A Micro-Blog from Swami Vimokshananda – earlier at Durban, Singapore and Dublin – now at Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India – "A private diary for public consumption!"
Fascinating Full Moon shining next to domes of Durban Ramakrishna Temple - courtesy: Kamal
SriSwami Nirvananandaji Maharaj (Sujji Maharaj), a disciple of Swami Brahmananda, was one of the Vice-Presidents of the Ramakrishna Order. I had the blessed fortune of being initiated by him at our Mumbai Ashram within the sanctum of Holy Mother’s Temple. On this auspicious occasion of Sri Guru Purnima, I am happy to highlight an inspiring incident in my early life – how he guided me, giving me his divine grace unasked.
Belur Math Temple front view
In 1976, I joined the Training Centre in Belur Math. When I went there, I was quite eager to see my Gurudev who I heard was at that time staying in Belur Math and had just returned from Narendrapur. The first day was a lovely day and we, brahmacharins were getting introduced to many of the traditions of Belur Math. Though I could not contain my curiosity, yet I was not bold enough to ask where and when I can have ‘darshan’ of my Gurudev. Unable to get any clue, that after noon, I decided to roam around the place near the river Ganga.
The rear-side view of Swamiji's House where the balcony is visible...
I saw the rear-side of a two-storey building which, from a distance was shown to us as the building where Swami Vivekananda’s room is situated. There was a flight of steps leading down to Ganga. The fresh breeze that was flowing was mesmerizing and I felt the air to be so pure in contrast to the polluted air of Kanpur from where I had just come. Getting down to Ganga for the first time after reaching Belur Math brought an inexplicable feeling of reverence to mother Ganga. Seeing the flowing waters gushing forth I was happy to murmur a hymn of Adi Shankara in praise of Mother Ganga.
I sprinkled some water on my head, uttering “Om Namah Shivaaya”. A few blissful moments passed in silence. When I turned on the steps I could not believe my eyes: there on the balcony was my Gurudev. I was simply stunned and made my mental prostrations from there itself and straight walked into that building in which Swamiji had lived. My Gurudev seemed to be in a supremely happy mood and I was beside myself with boundless joy.
The last I had seen him was in Varanasi in 1974, four years after He had blessed me with diksha in Bombay. What surprised me most was while I did not expect him to remember any of my home details, but the moment he saw me he smiled and asked, “How are your parents in Bombay?”. I was happy to tell him that by his blessings and the grace of Holy Trio, I could come to Belur Math to undergo proper monastic training and would be there for another two full years. On hearing this, he advised me to stay focused on the studies as well as sadhana and instructed me to come to his place as often as possible.
My Gurudev at that time, had a senior Swami serving as Secretary to him and also one monk and a brahmachari were also attendants to him. The attendant-Swami used to keep ‘sandesh’ prasad for me. This prasad would be taken from the remaining portion of his eating from the plate. He was daily served with two ‘sandesh’ that would come straight from the main Temple after the mangalaarati offerings. My days went on happily at Belur Math.
At the Training Centre we were studying different philosophies. One day in the class there was a stimulating discussion on Incarnations. During the discussion, certain queries posed by some co-brahmacharins raised a doubt in my mind about the validity of worshipping Sri Ramakrishna. If Ramakrishna does NOT exist , ‘the doubt’ told me why at all I should have renounced my hearth and home. Was I not then doing something blindly? How to know? Who would confirm that Sri Ramakrishna still existed?
Sri Swami Nirvananandaji Maharaj
Two days passed without my getting a proper answer to my doubt. Oh! what a period of painful agony! I could not think well for those two days. On the third day I felt like going and asking my Gurudev in spite of the instructions from authorities not to disturb him as he had ailed for some time. He was indeed a Deva Purusha, shining one because in his presence one could feel a light emanating, as it were, from his body in spite of his old age. Whoever visited him would naturally like to stay a minute with him, so that they could tell him their spiritual problems.
So when I went there that blessed morning and made saashtaanga pranaam to him, I found his eyes half closed while sitting on a settee. No one was there in the room. My touch of his holy feet perhaps brought him to outward consciousness and he looked at me with his benign glance. I entreated him to bless me. When I tried to get up from the floor, he placed his right hand on one of my shoulders, and he also slowly tried to get up from his sitting position. There, standing for a while, he, in his own pace, started walking towards the window. I also accompanied him, and when I stood there, he turned to me and said, “Look through this window? What do you see?”
The rear-view of the temple was clearly visible. Even the staircase – that goes up to the ‘shayan-ghor’ where Sri Ramakrishna’s sleeping bed is kept – was visible. When you come down the steps one can actually without any hindrance enter the ‘shrine-ghor’ where the holy image of Sri Ramakrishna resides.
The methods adopted for worshipping Personal God are, in fact, significant in that it facilitates the devotee to mentally identify the real physical needs of God in line with humans. Therefore, a devotee is able to serve the Master as if he is ever alive in flesh and blood. Standing and looking through the window, my Gurudev told me, “Well, every morning at mangalaarati time, I come and stand here, and see (pointing to his eyes by gesture) through these eyes. I see very clearly Sri Ramakrishna, getting up from his bed, going down the stairs, and coming into the sanctum, ‘garbha-griha’ and merging into the marble image. You know, every day I see His movement.”
