Gurudev!’ – 3- IV

Pujya Gurudev Pt. ShriRam Sharma’s Kripa 

                            ‘I surrender myself to you, Gurudev!’ – 3

                                       (Akhand Jyoti July-Aug.2010)

Narendra had asked the same question to Maharishi Debendranath Tagore, the father of poet Rabindranath Tagore. Maharishi Debendranath was relaxing in a round-bottomed boat afloat in the river. Narendranath jumped into the river and swam to the boat. He asked the Maharishi about God the moment he climbed on to the boat. Maharishi was taken aback by Narendra’s question. He felt as though someone was holding his collar and demanding an answer. Narendra had just expressed his desire eagerly and had no intention of scaring anyone, but his eagerness had startled a Yogi. Maharishi said, ‘Why don’t you take a seat first. Sit peacefully and I will reply to your question.’ This behaviour itself made Narendra feel that his answer could not be found here. So, Narendra returned from there saying – ‘You need not reply; I have got the answer’. 

Narendra’s quest for God ended at the doorstep of Ramakrishna Paramahansa. He said to Narendra, ‘Whatever you have to ask, go and ask the Mother. Don’t tell me anything.’ When Ramakrishna made this offer, Narendra’s mind was filled with the worries of his familial responsibities. However, he did go and stood in front of the Mother’s idol at the behest of his Guru, but could not ask for any worldly boon from Her. He was so engrossed in looking at the charming form of Mother Kali that he forgot about asking for anything. He went back without expressing any desire. Ramakrishna sent him to the temple two more times. Narendra came back in the same manner both the times. The Guru said, ‘Do the work of Mother and she will herself take care of you. Your family will never feel lack of their essential needs.’ 

Thakur left his mortal body five years after meeting Narendra. Leaving his body was also like a part of the Divine play. One day, he told a disciple, ‘Listen to me. I will not be able to talk to people anymore. Hence, I have requested Mother to give power to Narendra, Raja (Rakhal Maharaj), Tarak, Babu (Baburam), Yogin, Shashi and other disciples. From now onwards, these people will impart spiritual instructions to devotees’. Ramakrishna experienced throat pain a few days after making this announcement. The pain increased so much that he could hardly swallow anything. The disease became more severe. When devotees suggested treatment, Ramakrishna replied, ‘This is Mother’s desire. If She wants, the disease will be cured. Otherwise, no amount of treatment will restore my health.’ 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma