Sri Sadguru Mahime

Author: Charana Dasa

Translator:Shri.Ganesh Prasad

Chapter 2 -  Name for the bag

It was probably the winter of 2002, till then Charanadasa (myself) did not have an opportunity to stay at Gurunatha’s house. One probable reason could be Gurunatha and his family never accepted outsiders without assessing their conduct. But, once they were convinced they took the person in as family. Around this time I was slowly entrusted various responsibilities around the house.

After a few days I heard through an acquaintance about Gurunatha mentioning that my presence in his house gave him a lot of assurance and let him free to focus on his work/travel. He always used to carry a cotton bag with him... Sometimes he used to send his offerings to Math/shrines in that bag. The bag used to accompany him wherever he went. He always carried it as an accessory to his simple outfit.

One day when l was busy in my daily duties, Gurunatha returned from Chickmaglur in a disciple’s car and left the bag in the car. The car owner later came back to return the bag. Then Gurunatha told his disciples around, “We should keep a name for this bag. It is always with me what would be an apt name for such a thing?” Gurunatha wondered aloud, disciples there were clueless and just smiled. Later Gurunatha himself suggested that we should name this bag after ‘Him’ just like the bag he is also with me always...

Right from that day, Gurunatha has been mending my ways, slowly transforming me into a better individual in many aspects and helping me out of my predicaments even after he left this world. His compassion and kindness are unparalleled in this world. Till his very last days he used to tell me... ” Aiah wherever you go, I shall follow you like a demon, will be on your back always no matter how hard you try to escape”. Some of his words like these make sense now, every time I cross a hurdle, prevail over a hardship. They also make me wonder... what we can offer in return for a man who dedicated a better part of his life just to take care of people like me.

This might have been around 2009; I had given my job related details to an officer who held a high post in the Government at that time since he had insisted on having them. A few days later I called him and told while I was grateful that he was keen on helping me in this regard, I did not want him to pursue this any further, I shall approach him again in future should that be necessary.

Later on while I was updating Gurunatha about this, he asked me why did I do such a thing?

I replied, though he is a high ranked officer in the Government he has come to you seeking help in resolving his problems. I would not want to lose the sight of the Sun trying to hold on to a small twinkling light. I request you... Henceforth you should not ask anyone for favour and be in obligation for my job’s sake. I am ready to wait as long as it takes while being with you. But, you should never separate our ways and make me an orphan.

On hearing this... Gurunatha held my hand in his and gently rubbed it with a smile saying...”Sure, you shall not have to ask anyone else in this matter henceforth, you are bound to win, rest assured”

The exams I wrote with the burning ambition of civil services had come under a legal tangle due to a corrupt system. Gurunatha’s kind words and assurance were my only solace during those turbulent times.

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