Master's marble image at Belur Math Temple
Listening to his inspiring words, my ‘doubt ‘ in a moment just vanished. With what doubt I came to him, I did not need to put that question to him, because he knew the question that was troubling me, and gave the answer unasked! That was Srimat Swami Nirvananandaji Maharaj who was a direct disciple of Swami Brahmanandaji, the ‘mind-born’ son of Sri Ramakrishna.
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam|| Dear Amit
Happy that this Post has caught your attention.
I used to wonder at the deep devotion of your father towards my Gurudev. Once, along with revered Chhorda Maharaj, I went to your home in Ranchi town. Your father was narrating his memorable experiences he had had with Swami Nirvananandaji Maharaj. Every evening he would reach the Sanatorium to sit with my Gurudev and listen to his nectarine words. On the last day, he wished that he would do a saashtaanga pranaam to him before his departure from Ranchi. Alas! on that day, your father was delayed; and when he reached the Sanatorium, Swamiji had already left by car.
He was so disappointed that he told Chhorda Maharaj that even up till this day he was lamenting his inability to meet my Gurudev. Chhorda Maharaj told your father that what he could not do on that day he might do so at that very moment. Suddenly turning and pointing to me, he declared, “Here is this Swami! He is a disciple of Nirvananandaji Maharaj!”
Till that time, your father did not know who my Gurudev was. The moment he heard who I was, your father fell flat on the ground and with tears in his eyes he made saashtaanga pranaam to me, saying, ‘Seeing the son is equivalent to seeing the father.’
I was speechless at his devotion.
Does this not remind you of the famous face to face meeting between Brahmanandaji and Swamiji on his return from the West? Swami Vimokshananda
Aum Namo NarayanayaMaharaj.
Please accept my humble pranam and a joyous Guru Purnima to you and all of Master’s children.
Thank you for the beautiful reminiscence. Prem Namaste ‘Kamal’
Pennington, SA
PranamMaharaj
Happy Guru Purnima!
Thank you Maharaj for sharing with us the anecdote on grace of your Guru. It has been a truly inspiring read on this auspicious day of Guru Purnima.
We are truly blessed to have Maharaj to guide us.
May the blessings of Master, Mother and Swamiji always be with Maharaj. “JAI SRI GURU MAHARAJ KI JAI” Jay Gungadeen
Westville North, Durban, SA
OM NAMO NARAYANAYA
My prostrations at the Feet of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi.
My prostrations at the Feet of Swamiji Maharaj, His Holiness Sri Swami Shantatmanandaji Maharaj and Swami Saradaprabhanandaji Maharaj.
Thanks to Maharaj for sharing this anecdote with us. How sacred the bond between Guru and disciple is! And this story demonstrates how well He knows the heart, mind, and soul of His disciples. How moving it is to read how the Guru graced Maharaj with his darshan and also finally dispelled Maharaj’s unexpressed doubts. Even the sandeshprasad which came to Maharaj through the attendant devotee was only possible through the Guru’s will. It makes one marvel at the Glory and Grace of the Guru. Hari Om Tat Sat Nirmala Balkaran
Ladysmith. SA
Adarneeya Maharajji, Saadar Pranaam on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima.
When I started reading “GIVING UNASKED…” it didn’t cross my mind that this article is written on the occasion of Guru Purnima!!
It is for the first time I have read an account of Reverence which A Sannyasin carries in his heart for his Revered Guru.
I always used to wonder, How an Evolved Soul must be feeling for his Guru? Adarneeya Maharajji, your sharing such feelings with us, spiritual Aspirants and Devotees clearly shows love and compassion you carry for devotees of Holy Trio.
Many Many Pranaam! Bharat
Mumbai, India
Maharaj,
You have given the perfect answer to all those who still doubt about Thakurji.
In fact I was also one among them.
Please bless me that I could have more shraddha in Him. JAI RAMAKRISHNA Anand J
Respected Maharajji, Namaste. Please accept my pranam for Guru Purnima.
I am grateful to you for sharing this priceless incident of your life. This is very inspiring for us.
Its all Thakur’s boundless love and blessings for all His children. Lisa Sen
Kolkata, India
Respected Swamiji
It was nice to read your amazing story and how your doubts were cleared.
This story also tells us your sacrifice and determination to pursue your belief.
Perhaps I still have doubts and have been unable to get out of own personal circle and move any further.
Please bless and guide; pronaam maharaj! Dr G S Pal
Consultant Physician
Monklands Hospital
Scotland
PranamMaharaj
What an inspiring message on the day following Gurupoornima !!
Yes, my mind sails to Belur Math and rests on Swamiji’s room and see the rear view of Temple! A blissful personal account you have shared with us all. Self could see Sri Thakur in my meditation.
Your doubt came to me also in my earlier days, say in 1976 to 78 when i just got initiated by ParamapojaneeyaSri Sri Prabhu maharaj. Every time He makes us realise that He lives constantly with us.
The clear path showed by Sri Sri Nirvananandaji made my mind soar high. Spiritual elixirs pour out from you so smoothly and raises the kundalini shakti when we sit for meditation that includes such noble ideas you have kindly narrated. Namaskar again and again, Jai Thakur! Dr Y Hariharan
Chennai, India
Pranam.
Such avatar purushas live permanently and enliven and enlighten the souls that need realisation. I for one strongly feel that Paramahamsa not only appears in his Shrine but also is omnipresent. Pranam! Gangaikondan Sankar
Chennai, India
Revered Maharaj
Sincere Pranam!
Indeed it is a golden privilege to be allowed into the sacrosanct hall of your divine memories!
Srimat Swami Nirvanananda Maharaj was himself a paragon of virtues that a disciple ought to possess. In His last moments how highly did Srimat Raja Maharaj speak of him!
From your article we can see the fruit of such excellence – that devotion to the Guru brings realisation of the Ishtam. This is truly a wonderful gift you have made to us all on this holy occasion. And we do not have words to thank you for it. Perhaps it is fitting, for gifts given unasked can only be received with a silent and unending gratitude.
Please bless me Revered Maharaj that I too may have sincere devotion for the Guru and the benefit of His sacred presence.
With sincere pranam Skendha
New Delhi, India
Most Revered Maharaj, Pranam on Sri Gurupurnima.
It was indeed fascinating to learn about Sujji Maharaj, his fascinating life was of acute interest from the time I read, “Devaloker katha”.
I happened to come across a very battered copy of his fascinating life story in Bangla, when I used to volunteer at the library at Pune Math. That is still treasured.
They Indeed were God-souls! Pranam to Sri Gurumaharaj and to his numerous counterparts – you all makes us feel we are still living with Him. Sabuj
New Delhi, India
P.S: I hope Most Revered Shantatmanandaji Maharaj is having an excellent spiritual sojourn at S.A. We missed him here on Gurupurnima. Please give him my pranam.
Revered Maharaj
My prostrations at the lotus feet of Most Revered Guru Maharaj, Holy Mother and Swamiji Maharaj.
The incident which you have portrayed on your formative years inspires us, mortals, to think, realise and then grasp the motto of life. In other words it is enlightenment. This is absolutely dependent on the Master on when and how He will relieve us from entanglement.
Our earnest prayers must go on and on to receive the bounty.
May Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna keep us happy!
With respectful pronam, Ritayan
Kolkata, India
Most Revered Maharaj,
Incidents related to lives of realized souls when narrated by elevated souls like you act as fuel to keep the faith blazing in the hearts of millions.
It conveys much more than what words are capable of communicating.
With most profound regards, Ashok Jain
New Delhi, India
Revered Maharaj Pranam.
Gone through the write-up. It is really touching.
You have not told this to us when you were here.
Take care of your health.
with kind regards Dr Kumkum and Dr K Zaman
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam|| @Kamal
I understand due to distance you could not visit us on Guru Purnima day. But our prayers were there for you! @Jay Gungadeen
Thanks Jay! It was nice to see you, Bishma and Mishtha on Guru purnima day. Hope you have sent your pranam by email to your Gurudev! @Nirmala Balkaran
Yes, Nirmala, we can realise His Grace at every step. And thats how our minds are attuned to His spiritual vibrations that are constantly flowing towards us. @Bharat Churiwala
Thanks Bharat for your nice words! May Guru maharaj be gracious to you always! @Sucheta Ghosh
Thanks Sucheta! It proves how much deep your heart can feel when another expresses his experience! @Anand J
Dear brother Anand, yes, every one goes through certain ‘doubtful moment’ in life and know well that devotion to Guru’s holy feet alone can make us capable of killing this ‘demon doubt’ ‘samshaya raakshasa’ as Swamiji poetically puts it. Thanks for visiting this blog! @Lisa Sen
Hope you had the opportunity to be at Belur Math and had darshan of your Gurudev on that holy Guru purnima day! Welcome that you liked this Post. @Dr G S Pal
Know that the ‘doubts’ phase in your life is temporary and will have to end when He chooses to show you the right way! Don’t ever loose heart on that count. Don’t you not think that He who has created this vast Universe has the responsibility to lead us to light of knowledge from the darkness of ignorance, from ephemeral to everlasting and from death to immortality? @Arindam
Happy to see you here! Hope you had the blessings at Belur Math by having darshan of your Gurudev on that holy Guru purnima day! Welcome that you liked this Post. @Dr Y Hariharan
I am glad that this Post had helped you in your meditation. Yes, every day I travel to Belur Math mentally and go round of all the temples there. It brings great peace of mind. Thanks for your appreciative words! @Gangaikondan Sankar
What you have opined is absolutely true! Seeing the omnipresence of a Paramahamsa is a higher state of mind and in the initial stages of spiritual life seeing Him in His murty or picture is a stepping stone for progress. And to help us only our Vedanta accepts all kinds of worship from a stone to a tree, to beasts and birds and to humans and to all beings whether living or inert. @Skendha
Happy that you liked to hover around in the Hall of memories! This time that is during the visit of brother Shantatmanandaji here in South Africa, I came to know of your wonderful devotion and dedication. He was full of praise for the life of sacrifice that you lead. You have already got the grace of Guru. Go ahead! @Amitav Dhar
Thanks Amitav for your kind words! @Sabuj
Nice to know about the ‘battered’ copy of the Bangla book on my Gurudev. Is it possible to get it scanned and sent to me as a pdf copy? I am interested to study it. @Ritayan
Thanks for your nice appreciative words! May your Guru bhakti be on increase! @Ashok Jain
Dear Ashok, thanks for your kind visit to this blog! Yes, it is true what is unsaid remains larger than what is said! @Dr Kumkum and Dr K Zaman
Oh! somehow this topic perhaps did not come up in our midst when I was with you all for about long ten years! Of course were we not busy in building up a great Referral Hospital and how without any rest we would all be working to bring up that 150 bed hospital in a remote land of Arunachal Pradesh! But there were many other interesting anecdotes that I have spelt to you all which have not so far come in the e-media! @Rima
Happy that you enjoyed it! Best wishes!
Respected Maharajji, Namaste.
Yes, by Thakur’s grace I have been able to pay my pranams to Revered Swami Atmasthanandaji and Revered Swami Smarananandaji. I could also pay my pranams to Revered President Mataji of Sarada Math.
Hope by the grace of Thakur, Ma and Swamiji, you are doing well. Pranam Lisa Sen
Kolkata, India
Most Revered Maharaj,
Many thanks for the MOST INSPIRING INCIDENT of yours with your Gurudev – a doubt & dispelling of doubt.
I am immensely pleased as I finished reading the same – worth spending opening, browsing & reading the content – I felt as though I have received 1000 times more than that. Swami Nityatriptananda
Balaram Mandir, Kolkata, India
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam|| Dear brother
I am sorry that you did take lot of troubles to reach this blog!
But ultimately the fact that this has ‘immensely pleased’ you gives me immeasurable satisfaction.
May Master provide in your heart the all-time worthy Guru bhakti! Swami Vimokshananda
Most Revered Swamijee
Humble and loving pranam!
The celestial aura of this blog is reaching out to countless devotees around the globe! The experiences, wise words and teachings of the Lord radiates bliss and peace in our lives. Very soon the blog will reach the mark of 60 000 readers!!!
Success with the diffusion of dharma!
May the blessings of Thakur, Ma Swamijee be on all !
Loving pranam avitha
Pietermaritzburg, SA
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam|| Dear Avitha
Many thanks for your most encouraging words!
In 2005, I experimented first with creating casual Blogs giving some news of the TB Sanatorium where I was Head till Feb 2007 in India. For instance many of you, readers, might not have seen this Blog created in 2006!
I could see the usefulness of this Blog method of communication when the number of internet users among our devotees grew leaps and bounds. Initially when I sent those early Blogs to monks and devotees, they looked askance at my new effort! It took some time for many to get acclimatized to the emerging technology. I am not surprised when a few, even today, do nose twitching at my Blog!!
But I must admit, overall, the response from the devotees and monks is overwhelming. I too feel I am spending usefully my leisure hours in the ‘knowledge society’. After coming to South Africa, due to the somewhat easy availability of internet facility courtesy enlightened devotees, I began keeping this blog. It is nothing but a diary where ‘personal’ views are jotted for ‘public’ view!
And thanks to those who visit this blog site again and again!
May Master bring in us a deeper devotion at His lotus feet! Swami Vimokshananda
Om Namo NarayanayaMaharaj
Thank you Maharaj for sharing this wonderful anecdote with us. Life experiences like these reinforces our faith in religion. Incidents like this helps us keep focused and dispels doubt in the trying times we live in. Its so wonderful to know that Master is with us all the time.
We are sincerely inspired by Maharaj sharing his blessed experience with us. Hari Aum Tat Sat Prevesh and Yushavia Sing
Ladysmith, SA
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam|| Dear Prevesh and my child Yushavia
Thanks for your visit!
Yes, it is true that these types of experiences strengthens our faith in the Lord. I am happy to know that this Post has been useful to you. May guru’s grace be with you ever! Swami Vimokshananda
Respected Maharaj,
Please accept my pronam.
What an inspiring incident you have mentioned here.
It is anecdotes such as these along with personal experiences of Thakur’s grace that strengthen one’s faith.
With regards, Promothesh
Columbia, South Carolina Area, USA
Aum Namo narayanayaMaharaj,
Your article on Swami Nirvananandaji Maharaj – (Jyothi – April–June 2010) had me trembling with emotions and tears streaming from my eyes. I could only imagine how it might have felt for you Maharaj when you had actually touched the feet of Swami Nirvananandaji. Whilst I was overwhelmed with emotions I had wondered what it might have felt to be in the presence of the “HOLY TRIO”.
Maharaj, thank you for coming to South Africa and being with us.
We are truly blessed for being in your holy company.
Love and regards Shyam and family
Durban, SA
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam|| Dear Shyam
Your loving comment was emotionally surcharged. Whenever we read such instances in the life of monastic or householder disciples of the Master, our emotion is palpably stirred. Sometimes, I had to keep the book apart and close my eyes and seep into that situational consciousness. What a soul-satisfying experience!
May your devotion to Master grow and grow! Swami Vimokshananda
Revered Maharaji
On GURUPURNIMA day, I was in HARDWAR heading for VALLEY OF FLOWERS.
It was quite sometime that I could not open your blog. Just today, I opened the title (Giving unasked). It was amazing (asaadhaaran), who saw THAKUR every day, taanr koto sneho o kripaa peye cholechhi (whose how much limitless affection and grace that I had been receiving) really we are so very blessed.
