Then, as they taught yoga and continued the practice of austerities, day and night, the month of Vaishakh passed. The ascetic (Varni) began thinking, "Any day now the imperishable one will come." Thus half of the month of Jyeshtha also passed by.
The Varni grew restless, watching the road again and again. One anxiety was his austerity, another was this longing — together they made him extremely thin. His mind was overcome with eagerness to meet Swami. Swami too, from where he was, longed to see the King of Ascetics.
The compassionate one hastened at once from the city of Bhuj. A golden-like chariot was brought, and the all-capable one satsat1) True. Real. 2) Permanent, imperishable and unchanging. Is unbound by the past, the present, and the future.Tap to open in glossary → upon it. He drove the chariot through the city bazaar, and many men and women came for his darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary →. Watching them, the support of the universe himself came out beyond the city.
People who had come along to see him off did not want to turn back; they wept. But Maharaj comforted them, saying, "Do not fill your eyes with tears. This is not the time to weep — accept that you have had my darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary → now." Hearing this, the people wiped their eyes and spoke in the most humble words: "Come quickly, O compassionate one, and take care of us, Lord." Folding their hands they said this, and the Lord replied: "All of you remain vigilant, and keep love for the devotees of HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →. I will come again soon, though ordinary people cannot fully grasp this."
So saying, the Lord departed, taking two or four sadhus with him. Making a halt each evening, Swami arrived at the village of Piplana. Showing great kindness, he came to the house of Mehta NrusinhNrusinhAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a lion-man. Hiranyakashipu was a demon who had immunity from being killed by man, beast, and Bhagvãn. For, this reason, Bhagvãn took birth as half-lion and half- man. He killed Hiranyakashipu, and saved His devout bhakta, Prahlãd.Tap to open in glossary →. Then he sent a Brahmin named Kurji to the village of Loj, saying, "Go bring the sadhus here, so they may come for darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary →." The Brahmin set off, touching his feet, and hurried to Loj.
He brought the good news to the sadhus: "Swami has arrived — go for his darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary →." He said Swami had sent word that all the sadhus should come and see him. Hearing these nectar-like words, the whole company of sadhus was filled with joy. Nilkanth the Brahmachari said, "Let us prepare and go at once." The sadhus said, "Listen, Lord — when the moon rises we shall all go together." So, as the moon rose, Nilkanthji and Muktanand set out, along with Devanand, Parvatbhai, Jethabhakta, and others — all with their gaze fixed eagerly on Swami, longing greatly for his darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary →.
The Varni was very weak from austerity, and could not walk; he fell to the ground. Then everyone gathered around him and pressed his hands and feet with affection. Strength returned to his body, and he rose and began walking slowly. Then everyone said together, "How will we get there in time for darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary → this way?" "Practice your yogicyogicThat which is of a yog or yogi. [Vadtãl – 4].Tap to open in glossary → concentration, compassionate one, and we shall all arrive at once." Then the Lord did so, and set off, and no one could keep pace with him.
Like an arrow released from a bow, he reached the Ojat river in an instant. The river was in furious flood; whoever fell into it never came out again. Yet he himself crossed straight through that flood as if walking on solid ground, while the others watched. The rest crossed on a raft, and then all arrived in the village.
On the twelfth day of the dark half of Jyeshtha, everyone had darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary → of Swami. His body was very fair and full, dressed in white garments. His face was beautiful, his eyes lotus-like, his smile gentle and pleasing. His chest was broad, his arms reached to his knees, his feet were beautiful like lotuses. The devotees worshipped him with flowers and sandalwood, and saw him seated in the assembly. They saw the compassionate, greatly renowned Swami seated upon a throne.
Seeing him, they were filled with joy, and Swami Ramanand rose. Nilkanth prostrated himself in dandvat, and Swami at once raised him up. He drew him close with love and seated him beside himself, comforting the others too. Just as the sadhus had described him, so did the Varni now see him with his own eyes.
He was overcome with supreme bliss; tears of joy filled his eyes. The Brahmachari's body trembled with emotion as he gazed at Swami with deep love, and Swami likewise gazed back at him with love, without blinking. Then Maharaj asked, "From where have you come, illustrious one?" Muktanand told him the whole account, and hearing it the Lord was pleased. Swamiji then praised the Varni again and again.
Then, in a voice choked with emotion, the Brahmachari spoke calmly: "Maharaj, today my heart's desire has been entirely fulfilled. You are the very embodiment of devotion to KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →, whom you have spread abroad in this age. Having met you, the benefactor of all people, I consider my birth fulfilled."
Swami replied, "It is the truth — I too am overjoyed. Where have you walked from today? You must be hungry, Maharaj." Then sweet fruits were brought and a fine meal of fasting food was prepared. Seeing the king of ascetics, the chief of munis, seated there, everyone was filled with joy.
As evening fell, the compassionate one rose to perform worship. Gathering all the articles of puja, he performed the service of Shri Krishnadev in the proper manner. That night was Ekadashi, and everyone stayed awake together in vigil. While telling stories and singing kirtans, Bhagwan spoke to the Varni: "Which country, which birth, what glorious lineage, which mother, father, and gotra, which branch and Veda do you belong to? By what path did dispassion arise in you, how did you renounce your family, who is your chosen deity, and how did you come to live in the forest? Tell me the manner of your austerities, how you practiced yoga, and by what means you conquered your desire for pilgrimage and dwelling at holy places."
When Swami had asked all this, the Varni related it all in order, and hearing the whole account in detail, Swami was greatly pleased. Then the joy-giving Swami said, "Listen, O Brahmachari: your father Dharmadev, the Brahmin, was himself my disciple. Bhaktimata and Dharmadev, that couple, received initiation from me. You, their son, the Brahmachari, are certainly mine.
Both your mother and father met me at Prayag. They were then living in the country of Koshal, giving instruction to seekers of liberation, having them observe non-violence and other vows, and having them practice devotion to KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → with love. You surpass even them exceedingly in virtue and wisdom. Seeing you, even the dying feel they have found immortality." As they spoke of such beautiful things, half the night passed.
Then a wondrous sight appeared: it seemed as though countless suns had risen at once. From every pore of Swami's body a great mass of radiance streamed forth. That light spread and covered every house in all ten directions. What had been dark night turned to brightness. This lasted for about a watch of the night, and men and women were amazed to see it. Then all the light gathered back and merged into Swami's form — as clouds form in the rainy season and dissolve into the sky in autumn.
Then the Varni bowed his head and said, "Swami is equal to KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → in every virtue. KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → dwells within him always — Shri KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → is under this Swami's control. There is no falsehood in this at all" — thus he resolved firmly in his mind.
Then, honored by his guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary →, he remained always at Swami's side. Seeing the two forms together, the people were filled with the greatest joy. Swami too, beholding the Varni's virtues, considered him equal to KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →, and understood that Shri KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → Maharaj himself had appeared to protect dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →. Thus, with the greatest mutual affection, they conversed daily of wondrous, transcendent things, and hearing them the people rejoiced, saying, "Blessed, blessed, O source of all bliss!"