Friday, July 23, 2010

Chapter 50: Boboji Gains Entry Into The Eternal Nikunja- 5

Sensitive Perception by Shri Lalit Bahenji in Delhi


Lalit Bahenji

Lalit Bahen had to go to Delhi unexpectedly on 14th or 15th February, 1992 . Having to arrange for strips to check diabetes she rang up Chetan Bhai in London and he had them parcelled.

Before dawn,she saw in her dream on 20th February, the lovely face of Bobo quivering in a blue mass of cosmic energy.There seemed some shadow alongside. Lalit Bahenji was instantly absorbed in transcendental delight and had never experienced such unprecedented joy earlier. Off and on, tears of delight would stream down her cheeks and she was touched.


Shri Radha-Krishna and Sakhis Waiting to Welcome Sakhi Bobo

Therein she saw the handsome Krishna, Kishori Shri Radha and the sakhis, Her replications, engrossed in preparing for some grand festival with enthused fervour. All of them were beautifully decked, and delightedly attending to the work around. A little later she heard a voice which asserted that all these elaborate arrangements were being made to welcome their inseparable sakhi.

Getting to know of Bobo's ill health it did not take her much time to figure out the underlying message of this scene. Her perception became an additional link in the chain indicative of revered Bobo's entry into the eternal nikunja.

Revered Bobo felt uneasy while breathing on the night of 19th February. Today it was 20th February and a certain numbness paralysed nature; the enthusiasm of birds was confined to their nests and a particular dampness affected dawn.The cycle of destiny was in motion. 



 Shri Balkrishna Das ji Maharaj Arrived

Precisely at ten o' clock Shri Balkrishan Dasji Maharaj arrived with Ghanshyamji accompanying him. Manohar Dasji,Rama Deviji,Bahen Kusum, Manorma and others who formed the parikar (circle) of Maharaj ji were already present. Revered Bobo respectfully greeted him and after sitting for some time he left. After a while the others followed suit.

Taking a bit of milk at 12 o' clock, Bobo lay down. Vijay kept sitting by her side.At one o' clock she insisted that her cot be shifted to the left of Shri Thakurji, where she would be brought everyday at 3 o' clock. They clarified several times that it was not time yet but she was adamant because


Bobo' s Yugal Sarkar


the Yugal Sarkar she attended to, were closer from that angle. The bed was arranged as per her wishes.Around two o' clock Sushila Bahenji left with Kaaki for a dip in the Yamuna. Bobo then drank the Yamuna Water brought by them as was the practice.

Bobo was appearing absolutely alert today. In the middle of the day she drank the minimal possible milk or liquid and lay down at 2 o' clock . Her gaze was constantly fixed on Priya-Priyatam, the Supreme Lover and His Beloved. She would reply in monosyllables when questioned in between but her mind was focused on the Divine. Relishing the beauteous forms of Radha-Krishna and reaching the heights of elation and ecstasy, she would wipe her tears of joy off and on.

It was four o' clock now. Manohar Dasji (revered Bhaiya) came and wanted to check her pulse. Again he tried to feel it very carefully but what was this? Either he was having a misapprehension or his mental faculties were deceiving him. Bhaiya gave her medicine but no improvement was seen in the pulse rate. Vijay sitting next to her checked the sugar level and it was very low. She was given glucose and sugar to drink while Brajesh Bhai went and got a doctor from Mathura.

An effort to check the blood pressure was made. It was so strange that the pressure shown by the instrument was zero but revered Bobo was absolutely alert and told us to serve tea to the doctor.Meanwhile she asked Mahantji to move from the side of her feet and sit elsewhere, advocating that he be given tea or milk.She was fully conscious.



  The Gushing Love of Shri Radha-Krishna

 
Steeped in the Love of Shri Radhe-Krishna

Her persona was soaked in the gushing love of Shyama-Shyam, which was spilling over from her eyes, her face, her bearing and steeping everyone present.

Dr.Raj Kumar Saxena, Arunima and several other well-wishers who gave full support during her illness and served her by making themselves available at times, were present and eager to know the doctor's opinion.

The doctor had left and Bobo had sent the others to their respective homes for attending to their Shri Thakurji's needs. She was very particular about Thakurji's seva even at such a crucial moment and could not tolerate any kind of negligence. 

Time ticked away and the sound of 'Shri Radha', and 'Shri Krishna' would charm the calm scene intermittently.

Revered Bobo asked the time and Vijay sitting next to her, confirmed that it was six o' clock.She looked at the handsome Krishna. Her heart was flooded with love and peace along with movement of the pupils in closed eyes. Full of joyous abandon, her mind was tranquil and chanting God's name, her tongue was delighted. All this pointed to the natural reactions and instinctive attachment of her life, absolutely surrendered to the refuge of Shyama-Shyam, which

Krishna, the Supreme Lover

was getting a constantly charming assurance from the Supreme Lover.

After a while she asked the time again. 

Replying, “Six-thirty” Vijay was quiet. 

 Soon after, she raised her hand and pointed towards Shri Thakurji. Undoubtedly she was greeting the invitation received from Shyama-Shyam for gaining entry into the eternal nikunja. Assuming that the bhoga was ready, Vijay took her to the adjacent room with Sushila Bahenji trailing behind them.There revered Bobo wrapped her arms around Sushila Bahen and Vijay, and hugged them.Steeping them in the terrifying rush of her love, she signalled that they should forever live in harmony.

Picking her up in his arms, Vijay got her in front of Shri Thakurji. Her body was in Vijay's hands while Omi and Mudit were caressing her feet.Revered Shri Manohar Dasji, Shri Ghanshyamji, Shri Sushila Bahenji, Dr.Saxena, Bahen Uma,Vimla Kapoor, Santosh Narang, Nirmala Sharma, Deepa were present.Some other bahens were standing outside.

The pupils of her eyes naturally turned towards Shri Thakurji in everyone's presence, as if she wanted to look at Him to her heart's content and was conversing with Him.The sinhasan was pushed towards her.Once again Bobo's eyes' pupils turned around fully from left to right towards Thakurji. That is when the rare treasure of temporal Braj went into the proximity of Krishna,the treasure trove of eternal Braj.

Revered Usha Bahenji fondly known as Bobo (elder sister) had described the same perception in her last lines.Attaining their objective Priya-Priyatam came smiling and took her to their abode today.



Priya Radha & Priyatam Krishna Take Bobo to their Eternal Abode

Priya larhile Shyam ghan
Laal larhaitee baal |
Hansat hansat aavat chale,
Mand manohar chaal ||


Govind Ghat in Vrindavan

By their loving grace Radha-Krishna had given Bhaktimati Usha Bahenji the boon of their joyous closeness at Govind Ghat.This nikunja site near Raas Mandal had also intensely witnessed the union of Shri Dhruvdasji, Shri Sevakji and Shri Narvahanji with Priya-Priyatam. Bobo became immortal by making a mark of her remembrance by dissolving into the Absolute at this sight.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Chapter 50: Boboji Gains Entry Into The Eternal Nikuna– 4

A State of Utmost Sanctity And Childlike Behaviour

Revered Bobo In A Trance

Bobo's mind had completely turned inwards to the soul. Apparently she would not contribute to any task in particular.Least interested in taking meals, she had become very much like a child.


Vijay Bhaiya

Vijay would often get a chance to gather her fondness and parental affection by staying in her proximity for hours at a stretch.He would feed her a morsel of food with a spoon and cajole her to take medicines as well as milk . Thankfully she would listen to his loving insistence.


The Madhuri of Handsome Krishna

Bobo constantly relished the sweetness of handsome Krishna.Everything appeared dull compared to that infinite delight.Very rarely she would say something to anyone.Repeatedly she had to be brought from her trance like state to the temporal world and an effort had to be made for feeding her milk and liquids. At times she would willingly have a bite and many a time not even be conscious of swallowing.Often when the morsel was put in her mouth it would remain wide open.On persistent requests she would close her mouth and not open it sometimes. She had become indifferent to taste.

Despite her childlike mannerisms and naivety pointing inwards to her soul, the sequence of chanting the Lord's name and counting it on her fingers went on.


The Beauteous Forms of Shri Radha-Krishna

Her eyes were absorbed in relishing the beauteous forms of Radha-Krishna.Actually speaking her mind and disposition had become detached from all observances. Bobo would continue with japa out of practice.Acquiring the state of utmost sanctity she had utterly shrunk within herself.