Thank you, again for sharing your precious gift. khub inspiring!
with sincere pranam Jayitalal
Kolkata, India
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam|| DearGuru-bahen
Nice to have your interesting feedback!
Yes, Guru’s Kripa is boundless. No reason is needed. In spite of our faults, we get his grace unconditionally. What a wonder!
May your Guru bhakti lead you to higher spiritual consciousness! Swami Vimokshananda
Dear Swamiji,
I came upon this article, following a link to a question by another devotee to you. I am so overwhelmed on reading this.
I have visited Belur Math during my teens, along with my mother and her group of devotees. Though I would have very much loved to be in those surroundings, fate has placed me elsewhere.
But am glad that, I have been ‘bitten by one of the most venomous snakes’, Mataji Pravrajika Bharatiprana, and have to be contented where I am placed.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience, Swamiji. Gowri
Chennai, India
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam|| Dear Gauri
See how God links every one! Happy that you visited this blog and found something emotionally fulfilling!
Yes, Belur Math is indeed a rare place of pilgrimage. Only a few who are intensely devoted catch the vibrations there. I am happy that you got an opportunity to visit Belur Math when you were in teens and loved the surroundings. But please do not worry for what ‘fate’ has placed you later. It doesn’t matter as finally as you say, that you “have been ‘bitten by one of the most venomous snakes’, Mataji Pravrajika Bharatiprana”. Absolutely you have no fear! The ‘Cobra’ that caught you has the capability to give you ultimate ‘liberation’.
May our Holy Mother who is anataryami (indweller) guide you! Swami Vimokshananda
Revered Maharaj, Namaskars!
Giving Unasked truly brought tears to my eyes and touched my heart!
I just returned from spending few days at Belur and reading this brought the shrine and the temple and Swamiji’s room everything so vivid in front of my eyes! Whatever doubt in any devotee’s mind must have vanished in a second after reading your experience and Guru‘s grace! I truly feel blessed coming to the holy feet of Sri Thakur, Maa and Swamiji and all Swamijis teaching us so wholeheartedly!
On another note, my husband Arun and I used to live in Singapore from 2000-2014 and were closely associated with the Mission there. We are now settled back in Toronto Canada and are connected with the Vedanta Society of Toronto here.
I enjoy reading your blog as well as Singha Roars and reminisce when I visit the photo gallery.
My Pranam and very best regards, Purnima Mujumdar
Toronto, Canada
Vedanta in Practice 
Maharaj,
Amazing story! Thanks for sharing.
Amit Chatterjee
Detroit, USA
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Amit
Happy that this Post has caught your attention.
I used to wonder at the deep devotion of your father towards my Gurudev. Once, along with revered Chhorda Maharaj, I went to your home in Ranchi town. Your father was narrating his memorable experiences he had had with Swami Nirvananandaji Maharaj. Every evening he would reach the Sanatorium to sit with my Gurudev and listen to his nectarine words. On the last day, he wished that he would do a saashtaanga pranaam to him before his departure from Ranchi. Alas! on that day, your father was delayed; and when he reached the Sanatorium, Swamiji had already left by car.
He was so disappointed that he told Chhorda Maharaj that even up till this day he was lamenting his inability to meet my Gurudev. Chhorda Maharaj told your father that what he could not do on that day he might do so at that very moment. Suddenly turning and pointing to me, he declared, “Here is this Swami! He is a disciple of Nirvananandaji Maharaj!”
Till that time, your father did not know who my Gurudev was. The moment he heard who I was, your father fell flat on the ground and with tears in his eyes he made saashtaanga pranaam to me, saying, ‘Seeing the son is equivalent to seeing the father.’
I was speechless at his devotion.
Does this not remind you of the famous face to face meeting between Brahmanandaji and Swamiji on his return from the West?
Swami Vimokshananda
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Aum Namo Narayanaya Maharaj.
Please accept my humble pranam and a joyous Guru Purnima to you and all of Master’s children.
Thank you for the beautiful reminiscence.
Prem Namaste
‘Kamal’
Pennington, SA
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Pranam Maharaj
Happy Guru Purnima!
Thank you Maharaj for sharing with us the anecdote on grace of your Guru. It has been a truly inspiring read on this auspicious day of Guru Purnima.
We are truly blessed to have Maharaj to guide us.
May the blessings of Master, Mother and Swamiji always be with Maharaj.
“JAI SRI GURU MAHARAJ KI JAI”
Jay Gungadeen
Westville North, Durban, SA
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OM NAMO NARAYANAYA
My prostrations at the Feet of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi.
My prostrations at the Feet of Swamiji Maharaj, His Holiness Sri Swami Shantatmanandaji Maharaj and Swami Saradaprabhanandaji Maharaj.
Thanks to Maharaj for sharing this anecdote with us. How sacred the bond between Guru and disciple is! And this story demonstrates how well He knows the heart, mind, and soul of His disciples. How moving it is to read how the Guru graced Maharaj with his darshan and also finally dispelled Maharaj’s unexpressed doubts. Even the sandesh prasad which came to Maharaj through the attendant devotee was only possible through the Guru’s will. It makes one marvel at the Glory and Grace of the Guru.
Hari Om Tat Sat
Nirmala Balkaran
Ladysmith. SA
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Adarneeya Maharajji,
Saadar Pranaam on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima.
When I started reading “GIVING UNASKED…” it didn’t cross my mind that this article is written on the occasion of Guru Purnima!!
It is for the first time I have read an account of Reverence which A Sannyasin carries in his heart for his Revered Guru.
I always used to wonder, How an Evolved Soul must be feeling for his Guru?
Adarneeya Maharajji, your sharing such feelings with us, spiritual Aspirants and Devotees clearly shows love and compassion you carry for devotees of Holy Trio.
Many Many Pranaam!
Bharat
Mumbai, India
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Thousands of pronaam for sharing these moments!
Indeed as if I was there with you!
Sucheta Ghosh
Italy
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Maharaj,
You have given the perfect answer to all those who still doubt about Thakurji.
In fact I was also one among them.
Please bless me that I could have more shraddha in Him.
JAI RAMAKRISHNA
Anand J
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Respected Maharajji,
Namaste. Please accept my pranam for Guru Purnima.
I am grateful to you for sharing this priceless incident of your life. This is very inspiring for us.
Its all Thakur’s boundless love and blessings for all His children.
Lisa Sen
Kolkata, India
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Respected Swamiji
It was nice to read your amazing story and how your doubts were cleared.
This story also tells us your sacrifice and determination to pursue your belief.
Perhaps I still have doubts and have been unable to get out of own personal circle and move any further.
Please bless and guide; pronaam maharaj!
Dr G S Pal
Consultant Physician
Monklands Hospital
Scotland
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Simply, no word to say but only to feel.
Maharaj, shastanga pranam!
Arindam Ghosh
Howrah, India
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Pranam Maharaj
What an inspiring message on the day following Gurupoornima !!
Yes, my mind sails to Belur Math and rests on Swamiji’s room and see the rear view of Temple! A blissful personal account you have shared with us all. Self could see Sri Thakur in my meditation.
Your doubt came to me also in my earlier days, say in 1976 to 78 when i just got initiated by Paramapojaneeya Sri Sri Prabhu maharaj. Every time He makes us realise that He lives constantly with us.
The clear path showed by Sri Sri Nirvananandaji made my mind soar high. Spiritual elixirs pour out from you so smoothly and raises the kundalini shakti when we sit for meditation that includes such noble ideas you have kindly narrated.
Namaskar again and again,
Jai Thakur!
Dr Y Hariharan
Chennai, India
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Pranam.
Such avatar purushas live permanently and enliven and enlighten the souls that need realisation. I for one strongly feel that Paramahamsa not only appears in his Shrine but also is omnipresent. Pranam!
Gangaikondan Sankar
Chennai, India
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Revered Maharaj
Sincere Pranam!
Indeed it is a golden privilege to be allowed into the sacrosanct hall of your divine memories!
Srimat Swami Nirvanananda Maharaj was himself a paragon of virtues that a disciple ought to possess. In His last moments how highly did Srimat Raja Maharaj speak of him!
From your article we can see the fruit of such excellence – that devotion to the Guru brings realisation of the Ishtam. This is truly a wonderful gift you have made to us all on this holy occasion. And we do not have words to thank you for it. Perhaps it is fitting, for gifts given unasked can only be received with a silent and unending gratitude.
Please bless me Revered Maharaj that I too may have sincere devotion for the Guru and the benefit of His sacred presence.
With sincere pranam
Skendha
New Delhi, India
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Revered Maharaj
Please accept my respectful pronam.
I have learnt a lot from this story.
Pronam
Amitav Dhar
Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
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Most Revered Maharaj,
Pranam on Sri Gurupurnima.
It was indeed fascinating to learn about Sujji Maharaj, his fascinating life was of acute interest from the time I read, “Devaloker katha”.
I happened to come across a very battered copy of his fascinating life story in Bangla, when I used to volunteer at the library at Pune Math. That is still treasured.
They Indeed were God-souls!
Pranam to Sri Gurumaharaj and to his numerous counterparts – you all makes us feel we are still living with Him.
Sabuj
New Delhi, India
P.S: I hope Most Revered Shantatmanandaji Maharaj is having an excellent spiritual sojourn at S.A. We missed him here on Gurupurnima. Please give him my pranam.
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Revered Maharaj
My prostrations at the lotus feet of Most Revered Guru Maharaj, Holy Mother and Swamiji Maharaj.
The incident which you have portrayed on your formative years inspires us, mortals, to think, realise and then grasp the motto of life. In other words it is enlightenment. This is absolutely dependent on the Master on when and how He will relieve us from entanglement.
Our earnest prayers must go on and on to receive the bounty.
May Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna keep us happy!
With respectful pronam,
Ritayan
Kolkata, India
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Most Revered Maharaj,
Incidents related to lives of realized souls when narrated by elevated souls like you act as fuel to keep the faith blazing in the hearts of millions.
It conveys much more than what words are capable of communicating.
With most profound regards,
Ashok Jain
New Delhi, India
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Revered Maharaj
Pranam.
Gone through the write-up. It is really touching.
You have not told this to us when you were here.
