My Master, Bhagawaanji
by M. K. Tiku
In
the present day materialistic world of ours there has been a mushroom growth of
the so-called gurus (masters). We rarely come across the real guru who can put
the sadhaka (aspirant) on the path of God-realization. The spiritual seeker who
comes to the feet of the genuine Master is to be considered very fortunate in
today's world.
A man of real spiritual
attainment is invariably on the look out for a true disciple with whom he would
like to share his experiences and whose mentor he willingly becomes. In fact it
is universally believed that Godmen are sent to this world with a definite
purpose to guide the seekers on the path of spirituality so that they progress
towards their goal and do not go astray, getting derailed into the mire of
animality. With the grace of the true guru, the sadhaka overcomes all odds,
finds his feet and attains spiritual knowoledge, leading him to the Divine.
I feel I have been very
lucky as many others too have been like me, in coming to the feet of the Master,
Jagad Guru Bhagawaan Gopinathji.
Kashmir has given birth to
many saints and savants from time to time but my Master has been the most
eminent saint of this century. He was undoubtedly a Jeevan Mukta and it was in
view of his intense sadhana that he won the rare distinction of being called
Bhagawaanji by his devotees and looked upon by them veritably as God-incarnate.
Born on 3rd July, 1898
A.D. Bhagawaanji's life on this earth was marked by a sustained and intense
spiritual effort, aimed at the upliftment of the ailing mankind running after
illusory shadows. Throughout his life he strove hard, in an unassuming but
persuasive manner, to make man conscious of his innate divinity and to enable
him to find his spiritual moorings.
All his life, Bhagawaanji
remained a celibate, took delight in coming across a celibate but never asked an
aspirant to renounce his wife and children if he was married.
He kept a dhooni (sacred
fire) burning before him, into which he made offerings and with the ashes (bhasma)
from it he cured dreaded diseases. For most of the time he remained absorbed in
meditation that consisted in deep contemptation on the self. His devotees feel
convinced that even after giving up his gross body, he has been helping
aspirants spiritually not only in India but elsewhere in the world, too.
Bhagawaanji's fame as a
Jagad Guru has spread far and wide; his spiritual influence is felt by the
devout who had never seen him in his physical form and who encounter him as a
living presence in their meditation. Several devotees including foreigners, have
had remarkable visions in which they have heard him speak and impart spiritual
instruction. That explains why there has been a steady increase in the number of
his devotees ; in consequence, Ashrams consecrated to his memory have sprung up
at several places in the country. At these centres, devotees in bulk are today
well set on the spiritual path, who are involved in social service as well.
Though Bhagawaanji never moved out of the Kashmir valley, Satsang mandals in his
memory have also come up in countries abroad, like Australia and the U. S.A.
People in large numbers
attend the daily arti at the ashrams. Discourses to spread Bhagawaanji's message
of universal brotherhood and love are held periodically at these places of
worship especially on important festivals including his Mahajayanti and the
anniversary of the day on which he attained Mahasamadhi (when a mahayajnya is
also performed). Monthly financial assistance to the destitutes, orphans, the
poor but talented students, and the ailing people who cannot afford to purchase
medicines, is being provided on a regular basis at the Ashrams dedicated to
Bhagawaanji.
Having accomplished his
mission on earth, when he had around him a dedicated band of spiritual
adherents, both male and female, who could be trusted to spread his message of
love and brotherhood, Bhagawaanji chose to give up his gross body on the 28th of
May, 1968 A. D. at Chondapura, Habbakadal, Srinagar. Accordingly, we are
celebrating his birth centenary year in India and abroad that is due to commence
in June, 1997. May he shower his grace on mankind throughout the world!
In the end, I would like
to quote a verse of the great saint Kabir, that I consider appropriate to the
greatness of the Guru I adore, the remarkable Bhagawaanji enthroned in my
heart:-
<verses>
The verse is translated
here under:
My Guru and the Lord are
both standing before me. Whose feet should I touch ? I would sacrifice my body,
mind and all for my guru as it was he who put me on the path leading to the
Lord.
[The author is a senior
devotee of Bhagawaanji and an important functionary of the Trust (Organizer). He
lives in Jammu]
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