Friday, July 16, 2010

Chapter 50: Boboji Gains Entry Into The Eternal Nikunja - 2

Lord Ranganathaji

The character of Shri Yamunacharya has also been very extraordinary.He had spent his entire life in attending to the needs of Lord Ranganathaji.

Acharya Yamunacharyaji

His physical body consisting of five elements had weakened now and he would often be ill. Ascertaining his successor after consulting eminent Vaishnavas was a matter of great concern for him.

When Yamuna Muni presented himself for service at this end, the Lord said, “You must come to my nitya dham (where the god forever dwells) now. 

“Lord! What is the great hurry let me attend to your needs for some more time,” he replied.

  “I do not feel fine without you,” said the Supreme Being.

 Despite this incident Yamuna Muni prayed that he be given eight more days to appoint his successor. The Lord initially refused but consented later on.

Shri Ramanuja

 Shri Ramanuja had not yet been able to reach Srirangam at the other end when God took Yamuna Muni to His abode.

The Supreme Being who is omnipotent and the refuge of various religions, took Yamuna Muni beforehand. God's wish reigns supreme and He he may do as he like.


Yoganandaji Maharaj

Once when Yoganandaji Maharaj was in America he had agreed to give a sermon at a particular place but what had been ordained by God was different.A few days before the scheduled date and after giving a sermon in Los Angeles, California, he went into mahasamadhi (passed away)and was liberated.Herein, there is no question of doubting the firm resolve of those mahatmas but considering God's wishes as supreme they completely entrust themselves to Him.


Shri Radha Baba

In the last few days revered Radha Babe had assured his extremely close associates, "  I will certainly be present on a certain date."

 But God wished differently and Baba went into the proximity of Shyama-Shyam. This incident neither contain sRadha Baba's personal intention nor did he want to deprive his devotees in any way. His instructions and resolve were incontrovertible since he was a supremely siddh (accomplished) saint but the wish of handsome Krishna reigns supreme. The body is mandatory till saints attain the goal for which they have taken birth.

When we adopt the path of shringara bhakti, a certain spirituality that can arise by indulging in love, there is absolute entrustment.

Shri Radha-Krishna, United & Joyous in Love

Where our sole concern is to see Radha-Krishna united and joyous in love.This bhava considered as transcendental love of the highest order becomes our instinctive nature and that is when Janardhan (an epithet of Lord Vishnu) is overwhelmed and manifests for us.

Episodes of memory and forgetfulness had been afflicting Radha Baba for quite some time. In other words we can say that he would listen and give an absolutely correct answer if his mind was connected and would say just about anything if it was not. 

“By speaking one can clarify one's opinion,” he would often repeat. 

A few days before departing, his weakness was at its zenith.Saline was given but even on attending to his needs conscientiously no one had the slightest inkling of when he left.When the glucose stopped they could figure out that he was no more.

Extremely close associates, restless to know about his health, could confirm the act of his going into the eternal nikunja only on getting the news.I would not say that their bhava, mindset, contribution and intimacy was lacking and neither did Baba have any purpose of keeping the matter secret. When we want to retain our existing state even on getting the indication of Radha-Krishna when nothing is in our hands and our apprehensions have been offered to Shyama-Shyam it can certainly not be called a trait of shringara bhakti, a certain spirituality that can arise only by indulging in love.

It was fixed that the 'Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah' was to be held in February 1970, in the ashram of Anandamayi Ma in Varanasi.

Shri Haribaba Maharaj

Shri Haribaba Maharaj had accepted the invitation to be present but on 3rd January he took the mahasamadhi and passed away.Now what should this development of uncertainties be called? He was certainly visible for Ma but...



Shri Anand Das Baba

Not too long ago Shri Shri Anand Das Babaji Maharaj told one of his disciples, “I will eat Ekadasi's meal of fruits along with you.” 

The matter was confirmed but Lord Raghvendra's (an epithet of Lord Rama) wishes were somewhat different. At the crack of dawn on ekadasi, the Supreme Being took Him to His nitya dham.

With this occurrence neither was the grandeur of revered Baba found deficient in any way nor was His resolve contradicted.When Priya-Priyatam call us into their proximity with a passionate message ,no bond can be transgressed at that point of time.


Radha-Krishna in Golok, their Eternal Abode

Precisely this considered course of action was taking place in revered Bobo's life.Where there is adoption of shringara bhakti, a matter of the mind being easily moved and affection as well as intimacy are strong.The surrounding associates were helpless and could not properly assess the fundamental change and indications it contained. We very well know and believe that those who have been born, will certainly be separated from us one fine day, but affection is so firmly lodged in our mindset that we are scared of saying so and hearing this fact even on wanting to.


Revered Bobo

Revered Bobo had agreed for a medical examination now and arrangements for treatment were in the process. Her mind was absolutely indifferent. She did not have any attraction for the body even earlier but now its moribund (at the point of death) form had become visible. The purpose for which the burden of this body had been given had been fulfilled.She was merely drawn by her body since it was the medium of enjoying the joy of Shyama-Shyam's proximity, otherwise she was withdrawing from all directions.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Chapter 49: Bobo's Pilgrimage to Goverdhan, Barsana and Nandgaon


Sri Giriraj

Time is constantly in motion and very powerful. Bobo's health improved gradually. It was her practice to go to Shri Giriraj,Vrashbhanupur and Nandgram.Celebrating Krishna Janamashtami in Vrindavan she left for Giriraj.Still weak she reached along with Shri Thakurji while Sushila Bahenji, Omi Bhai and Vijay were accompanying her.

 Bobo Saw Radha-Krishna Seated on a Boulder in Giriraj's Lowlands

 Bobo saw, “Radha-Krishna seated on a smooth boulder in the mountain's enchanting lowlands. Appearing in the backdrop, Giriraj looked majestic. Swaying with the gust of some fragrant wind, their dark blue and glowing yellow garments got entangled and so did the peacock tail feather with the veni (string of flowers). The sacred Couple were adulating each other with intense passion and their glance had an ardent longing. Beloved Radha mumbled something and the Supreme Lover exulted, “Say it once again.” A romantic dalliance decked their eyes and the joyous abandon of laughter was apparent. Revered Bobo's was not content with just relishing this amorous frolic and yearned for more.”

She had no inkling as to how her ill health and physical weakness merged in the terrifying rush of love for Priya-Priyatam. Illness could never subjugate Bobo. Her spiritual strength and evolution were so overpowering that she would be filled with inspiration and delight just by the thought of Shyama-Shyam.

Arrival in Vrishbhanupur


Shri Radha Rani

Delighting for some time in the environs of Giriraj,revered Bobo came to Vrishbhanupur to take part in the festivities of Kishoriji's birth celebrations.Her body was definitely frail and it did not seem safe to climb up for darshan of Shriji.


 Sriji Temple, Barsana

Shri Rahul Nevile (a recipient of her grace) came to know of her ailment and came to Barsana personally to inquire about her health. Consequently an opportunity to go up by car arose.He insisted to leave the car at her disposal but Bobo did not agree.

Seeing this cooperation of Priya-Priyatam, Bobo's heart was moved. Becoming nostalgic about the affectionate grace of Radha-Krishna she exulted,

Mamta seenv svamini meree,
Prem paraavadhi Nand Kishore ||
(My svamini Shri Radha is the trove of maternal affection and the son of Nanda,Krishna, is the repository of love.)

She was ailing and weakness had escalated.It was tough for her to walk around but she did not want any laxity to affect her yearly routine. The car had been arranged for by Rahul Nevile and she had had darhsan of Sriji. Landing in Delhi from Jakarta (Indonesia) Shantanu reached Barsana at two in the night by scooter on Radha Ashtami.


Shri Radha Rani Protects Us

She patted his back and said, “Well done! But do not take on this daring danger for any other task.Doing it for the birth celebrations of Shriji is different as she protects us Herself.” She insisted that we go up to spend the night explaining,“At least you will come in the view of Shriji.” This time when she had to go for darshan she had the convenience of travelling by Shantanu's car.


Gahar Van, Barsana

Once she wanted to walk through Gahar Van.Even on being so weak she trudged through as her resolve had never been left wanting.She was about to reach Sankari Khor when addressing Sushila Bahenji walking along she pointed,


Supreme Lover Krishna Seated on a Boulder in Sankari Khor

“Sakhi! Have a look at the handsome young Krishna seated on the pure boulders of Sankari Khor.Looking at us He is smiling. He impassions us and we become ecstatic instinctively.Oh have a look sakhi! He has placed the flute on His reddish lips and fills the breath of love in a novel manner.His frivolous eyes are making our hearts throb. A yellow bud adorns Krishna's thick curly hair and His twisted lock plays on the forehead like a capricious black bee bending to make an ardent entreaty to His budding lips. His yellow sash fluttering with gusts of wind gives rise to an ardent longing in His Braj beloveds. Have a look at the Supreme Lover in front.”

Shriji Temple. Barsana

This time Bobo went on foot and climbed the ascending slope of roughly 200 stairs to Shriji's temple. Everyone was delighted. Having absolute trust in Kishoriji, she went least worried and easily had darshan . 

 Bobo Saw Shri Radha Clad in a Blue Saree

Later on she disclosed spontaneously, “When the matter was being discussed at home,  the compassionate Kishori could be seen standing in the courtyard of Her bhavan (wearing a light sky blue saree which shimmered from a distance) asking me to come up. If I look at my body it is certainly not capable of carrying such a load.However the firm support of some sturdy pair of arms can make the impossible easily possible.”


Shri Nandgaon

Shri Nandgaon was the third and final stopover of her journey. It is known as the intensely dear village of the son of Nanda and the residence of Nandraiji. 

Pining for this place, Bobo had insisted, “Come let us go to Nandgaon where one finds the captivating Nandlal,” and she came in quest for him.

