About Swamiji | swamidwijeshananda

A Short Sketch of the life of Swami Dwijeshananda Saraswati

Swami Dwijeshananda Saraswati whose pre-monasteric name was Dwijendra Kumar Biswas, arrived in this world on 19th Sept. 1925 on the auspicious day of Mahalaya’s Pratipad tithi(Bengali year 2nd Aswin,1332).According to Hindu religion, this is the day when Devipaksha starts—all devotees start awaiting eagerly for the arrival of Maa Durga,the Mother Goddess. Dwijendra Kumar later manifested himself into Swami Dwijeshananda Saraswati,the torch-bearer of Sadguru incarnate Sri Sri Bijoykrishna Goswami—the famous saint of Bengal.

Childhood days:

Dwijendra Kumar or Dwijen, as he was popularly known ,was born in a small village named Pailapara in the district of Srihatta(Sylhet) in East Bengal. He was the youngest son of parents Surjamoni Biswas and Soudamini Devi. Father Surjamoni Biswas was a very religious minded ideal person, respected by all the people of the village. Mother Soudamini Devi was also loved by all for her great simplicity and extremely affectionate nature. Their family deity was Narugopal(child form of Lord Krishna). In his later life Dwijen throughout felt the blessings of Gopalji. The district of Srihatta had a religious confluence from very early times. It was the early abode of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the birth place of Adwaita Prabhu and has been visited by several saints like Bijoykrishna Goswami Prabhu and Bholananda Giri Maharaj. The inhabitants of Pailapara village lived together in religious harmony.

Dwijen lost his father at the tender age of eight. After his father’s expiry he was sent to his maternal uncle’s place at the village of Putijhuri, for his primary education. The young child used to yearn for his mother and mark the calendar to note when he would be able to return to his mother. It was then customary for married women to cover their head with the end of their saree (ghomta). Dwijen used to miss his mother so much that from that time onwards he used to address any married lady with ‘ghomta’ on her head as ‘Maa’(mother). This yearning for his mother since his childhood days had a great impact on his later life. As a ‘Brahmachari ‘ and even after becoming a ‘Sannyasi’ , he used to address most women and young girls as ‘Maa’. His ‘Maa’ address was so powerful that even young girls used to fall in a trance after listening to his call a few times.

Characteristic qualities:

From his very childhood he was very spirited, upright and truthful and had a strong determination. He also had a strong quality of leadership. He was only in Class 2, when one day, while walking with one of his friends Shashibhusan (who was older than him), through a bamboo forest, Shashibhusan started smoking. Dwijen scolded him so strongly that throwing the half burnt ‘bidi’ (local cigarette), Shashi ran away. Looking at the half-burnt ‘bidi’, Dwijendra suddenly thought—why do people smoke? He lifted the unburnt piece, took a deep smoke and immediately started coughing. He threw away the piece with disgust. This was his first and last smoking. He examined each and every aspect in his life---he never accepted or rejected anything in a blindfold manner.

He also had tremendous tolerance. Once,as a child, one of his cousins playfully put a hot spoon on his chest. Writhing in pain, he ran and took shelter behind the door and endured the severe pain silently, so that the matter did not come to the notice of the elders, sparing his cousin of a severe scolding.

Completing his primary education at Putijhuri village,Dwijen came to Gauhati (Assam) in the year 1938 and got admitted to Class 4 of Anglo-Bengali High School. At Gauhati he used to stay at his elder brother’s (Sri Upendra Kumar Biswas) quarter at Lalsingh.

He loved playing football. He was the captain of a football club—Eleven Bullets Club. He usually played in the back position and it was next to impossible for the opponent team to bypass him and give a goal. Once a football match was organised. The match was midway when the ball suddenly went outside the boundary of the field. The boundary had a high fencing of barbed wires. To go out through the gate and fetch the ball would take a long time. So Dwijen tried to cross the boundary by jumping across the high fence. But unfortunately, his thigh got caught in the barbed wire and he kept swaying precariously in the air. All the boys got extremely frightened at this sight and were unable to decide as to what to do. His whole body was smeared with blood-- a horrible sight! In that situation also, Dwijen did not forget his responsibilities. He asked his elder brother’s son (who was also a member of the football team) to go to the market and do the household shopping and instructed the other boys as to how to lift him and bring him down. He endured this extreme pain silently! This deep wound on his thigh was present till the end.

Since his very childhood, Dwijen was full of life and extreme vigour. Once, the residents of Lalsing organised a picnic at Vashishtha Ashram, about 8 miles from Gauhati. Vashishtha Ashram lies in the outskirts of Gauhati—a hill through whose rocks flow three falls---Kanta,Lalita and Sandhya. A place of extreme serenity and scenic beauty, it is said to be the place of penance of Vashishtha Muni. Due to some unknown reason, Dwijen suddenly refused to participate. So, the other participants left by a reserved bus. After they had gone quite some way, one of the passengers in the bus noticed that Dwijen was coming on a bicycle--- his figure at times emerging from the blanket of dust, as the road was only a temporary one. He reached the site a few minutes after the bus, a big smile on his face and his whole body smothered with dust. Not only that, after a full meal, he returned on his cycle only and reached home even before the bus!

There was a small garden in front of the quarter of Lalsing.At times Dwijen used to plough the land for a continuous stretch of 2/3 hours to prepare it and cultivate different types of flowers, fruits and vegetables in it.

It was the 22nd of Sravan (Bengali date) in the year 1941. The news of Rabindranath

Tagore’s death spread like wildfire across the whole country. Dwijen was then a Class 7

student of Anglo-Bengali High School. He went straight to the headmaster

(Sri Nalini Kumar Sarkar) and requested him to declare a holiday.

But the headmaster was unwilling to do so as he did not have the power to declare a holiday

without the governing body’s permission. Dwijen then went to each and every classroom and

asked the boys to come out, but the students were afraid to do so. So Dwijen went and

straightaway rang the school bell. Thinking that a holiday has been declared, the boys left the

classroom. The headmaster saw everything but did not utter a single word. In those days, to act

against the administration was a very big issue, but Dwijen was never afraid to do anything

that was justified. He left the school campus with the boys, gathered at the neighbouring park

(New Field) and gave a small lecture on Rabindranath Tagore and his sad demise.

Service towards humanity was a very important principle of Dwijen’s life—right from his childhood. As team leader of a group of boys, he was always present beside the destitute and the needy—he looked after patients suffering from serious diseases, even contagious ones, helped in taking the dead to the burning ghat, etc. He loved swimming against the current in the river Brahmaputra. This was a particular aspect in his nature—throughout his whole life he fought against the current—when all his friends, relatives and well-wishers went against him, he chose only that path which he saw was TRUE (SATYA). The main motto of his life was Tagore’s—‘Jodi tor dak shune keu na ashe tobe ekla cholo re’--- (If no one responds to your call, move forward alone).

Dwijen had a great organising capacity right from his student life. He got attached to the organisation ‘Monimela’ founded by ‘Moumachi’ (Sri Bimal Chandra Ghosh) and strived hard to build up the physical fitness, discipline and character of young boys and girls. Organising youth-power against the wrong and at the same time, building up their physical, moral and spiritual character, became his aim.

Student life:

After successful completion of school, he got admitted to the prestigious Cotton College of Gauhati with Economics Honours, Political Science and Philosophy as his subjects. He was so

popular among his fellow students that more than once he was elected Secretary

of the Students’ Union. He used to organise a fest (College Week), in which sports,

debate, cultural activities, etc. different programmes used to be held. On behalf of

Cotton College he invited eminent personalities like world famous scientist

Satyen Bose, mathematician Somesh Chandra Bose, to the College Social. He was

also actively associated with all the Bengali organisations at Gauhati, like

‘Probasi Bengali Chatra Sanmelan’, ‘Rabindra Pathagar’, etc. He was at a time

the secretary of six organisations. Autograph collection and photography were two

of his big passions. He also loved trekking, swimming, climbing trees, riding wild

horses. Whenever he came into contact with any eminent personality, he used to

collect his autograph. During Gandhiji’s monthlong stay at Gauhati, Dwijen along

with his friends served as volunteers. Gandhiji’s day to day simple lifestyle attracted him a lot.

He also had very strong and clear political viewpoints. His political ideal was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. In his later life, even after becoming an Acharya (Guru) he used to minutely study the life of famous freedom-fighters like Netaji, Rashbehari Bose, etc. and used to inspire his followers and disciples to read them so that it would help them to build up a strong moral character.

As a student he had very easy access to the different political leaders of Gauhati. His keen sense of politics and strong leadership qualities led his friends and relatives to believe that his future life would be very bright and prospective.

Once there was a Hindu- Muslim riot at Gauhati and within this tense situation Durga Puja was held. After the puja, problem arose as to the immersion of the Goddess, because it was customary to go for the immersion ceremoniously in a large gathering. Dwijen was tense as he felt that some unfortunate incident might take place during the procession. But one famous Muslim leader of Gauhati was an admirer of Dwijen. He told Dwijen to go ahead with the procession and he himself led the procession from the forefront. After reaching the Brahmaputra, all got engrossed in the immersion process of the deity, but Dwijen suddenly fell within a sand-pocket (chorabali). He got waist-deep immersed in the sandpit, when suddenly a young girl, some 8/9 years old, drew the attention of the others and instructed them as to how to pull him out of the pit. Everyone rushed to Dwijen’s rescue, but the young girl could not be seen later. Later also, during various critical moments of his life, Dwijen received the blessings and instructions of the Universal Mother through women, whom he considered to be the manifestation of the Divine Mother. In his own words--- ‘Be it coincidental or God’s blessings, this mortal form appeared during the auspicious Devi-Paksha. Possibly for this reason, I have received the blessings of the Divine Mother in every aspect of my life. I have been blessed with the affection of all mothers. I am grateful to the Divine Mother and to the womankind at large.’

Phase Change of Life:

From his very childhood, there were times when Dwijen’s mood would suddenly change. Everything about him used to appear very superficial. During that period, he used to remain immersed in his own self and hardly spoke with others. This phase would often last for days. While in college a subtle but radical change started appearing within him. He was then a full-fledged worker, an organiser, a leader to the full extent, but he started analysing his own self --- What do I want—power, fame, honour, money? Often he would get deeply immersed in his own self and forget the surroundings. In this state of mind, he came across poet and litterateur Mrinalkanti Das in the year 1948. Dwijen was then a 3rd year college student. Mrinalkanti later took sanyas and manifested as Swami Paramananda Saraswati, an ardent worshipper of Lord Bijoy Krishna Goswami.

The first day’s meeting opened a new phase in Dwijen’s life, so much so that fighting against all odds, he left his family and came to Thakurji (this was the name by which Dwijen used to address Swami Paramanandaji). He was then a final year Masters degree student of Economics. On 5th June 1954 Thakurji gave him ‘diksha’ and in the year 1958, Thakurji initiated him in the discipline of ‘Brahmacharya’ and named him Sri Dwijeshananda Brahmachari.

Work as worship:

In the year 1954 Thakurji instructed Dwijen to do some job. Accordingly Dwijen got appointment as the headmaster of a free primary school, ‘Vivekananda Vidyapith’, located at Ramkrishna Upanivesh Colony at Jadavpur (Kolkata). This school lay under the scheme of ‘Expansion of Education and Welfare Service’ of the government and the students were refugees from East Bengal. It was held in the drawing room of a person. Joining a free primary school hurt Dwijen’s prestige, but Thakurji insisted that he accept this job. So he accepted it and soon got involved in the development of a building for the school along with the all-round development of the students.

A pool with stagnant water had been demarcated by the government as the plot for this school. With the help of some volunteers, Dwijen filled this pool with waste material and enclosed nearly five cottah of land with a boundary and built up the school building. Along with the classrooms, he built up a school library and a garden. Apart from classroom study, he also concentrated on sports, physical fitness and cultural activities of the students.

The student strength of the school shot up and within a year, a number of teachers were given appointment by the government. The school inspector, Mr. Ladley Majumdar, was so impressed after visiting the school, that he remarked that this school was an ideal one in the whole of 24 Parganas.

This job was a very important phase in Dwijen’s life. He not only devoted himself to the social, moral, cultural upliftment of these underprivileged students, but also got intimately associated with the parents, guardians and residents of this whole area. ‘Headmastermoshai’ (meaning Headmaster)—as he was popularly known to the students and guardians--- spread amongst them the doctrines of Gosaiji (as Lord Bijoykrishna Goswami was popularly known as), stood beside them at their time of need and despair, gave them support and moral courage. He was a source of light to the destitute and refugees of this locality. As per the instruction of ‘Thakurji’, he went from door to door, encouraging the people to take the name of God. He introduced daily bhajan and kirtan (chanting of God’s name in musical form) in these families.

Dwijen spent a part of his salary for the needy and poor students and used the rest for the construction work of the school. He never spent a single paisa for self purpose. From a primary school, Dwijen first developed it into a junior school and then further extended it to get affiliation under the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (Madhyamik) and all this within a short span of 6/7 years. Then came Thakurji’s instruction ---‘this phase of your life is over, now resign’.

To Puri:

From the year 1960/61, a very subtle but definite change started occurring within Brahmachari Dwijeshananda. He felt that all that he was doing was very superficial. This was not for what he had left his home. He longed for something else, something different. He wanted to feel God in a more subtle, intimate manner. He opened up his feelings to Thakurji. Thakurji did not give him any direct reply, instead told him to go to Puri. Brahmachari did so and soon as per the instructions of Gosaiji, his stay was arranged at a room in ‘Brajadham’, the house where Sri Sri Mamoni used to stay.

Sri Sri Mamoni:

Sri Sri Mamoni (original name Mrs Sarojini Mitra) was a disciple of

Sri Sri Jagadbandhu Moitra, who instead was a direct disciple of Gosaiji.

The method of spiritual practice laid down by Gosaiji is known as ajapa

sadhan.The power infused ‘naam’ (God’s name) is transmitted to the disciple

by the Sadguru. This method of spiritual practice has been transmitted through

chosen gurus from very ancient times. Guru Nanak ,Rishi Duttatreya,

Bhakta Kabirdas and some such mahatmas had accomplished the ultimate

goal through such spiritual practice. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had given

this initiation to a few fortunate disciples. Only the one receiving orders from

the Sadguru, can give this powerful sadhan to others. There is no way of

knowing about this process of ajapa sadhan without Sadguru.This ajapa

sadhan has been transmitted by Gosaiji and his sect to common persons also,

following which even common people can achieve the ultimate goal of

spirituality.

Sri Sri Mamoni is such an example.Through years of deep penance, devotion and blessings from her Guruji (Jagadbandu Moitra), Mamoni had attained a phase in her spiritual life, where she could see and feel the direct presence of Gosaiji and many other saints in their finer body. She could also see the presence of ‘Gopalji’ (child form of Lord Krishna). As per the instruction of Gosaiji, Mamoni spent the last few years of her life at a rented room in a house named ‘Brajadham’ at Puri.

Stay at ‘Brajadham’:

During his stay at this divine abode ‘Brajadham’, Brahmachari started receiving different instructions from Gosaiji and Gopalji through Mamoni. One day, while he was in a very perturbed state of mind, Brahmachari heard a deep immortal voice chanting Bhagavad Gita’s verse----

This verse of Lord Krishna became the main objective of his later life. He used to boost the moral strength and courage of all his followers and disciples saying---‘If you wholeheartedly think of God and surrender to Him completely, He will look after you and see through all your needs.’

On 4.3.1966 he received Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s instruction through Mamoni-----‘‘Time has come for Dwijen to receive ‘Sadguru Sadhan’ (the diksha or power infusion by Gosaiji and his sect). He will be initiated through Swami Asimananda Saraswati.”

Swami Asimananda Saraswati was a torch-bearer in the successive order of Lord Bijoykrishna Goswami. He was the disciple of Darbeshji Maharaj, who in turn was a direct disciple of Gosaiji. Asimanandaji stayed at ‘Sri Sri Bijoykrishna Ashram’ founded by himself at a village named Ramchandrapur in the district of Purulia. From Purulia, Asimanandaji came directly to ‘Brajadham’ Puri and on 16/05/1966 initiated Brahmachari Dwijeshananda to the ‘ajapa sadhan’ characteristic to the sect of Gosaiji. After receiving deeksha (initiation), Brahmachari Dwijeshananda went into a deep trance.After recovery from this trance, he realised that this was what he had forever yearned for. He got immersed in a new world of eternal bliss and devotional love.

Hereafter Gosaiji instructed him that after Mamoni’s expiry, he would have to take ‘sanyas’ (sainthood) from Asimanandaji and then go to the Himalayas for penance.

Sri Sri Gopalji’s Leela:

Sri Sri Mamoni used to worship a small photo of Gopalji, which she had

brought from Vrindaban. Her deep penance and devotional love infused life into

the photo and Gopalji would appear before her, play with her and do all sorts of

naughty things that a child does with his mother. This photo was so unique---

a second one similar to it was not available in the market. Many people had tried

to take a photograph of Mamoni’s Gopalji, but had failed. But in the year 1966,

Gopalji expressed his desire to go to the house of several devotees. Meanwhile, a

devotee Mr. Manas came with his family from Kolkata to Puri to spend a holiday.

Gopalji’s sight attracted him so much that he left for Kolkata the very same day

and returned to Puri with modern photographic instruments. He took a few

photographs of Gopalji and they turned out to be wonderful---as if living!

A number of devotees wanted to take these photos but Gopalji said--- ‘Only taking

my photo home will not do. Life has to be instilled in me.’

Mamoni gave one such photograph of Gopalji to Brahmachari and istilled life into it. Brahmachari wondered---‘I have no particular place to stay. Aiso, there is no surety as to what food I will get. How will I look after Gopalji and what ‘bhog’ (food) shall I offer him?’ Gopalji informed that He will stay with Brahmachari and also said--- ‘Dwijen bhai need not worry about feeding me. It is I who will feed him.’

After Sri Sri Mamoni left her mortal frame, Brahmachari Dwijeshananda was empowered to instil life into Gopalji’s photographs and send them to the devotees far and wide. This is how Gopalji ascertained his desire to go to the house of several devotees and spread his ‘leela’ amongst them.

Sanyas:

After Sri Sri Mamoni left her mortal abode on 22.12.1966, as per the

previous instruction of Gosaiji, Brahmachari Dwijeshananda was initiated

to the ‘sanyas dharma’ by his Gurudev Swami Asimananda Saraswati

Maharaj at ‘Sri Sri Bijoykrishna Ashram’ Ramchandrapur, on the auspicious

day of Dolpurnima (Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s birthday) in the year

1967. He was renamed Swami Dwijeshananda Saraswati. Asimanandaji

blessed him saying--- ‘Remember you are a Sanyasi. You have to rise above

all worldly desires and you have to inculcate devotionl love amongst all.’

Penance in the Himalayas:

The young sanyasi then went to the Himalayas and took shelter at the Yogashram founded by Mahatma Gambhirnathji’s disciple Swami Prajnanathji at Gyansu, Uttarkashi. While staying at this place, he had a number of self and spiritual realisations. After deep penance at this place for about eight months, he received his Guruji Swami Asimanandaji’s call---‘Your stay at the Himalayas has been fulfilled. Now it is time for you to descend from Uttarkashi and join the oncoming Kumbhamela (congregation of saints) at Hardwar.’

At the Kumbhamela, Swamiji met his Guruji Swami Asimananda. After the ‘mela’ Swamiji went for a pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath. This is a place in the Himalayas where the shrine of Lord Shiva is formed naturally of ice every year. After descending from Amarnath, Swamiji went straight to ‘Sri Sri Bijoykrishna Math’ at Benaras on the auspicious occasion of Jhulan Purnima--- the birth anniversary of Gosaiji. There he met his Guruji again. Asimanandaji gave him his blessings in writing------

Blessings

May your life’s path be pure, beautiful and smooth

Attaining whom nothing remains unfulfilled in life, may you attain Him.

Jhulan Purnima Asimananda Saraswati

1375 (Bengali Year)

This was their last meeting. After returning to Ramchandrapur from Benaras, Asimanandaji left his mortal frame the very night (13/08/1968).

Swamiji as Acharya (Guru):

Now began a new phase in Swami Dwijeshanandaji’s life--- the phase of

an Acharya—to fulfil his Guruji’s mission--- ‘Above all, preach the message of

love that will help man to attain the blissful state of the Almighty.’ Attracted by

his personality, plenty of devotees started coming to him and through him they

got initiated to the ‘Ajapa Mantra’ of Gosaiji ---- the staircase that leads to

the blissful state of the Almighty.

Foundation of Ashram:

At the request of the devotees, Swamiji next founded ‘Sri Sri Bijoykrishna Yogamaya Ashram’ at three different places in India---

i) At Dibrugarh in Assam, the first ashram was founded in the year 1969

ii) In the year 1972, the second ashram was founded at Puri near Bharat Sevashram Sangha and opposite to the crematorium at Swargadwar. This ashram was named ‘Naba Brajadham’ in memory of Sri Sri Mamoni’s ‘Brajadham’ . Later in the year 1978, another ashram was founded at Puri near the sea-beach and this was named ‘Brajadham’. After a few years the ashram ‘Brajadham’ became fully functional and Swamiji handed over ‘Naba Brajadham’ to one of the sevaks of Lord Jagannath.

iii) Next, on 23rd January 1981, the third ashram was founded at Ghola (Sodepur) lying in the suburbs of Kolkata.

The temple in the ashram is that of Sri Sri Naam Brahmadev and the deities worshipped are Lord Jagannath,Sri Sri Gosaiji, Sri Sri Matathakurani Yogamaya Devi (the better half of Gosaiji) and Sri Sri Gopalji. As per the instruction of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu, Gosaiji promoted the worship and silent chanting of the power infused Naam Brahma for the upliftment of the common believers. The Naam Brahma is as follows:

Om Hari

Naam Brahma

Harernama Harernama Harernamaiva Kevalam

Kalou Nastyeva Nastyeva Nastyeva Gatiranyatha

Principles of ashram:

An ashram is the meeting place of devotees. Swamiji used to say--- An ashram is an abode surrounded by plants and trees where saints and devotees can stay and the devotees can peacefully worship the Lord. People from different walks of life can come and assemble here, pray to the Lord, and get mental peace and happiness. An ashram will also have a library for the mental feedback of the devotees and a dispensary to look after the ailing people. There should also be some cows--- since cow milk is an important source of nutrition. Some students will also stay here and grow up in this ideal surrounding. Regular bhajan, kirtan and worship will cast a profound effect on all the devotees who come here and hence help to cast a long lasting impact on the society.

These were some of the important principles of Swamiji’s life. He used to say—As long as a single person in an ashram performs worship and penance, you will see that the surrounding trees will be very lively. Providing shelter to the shelterless and helping a student with his studies, were two main principles of his life. Several students stayed at these three ashrams, completed their studies and now occupy a well established position in society. He used to inspire all students in their studies, saying--- “Study is at present the main objective in your life. Take ‘naam’ in every breath and concentrate on your studies. You will emerge successfully through all the exams in your life and will grow up to be an ideal person and a shelter to others.” Often he himself taught the students.

Swamiji had a great attachment towards music. Noticing his love for music , the renowned table maestro Ustad Keramatullah Khan Saheb had presented him a ‘tanpura’ when he was a Brahmachari. In an attempt to inculcate cultural spirit amongst his followers and devotees, he inspired his disciples to perform Indian classical music, Indian classical dance, Bihu dance (a traditional dance of Assam), etc. along with bhajan and kirtan in the ‘Utsavs’ held at the ashram. He founded ‘Sri Sri Bijoykrishna Shastriya Sangeet Vidyalay’ at Dibrugarh and appointed a music teacher to give vocal training and table training to the children. He also founded ‘Asimananda Sangeet Samaj’ at Ghola ashram.

He always strived for the benefit of not only his followers, but for the surrounding locality and the society at large.He never looked down on any work, be it cleaning of the ashram compound or cleaning of the pond within the ashram or cleaning of the toilet and he never commanded his followers to do anything. Whenever he felt doing something was necessary, he used to go forward himself and his followers used to follow him and the entire work—even tough physically laborious work-- would be done amidst great pleasure and joy. He inspired his followers to take ‘naam’ in every breath amidst joy, sorrow, while working, eating, amidst all enjoyment, all problems, amidst everything.

Swamiji the Messenger of Love:

Swamiji travelled far and wide, not only within India but also beyond--- to Nepal,Bangladesh even England, spreading devotionl love and the divine message of Gosaiji,to all the devotees, irrespective of caste, creed, gender, age and religion and initiating the chosen people to Gosaiji’s ‘ajapa sadhan’. While giving deeksha, he used to say---- “This power is not mine. I am just conveying Gosaiji’s power infused ‘naam’ to you, just as a peon conveys a letter. This power is transferred from soul to soul.”

Once while travelling by train, he was going through the English newspapers. Noticing this a fellow passenger asked him—‘I suppose you are educated. Then why have you forsaken the world?’ Swamiji smiled and answered--- ‘I have not forsaken the world. I am trying to embrace it.’

The warmth of Swamiji’s nature and his strong love and affection for all beings attracted one and all – be a saint, devotee or a common person, young or old. He was not only a Guru to his disciples—he was at a time their parent, their dearest friend, philosopher and guide, someone with whom they could openly share all their feelings, their joy and their sorrow.

Swamiji left his mortal frame on the 22nd of March 1996 at the ashram at Ghola, but he is still alive amongst his disciples, amongst his work and in his sayings--- “Just as you do not want to stay away from me, I also do not want to stay away from you. This is why I tell you to take ‘naam’ in every breath--- then you will feel my presence and I will also feel you close to me. ‘Naam’-‘Naami’(whose name you are taking) and ‘Naamdaata’(the person who has given you this ‘naam’, i.e. ‘Guru’) are one and same—the more you practice ‘naam’, the more you will realise this word of scripture to be true.”

For more details please read “Chokher Aloye”……..