Take care of your health.
with kind regards
Dr Kumkum and Dr K Zaman
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
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Respected Maharaj
Pronam
Astounding Story!
Thanks for sharing!
Rima Mitra
Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
@Kamal
I understand due to distance you could not visit us on Guru Purnima day. But our prayers were there for you!
@Jay Gungadeen
Thanks Jay! It was nice to see you, Bishma and Mishtha on Guru purnima day. Hope you have sent your pranam by email to your Gurudev!
@Nirmala Balkaran
Yes, Nirmala, we can realise His Grace at every step. And thats how our minds are attuned to His spiritual vibrations that are constantly flowing towards us.
@Bharat Churiwala
Thanks Bharat for your nice words! May Guru maharaj be gracious to you always!
@Sucheta Ghosh
Thanks Sucheta! It proves how much deep your heart can feel when another expresses his experience!
@Anand J
Dear brother Anand, yes, every one goes through certain ‘doubtful moment’ in life and know well that devotion to Guru’s holy feet alone can make us capable of killing this ‘demon doubt’ ‘samshaya raakshasa’ as Swamiji poetically puts it. Thanks for visiting this blog!
@Lisa Sen
Hope you had the opportunity to be at Belur Math and had darshan of your Gurudev on that holy Guru purnima day! Welcome that you liked this Post.
@Dr G S Pal
Know that the ‘doubts’ phase in your life is temporary and will have to end when He chooses to show you the right way! Don’t ever loose heart on that count. Don’t you not think that He who has created this vast Universe has the responsibility to lead us to light of knowledge from the darkness of ignorance, from ephemeral to everlasting and from death to immortality?
@Arindam
Happy to see you here! Hope you had the blessings at Belur Math by having darshan of your Gurudev on that holy Guru purnima day! Welcome that you liked this Post.
@Dr Y Hariharan
I am glad that this Post had helped you in your meditation. Yes, every day I travel to Belur Math mentally and go round of all the temples there. It brings great peace of mind. Thanks for your appreciative words!
@Gangaikondan Sankar
What you have opined is absolutely true! Seeing the omnipresence of a Paramahamsa is a higher state of mind and in the initial stages of spiritual life seeing Him in His murty or picture is a stepping stone for progress. And to help us only our Vedanta accepts all kinds of worship from a stone to a tree, to beasts and birds and to humans and to all beings whether living or inert.
@Skendha
Happy that you liked to hover around in the Hall of memories! This time that is during the visit of brother Shantatmanandaji here in South Africa, I came to know of your wonderful devotion and dedication. He was full of praise for the life of sacrifice that you lead. You have already got the grace of Guru. Go ahead!
@Amitav Dhar
Thanks Amitav for your kind words!
@Sabuj
Nice to know about the ‘battered’ copy of the Bangla book on my Gurudev. Is it possible to get it scanned and sent to me as a pdf copy? I am interested to study it.
@Ritayan
Thanks for your nice appreciative words! May your Guru bhakti be on increase!
@Ashok Jain
Dear Ashok, thanks for your kind visit to this blog! Yes, it is true what is unsaid remains larger than what is said!
@Dr Kumkum and Dr K Zaman
Oh! somehow this topic perhaps did not come up in our midst when I was with you all for about long ten years! Of course were we not busy in building up a great Referral Hospital and how without any rest we would all be working to bring up that 150 bed hospital in a remote land of Arunachal Pradesh! But there were many other interesting anecdotes that I have spelt to you all which have not so far come in the e-media!
@Rima
Happy that you enjoyed it! Best wishes!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Respected Maharajji,
Namaste.
Yes, by Thakur’s grace I have been able to pay my pranams to Revered Swami Atmasthanandaji and Revered Swami Smarananandaji. I could also pay my pranams to Revered President Mataji of Sarada Math.
Hope by the grace of Thakur, Ma and Swamiji, you are doing well.
Pranam
Lisa Sen
Kolkata, India
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Most Revered Maharaj,
Many thanks for the MOST INSPIRING INCIDENT of yours with your Gurudev – a doubt & dispelling of doubt.
I am immensely pleased as I finished reading the same – worth spending opening, browsing & reading the content – I felt as though I have received 1000 times more than that.
Swami Nityatriptananda
Balaram Mandir, Kolkata, India
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear brother
I am sorry that you did take lot of troubles to reach this blog!
But ultimately the fact that this has ‘immensely pleased’ you gives me immeasurable satisfaction.
May Master provide in your heart the all-time worthy Guru bhakti!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Most Revered Swamijee
Humble and loving pranam!
The celestial aura of this blog is reaching out to countless devotees around the globe! The experiences, wise words and teachings of the Lord radiates bliss and peace in our lives. Very soon the blog will reach the mark of 60 000 readers!!!
Success with the diffusion of dharma!
May the blessings of Thakur, Ma Swamijee be on all !
Loving pranam
avitha
Pietermaritzburg, SA
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Avitha
Many thanks for your most encouraging words!
In 2005, I experimented first with creating casual Blogs giving some news of the TB Sanatorium where I was Head till Feb 2007 in India. For instance many of you, readers, might not have seen this Blog created in 2006!
I could see the usefulness of this Blog method of communication when the number of internet users among our devotees grew leaps and bounds. Initially when I sent those early Blogs to monks and devotees, they looked askance at my new effort! It took some time for many to get acclimatized to the emerging technology. I am not surprised when a few, even today, do nose twitching at my Blog!!
But I must admit, overall, the response from the devotees and monks is overwhelming. I too feel I am spending usefully my leisure hours in the ‘knowledge society’. After coming to South Africa, due to the somewhat easy availability of internet facility courtesy enlightened devotees, I began keeping this blog. It is nothing but a diary where ‘personal’ views are jotted for ‘public’ view!
And thanks to those who visit this blog site again and again!
May Master bring in us a deeper devotion at His lotus feet!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Om Namo Narayanaya Maharaj
Thank you Maharaj for sharing this wonderful anecdote with us. Life experiences like these reinforces our faith in religion. Incidents like this helps us keep focused and dispels doubt in the trying times we live in. Its so wonderful to know that Master is with us all the time.
We are sincerely inspired by Maharaj sharing his blessed experience with us.
Hari Aum Tat Sat
Prevesh and Yushavia Sing
Ladysmith, SA
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Prevesh and my child Yushavia
Thanks for your visit!
Yes, it is true that these types of experiences strengthens our faith in the Lord. I am happy to know that this Post has been useful to you. May guru’s grace be with you ever!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Respected Maharaj,
Please accept my pronam.
What an inspiring incident you have mentioned here.
It is anecdotes such as these along with personal experiences of Thakur’s grace that strengthen one’s faith.
With regards,
Promothesh
Columbia, South Carolina Area, USA
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Promothesh
A hearty welcome to this blog, Promothesh!
May Master bless you!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Aum Namo narayanaya Maharaj,
Your article on Swami Nirvananandaji Maharaj – (Jyothi – April–June 2010) had me trembling with emotions and tears streaming from my eyes. I could only imagine how it might have felt for you Maharaj when you had actually touched the feet of Swami Nirvananandaji. Whilst I was overwhelmed with emotions I had wondered what it might have felt to be in the presence of the “HOLY TRIO”.
Maharaj, thank you for coming to South Africa and being with us.
We are truly blessed for being in your holy company.
Love and regards
Shyam and family
Durban, SA
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Shyam
Your loving comment was emotionally surcharged. Whenever we read such instances in the life of monastic or householder disciples of the Master, our emotion is palpably stirred. Sometimes, I had to keep the book apart and close my eyes and seep into that situational consciousness. What a soul-satisfying experience!
May your devotion to Master grow and grow!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Revered Maharaji
On GURUPURNIMA day, I was in HARDWAR heading for VALLEY OF FLOWERS.
It was quite sometime that I could not open your blog. Just today, I opened the title (Giving unasked). It was amazing (asaadhaaran), who saw THAKUR every day, taanr koto sneho o kripaa peye cholechhi (whose how much limitless affection and grace that I had been receiving) really we are so very blessed.
Thank you, again for sharing your precious gift.
khub inspiring!
with sincere pranam
Jayitalal
Kolkata, India
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Guru-bahen
Nice to have your interesting feedback!
Yes, Guru’s Kripa is boundless. No reason is needed. In spite of our faults, we get his grace unconditionally. What a wonder!
May your Guru bhakti lead you to higher spiritual consciousness!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Dear Swamiji,
I came upon this article, following a link to a question by another devotee to you. I am so overwhelmed on reading this.
I have visited Belur Math during my teens, along with my mother and her group of devotees. Though I would have very much loved to be in those surroundings, fate has placed me elsewhere.
But am glad that, I have been ‘bitten by one of the most venomous snakes’, Mataji Pravrajika Bharatiprana, and have to be contented where I am placed.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience, Swamiji.
Gowri
Chennai, India
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Gauri
See how God links every one! Happy that you visited this blog and found something emotionally fulfilling!
Yes, Belur Math is indeed a rare place of pilgrimage. Only a few who are intensely devoted catch the vibrations there. I am happy that you got an opportunity to visit Belur Math when you were in teens and loved the surroundings. But please do not worry for what ‘fate’ has placed you later. It doesn’t matter as finally as you say, that you “have been ‘bitten by one of the most venomous snakes’, Mataji Pravrajika Bharatiprana”. Absolutely you have no fear! The ‘Cobra’ that caught you has the capability to give you ultimate ‘liberation’.
May our Holy Mother who is anataryami (indweller) guide you!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Revered Maharaj,
Namaskars!
Giving Unasked truly brought tears to my eyes and touched my heart!
I just returned from spending few days at Belur and reading this brought the shrine and the temple and Swamiji’s room everything so vivid in front of my eyes! Whatever doubt in any devotee’s mind must have vanished in a second after reading your experience and Guru‘s grace! I truly feel blessed coming to the holy feet of Sri Thakur, Maa and Swamiji and all Swamijis teaching us so wholeheartedly!
On another note, my husband Arun and I used to live in Singapore from 2000-2014 and were closely associated with the Mission there. We are now settled back in Toronto Canada and are connected with the Vedanta Society of Toronto here.
I enjoy reading your blog as well as Singha Roars and reminisce when I visit the photo gallery.
My Pranam and very best regards,
Purnima Mujumdar
Toronto, Canada
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