Keen observation
In 1979, I was “posted” to Itanagar where a new modern hospital was upcoming. I was staying at that time in Belur Math after finalising the relief work. Srimat Swami Gahananandaji Maharaj brought me to Seva Pratishthan from Belur Math along with him in his car. He was on that day, “on round” and he took me with him to the indoor wards of Seva Pratishthan. That was the very first time I had the good opportunity to come in front of Revered Maharaj. That made me stand before him in awe as I was a witness to his loving care and attention to the in-patients. He could go into such details, the accompanying specialists would be taken surprised at his keen observation.
Affectionate attitude
From Itanagar, time to time I was on a visit to Kolkata on Mission work. Generally my stay was centred at Seva Pratishthan. More than the work conveniences, his intense love towards me made me feel attracted and I would feel blessed even if I could get a glimpse of seeing him. In 1982 I was to accompany from Calcatta Revered Krishnarupanandaji Maharaj (the present Head of Mauritius centre) to Itanagar. We both were at Seva Pratishthan. Our flight was in the early morning. The previous night I took leave of Revered Gahananandaji Maharaj, saying that I didn’t want to disturb him next morning. He lovingly enquired about all the arrangements and told me that before leaving in the morning, “go to the pantry; warm up the milk; mix coffee; drink and go”. At about 3.30 am, I took out the key to open the small gate for the downstairs, that I heard Revered Maharaj’s clear voice, “KE” – who’s that? Though I never wanted to disturb him in that hour, yet I had to reply, “ami Sundar. Ashchhi Maharaj.” – I take leave of you. What I did not anticipate was his yesternight’s instruction regarding taking coffee. From his room prompt came his query in his inimitable authoritative voice, “coffee kheyechho?” – Did you take coffee? I replied, “na, Maharaj, ekhon dorkar nei.” – No, Maharaj its not needed now. And I went to my room to bring my luggage. Coming to the gate, what I saw stunned me. Revered Maharaj, to my great surprise, not only got up from his bed, but straight proceeded to the pantry in the meantime. And he has prepared hot coffee and was standing there with the cup in his hand. I felt ashamed. The affectionate smiling face of Revered Maharaj even now looms large before my mental eyes.
Accessible to everyone
He only posted me at Seva Pratishthan when my Arunachal days were over in June, 1988. Next year Revered Maharaj became the General Secretary. He used to visit Seva Pratishthan very often and I, as in-charge of the Premananda ward where sadhus were admitted, used to receive him at the main gate. He would enquire about every sadhu in the ward and he needed thorough answers, never satisfied with superficial facts. So I had to be on my toes, as it were, before giving any answer; sometimes, he would know more about the patient-sadhu than me! During all those visits, he would be meticulous in seeing other householder devotee-patients also. Whether sadhu or grihastha (monk or householder), everyone who was touched by him, felt blessed.
Flowing Kindness
Once, a sadhu passed away. His body was ready for despatch to Belur Math for cremation. Revered Maharaj was at Seva Pratishthan on a visit at that time. There was instruction from Belur Math that the body of the sadhu must reach before 7 pm, otherwise cremation would be held only the next day, not on that night. We had no available vehicle to take the body to Belur Math. When revered Maharaj enquired, I said that due to non-availability of a vehicle we would keep the body in the mortuary and would send it next day. When he heard this, he said, “Place the body right now in the rear seat of the Ambassador car. I will reach the body to Belur Math before 7 pm.” We were stunned to listen to him. The General Secretary of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, taking a dead body in the same car! And he and Atmanishthananda, his Secretary – both clubbed together in the front seat…never minding the inconvenience…oh! We can never forget the flowing kindness of his heart.
Qualities that we can emulate
Every organisation has to undergo cycles of progress and regress. The six-year period that I stayed in Seva Pratishthan was a tumultuous one indeed! It was marked by an agitation of employees. Never have I heard from his lips words being uttered in derogatory tone of anybody. From the specialist doctor down to the sweeper, he gave enormous time for everyone. Nobody was “useless”. He would insist that the Ramakrishna family extends and includes everyone. What a sagacious advice he used to give all the monks there. His great patience, talking endearingly, listening with rapt attention – all these qualities shine as model to me. Unable to bear the stress in those times, how many times I had run to him for spiritual solace! Every time I came out wiser because of his wonderful counsel.
Vedanta in Practice 
Leave a reply to Parama Cancel reply