Amavasya was on 3rd February 1992 and the configuration of planets was fearsome.Well wishers who had come from Ambala had even consulted the doctor there.During this time span Dr.Nisha had arrived from Arunachal .Letters were constantly pouring in to inquire about Bobo's health. We got Shantanu and Poonam's letter from Jakarta (Indonesia) while Abay and Kalyani wrote from America. Basheshur Bhai from Chandigarh and Shri Shrish Bhaisaheb, Laxmi Bhaisaheb,Bahen Uma, Utma, Neelu, Manoj and many others corresponded.

At this end Bahen Indu wrote from Durgapur. Ever since childhood she had been trailing behind Bobo in school due to an unknown attraction. Everyone was moved by her uneasy, distraught and helpless feelings which were expressed. Anil, Mudit and others shifted here. Shri Lalit Bahenji and Chakrapaal Bhai Saheb would religiously come over every day and sometimes in the evening to ask about Bobo's health.

Shri Manohar Das ji, Venu Vinod Kunj

Shri Manohar Dasji,Shri Deviji, Manorma and others would stream in from Venu Vinod Kunj of Vrindavan. Meanwhile acquaintances of the colony and bahens of Baag Bundela as well as Barhi Kunj would incessantly pray for the recovery of Bobo.

All those who wished well did constant japa on Amavasya night. Bobo's physical agony aggravated but the night passed somehow.On seeing a bright morning everyone's worried and dejected faces hoped for the best.The days passed one by one as Bobo became mentally detached and turned inwards. She would not tell anyone a word and answer sparingly on being questioned.


Bobo (right) with Sushila Bahenji

On 6th or 7th February she wanted to say something when Sushila Bahenji asked (Vijay was also present) but kept quiet.Being assured that it would not be disclosed, she agreed to reveal the matter. Many a time she had easily borne ailments much more severe than this sickness and it seemed she would not go so soon.

“If the seva of Shri Thakurji is hindered due to ill health then this body will not last long,” this sentence of  Bobo's would jolt her followers at times.

Bobo Insisted That Dharam Bahenji Should Bid Her Farewell


Dharam Bahenji

Revered Usha Bahenjhi's physical ill health was becoming graver day by day. Bobo had particular affection for Dharam Bahenji who was greatly upset by her sickness. Shri Manohar Dasji had asked Bahenji to pray for Bobo's well being on the forbidding night of Amavasya and the crucial time had easily passed .Seeing Bobo's health deteriorate recently Dharamji was apprehensive. She began to do paath (recitation of a sacred text) again.This matter dates back to the first week of February 1992.

Towards the end of the second week Dharam Baheni was lying on her bed around two thirty – three at night. 

“Dharamji ! You must let me go as my task is over.The handsome Krishna is calling me. Let me leave,” she heard the voice of revered Bobo in that state of wakefulness.

Hearing this full sentence Dharam Bahenji was bewildered. She was scared of parting from Bobo and concerned about all her associates.

“No, no Bobo! What will come about your companions.At present they are engrossed in dedicated devotion. We will become orphans and get looted. I will not let you leave us,” responded Dharam Bahenji . 

With this utterance Dharam Bahenji was forlorn.

“You must not stop me,”Bobo appealed once more.

Handsome Lord Krishna

“You ought to let go of her. I am wanting to take her along. Her task is complete,”the solemn tone of handsome Krishna could be heard simultaneously.

“Who am I to stop her if you want to take her in your proximity?,” was Dharam Bahenji 's response.

” Well Bobo,'Goodbye-goodbye-goodbye,” reluctantly she gave in.

Wiping her streaming tears Dharam Bahenji stood up. 

“I merely kept hearing a sound but the conversation took place between dark-hued Krishna and Bobo for certain,” she had clarified later.

Shri Dharam Bahenji had got a clear indication of Bobo going into the proximity of Shyama-Shyam eight to ten days earlier but purposely narrated it on 21`st February, not wanting to make everyone depressed.

The cycle of destiny was in motion with the days passing by steadily.Not considering her pain to be a suffering, Bobo was bearing the agony happily.

