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Friday, June 30, 2017

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.

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