attitudes and thoughts ; Pujya Gurudev

Sowing the seeds for sublimation of attitudes and thoughts

(Autobiography of Poojya Gurudev Pt. Sriram Sharma Acharya)

 I was asked to break my emotional ties with Mathura, shift to Sapta Sarovar, Haridwar and initiate establishment of Rishi traditions at this place, which was once a tapasthali. I had gradually started entrusting my routine responsibilities to my wife. She had been my life-partner in two of the three previous births. During this life also, she has played the role of an inseparable soulmate and companion. In fact, her dedication, devotion and disposition for service has served as the bedrock for all my achievements. She gladly moulded herself according to my wishes and stood firm in all adverse circumstances. 

My family background was of a rural landlord while she hailed from an urban family. But when the question of merging with each other arose we effortlessly united and became one. I donated my village land for building a school there and the money received from zamindari bonds was used for purchasing land for Gayatri Tapobhumi. She donated all her ornaments for constructing the building of Gaayatri Tapobhumi. Her self-surrender and sacrifice have helped me in achieving exemplary heights in the realms of spiritual growth and service of the society. During my earlier pilgrimage to the Himalayas in the years 1959-60, when I stayed there for about one-and-a-half year, my wife had taken upon herself the responsibility of publication and organising the mission in my absence. 

Then, after ten years, I again went to the Himalayas in 1971 leaving behind a large far-flung spiritual family. Gayatri parivar needed a patron in visible form who could give them love, guidance and affection. Mother alone can console a child in moments of pain and distress. Mataji (my wife) undertook and ideally discharged this responsibility. Even three years before proceeding on the pilgrimage, I remained on long tours and at that time Mataji used to look after and give solace to parijans who visited Mathura.

I received her constant cooperation in living a life totally dedicated to the well being and service of society. With a paltry amount of rupees two hundred she used to maintain a family of five persons and extend hospitality to the visitors. Never was anybody sent back disappointed. The life, which we lived at Mathura, was like a precious trust on which not only the foundation of the life-transforming mission was laid but persons having strong shoulders were also found who could carry the responsibility on my gradual withdrawal from the visible scene of day- to-day organizational work. 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma