Sri Sadguru Mahime
Author: Charana Dasa
Translator: Shri.Ganesh Prasad
Chapter 85 : Our Gurunatha was like this...
Gurunatha spoke like an innocent
toddler one moment; he resembled a compassionate mother the next moment. One
moment he looked like a mute the next
moment he spoke and shone like a
scholar, he was the ray of hope to numerous devotees. For those who came to
test Gurunatha having no faith in him it was difficult to even get a glimpse of
him, whereas for those who came seeking solutions for their problems, he was
readily approachable.
When we were answering people
like..”He is not in town, it is not known when he shall return”, he would suddenly
appear from nowhere. Other times when people would jostle to talk to him he
would suddenly vanish. Cows, donkeys and four dogs were his constant companions
throughout his life time.
A towel, a faded dhoti, another
small towel on his shoulder, Hawaii slippers a bag which used to have some flowers
and fruits were the only items of daily use for him.
Though he had the power to get
anything he wished for in a flash, he lived a simple life not getting attached to
any worldly things or people. Though it appeared that he was fully immersed in
family life juggling various family responsibilities such as a husband, a
father, an uncle etc. the nature of each relationship was only about his duty
towards that relationship while not being attached particularly to any of those
relatives.
Forgiveness was his often seen
quality. He used to forgive people who offended him as a mother would forgive
her children. He used to go out of his way to help people who had erred and wanted
to correct themselves. At the same time it was amazing how Gurunatha would tear
apart people who are egoistic and would have come to test him. But, that also
changed into a wave of compassion the moment that person accepted his mistake
and wished to be reformed.
When he was in town, it was his
daily routine to visit the Shiva temple and sit near the tomb of Majjigehalli math
seer or the peepal tree next to it. It served as his Durbar hall with numerous
visitors and villagers meeting him there. He would not be satisfied even after
making many offerings of milk and other items to Shiva idol there. He used to
ask the visitors/devotees who came to see him also to make an offering to the
idol. Though everyone who greeted him on the way thought him to be the God who
has come in flesh and blood, he referred to each one of them as Sir, Ayya or
mother and offer them fruits and other eatables. For those who came to offer
him respects, he used to sometimes say.. if you respect your elders, brothers
and sisters you do not need to perform any puja/ritual.
Gurunatha always kept himself busy
in his duties and also expected the same from his disciples. He was quick to
add we should not do anything in fear or favor of anyone but should always do
things that are acceptable to us and put in an effort from heart. According to
him that was the real puja.
“Never hurt anyone, nor hurt
yourself” was the real puja according to him.
This body has come to us because of
our parents; it is like we are staying in a house rented by them. Who is
staying in this rented house? We must strive to find out (self enquiry, who am I?).
This rented house should be kept clean by means of our good conduct and should
be given back to the parents.
“It is difficult not to get
attracted to habits. But, once you get to know what they are..you should get
rid of them immediately and not be addicted to them and ruin your life isn’t
it?” he used to ask with a smile. This probably applied to each and every one
of us.
“Getting into others affairs is
impurity; Staying still within one’s self without getting into others’ affairs
is purity” were the words of my Anna( in Sakharaya Patna, Kadur belt the father
is affectionately called as “Anna”, I used to call him Anna and Gurunatha had
once told me he is in my father’s position.)
“What’s a bath for? Why wear white
clothes? If taking bath and wearing of white clothes remove the jealousy,
conceit and other bad qualities in you, then you should definitely do it. If
not there is no point in doing these to please someone or showing of ”.
“What is a caste? Castes don’t mean
a thing to me.. Your conduct is your caste. It is very easy to find out who
your parents are. Your conduct, mannerisms are your parents. So, please live in
a way that would not disrespect or hurt your parents”.
“The inheritance from your father is
not just the things left behind like trees, farm and house but your siblings,
mother and relatives are the real inheritance. Do not betray them or any one
for that matter, never send back anyone empty handed from your doorstep. In
fact, this is the real puja/offering”.
If any of us committed mistakes,
Gurunatha did not scold us, instead he would become silent. Once Gurunatha was
sending some fruits and eatables to one person many times, whereas that person
continued to commit the same mistake. I asked him once “In spite of your
efforts, this person is showing no signs of improvement, then why are you
persisting? Does it not mean your efforts are not valued and they are in
vain?”.
His reply.. “See, just because
someone commits mistakes I shall not forsake my duty, I will continue to be in my
path, what happens by force is not reform. Sometime later in his life the
person looks back and thinks may be I have erred and comes to the right path.
That is the real reform”.
Once a person came dressed in a
suit, wearing a gold chain, a ring with a precious stone, paid respects to Gurunatha
and stood before him saying “Sir, I have problems”. Gurunatha replied with a
smile.. “How is it that you have problems? You are dressed in a suit, wearing
gold and a costly watch, if you were to have problems you would look like me
isn’t it?”. This was his subtle way of hinting he did not approve of
extravagance in dress and ornaments. He even used to say “Your words and deeds
should become your jewellery. Extravagance does not help anyone, it will tell
others about what things you own and what is your financial status but will not
help you in discovering the real you within yourself”
We should buy things that help us in
leading a convenient, systematic and peaceful life but not to show off our
status. It will only attract bad attention and lead to jealousy among others.
“Mutthaide(an auspicious woman in
kannada) means..(Aidu Muttu.. five gems in Kannada) an auspicious woman is the
one who has these five gem like qualities sacrifice, tolerance, compassion,
forgiveness and empathy, not the one who wears silk sarees and golden
ornaments” these were Gurunatha’s words for the women folk.
“One should wear gold to remind
himself/herself that he/she should have a pure conduct like it and not to show
off their wealth”. A wife should look beautiful for her husband and not for
others, if the husband finds her beautiful he has no reason to go elsewhere..
these were some of his words when he used to take pot shots at the current
state of our society.
For Copies of Sadguru Mahime English
and Kannada, Guru Bandhus can contact 94810 25416.
Unauthorised copy and distribution
in any way without the permission of the Original Author is strictly prohibited.