The Vivid Perception of Shri Santoshji and Sarlaji

Revered Bobo's state of health had been grave since quite some time. On 14th or 15th February the bahens confirmed that Bobo was getting better and left.


Santosh Bahenji

Santosh Bahenji was preparing bhoga for her Thakurji when she saw Bobo rising upwards to a radiant mass of cosmic energy, the colour of the condensed sky.


Santosh Bahenji Saw Bobo Merging with Krishna

“Sarla! These women have affirmed that Ushaji is getting better but I can see her rising up to dissolve into the Absolute,” she said instantly, addressing Sarla Bahenji. 


Sarla Bahenji

“Yes! She is about to depart for certain,”soon after, Sarla Bahenji also affirmed

Roughly one and a half years after this incident Santosh Bahenji went to Venu Vinod Kunj to meet Shri Maharaj ji. 

 Shri Radha Baba of Gorakhpur

She had seen highly revered Radha Baba merge with God in the same manner. To hear that perception of hers Ghanshyam ji asked Bahenji and she instinctively narrated the entire event. Futhermore, she affirmed that the vision she had seen regarding the departure of Ushaji had been even more clear than this sight.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Chapter 50: Boboji Gains Entry Into The Eternal Nikunja- 3

 Love Flowing Towards Her Yugal Sarkar Was Visible both Outside and Within Bobo

Bobo's Yugal Sarkar, Shri Radha-Krishna

The Ones who were very dear to her, the energy of her life, the Supreme Lover, who made her savour His closeness by showering compassionate grace, whom she would constantly meditate upon and never trust with anyone for a second, the beautiful Yugal Shri Radha-Krishna, were visible in the same manner outwardly and within. Their svarupa made her savour their divine play in her siddh svarupa today. Her mind became more detached to other modes of life and the zenith of devotion was evident.

Shri Yamuna

Shri Yamuna in Vrindavan

Similar feelings regarding a dip in Shri Yamuna also surfaced.


 
Shri Yamuna Grants Closeness to Bobo

Steeping Bobo in the bliss of its sweetly passionate waves, Shri Yamuna began to absorb her in the same rasa at home by granting Her closeness. 


  Bobo Had Merged with Shri Radha-Krishna at Govind Ghat

Being sick in her youth Bobo had attained the joy of uniting with Priya-Priyatam, seated below the kadamba tree at Govind Ghat with her spiritual body (whereas this worldly body made up of five elements lay ill in Ambala).Her mind had become stable with an ardent longing to reside in the same place.

The sequence of dawn and evening were changing with the passage of each day.The bitter cold was escalating steadily and Bobo's body became increasingly frail.Despite this Bobo's spiritual strength, spiritual awareness and the great perception of Shyama-Shyam as well as their divine play rose. Her divine sentiments were becoming perceptible and the lustre of her body radiated as she was teary- eyed.


Playful Dalliance of Shri Radha-Krishna

The beauteous forms and playful dalliance of Shyama-Shyam spilled over as love. 

“This shrine like nikunja has a unique radiance today comprising of a secret magical world removed from the mundane. Relishing the same Shri of the realm of love are the youthful handsome Shyam and the enraptured Shri Radha, as they organise the amorous frolics of shringara rasa, and a new rush of love flows from their laughter,” Bobo exulted.

 Bobo was withdrawing and winding up outwardly. Shri Sushila Bahenji, the closest confidante of Bobo, saw a scene on the night of 18th January 1992 while awake. Presenting the episode as it is, I would term it as a string in the final conjuncture of Bobo's perspective and her identity.

The Spiritual Form of Revered Bobo


The Radha Vallabh Premises

“I saw with eyes wide open at around half past twelve at night that Bobo's sick body was lying down at the Radha Vallabha premises but

 Bobo's Divine Body

her divine body was that of an adolescent young girl, decked in divine attire, absolutely healthy with a beautiful sturdy physique and radiant bodily lustre. Enchanted she sat oblivious of her surroundings and gazed fixedly.Her posture was charming and the site appeared celestial with the beauty of nature strewn all around. It was difficult to say where her sight was fastened but it was crystal clear the young maiden was revered Bobo.



Sakhi Bobo Sat With Another Sakhi at the Back

Near her another sakhi sat at the back and seemed like a shadow. Initially I assumed the sakhi was me but on Kamda's* leaving her body later, along with Bobo, it was confirmed that the fortunate one was Kamda. Her abandoning the body in this manner was most unusual as she followed her.


Kamda Bahen

*Shri Kamda Bahen used to study from Bobo and was attached to her.She had dedicated devotion for the feet of Shyama-Shyam.Soon after she got news of Bobo passing away on 20th February 1992 at 7:00 pm., Kamda Bahen lost her calm but some divine force gave her hope in Jind where she was residing.On 21st February just before Bobo was consigned to the waters of Yamuna Kamdaji reached Kesi Ghat but the boat with Bobo's body had already left for Vanshi Ghat.

On reaching at 12 in the afternoon Kamda begged, “Bobo! Take me along, Bobo take me along.”

 She got down from another boat arranged for her and collapsed.Standers by poured water in her mouth but she had also departed along with revered Bobo for the divine dham (where the god forever dwells). Kamda Bahen was consigned to the flames on 22nd February at 9 o' clock in the morning.


Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu With Swarup Damodar

The only unprecedented incident of taking another sakhi along with her which had occurred after Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Swarup Damodar was probably this one.

Another rare incident of Bobo's mental state was linked to this scenario. The ill health of her body and the cheerfulness of her mind were absolutely different. At one end her mundane body appeared ailing while Sushila Bahenji could see her divine form and ecstatic state. Steeped in the sweet divine play of Shayma-Shyam, the perception of Bobo became lucid and spilled over.


Shri Shyama-Shyam Attracted Bobo, Their Intimate Sakhi

“Passionately drawing the mind with their slow gait, smiling Shyam-Shyam were engrossed in some love talk as they came close to their intimate sakhi. Enthused, she was delighted to relish the sweetness of their forms.The following lines were written and published for all of us as her last perception,

Priya-larhile Shyam ghan,
Laal larhaaitee baal |
Hanste-hanste aavat chale,
Mand manohar chaal ||

Shri Sushila Bahenji had already got the premonition of Bobo exiting from this material world and entering the Absolute with her nitya siddh body.She wanted to reveal this perception to Bobo to check if it was true but the thought of separation from her most dear one was unbearable. A week passed by in this dilemma.

All close acquaintances came running, eager to know about Bobo's health. Shrimati Praveen Narang came from Bikaner, while Indu Bahen dropped in from Durgapur, Bahen Abha from Gwalior, Bahen Utma from Hisar and Bahen Uma from Delhi flocked to Bobo. Manoj and Neelu also arrived and other associates streamed in. Seeing her in person was certainly a relief but they had to go back.

Shri Manohar Dasji

All of them were persisting for a medical examination.Revered Manohar Dasji had been insistent, many a time.During this span Shyam Bhai Saheb came from Ambala to meet Bobo. Meanwhile Urmil Rajeshwari, Shanno Gupta, Nirmal Gupta, Vimla Sharma and several other bahens also arrived, and were adamant. Dr.Saxena a homeopath would often drop in to ask about her state and  for consultation.

Shri Lalit Bahenji

Highly revered Shri Lalit Bahenji had been firm that Bobo have a diagnosis and proper treatment done. On everyone's constant entreaty when Bahenji found Bobo's stubbornness to be somewhat lax she took on the entire burden of hospitalisation. How can one lessen her dignity by applauding the effort she put in? Actually speaking her affection for Bobo was deep-seated and she anxiously longed to see her hale and hearty.

She would drop in every day for sure and many a time come again in the evening,warning us to be cautious.

 “Children! Be careful so as not to lose this priceless treasure or else all of us will be looted,”I recall these lines spoken with fond affection by Lalita Bahenji,

Probably some sentences of revered Bobo were making Shri Lalitji apprehensive of the future.

25th January 1992 was fixed as the day when Bobo would be taken to hospital for a medical examination. It seemed that she had completely withdrawn herself mentally on that fateful day. Before this she had never agreed to go to hospital and get a diagnosis done.Consenting in this manner, contrary to her nature was another indication of her getting ready for entry into the nikunja lila (where the dark god forever dwells).