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 3^rd 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 6^th or 7^th 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 14^th or 15^th 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.

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 18^th 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.

25^th 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).

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 3^rd 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.