Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 05.01.2019 evening, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Friday)

Around a saintly person the dimensions will change. When we were living together with Gurudev in the same ashram, even from the bus stop I could feel whether he is at home or not. And when you arrive there, full of doubts and questions, when you enter his room, all the questions are gone, all the doubts are gone. And you simply enjoy being around him. You feel this ultimate shelter that we are all searching for. No need for words, no need for explanations. It’s not a question of philosophy. It’s a question of heart-to-heart, deeper understanding. 

Then the moment of separation came. It’s a bitter moment. But actually this is an entrance into eternity. Just imagine yourself: there is not anymore a chance in this lifetime that you will meet the most important person in your life. It’s not an easy moment. But we have an escape. If we cannot associate with the bodily presence of our master, we can always associate with his spiritual presence. When I heard the news of his disappearance, two days later I had to give a lecture – about the eternity of the soul, about the use of spiritual practice. I think that was one of the most difficult lectures in my life ever. When approaching the place, I was crying on the street. But when I arrived, I had to compose myself and give a proper lecture. Because I am sure that he wouldn’t be satisfied with some easy emotional tears. He said, ‘Even if you are in the most degraded state of consciousness, you have to give a proper lecture’.  

May I share one more story with you? You know, a student is supposed to be humble, right? Once Gurudev took me, we were driving in his car and he told me, “Go to such and such city and give a lecture”. And you know, I tried my best to be humble, so I told him, “Ah, Gurudev, I don’t like to go on stage”. He kept silent for a moment and then I felt: maybe something is wrong. He was driving and then he was staring at me while driving, so I understood: oh, big mistake. You know, he was a remarkable person, so when he kept silent, that was the most difficult moment. And then he said, “I didn’t tell you to go on stage, I told you to give a lecture”. So he never ever missed any moment, any chance for instructing you. To break the false humility and to show you what real service mood is – forget about yourself. It’s not you who is important, but the service – that is important. 

I won’t share other stories. But ever since, this is the most important person in my life. His ideals started to be important for me as well. And I hope that his ideals will be important for you also. 

(to be continued)