Dark-hued Krishna Stood with Elder Brother Balram & Becokoned Bobo

Waiting eagerly for her arrival, the handsome Shyam stood on the canopy of His bhavan with His Dau bhaiya elder brother. Seeing Him beckon her with His waving hand, Bobo confidently went up to Shri Nandgaon for darshan.

Getting such love-laden assurances of Shyama-Shyam at every step what can we say about Bobo's disposition. Where every moment of her life was totally engrossed in this temporal world and simultaneously in the constant closeness of Shyama-Shyam-all of which spilled over in her mannerisms, temperament, sermons and writings.How can we possibly bind the constant surge of her life in any constraint?

Recently Bobo saw, “The handsome god come,holding a flowering branch in His hand.Tilting His neck Krishna looked back at times. His hair was dishevelled but moving affectedly and delighting he advanced alone. His joy was apparent on His face- eyes are intoxicated and His thick eyelashes stole the heart forcefully.

Bobo Saw Krishna Looking at Her with a Passionate Glance

 He was wearing a garland of lotuses and the blue-hued flowers paling in comparison to the dark lustre of Krishna's beauteous form were crestfallen.His eyebrows were crooked but sent passionate messages from the eyes-probably indicating some secret bhava.Seeing Him, the guardian of our souls, assume the form of a new Kamdev He made her ardently long for His closeness-Oh!His captivating picture was laden with rasa-propagating His madhuri.

Savouring the enchanting sites of Nandgram revered Bobo came to Vrindavan.Her physical weakness was apparent and she looked somewhat frail-but she never gave importance to bodily obligations nor did she feel dejected.Whereas the seva of Thakurji, His shringara, serving of bhoga and talk about Him were an inseparable part of her life. One part of her body, the gross mundane form, was attainable for everyone whereas with her divine subtle form she constantly relished the divine play of Shyama-Shyam. Along with them she was passionately absorbed in their romantic dalliances.


Guised as a Sakhi, Dark-hued Krishna Takes Radha to a Nikunja

At one place she saw, “ A dark-hued sakhi arrived and taking Priyaji's soft hand in her own insisted, “Sakhi! Let us go to the new grove situated to the left of the kadamba tree.The blue god has decked it with soft flower petals by His own hands.”

Meanwhile Priyaji looked at her with affection and alarm. Laughing she arranged her aanchal.When they interchanged glances a terrifying rush of love gushed forth.Soon enough Kishoriji and handsome Krishna, in the guise of the dark sakhi, headed towards the nikunja-what ensued later can be seen after going to that site or imitating some passionately fortunate sakhi.”


Govind Ghat, Vrindavan

Bobo along with Shri Thakurji,Sushila Bahenj and Viajy arrived at Nirmal Gupta's place in Vrindavan from Nandgaon. Pampered by Bobo's affection Nirmal had persisted that she visit her along with Thakurji. On the other hand Vimla Sharma and Nirmala Sharma were close and respectful towards Bobo due to teaching. Granting affection ,Bobo along with Thakurji went to both the sisters for some time.Celebrating Diwali at Govind Ghat, Bobo had come to stay permanently in the divine site of the Radhavallabhans near Raas Mandal where Santosh Narang used to live (Bobo had instructed her in Barsana itself to find a room near Yamuna and fix it.) 


Bobo Saw Shri Radha-Krishna Seated in a New Nikunja

That very day she was joyous when she saw, “ The flirtatious Priya-Priyatam seated in a new nikunja.Intoxicated by the slight frargrance of a budding rose in their hands, they were talking passionately. Caressing the tender arm of Priyaji, the Supreme Lover was rapturous,whispering some spirited words in Her ears. Constantly adoring each other, Priyaji was ecstatic and shut Her eyes.Krishna could not bear this and blowing on Her face made Her look up at once.”Adulating this sweetness of form, Bobo began residing there.

 Radha-Krishna Coming From the Yamuna Banks

She would often see Priya-Priyatam coming with a smile from the Yamuna's banks and was thrilled on seeing them standing beneath a tree absorbed in some bhava. Sometimes she would watch them constantly teasing each other and the herd of sakhis would throng the place with a romantic dalliance gushing forth.

Bobo Saw Sakhis Arranging Flowers in Platters

Today's episode showered greater rasa and was really charming.Some sakhis were selecting flowers and arranged them beautifully in platters, keeping them a bit away from Priya-Priyatam.They hung strings of yellow and white blossoms at the entrance door and window and a row of roses in their midst, which looked greatly enchanting.The softly sweet fragrance charged Radha-Krishna emotionally and tugged at their heart strings. Getting up from the bed with impassioned eyes, the two sat up. The enraptured Yugal looked at the sakhis who were aroused with that love laden glance.

Revered Bobo remained ill for long time spans with fever ravaging her at times. It would certainly be affecting her physically but her spiritual strength was so well nourished and genuine that it did not have any particular impact on her life.She did not like to take rest by nature and illness could never overpower her.

Bobo's spiritual strength when she was ailing and above all her not being morose due to illnesses and their aftermath was amazing. She talked about Priya-Priyatam and their legends while relishing their divine play with the same enthused fervour.