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It was evening, the union of day and night was
spreading its splendour and beauty.The setting sun, enveloped
in its red rays, was gradually moving into the arms of night.
Dusk was slowly setting in. The chirping birds were returning
to their nests. The river Narayani was flowing continously towards
its destination. The trees and the creepers in a stooping position,
appeared to be conveying their messages. The flowing waters were
receiving the encouragement. Scattered clouds in the sky, were
playing hide and seek. The sun was steadily going into hiding.
The evening was restive, for, the sun was slipping away from her
grip. Her robe was in a disarray. This atmosphere of union and
separation was affecting each and every atom of nature. (The weary
traveller on the one side, and the other side the 'waiting', the
yearning for the union, and the fear of estrangement).
At that moment the sun freed it self from the evening's grip and
got lost in the darkness of light. There was total silence everywhere,
as though each and every atom of nature had gone to sleep. The
stars shone in the sky. The silence was interrupted now and then
by the flowing waters. Every where there was a strange beauty.
At that moment, I heard a divine voice. "This is nature's
drama, it is enacted in the law of nature. Some have to surrender
where as others have to 'rise' and 'set'. Many times we have come
and gone, and we will continue to come and go.
"We will witness the union and separation
of day and night again and again like 'birth and death'. But the
'bliss in surrender' Kapil can only be explained by those who
'live' despite being dead. In this state there is neither 'birth'
nor 'death'. Life does not abandon the body. 'Man' lives even
in his death. There is neither animation, nor in animation, only
total 'bliss'. This bliss is totally immersed in nature and surrendered
to 'Bramha' It is beyond slumber, and consciousness. The state
of ultimate sleep and 'wakefulness' is also not there. It is pure
and simple "bliss".
Something strange and weird was happening. Words
were sounding from some divine source. I was lost in that man,
My heart beat became alive like the Himalayas. My ears were alert
and heart was still. It disturbed my ego. All the organs of nature
were in mute alertness. It was leaving an indelible imprint on
my mind. Words like nectar were pouring from the eternal Yogi
Baba Goraknath's lotus mouth. Each and every atom was alert every
fibre of the body was responding to it. I went on looking at him
in a fixed stare. My mind was eager to surrender to him and get
lost in him. His thundering voice piercing life death, surrender,
mingling, and union was heard again. "Die first? Then live.
Do not create any novelty. Destruction of sanskara, Destruction
of self ! Life in death ! That is the bliss ! Supreme bliss !
"Nityanda" where mind, intelligence conscience, meditation,
body and universe cease to exist except 'Anand'. "Life is
not there: Death is not there: you are not there: I am not there:"
The flow of divine thoughts was spreading everywhere the entire
'Bramhand' was being illuminated within me. Almost paralysed I
went on looking at that illusory-man (apparition), a Bramhand's
creation, a divine miracle he was close to me yet very far. Though
I know him, yet I was in the darkness of ignorance. He was a human
being, I was, only a man, he was an ascetic.
I was encircled by everyone, where as he was
within his own circles. I was lost in the ancient ruin of my thoughts
but the booming sound of 'Aye Harihar' brought me back to the
world of consciousness, awareness.
'Aye Hari', I have initiated kapil in the path
of "Agam Agochar which you have chosen for him. The ceaseless
path of life which is full of difficulties, the remains of the
remainder of sanskars I have destroyed, and invoked them, I have
enlightened him of his previous sanskaras and now I am on my way.
I will return after some time".
I could see the super human being going away.
He was vanishing with great speed and left behind a light in the
darkness. He was a man like you and me. But he was divine free,
and strange. 'Thought' was his speed. 'Will' was the 'Creation'.
Free will was the a bode. 'He was beyond' 'Dwaita' - 'Dwait',
He was a man. He appeared to be a man, still he was not a man.
He left behind a light which dispelled the darkness.
There was sky, the light, and the sleeping atoms of nature. The
sound of flowing waters, the mute messages soothed my soul and
freed me like the Himalayas. My eyes were glued to the spot from
where the 'Maha Purush' had disappeared. I could only see the
range of mountains, and profusion of bushes. Snow clad Pinnacles
of Himalayas and the waves of the flowing river were dimly visible.
There was dense darkness everywhere only the way of light which
was still there, illuminated my inside as well as outside.
I was in search of something far-far away. I
was following that light. One human being was engrossed in the
comparison between him self and the other human being. After all
he is also a human being, almost like a common man, But this man
is far beyond a common man. He has transcended the common by virtue
of his divinity. Man's life, itself is supreme and rare. He has
the capacity to obtain everything. Despite this precious potential
he is running away from his 'self'. In pursuit of untruth he is
overlooking the 'truth'. He is trying to initiate the others and
in this process he is ignoring his 'self '. He is leading a suffocated
life. Due to love and hate, and in human acts, he is going into
oblivion. But, another human being has ascribed to human body
supreme importance, and keeps travelling in a spiritual and celestial
world with the help of his will. All paths have become easy for
him. Light is emanating from his body. Like birds be is travelling
in the sky. He is creating light from the 'Panch Bhoot' (five
elements). He is simulating the wind. His voice is producing currents
in the atmosphere. All the elements of nature are closely co-operating
with him. Earth and planets have become his abode. Deeply affected
by the celestial grandeur of the man, I became pensive. Suddenly
some one spoke 'somnath is conversant with his bizarre activities.
Amar Yogi Gorakhnath has been present in all the ages like a Kalpa
'Taru' and has been concerned with the welfare of mankind. His
existence is always there. The motion or speed is within his 'will'.
He wills his body to disappear, but is born all over again and
resumes his journey in his former guise. The snow clad caves of
Himalayas are his abode. And from this place he sends his message
of spiritual consciousness, and yagna, to the world. From time
to time he makes his existence felt, through his appearances and
leaves his disciples among common men, who are lost in the world
of (maya). Nectar rains from his voice. All the wealth of the
world is in his bag. His 'Khappar' can create and destroy the
entire universe he is far away from 'siddhis'. He has surrendered
himself to Bramha and has become 'Bramha May' (a power all by
himself.) He has his own history. His name has permeated the whole
of India. But extremely fortunate men endowed with superior sanskar,
are able to find him and those who find him can under go a tremendous
change. He is generally roaming around like 'Narada' with his
'Jholi' (bag) and 'Khappar' and chanting, 'Narayan', Narayan and
with his 'Gorakh' 'Chimta' (Forcep) he is totally involved in
'Alaka Niranjan'. Modern man is enjoying the hue and cry of the
physical world. The speed and rush of the atomic age has inflated
his ago. And he has come to the wrong conclusion that the knowledge
or science is the ocean of all knowledge. He has no time to be
aware of his surroundings. This is primarily the reason why he
is unable to identify these great superior human beings. These
great souls are freely moving around, enjoying nature, and uniting
the Jeevas of similar sanskara. Now let us enter the caves. After
a little while, they will be also coming, they have gone to get
alms through 'Alakh'. Almost hypnotised by his voice, I started
following the 'Baba' as though in a trance. The river was flowing
intensely. The cave was close by but it was on the other side
of the river. The 'Assans' for three Mathtamas were already there.
Some clothes for my use were also there. The mouth of the cave
was very narrow. But it could comfortably accomodate at least
28 people.
Different kinds of 'Assans' tiger skin, deer
skin, trishul, and khappars were kept there. Neklaces of precious
stones and 'Rudrarksha' were strewn all over the place. An assorted
variety of clothes were also there - like, tiger skin apparel,
and jacket kurta. I occupied the 'Assana' which was shown to me
by 'Baba'.
My 'Assana' was in the middle. A beautiful 'Shiva
- lingam' stood right in front of me. Drops of water fell on the
lingam from the copper pitcher. A beautiful 'Trinetra' was engraved
on the lingam. Some fortunate flowers adorned the shiva lingam.
Hari Baba picked up a flower from the 'Shivalingam' and left it
on my head. I began to fall in a dense darkness. The restlessness
within me, and the curiosity gradually died. The entire 'motion'
of my body seemed to be moving upwards. Frequent electric currents
could be seen. I could fathom the difference between my 'self'
and my 'body'. My eyes became heavy and body became motion less.
I could see divine will at work in the objects of nature. I could
also see pulsation in plants and trees. I could even comprehend
the chirping of birds. The thoughts waves of snakes, and birds,
began to influence me. Even in the sitting position everything
was visible to me. I could understand the mysteries of the living
forms of ocean, sky, earth, birds and human being. A fine ray
of light tried to establish the relationship. But it failed in
its 'attempt again, and again. A little distance away in a cave
of the Himalaya peaks, another body was lying. There was light
in the cave. I could see a skeleton and two more bodies. They
were also inert their skeletons were prominent.
Precisely, at that, moment I could see that "Maha Purush"
coming. He entered the cave. He sat down in a corner, left his
body and entered into my inert body. I could see everything, but,
I was helpless. I wanted to do something, but lacked the capacity.
I could feel my attachment for my body. I was merely a spectator
of all the miracles of nature or of power. I saw my body getting
up and moving. The soul of a celestial 'Mahapurush' had entered
my body. His soul was within my body, and my body started moving
with a tremendous speed, A bag on his shoulder and in either hands
he had his 'Chimita' and 'Khappar'. And thus equipped he began
the chanting of his 'Alakh'. He covered thousands of miles within
no time. Since I was following him closely. I could see everything.
He was moving in the skies with great speed. I was there but my
body was not there. My body was there, but I was not within my
body.
An enormous 'Bargadh Tree' the well, that was
underneath, a huge ground in the front, and adjacent to it a mighty
gate, the walls, and the ancient history engraved on them, all
appeared very familiar. The place had a deep effect on me a kind
of filial bond, was pulling me. The thought waves of place were
hypnotising me. The yogi was smiling away. He was looking upwards.
His gaze rested on the massive gate. The gate was ajar, and different
activities were going on. Though all things were mine, yet I was
not there. The 'Yogiraj' was watching my helplessness. He went
near the gate and started chanting the 'Alakh'. A woman came out
of the house with the alms but the moment she saw the yogi, she
broke into tears and ran inside. There was total chaos in the
entire household. Young, and old, came out to see the yogi. Everyone
was crying bitterly. Some woman tried to pull the yogi inside
the house, but could not budge him. The atmosphere became very
strange and tense. The entire village collected in the ground.
Men, women & children all were there. They had arranged for
the light also. Everyone was trying to catch his glimpse. The
atmosphere was becoming very emotional. With moist eyes, the villagers
were looking at the yogi. The yogi stood unmoved, even in the
surrounding which were charged with emotions. I could recognize
my companions, every nook and corner of the house, and my mother,
in whose lap I had spent my childhood. The courtyard stirred memories
of the childish games I had played. The branches of the 'Branches
of the 'Baniyan Tree' where I used to play hide and seek, were
also familiar. The village lanes reminded me of my mischievous
childhood. When they saw me in this guise they simply broke down.
But the yogi despite the atmosphere was unruffled. There was no
change in his composure. I was watching everything. All were mine,
They loved me and cared for me. I was there but the yogi was no
one to them. Unflinching, resolute, the yogi continued the chanting
of 'Alakh'. My mother went inside the house and returned with
some rice & lentil. She threw few grains over him and blessed
him "Long live my son she did the customary 'Parikaram' (going
around) of the yogi and poured the alms in his 'Khappar' (around
dish).
Everyone was watching the scene in a stunned
silence. On receiving the alms, the yogi started walking away
from the place. Weeping uncontrollably the mother ran and stood
before the 'Yogi' and in an imploring voice said "Once and
only once I want to meet my dear son, I want to see him. I have
recognized you, you are the one whom I had given birth. I know
that first he is my son, he can be a yogi afterwards. A son can
never forget his mother, no matter how great a thinker he has
become". Yogi give me this promise that you will send my
son atleast once to me? You are a capable person nurtured in your
company, may be he will become a great yogi. Let him sever the
wordily ties and live for humanity. Yogi you can leave, we are
indeed fortunate to have great souls like you amongst us. I am
extremely fortunate to be the mother. Yogi go and give this message
to my son "The love and affection of the mother always inspires
and helps in the 'Sadhana'.
The yogi gave her a handful of ashes and walked
away from the scene. She reverently touched it to her for head
and started laughing in a hysterical manner - "Yes everything
finally turns into ashes. The yogis are indeed peculiar people.
The entire Bramhand becomes their house. Shiva your ways are truly
strange, you are 'Shav' and 'Shiva'". The villagers were
the helpless spectators of this scene. Leaving everyone in the
emotional state the yogi came back to the cave within seconds.
He abandoned my body and re-entered his own body. I was watching
all these activities. The touch of Hari Baba gradually brought
me back to the palpable world. I could again hear Baba Gorakhnath's
voice, which touched my heart string.- Now you can come to us,
before your achievements, you have become free from all the worldly
"attachments".
By that time, I had entered into the world of
consciousness and was watching the two celestial beings. Baba
Gorakhnath had the same 'Khappar' which contained the alms Khichidi
(gruel) and the bag clutched under his arm was over burdened with
all the 'Maya' of the world. A delicate smile was lingering on
his lips. Over come with powerful feelings of reverence I paid
my respects repeatedly, 'Baba' Gorakhnathji took me in his arms.
In the circle of his (massive) arms, I was simply clinging to
him "Somnath" I have done the right thing. You have
seen experienced everything. I stirred myriad emotions in your
family member. I made your sisters to weep, and plunged your brother
into pensiveness. After sowing the seed of competition amongst
your acquaintances, I secured the alms through the medium of your
body. I was there, and you were there. I was lost in you and you
were lost in me. Who was there? You or me? In order to enter into
the realm of 'Adwaita' we have to forsake the (Dwaitadwaita).
"You can unite with this only after you
have severed, all the ties, with the mortal world. Once what is
broken can not be rejoined for, the knots will always remain.
You have disunited yourself from there but have become united
with 'yourself'. This is death (and the life even in death) and
the resurgence of life after the 'death'. You are like a flower
who has been plucked from this garden of worldliness, get united
with thyself where there is only life and nothing else".
Hari Baba started cooking the 'Khichadi' on the
'Dhuni', meanwhile, I went towards the river with 'Baba Gorakhnath'.
After crossing heaps of 'stone and pebbles' and rocks we reached
the river banks. We continued walking on the edge of the river.
We saw a lamp burning at a short distance from us. We continued
moving in the similar pace and reached a massive sandy, open area.
The rivers flow had assumed a meandering motion. Gradually we
got closer to the light of the lamp, and finally we reached that
place. There, we saw a giant python lying on the sands. It was
surrounded by burning lamps. The air was thick with a heavy fragrance.
We felt that we will fall unconscious in no times. The snake was
making weird whistling sound and sand was flying with his every
breath. It had spotted us and that is why it made angry sounds.
But we were totally unaffected by his whistles It's anger, and
its, helplessness all were apparent. Gorakhnathji frequently broke
into smiles and uttered these words now and then- "come on,
you have had enough: Don't exhibit you sense of duty too much
otherwise I will extinguish your lamps". Suddenly the python
turned more vehement and his whistle became sharper. Still laughing,
the Baba drew a circle towards the sky and the straight line within
the circle which he cut at the edge. This had an instantaneous
effect on the python and he became comparatively sober. And this
act sunffed out the lamps too. There upon the snake became almost
life less. We resumed our onward journey. Within few minutes we
were near a small hut, which was on the banks of the river. A
small 'Dhuni (fire) was burning inside the hut. A thirteen year
old young girl was lying unconsciousness, on the ground. One 'Augarh'
was drinking blood from her private parts and was belching loudly
like an animal. His mouth was covered with blood. From time to
time he looked up, his eyes were all afire, we went and stood
near the door. Our shadows were falling on him. So he got up with
start and leaped for his 'Trishul'. He was shivering with wrath,
but his eyes looked fearful. He was baffled and bewildered and
betrayed a certain restlessness. Seeing the light of the 'Augarh'
the Baba burst into a laughter. Weeping bitterly the 'Augarh'
collapsed on the Baba's feet. He continued to weep with compassion
and pain. Totally exhausted he lay on Baba's feet. Moved by his
repentance Baba picked him up and said- "So augharnath how
long you propose to continue such practise? Why do you want to
waste your precious life? You cannot achieve 'Shivatatva through
such, practises this is no worship at all. Human life is obtained
through a mother's intense penance. How can you drink blood of
the same mother? Every mother is a women, and behind every women
lurks the mother figure, why don't you also wait for the fruit
of arduous penances? Do you think, that this is the 'one' and
only path which can lead you to your self realization apart from
your own body, what can you gain from the bodies of others why
don't you look for it 'within' you. Instead of blood why don't
you consume your own semen? You can not forstall death through
this physical medium. Surrended your art for arts sake, and thus
achieve it. Get up now and go towards the direction which is inspired
by your 'sanskaras'. Purify this girl and reach her to her destination.
And take care that she is not socially ostracized. She should
not be crushed prior to her bloom in the garden of life. It she
is subjected to the wrath of society and goes astray, you will
be doomed forever. When women goes into pieces she becomes a curse
incarnate, and retaliates with vengeance. A solitary blunder will
jeopardize all your future births. Augarnath if you want to save
yourself from drowing, make sure that such an ordeal does not
befall this girl. Your penance will surely bear fruits and the
girl will also have a smooth life".
The 'Augarh' stood there, with a new brilliance
in his eyes, andhis long matted locks touched the ground. Overcome
with the surge of emotions be again fell on the 'Baba's feet.
He presented an image of total contentment.
His 'sadhana' bore fruit in the form of the appearance of Baba
Gorakhnath. He was unable to express his deep gratitude in words.
He could only utter these words reverently "Maharaj, I will
follow your orders. I am indebted to your grace". Lost in
the periphery of life and death, I have been trying to reach you.
Your "shiv tatva is within you only". Go now everything
will be alright. Adopt the path of renunciation. With these words,
Gorakhnathji left that place. Our return journey began. Few lamps
were still burning in the open ground.
But this time in the place of the python a 'kapalika'
was sitting. He was a heavily built man, with drunken but content
eyes. His body was totally bare. A little far from where the 'kapalika'
was sitting a trishul could be seen buried in the ground, and
few human skulls were scattered all over the place. Disturbed
by Baba's presence he got up paid his respects and returned to
his seat. He remained mute. Suddenly a divine looking maiden clad
in an orange attire, her hair rolled up in a bun, with trishul
in one hand and 'Baraha Devta' on the other appeared on the scene.
She stood between the 'Baba' and the 'Kapalika'. This woman was
in a dilemma, and it was conspicuous.
Oh Maya despite your centuries old penance, you
are still wandering despite the fact that your 'Sadhana' has attained
the peak of fulfilment, you are still incomplete. Your desires
like mirage are wandering every where. I had seen you in the palace
of king. - 'Harshwardhan'. 'You gave up profound love of Harshwardhan,
denounced the world and became a yogi. Since then you started
moving on the banks of river Ganga. Your appearance in the guise
of a mendicant was like a boon to the other devotees or (Sadhak).
Your glory was all encompassing even the Vindhyachal region was
affected by it. You became the associate of 'Aghoreshwar Bhairavnath'.
He deviated from his kapalika worship and made you the 'path'
to attain his 'sadhana'. The devotees on the river banks elevated
you to this status, and this definitely helped you in your progress.
I had seen you many a times wandering on the river banks I had
also seen your presence in the valleys of 'Vindhyachal' you are
still wandering in the discontent manner. 'Bhairavnath' too remained
incomplete for the "Barah devata" too ignored him. In
the absence of the woman the worship of Bhairavanth, was incomplete.
What a coincidence it was, Without a man, you are incomplete and
without a woman Bhairavnath is incomplete. Though you and Bhairavnath
are close to each other. Yet, very far away. You two, could have
become an integral part of each other, but, 'Ban - Bhatta' caused
a rift between you two. You continued to cherish the love of Krishan--
wardhan, and failed to accept Bhairavnath fully. You wanted everyone,
and everything. You wanted to pervade the empire of 'Harshwardhan'
and 'Krishnawardhan' you had designs on the total sadhana of Bhairavnath
you wanted to infuse revolutionary changes in it. Despite all
these feats, you were inwardly a disoriented person. One cannot
forget your deeds easily You could have changed the course of
history, if you had been benevolent towards 'Krishna wardhan'
and Rajashree. But you were enslaved to your insatiable desire.
Now everyone has gone : Krishnawardhan is no more. Harshwardhan,
has also passed away. The entire empire no longer exists. You
are the only one, who is moving around till today. "Yogini
what power are you searching in the caves of Himalayas? Why have
you deserted the banks of Ganga, and the valley of Vindhaychal,
and taken refuge in the Himalayas? Your presence on the banks
of the 'Narayani river'.
You must have witnessed too many changes, so many transformations.
All these now belong to history. All you contemporaries, and the
golden temples of 'Barah Devata' are no more. The rebirths and
deaths of Krishnawardhan have occurred so many times. The flow
of the ganga waters, has also changed its courses. Barahdevata
has handed over the power to the occultists like Tara, Kamakshi
and Banglamukhi. Many changes have occurred in the nation in compliance
with the 'time' and the direction. Patliputra is now known as
Patna. The mansion that symbolised the past has, crumbled and
is lost in the depths of ganga, but your life's journey still
seems to be endless and, after thousands of years you have come
to the Himalayas. Your 'will' has become your "motion"
(speed). You are leading a life which is guided by your free 'will'.
'Life' and 'Death' are at your beck and call. You have made your
life like the 'Kalpataru' why don't you erase the dissatisfied
past and return to your natural self?. Throw away these human
skulls. The age of 'Kapalika' sadhana is going into oblivion and
'Panch Makar' is emerging. For thousands of years, the worship
of Barahdevata was done by the Buddhist Monk. Buddhists do not
believe in god, instead they worship the Buddha. The Buddhists
attach importance to the theory of non violence. The occultists
carry out their practises right infront of him. Maya you must
change your thinking now. Yesterdays 'India is buried in the past.
The new India is distinctly different. You must abandon the human
skulls, they are of no use now. In the past beauty was worshipped.
But the present is commercial in its attitude towards 'beauty'.
"Many dreams and desires twinkled in yesterdays
concept of beauty, There is a certain vivaciousness in today's
concept of 'beauty' before it is devoured by the fire of desire,
we have to look for its salvation".
Maya you have always been maya (illusion). Your
name itself is its definition. The world is also an illusion.
You have spread the tentacles of your 'Maya' (illusion) Now, its
up to you to decide your future actions. I better leave this place
now. "And we immediately left that place. We were absorbed
in our own music. Maya quietly stood there Bhairavnath reacted
by throwing away all the human skulls in the river 'Narayani'.
But the lamps continued to burn. She started laughing and the
whole atmosphere lit up, as though struck by lightening. Her Rudraks,
Necklace, studded with precious gems acquired a stranger glitter.
She picked up her Trishul and chanted. "Jai Barah Devta".
The Baba also looked back, caught my hand ? and thus restrained
me. 'Maya' in every spring time of human life the koel sings.
After every autumn, greenery sprouts again. 'Mango' and 'Mahua'
turn lusty. The jack fruit reaches its prime. The rivulets and
the waterfalls start drying up, and man becomes thirsty. And Maya,
you, over powered by your insatiable thirst, start your perilous
wanderings. The heat of fire, and the coolness of the moon, both
can be perceived in you. And you turn into a dazzling beauty like
the 'Mahatripur Sundri' restless by the awakened passions.
"Maya" you have to destroy the intense
feelings of love and affection which are housed within you then
only you can get rid of all your desires. You can contribute to
the development of intellect and 'motions', and add new dimensions
to them. Your insatiable wandering will never come to an end unless
Bharavnath gives you the freedom. But when will he free you? Kapil,
will merely help you to recapture the past. And, only memories
will remain after his depature. The river bed of ganga, the temple
of Barhadevata, which is reduced to ruins, are the legacy of past.
You have learnt only to walk. Your past will be wiped out and
whatever will be left will be, all yours.
'She was Maya? She was endowed with extra ordinary
physical attractions she was an embodiment of beauty. She enjoyed
the eternal friendship of youth. Her actions and posture reflected
her 'mentality' her thoughts had a hypnotic quality. (She was
the example of aesthetic sensual beauty) Her transparent beauty
mirrored her rosy desires. Her heart like lotus flower was in
full bloom. She was an image of contradiction. She exhibited tenderness
and tempestuousness both. The spectacle of such beauty stirred
my dormant inner emotions. 'Man' has always been a devotee of
beauty. He has always worshipped and nurtured it. The feelings
of love, attractions, attachment, all are natural human desires,
and so I was drawn towards her. At this critical juncture, 'Baba'
intervened and influenced my thought waves, feelings of reverence,
love and faith replaced the serveral erotic feelings. And suddenly
I was free from the spell of the hypnotic beauty. I was free,
and no longer entangled like the spider, in the web of the mortal
world. With a new confidence, I marched towards the Himalayas.
The snow clad peak of the Himalayas, bathed in
the moonlight presented an enchanting sight. Gradually we reached
the cave. It was also drenched in the moonlight. We entered it,
and saw that the food was ready. Absorbed in the beauty of nature,
Haribaba, sat in complete silence. He looked at us and smiled
inwardly. We ate the food quietly. This was my first day with
the greatmen, and it was my first meal inside the cave. Since
I was the youngest I offered to wash all the three Khappars, but
they stopped me from doing so.
Perplexed, I stood watching their faces. I failed
to understand their attitude. I thought it to be my duty to carry
out this trivial job. At that moment Baba Goraknath spoke. "Kapil,
dissociate from the society, and then take a careful step. We
don't follow any traditions. Sects, family and the age differences,
all are not followed here. Only 'Sanskaras' and 'Karmas' reign
supreme. There is no creation only mingling. Do not create all
over again. Draw a line and halt now. An even lasting line should
be drawn now. Desires, Moksha, Mukti and charity all these cease
to exist. You have only to keep moving. If you will come to a
halt then all these will re-emerge. For instance, Maya whom you
have seen, was the wife of prince Krishna wardhan. Younger brother
of Emperor Harsha wardhana. In search of Barah Devata she became
mendicant and Bhairavnath's associate. And till today, they are
roaming on the opposite banks of the river. They can never became
one, for the river waves are unpredictable. Attainments and luxuries
do not have any role in the worship of 'God'. We will clean our
bowls. You clean your bowl, I will clean mine, and Hari will wash
his. You have to search for everything, yourself only.
Life itself is an art. Life depends on 'Art-search'
for your art within your own art. This is of fundamental importance.
Absorbed in our talks, we reached the water falls which was close
by. Baba washed his khappar and gave me water to drink. He did
not throw it away. "Drink this, this is 'everything' and
nothing else. Life is like a pitcher which is full of nectar and
also a cup full of poison. The "Khappar" serves the
duel purposes. This is the objective which underlies the human
life. "Kapil I don't know whether I am giving you something
or taking it away form you. 'You' and 'I' if we are separated
from each other then the question give and take will also arise.
But if we two are 'one' then who can be the receiver? Who can
be the giver? Here, we only receive if you will walk, I will also
walk. We can be compared to the river and its water, The river
is a nonentity sans (without) water it is just like a sandy desert.
We were all, again in the cave, I became very
sleepy, and gradually went off to sleep. The chorus of the birds,
ushered in the morning. The morning rays enhanced the breath taking
beauty of the snow clad peaks. I came out of the cave. Kasturi
deers and 'Kankar' were in the moods of fun and frolic near the
waterfall. Few tiger cubs often interrupted their fun. Scattered
clouds of fog, rose towards the sky. There were flowers all over
the place. The Himalayas presented an enchanting sight. I scanned
the beauty of nature minutely. My worry of the great man, often
distracted my observation. They could not be seen any where. My
mind was working on two thoughts simultaneously. Nature's 'beauty'
in all its splendour attracted me in a magnetic way. I managed
to break the magnetic effect of nature . Greed, fear, love, all
these feelings, all originate from the mind. Baba is with me where
ever I am, His absence is compensated by my presence. Thinking
in this vein, I started towards the source of the river. Quite
a few rivulets were also nearby. I had my bath there, washed my
clothes, and spread them for drying. Thus, in my primeaval form,
I ran amidst the flowers with a sense of abandon. The honey bees,
however objected to my actions by buzzing over my ears. A little
far away from this place, I spotted 'Bramha Lotus' flowers in
full bloom. I ran and plucked two or three flowers. A strange
fragrance emanated from the blossom, which made me almost drawy.
I somehow managed to run away from that place.
All around, only the snow peak were visible. I sat, on that rock
alone in the quiet surroundings in an introspective mood. I was
not shy, despite my nakedness, I wondered, 'Is nature feeling
shy at my nakedness? But why should it be so? It is natural to
be in this form. Nature, has always been kind. Does a new born
infant feel shy before the mother? Involved in such thoughts human
mind becomes subject to different mentalities. Nakedness is prevalent
everywhere.
The rocks, animals, the Himalayan peaks all are in their pristine
forms, why should not they also feel shy? I voiced my thoughts
to the rock, on which I was seated. The mute rock perhaps, laughed
at my stupidity, "You are crazy-shyness, love, hatred, greed
and other kindred emotions all are born with humans, and die,
with them. We were both naked. Nature has always been thus. We
endure all the seasons in this nakedness and give the message
of 'Shiva Tatva'. Only human beings dream of progress and become
the cause of destruction. Neither do we imagine nor do we indulge
in day dreaming. We do not choose and do not discriminate. This
is the folly of human mind."
While rushing towards progress, man often moves towards destruction.
He has becomes accustomed to creating new on the ruins of the
old. To convert old into new has becomes his habit. Humans tend
to forget that where there is death there is life and where there
is imagination there is creation. Creation and destruction go
hand in hand. My monologue continued in a dual tone-one, on behalf
of the stone and the other, on behalf of my conscious self. My
reverie, was broken by Haribaba's voice calling out to me. And
I ran towards my clothes. Hari Baba laughed, perhaps the stone
also laughed at my embarrassment. I wore my clothes and started
walking in the direction of the cave. Hari Baba with a tug-pulled
the clothes away from my body and said "our thoughts compel
us to cover our bodies. 'Motion' of an idea is also a 'thought'.
Everything is infused in the thought waves. The flux of 'thought'
itself is a 'bondage' and an 'attachment'. The message of life
and death is conveyed through thought. The study of the flux of
the internal world as well as 'external world', itself is a 'thought'.
The knowledge of youth, old age, kindness, forgiveness 'man' and
'woman', is part of a thought. In every work the 'thought' waves
reign supreme. In your thought you can be a man, woman, society
and the nation. Discard this thought, which is responsible for
your shyness. A little while ago you were talking to a mute rock
voicing its thoughts, and yours too. A kind of two roles by the
same person. You were the one who was thinking, and deducing.
The rock was merely a medium. You were infact getting, influenced
by your own thoughts. You have to stay within animation as well
as inanimation. Feminity and Virility will have to co-exist within
you. Thus you have to journey within yourself. To reach the "Bodhi
tree" you will have to turn into an inert thing to absorb
messages from a stone.
You will have to climb the Himalayan peaks to
discover their truth, and the secret of their stead fastness.
At times, you have to behave like the flux of the river and suffer
the roughness of the rocks and the pebbles. Like tree you will
often, have to suffer the avalanche and like innocent animals
the cruel attacks. The hunting instincts will also emerge in you
and you will have to learn to satisfy it through the pursuit of
the weaker animals. The part of a faithful dog, will have to be
enacted by you and patience of robbers, will have to be practised
by you. Fearful animals, fleeing for their lives, will make you
appreciate the worth of life. Your role as a proud king will also
crop up. A 'Sadhu' has to play varied parts, and teach others
to act likewise. In the fusion of the Mahabhoots' (five elements)
- 'amour' (love) and relief, in the form of thoughts, are present.
'Rise and fall' success and 'failure' all infact (based) arise
from thoughts. Entire knowledge of the universe dwells in thoughts.
The awareness of feelings, and conscience comes from thoughts
only. Now take these clothes, cover yourself, and look at the
world, and observe the different situations of human beings. You
must part with your present. What was within your core is still
there or it has changed. What you were in between, you are no
longer the same, after sometime, this will also (die away).
This is how the universe has been portrayed. 'Kapil', 'Maya' itself
is 'Maya's' sheath. There is an excessive involvement in physical
activities, resulting into a depressing quietude. Man himself
is unlocking the door of his downfall. Nature in protest, is desparately
trying to cling to its naturalness. Man is continously in search
of novelties and these achievement are posing a challenge to his
existence. However, the modern discoveries and achievements have
elevated the greatness of man. Puffed up with pride, he is losing
his "self" into oblivion. In the mechanical world existence
of his 'self' is in jeopardy 'Discovery of self' is the true attainment.
Human body is mortal and is subject to time and decay. But with
the help of yoga 'man' can transcend the limitation of the human
body and make it immortal.
There after 'Life trons' or 'Jiva' will no longer have to change
the bodily form again and again, 'Jiva' assumes the human body
according to its 'Sanskaras'. 'Sansakaras' are born from 'Karmas'.
When the creation of 'Sanskaras' ceases, the 'Jeevatma' becomes
free from the bondage of 'Sansakar and become (a person who can
act at will). This should be the objective of every human life.
But owing to his involvements in the mundane activities and the
change in the flux of thoughts 'man' is in a state of uncertainity.
He is totally ignorant of his actions and blind to his future.
He lives on possibilities and is anchored to 'Hope' . He often
feels stifled by the restrictions of the society and longs for
freedom. But the riot of confusing thoughts, obliterate his yearnings.
Similarly, you were also lost but my guidance was always with
you. I was there with you, at every cross road of your life, and
offered you my direction. I have invoked the memories of the former
birth, and helped in erasing the 'Sanskaras' of the past.
I have furnished the information of the past
incidents from time to time, Now you are totally immersed in your
'self' and have heard the immortal voice of Baba Gorakhnath and
you are blessed with the guidance. In his company, you are now
in a position to ponder about yourself, and your present spiritual
stage. Immortal yogi Baba Gorkhnath sometimes contact persons
only of superior sanskaras or persons with whom he has been associated
in the previous birth. You are definitely endowed with 'Sanskaras'
par excellence. You were, also associated with him in the previous
births. Baba has waited for you all these years. He has always
inspired me to bring you to him. This link has to remain forever.
Many seers, despite intense penance, often embrace death and enter
into new birth to improve the quality of their 'Karma' and, their
guru with the help of their potential, are able to trace them.
This relationship lasts, till the disciple discovers his 'self'
and liberates himself from these thoughts.
"In a short while, the Baba will come back,
and we will change your (inclinations and sanskaras). At this
point your old journey will come to an end and you will embark
on a new journey. You will find a young boy waiting for you on
the river banks. Follow his instructions and shave off your head
except the tail, have your bath, be ready, and wait for us."
"Past and future, are like two deep oceans,
which are flowing in continuous motion, without any beginning
or end. Present is like a pond which has emerged from the past
and will merge in the future. But you have to flow endlessly in
this eternal flux. You have to be immovable like the Himalayas
and 'still' like the mountains.
I reached the sandy banks of the river Narayani
and stopped there for few moments. The sun was not visible, but
rays were gradually descending from the hills. I took off my clothes
and entered into the waters. I allowed my mind to flow freely
with the waters, so that I would not be subjected to mental conflict.
The river moves in a joyous motion, collides with rocks and stones,
but, still continues to move towards its destination. The sea
and the innumerable water falls of the Himalayas inspire the course
of the river.
The shadows of the trees and creeprs fell on
the turbulent waters. They paid their mute tribute to the river,
for following its dangerous course with ease and joy. The chirping
birds, hopping from tree to tree, broke the silence of the atmosphere
and the animals often joined in the chorus of the birds. I felt
a shiver running down my spine. Totally enchanted by the beauty
of 'nature', while I observed the sport of the waves, a young
boy came and stood next to me. Astrange brilliance emanated from
his body. He was clad in white clothes, the body looked celestial.
He called out to me, I went there and stood before him. He washed
my hair and shaved off my entire head, but, for the little tail.
He caught that little bunch in his hand and smiled mildly. The
moment this tail is cut off, you will attain the goal of your
life. I was also lost like you, for ages, than only I could obtain
this stage. Only fortunate persons get the association of Hari
Baba & Baba Gorakhnath. People in general, are unable to identify
them. I have often seen them wandering in the villages of Nepal
and India. Entangled in the physical boundaries of the universe,
man often fails to recognized the chanting and singing mendicants.
Every one wants to live, but why don't they learn
to live within their 'selves', Aren't they satisfied with what
ever they have achieved? This is a truth in itself. Kapil you
must treat each and every scientific challenge as a mental derangement.
You will eventually purge the minds of the modern scientists.
Human life should not come to a stand still, or become subject
to change. It is like a 'kalpa tree' endowed with virtues it blooms
and blossoms. Development of self is of supreme importance. After
the attaintment of life, don't ever look back, continue moving
onwards. Time shall always be with you "Behold: the great
men have finally come:. The two yogis approached the young boy
left the place and started moving towards the orgin of the river.
He often looked back and smiled at us.
The 'sunlight' and the clouds, played hide and
seek. There was a sudden up surge in the waves of the river. Fair
breeze stirred strange feelings within me. With the arrival of
the greatmen, the sunlight and clouds became one and created a
comforting atmosphere. Each and every atom of nature vibrated
with a new life. A new change could be discerned in the atmosphere,
a total stillness. Even the birds stopped chirping a sense of
expectancy hung in the atmosphere. They came and waited on the
river bank a small distance away from me. I walked over to them
and touched the feet of the godly men. They took me along as they,
slowing entered the waters. We gradually reached the centre of
the river. They gave me a bath at this spot, and made me do the
ablutions. After purifying my body, they performed the 'Parikrama'
in the waters. The river started rising. Baba Gorakhnath was all
smiles. They gave me some water which was charmed by 'mantras'.
With 'sankalp' water in my hand, I could review the memories of
my past, of the worldly garden, its different blossoms. Faint
smile danced on my lips when I found myself surrounded by my kith
and kins and loved ones. A strange scenario had conjured up. I
was the protagonist. My mind had already flown away, leaving behind
the memories. Only the scenes remained, which were already absorbed
and infused in my 'sanskara'. Different kinds of relationships
of my past births, were being unveiled before me. I could peep
into the remote recesses of 'past', with, the 'sankalp' water
in my hand past images, mirrored in the 'present'. I could see
my soul present in different forms (species) of creation like
animal, snake, and man. I saw myself as a yogi and sometimes as
a worldly man indulging in the pleasures of life. It was my soul
that was present in the different forms. I could see the 'creation'
as well as the 'destruction' of the universe. Hari Baba Gorakhnathji
were watching my 'escapism'. I was at that time either running
away from my 'self' or from the worldliness. All the past scenes
finally became one with the present. Precisely at that moment,
Hari Baba took the sankalp water into the cupped palms and drank
it. My whole body experienced a profound elation and the images
of the past simply vanished. I trembled from head to foot, as
I stood with the great men. Hari Baba, while he stood in Goraknathji's
shadow, made me sit down in front of him. In the meantime Baba
Goraknathji spread the clothes to create shade for me, Hari Baba
severed my pigtail (Choti) with his sharp knife, and deposited
it in his packet. He also whispered the guru mantra in my ears
and, at that moment, Gorakhnathji smeared the sacred ash (Vibhuti)
all over my body. The touch of the Vibhuti had an intoxicating
affect on me. Baba Gorakhnath shook me, to break my stupor and
said "Now you can go and lie down like a python and gave
me some sweet meats to eat from his well equipped Jholi (Bag)
"Keep wandering from the highest peaks of the Himalayas to
the foot hills of pindari". If necessity arises. I shall
be there with you. Don't pause continue walking ceaselesly on
the path of 'Agam Agochar'.
After their depature. I found myself in a state
of total bliss, with all the door to my body shut and the disorders
of the mind secured within my inner self. I could comprehend the
difference between the 'subtle' and 'causal' body.
Time continued to move at its pace. Continously
for four days, I lay like a python on the sandy banks of the river.
I could feel the presence of Hari Baba from time to time. I lay
unperturbed. Neither sun's rays nor the darkness of the night
could rouse me from my slumber. The roaring of the waves also
failed to disturb me. After four days had elapsed, Avtar Baba
appeared on the scene. He was a tall man of almost seven feet
and his disposition was majestic. His eyes were extremely expressive,
He wore a long gown and a turban on his head. Avtar Baba is Hari
Baba's 'Sadguru'. He is known by various names. Some people call
him Avtar Baba, where as others know him by the name of 'Ramupeer'.
There are also some who call him 'Augurh Baba'. He is a Hindu
or a Muslim it is difficult to know, for he does every thing effortlessly.
He is well versed in almost all the languages of the world. His
knowledge regarding the current affairs of the world and political
events is remarkably up dated. Past, Present and Future, are merged
into one another by him. And thus, he always presents a smiling
countenance.
Avtar Baba took us to the Damodar Valley via Tatopaani, Dana,
Junsum, and Mukitinath. We took rest for few days and then resumed
our journey. The next resting point was the cave in the glacier,
we had to cross the mustang valley in order to reach this cave.
Next we crossed the Black Ganges and via Leepu lake we reached
the banks of Mansarover. We stayed there for few days with some
more great souls (great man), and requested them to throw light
on the rare occult science, river, and the importance of the yoga.
After a short peep into the scenic beauty of "Rakshastal"
we proceeded to perform the Kailash Parikrama and came back to
Mansarover. We had a dip in the Mansarovar lake. I was left alone
to enjoy the sylvan surroundings.
I had never visited this place earlier, but I
felt as though for centuries I had been moving in these parts.
The snow covered peaks stood, proudly and rising rivers scattered
their beautiful radiance, Avtar Baba ordered me to continue my
journey alone from this point (Mansarovar). Hari Baba wanted to
intervene, but could not, so he merely smiled at me. Avtar Baba
spoke to Hari Baba thus "Let him go and burn his old accumulated
sanskaras. Plenty is yet to be done. Let perfection emerge from
perfection do not create only erase."
I paid my respects to the two figures and started
towards the Himalayas. After coming across many up and downs,
I reached 'Mustang' a resort of the Buddhist monks. I took a short
break and spent few days in the company of the monks, I left that
resort after I had met Lama Raja, and arrived at Damodar kund.
All the surroundings looked familiar and awoke the memories of
my past. I got these uncanny feelings that I had always been travelling
on these paths. When I reached muktin nath, I found shelter in
a temple. I took rest for a couple of days in the precincts of
the temple and spent time playing with the waves of the Gandaki
river. My return journey continued and I revisited, Jamsun Davr
and Tato Paani till I reached the sangam. Before I could reach
the sangam I paused for a while.
As I attempted to cross the bridge so that I
could get rest in the night a beautiful mansion attracted my attention
and in this manner I got trapped in surya's web of Maya.
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