granth Sahib as the last Guru Hatred was being nurtured by both the Muslims and Sikhs. Two Muslims named Gul Khan and Ataaul Khan approached him to serve him, whose fathers were killed by Guru Har Govind Sing in a battle. Oblivious to the fact, Guru Govind Singh permitted them to be with him. They were always on 244 245 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment the look out for the opportunity to eliminate him due to malice. One day, while Guru Govind sahib was sleeping in his tent and no other guards in sight, Gul Khan stabbed him in the stomach. He declared Granth sahib (Compilation of the preaching of all previous Gurus) as the last Guru ~|a| |: ~+|n +i -n -n|: |: = l=|- +| t+n t n|l-| |:: At the age of 42 years, on 7 th October, 1708 on the banks of Godavari River at Nanded, his mortal remains were consigned to flames. His last words were >i |t i +| ||n=| |t i +i -t Khalsa (the pure one) belongs to the supreme Guru and victory to the guru. Worshipping Granth Sahib Thus the Sikh sect progressed and was converted in to a religion, as strict traditions. No one was allowed to become a Guru. Rituals of worship for the Granth Sahib were initiated. Follower of Guru Nanak Dev ji , who convinced a Brahmin to pray to Go instead of worshipping a Shaligram, started worshipping a book of compilations (Granth). Did Guru Nanak envisage the Nirankar (the shape less and form less god) in this form? Some narrators say that since everything was compiled in the Granth Sahib. Where is the need for the Guru? All the knowledge is available in the books about the medicines, surgery, but does it mean that there is no need of a Guru or schools or colleges? Can a sick person read the books and take the prescription from the book? Is everything not said or compiled earlier, prior to arrival of a Guru or a Buddha? Vedas and Upnishads have been written even before the arrival of Krishna and he said Arjun! Whatever I am going to tell you is not new. It has already been narrated earlier also. The need is not for the book, but for the prowess. It all depends that who is uttering those words. Same words coming out from Krishna and from Kansa have different meanings. Destructive power in the hands of Krishna or Hitler will have different repercussions. Is it destiny that the preachers come at regular interval and sacrifice themselves? Shall we always try to negate them, kill them, hang them on cross and once they depart, build temples, churches in their names interpret their preaching in our own way and get the books printed as per our understanding? Spread the teachings of a Guru in the way it suits a hypocrite? Is it not religious euphoria leading to bigotry? Is it not a condition like stupor? Those who fear accepting religion are scared of their own ego, which might get shattered. We step aside the wall and declare ourselves as the protectors of the religion. This can not be anything other than snuffing the religious truth. Meditating on the Supreme Being, remembering the Supreme Being is a better option. The flower which will evolve will be of devotion, respect, love for all. The same flower will yield the fruit called GOD. What ever is spoken after that will be voice of knowledge, voice of a Guru (Guru Vaani) tks cksys lks fugky] lR; Jh vdky Means that one who speaks about him (Supreme Being) is in the state of eternal bliss and this is eternal truth. It is my intention to tell you that to reach to the truth, you need to keep all your senses and mind open. There should be no preconditions. He makes himself available to those who are free, egoless and those who love all. This journey to find the Supreme Being becomes very difficult for those who follow traditions, who are communal, or who are intellectuals and is 246 247 The Path of Enlightenment The Path of Enlightenment as difficult as trying to pass a camel through the eye of the needle. You should just try to free yourself from the shackles of preconceived notions and behave normal. He will present himself in front of you. Guru is not like a wall, but the door to the eternity, door to the God. Since it is possible to find him through a Guru that is why he is called Guru Dwar (,|) !! Hari Om !! Sadguru Dham Ashram H-243, Kuwar Singh Nagar Nilothi Mode, Nangloi Delhi-110041 Phone: 011-28351513, 64171741 Mob. 09868886830 Swami Sri Krishnanand Ji Maharaj 1. Kranti Mahavishva 2. Charam Nirdesh 3. Kudalini Jagran 4. Yantra-Mantra Rahasya 5. Swar Se Samadhi 6. Kahe Kabir Kuchh Uddyam Keeje 7. Ek Onkar (Nanak Bhagta Sada Vigasu) 8. Buddhon Ka Path 9. Shiva Tantra 10.Mere Ram (Kabir Guru Base Banarasi) (Setting of Sadvipra Samaj based on the Ramayana) 11.Rahasyamaya Lok 12.Lok-Parlok Other Literary Creations of Swami Shree 13.Four books on Divya Gupt Vigyan (Divine Secret Enlightenment) (To be issued to people learning meditation) Apart from this, Lakshmi Yantra, Vidya Yantra, Kundalini Divyaastra, Madhuram Divyashastraare also given.) 14.Shiv Netra 15.Uma Kahun Main Anubhav Apna 16.Guru Hi Muktidata 17.Bihar Ki Vedna 18.Third Eye 19.Awakening of Kundalini Divya Gupt Gyan - This is the supreme state of meditation. This art is taught by the Acharayas trained by Sadguru Swami Krishnanand ji Maharaj which is imparted through Shaktipaat to give Divyaastra and Devastra. These are capable of providing the immediate salvation fromphysical and materialistic things in this scientific age and one can fulfill his/ her wishes and attain joy. Through this, you can have protection shield (SurakshaKawach) for yourself as well as others. You can also invoke the Kundalini Power to get rid of tensions and diseases. Madhuram Divyashatra - This will help you to create harmonious relation on the family and social fronts. Vidya Yantra - In this, Shaktipat is provided to the students to enhance their memory and concentration and the process to use the yantra to get job is also imparted. Samridhi Yantra - This Siddha Yantra is provided for happiness and prosperity. To get your copy, contact: SADGURU DHAM ASHRAM H-243, Kunwar Singh Nagar, Nilothi Mode, Nangloi, Delhi-41 Telephone : 09910055223, 09868886830