FEW GLIMPSES OF THAKUR'S GURUSHAKTI...
Once a lady was sitting in the line of diksha just for getting Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath’s divine touch [she had already received all Mantras from Thakur previously]. Numerous seekers were sitting in the Line, and Thakur was giving Mantra one by one, when she came near this lady, He smiled and uttered all the previous mantras in her ears. This was Thakur, He exactly remembered each of the disciple’s spiritual stage, need, and background… He was a GURU in the true sense of the word…
Once, a foreigner met Thakur at Santiniketan. He said—‘I want to know the Soul’. The foreigner was insistent, and Thakur realized the eagerness of this seeker. Thakur jumped repeatedly to embrace the 7ft tall foreigner, who fainted thereafter… after recovery, the foreigner said—‘I am so satisfied now. My query has been answered.’
Thakur Sitarmdas Omkarnath had sent a telegram to a lady disciple in Jabbalpur, stating that He would be crossing Jabbalpur Rail Station on a specified date at around 1.00 AM. That lady worships Thakur in ‘Batsalya Bhava’, and Thakur has named her ‘Nadarani Ma’…
On that date, when the train arrived Jabbalpur stn after midnight, Nandarani Ma saw the flag of Thakur and came running towards Thakur’s somparthment. She was shouting ‘Gopal Gopal’ and was running irresistibly. Thakur also stood up, and she came and embraced Him—‘my Gopal, my Gopal…’!!! She offered a large quantity of butter and ‘Sugar’, but in her bewildering ecstasy, she had given salt instead of sugar. But He is ‘bhavagrahi’, He pleasantly ate up all the salt and sugar, and Bliss knew no bounds…
Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath was at Baltikuri, a village in Howrah… it was a desolate place in those days. A notorious dacoit Sardar came and took shelter at Thakur’s feet. SITARAM gave the expenditure for Prayaschitta [repentance ritual]. And He said- ‘ u have to surrender all your weapons.’ The Dacoit sardar immediately brought his weapons and offered those to Thakur’s feet. Thakur was pleased, and He said- ‘now, I will give u a weapon.’ Thakur gave a ‘kartal’ and said- ‘take this.. and always chant Nam…’ The dacoit Sardar was drenched in tears of joy. Later he took diksha, and became a new person.
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Oneday, a veteran devotee asked Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath-" What is more important, GuruSeva OR Japa Dhyana?"
Thakur replied- "None is superior or inferior: it depends upon the nature of the devotee. Some are more inclined to Guruseva, some prefer Chanting meditation etc... Both get the reward as per their Bhava. But everyone cannot do seva the whole day, they should spend the remaining time in Japa dhyana... Everyone cannot chant all time, the spare time should be dedicated in good work. Choose your primary path of devotion, but you need not leave the other ways..."
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Sitaramdas: “Sushumnantargatam vishvam tasmin sarvam pratishthitam” –
Entire world is centered in Sushumna; everything is dependent on Sushumna. No matter which path one treads, once Sushumna is reached, all of them will come together.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare
As one performs japa of the Naam, ‘Ram’ ‘Ram’, ‘Ma’ ‘Ma’, ‘Guru’ ‘Guru’, or through japa of bija mantra (mystic mantra of favourite deity), the breath progressively becomes shorter, the pace of prana is condensed, it no longer remains twelve-finger long; in this way, as the breath penetrates inward, ‘naad’ and ‘jyoti’ appear, one comes upon miraculous divine experiences.
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Thakur’s leela is varied and inexplicable. One aspect of HIS divine performance is the establishment of Asrams all over this country. He used to say casually that these are being built with divine wish.
He was never perturbed by the worldly problems. He would be very involved in the place where he stayed just to give direction or guidance to the disciples for increasing their perfection. However, when He left for another asram, worries would vanish automatically. This indifference to petty worldly joys and tears is the uniqueness of Thakur's Leela...
Yet, so many Ashrams, so many Mutts, so many Nam Mandaps, had been created, spontaneously, as a part of His divine Leela...
This reminds us of Lord's declaration-
9.10 Gita-
mayadhyaksena prakrtih suyate sa-caracaram
hetunanena kaunteya jagad viparivartate...
[The material world is working under My direction, producing all moving and nonmoving beings. Under its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again]
Sri Madhav Swamiji would say-- 'This time, Baba has prepared everything for His divine work... all asrams, temples, books, preachings have been accomplished already by Himself...'
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Thakur went to the offical bunglow of Gen Sujan Singh Uban at Chakrata [in the lap of Himalayas], where He met Dalai Lama. At the military barracks of Chakrata, Thakur became the Central attraction for the Indian Jawans!
When Thakur was in the military camps near Himalayas, the Jawans would offer salutes when Thakur walked along with Gen Sujan Singh. Thakur, with His overflowing humour, would ask- 'Sujan, whom are they saluting? You or Me?' ... Sujan Singh would reciprocate with a witty reply- 'Baba, those who salute with one hand are saluting me. Those who salute with both hands are saluting You..'
Gen Sujan Singh Uban had recollected-
‘the military camps located adjacent to Baba’s ashram were so influenced by Baba.. that they gave up drinking, and started Namkirtan in their offduty hours. Their officers noticed that the discipline and sense of duty of these soldiers improved remarkably…’
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Sri Sri Thakur was in ‘Mauna’ [vow of silence] at Tarighat, UP. Thakur asked His disciple [Taritbhusan De] in writing- ‘will u say something?’
Taritbhusan De suddenly uttered without any preparation- ‘Baba, You have so many asrams and Maths all across the country, but there are none in Kolkata. That’s why I pray- may Your asram be established in Kolkata.’
Thakur scribbled in a small paper- ‘go to Kolkata and proceed.’
A hundred rupee note was given from the treasury, and the devotees came to Kolkata, with the valuable wealth of Thakur’s assurance. A plot was found miraculously by the initiative of Sri Jitendranath Mukhopadhyay…
3rd Chaitra, 1371 bengali year [Eng 1965], Dol Purnima Tithi. On this day, SriSriThakur established Mahamilan Math in Kolkata. The foundation stone was laid down by Thakur after 3 months…
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Thakur’s love for Motherland was exemplary. He declared that Bharatvarsa is the epicentre of spirituality, and divine souls crave to get birth in the holy land. Thakur had always nurtured concerns for national issues, and this has been reflected in His writings, Leelas, interactions with ministers, armymen, social activists, politicians, and all men of all sectors…. Here are few glimpses of Thakur’s patriotic Leelas-
Kinkar Sevanandaji had recollected in an article- “Indo China war is going on. Oneday, Baba asked TarakDa [Dadaji]- Listen, are the Chinese ‘baba’s still fighting with Bharat?’ TarakDa replied- ‘Baba, it’s a miserable time for India, the Chinese army is coming forward. India will not be saved without Your grace.’ Baba remained silent. The next day, HE remained in Mauna in a small room. Our Dadaji saw a light moving upwards from Thakur’s room like lightening… Few days later, Baba asked TarakDa- ‘Tarak, what are the Chinese babas doing now?’ Tarakda said- ‘Baba, I have got news from SujanDa [Gen Sujan Singh Uban]~ The Chinese army is retreating. Its strange indeed! Don’t know what they have seen, many soldiers have left their weapons and have fled’……”
Thakur has many sweet leelas related to war-scenarios. This has been portrayed in the memoirs of Gen.Sujan Singh Uban in 'Gurus of India'... the DURGA TEMPLE at Varanasi is a witness of such a leela... few months prior to Indo-Pak war, Thakur was roaming in that temple with Sujan Singhji... HE stood before the Goddess and prayed-'Ma, Sujan is going to war, protect him..'
Sujan Singhji has written that there was no indication of war at that moment even in Indian intelligence. Later, in war,Sujan Singhji got many expressions of Thakur's kripa saving him and helping him...During the Indo Pak war at Bangladesh, Gen Sujan Singh Uban had visualized Sitaram in the Battlefield, and he had narrated that the Pak army would retreat without any visible reason [probably in fear of Sitaram’s Might]… Gen Sujan Singh Uban had recollected later-‘the military camps located adjacent to Baba’s ashram were so influenced by Baba.. that they gave up drinking, and started Namkirtan in their offduty hours. Their officers noticed that the discipline and sense of duty of these soldiers improved remarkably…’
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Oneday, THAKUR SITARAMDAS OMKARNATH was sitting beside the Ganga, a saint came to him and offered obeisance.
THAKUR toid him- 'Wiiiyou give me something?'
Saint- 'ohh! of course.'
The saint was wearing a costly watch.... THAKUR asked him- 'Will и give me that watch?'
The saint was very pleased to offer something in THAKUR'S seva... he gave away his watch.
THAKUR took it, and threw it into the Ganga.
The saint realised the message that THAKUR wanted to convey... he said- 'BABA, aap RAM ji hain!'
[BABA, You are Ram ji!]
THAKUR said- YOU ARE A SADHU, never forget that!
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‘ami likhi ami kori—na vabi kokhon,
Ami jontro—sorbokhon rakhibi smoron.
Jontri Bhogoban ei Jontro ta ke diye,
Tnar iccha moto kaj lon koraiye.
Tnar iccha byatireke e Biswo sonsare,
Khudrotomo keshagro ti norite na pare.
Thik thik jontro tui hoibi kokhon?-
Paribi katate jobe ami’r bondhon.
Jobe ninda prosonsay robi ochonchol,
Jontre porinoto hobi tokhoni kebol,’
-- words of Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath
Means-
‘never think – I write I work,
Always remember- I am His machine.
The Lord Lord runs the machine,
As per His wish, like a Mechanic.
Without His wish, in this Universe,
Not even a hair end can be moved.
When will you become ‘machine’ truly?-
When bonds of your Ego will vanish.
It will happen only when you will remain-
Unperturbed in praise and criticisms…’
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Sitaramdas Omkarnath: See, to relieve the eternal sorrow of My devotees, and to clear their bondage to worldly joys ,
I set ablaze the fire of sorrow outside, and take them in My lap. People see that they are suffering, but the heat of sorrow cannot touch the devotee, he sleeps fearlessly in My lap...'
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Once, a devotee asked Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath- Baba, we often think about You. But do You remember us?’
Thakur replied with a smile- 'The tide in a river is preceded by tide in the Ocean. You can contemplate me only because I think about you...
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SOME IDEALS OF 'JAI GURU SAMPRADAY' OF THAKUR SITARAMDAS OMKARNATH--
‘Probhur nikot diksha ney jei bhokto,
Sei hoy ‘Jai Guru sampraday’ bhukto.
Diksha grohoner pore sidhyer ontore,
Basonaa udoy hoy Guru seva tore.
Bhoger byapare Probhu chiro udasin,
Sevar sujog soda satisoy kheen...
Guruseva obhilasi sishyo vokto gon,
Porokkho sevar pontha kore udvabon.
Srigurur preetikor kormo onusthan,
Tnar subho sonkolpere karjye rup daan.
Sonaton dhormo ar sri Nam prochar,
E sokol holo sei seva upochaar…’
Means-
‘Whoever is initiated by Thakur Sitaram,
Is a part of ‘Jai Guru Sampraday’
After diksha, the desire for service[seva],
Is aroused in the heart of disciples.
But the Master is indifferent to material joy,
So the opportunity of service is rather scarce...
The disciples, desirous of GuruSeva,
Invent indirect ways for service—
Performing acts which are liked by Guru,
Trying to materialize Guru’s wishes,
Preaching Sanatan Dharma and Lord’s Name—
These are the attributes of service.’
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Once, a lady of a dignified family had mental problems, and was not recovering after lot of medical treatments. Thakur had written in this context—
‘My best weapon [medicine] is Naam. Previously, a young girl had psychiatric problems, and was not recovering even after treatment at Ranchi sanatorium. She was brought to Nilachal Asram from Ranchi, and was kept there amidst Nam, after which she recovered completely, got married, and is now having children...
Show this letter, and if there is consent in case of this patient, arrange for Akhanda Nam at their Thakur Bari...’
Focussed emphasis on Naam has been echoed by Thakur on several occasions. Be it cure of worldly diseases, be it curing Bhava Roga, be it attainment of spiritual treasure, or be it mitigating poverty, Thakur’s usual prescription was ‘Chant Nam’... He said—
‘Nametei thake Jodi muthi duti bhore,
Tahole opor kichu dhoribi kikore?
Namete thakis Jodi dube nirontor,
Onyodike takabar kotha obosor...’
[if the fist is full of Naam,
How can anything else be held?
If you are submerged in Nam,
How will you look at other stray things?]
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Sitaramdas Omkarnath: "The only Object of a devotee’s desire is GOD... A devotee should take exclusive refuge with God and undertake practices for realizing Him. Make sure, no other wish takes place in your heart..."
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''The constructions at Rishikes Asram was finished in a hurry, thus there were some defects... An Asramite came and told Thakur—‘Baba, these hasty works weren’t satisfactory. Baba, these won’t last long.’ Thakur smiled, touched the veteran attendant’s chin affectionately, and stated—‘Son, how long will your body Last?’
All across India, there are so many Mutts and temples of Sitaram, His Sangha and Sampraday. Now everything is going on with His power. But question is—how will these continue in future? Sitaram said—‘Everything has creation, sustenance, destruction. Why are you anxious about these? Try your best to preserve these, knowing these [Mutts and temples ] to be Images of Gurudev—thereafter, whatever He wants, will happen.’... ''
[extract from Nabo Nabo Rupe eso, by Kinkar Vithhal Ramanuja]
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Once a devotee came to Tliakur and said- ‘why haven’t I attained any spiritual realisation? Thakur replied lovingly- ‘how long have you taken diksha? Continue your work, it will bear fruit. SADHANA is not becoming rich instantly! Listen to this story-
an old lady’s son was sick. Doctorsaid that the patient is weak, and needs adequate milk and nutrition. Lhe old lady fed a spoonful of milk to her son and asked- ‘are и feeling strong?’... Strength cannot come with just a spoonful of milk. Keep on drinking, drink day and night and submerge yourself Then this Lord will embrace you-!..’
Thakur used to emphasize on the need for patience, on the path of spiritual pursuit... In this context, I remember a Shloka quoted by Sri Madhav swamiji-'
'jogobhyase prabristastu sighram siddhi na kamayet,
kalena duratikshaya swayameva prajayate'
[in the path of spirituality, one shouldnt be hasty about gains.... when the bad deeds are nullified wih time, the spiritual gains will be automatically unveiled]
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Thakur Sitarmdas Omkarnath’s Paramguru , ie Dasarathidev’s guru [Shri Damodardas Ji] was a Ramanandiya saint. Thus, our Sampraday [Akhil Bharat JaiGuru Sampraday] is a part of Ramananda Sampraday by default. Later, Thakur had sent His representatives to Ramananda Sampraday of Ayodhya for formal incorporation of our Sampraday in the Ramananda sect. The representatives were a bit confused about the scope of acceptance, but when they arrived, they were amazed to receive a warm and cordial welcome—our Sampraday was formally made a part of Ramamndiya sect. However, Thakur used to say—we are of Ramamnada order, but not excluding Ramanujacharya [as mentioned in our Guru Parampara], because Ramanuja’s Sampraday precedes the advent of Ramanandi order in the history of Shree Sampraday. To corroborate His stand, Thakur got His selected worthy 8 spiritual sons initiated in the Sanyasa order, at Srirangam, as per Ramanuja doctrines. The eight disciples took sannyas as per Thakur’s instruction, took the saffron robe and ‘danda’ and became Ramanujiya Tridandi sannyasis. Even, the Sanyas Guruji [Tridandi Swami Laxamn Ramanuja jeor] had received the blessings of Thakur lateron, and had accepted His Supreme Identity.
But Thakur Himself was ‘Ati varnasrami’ [beyond the 4 varnas and 4 ashramas]. Thus He didn’t take Sanyasa Himself. Once, Shankar Purusottam Tirtha Maharaj told our Thakur—‘Sitaram, You should take Sanyas’. Thakur replied—‘for taking Sanyas, one must perform his own Shradhh by uttering Mantras. Present condition of Sitaram is such, that no Mnatra can be uttered. Only Omkar is prevailing...’ Thus, Thakur didn’t take formal Sanyas just because of His supreme spiritual state [Ati varnsrami], not because of unwillingness. Acharya Ramanuja and Ramananda were sanyasis, and Sanyas is indeed an integral part of Thakur’s spiritual ideal. Thakur used to make His sanyasi disciples walk in the front row during Nam prachar, this fact has been highlighted in many books. Thakur also used to arrange for the worship of Sanyasi before accepting homage Himself. Thakur is the Shastra Murti, and His reverence for sanyasa is an echo of Bhagavatam’s shloka—
gṛhāśramo jaghanato brahmacaryaṁ hṛdo mama
vakṣaḥ-sthalād vane-vāsaḥ sannyāsaḥ śirasi sthitaḥ
TRANSLATION: ‘The Grihastha order of life appeared from the loins of My universal form, and the Brahmacharya order came from My heart. The Vanaprastha order of life appeared from My chest, and the Sanyasa was situated within the head of My universal form.’
As far as Thakur’s ‘Jai Guru Sampraday’ is concerned, He incorporated all the 4 ashramas and promoted the excellence of each order. Kinkar Govindadas, Kinkar Sevananda, Kinkar Dhirananda, Kinkar Santinath, Kinkar Bhumananda, and many others were exemplary celibates.... Sri Raghunath Chattopadhyay, Sri Bimal Krishna Chattopadhayay, Padmalochan Mukherjee, Sri Anadinath Banerjee and many others were exemplary householders... Kinkar Mahimananda, Kinkar Paramananda, were some of His prominent Vanaprasthi disciples... Sri Madhav Swamiji, Sri Ananta Swamiji, Sri Parankush Swamiji, Sri Keshav Swamiji were some of His exemplary Sanyasis. The shades of holy robes in our Sampraday usually vary from white [for Brahmacharis/ Grihis], yellow ochre [for Naisthik Brahmacharis] and saffron for Sanyasis. Each shade and each religious order are very much a part and parcel of Thakur’s sampraday, and this extensive scope of Thakur’s philosophy is an important aspect of His leela...
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Sriman Madhav Swamiji, a Lila-Companion of Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath, used to say- 'Most difficult task is becoming a sevak. In the paths of Gyan, Bhakti, Yog etc, a certain degree of vanity remains. But one can become a sevak by destroying all dimensions of vanity of the Sthula, Sukshma and Karan Body!' ...
Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath had visualised Lord Jagannath at Puri. In this context, Sri Madhav Swamiji analysed-
"Lord had given the Adesha [instruction] for giving NAAM... why?? Lord could have advised Thakur to give yogic kriyas, to give wisdom etc etc ... but why Naam? ... Because—this NAAM is the essence of all yogas, all wisdom, all meditation, Bhakti, Karmayoga, and all other paths! ... Naam is not just a word, it is your Praana [Life force]... When the speech [Vak] and soul [Praana] is unified with the mind, then the spiritual bliss [bhava] is expressed. The place for Bhava is the Madhyama [heart], when the heart is filled with divine Bhavas, then only the thirst for seeking Lord is significantly aroused...’'
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'Spiritual realizations are indeed significant... Inner transformation is more important... further more important is becoming a tool of the Lord..."
[A message of Kinkar Bhumananda, a Leela Companion of THAKUR SITARAMDAS OMKARNATH]
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Omkarnath has written a beautiful quote of Bidyapati in ‘ NAM RASAYAN’—
"Anukhana Madhava Madhava sonritey
Sundari veli madhaii
O nija bhav swabhav bichhurila
Apan guna lubdhaii.
Bhorahi sahachari katara dithi heri
Chhala chhala lochan pani
Anukhana radha radha ratatahi
Adho adho kahu bani. "
Our Thakur explains—"Srimati is forgetting her own self by constantly chanting MADHAV-MADHAV. Her own feelings and characteristics are lost.. she becomes MADHAV… and in Radha-biraha, with tears in eyes and emotion in voice, she utters RADHA-RADHA."
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Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath says- "The way to become good is— see your own faults, finding other's fault is harmful to yourself... When someone is criticizing you, contemplate that your evil deeds are being mitigated. If you retaliate, you will create New Karma. Again, when somebody praises you, think that the good deeds are being nullified. If you have vanity, then there is new Karma.... The good and bad is expressed through Karma. This means— with such analytical vision, one is liberated from the clutches of good and bad Karma at that point, the road to Mukti is openned spontaneously!"
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Sitaramdas: ''The world has arisen from Sound and Melody. The endless Universe is an Image of the Supreme Sound Omkar... In Sound, there is creation suntenance and dissolution... This Sound [melody] is the unstruck Sound [Anahata Naad], which is existent in the hearts of every creature. All spiritual endeavours are for attaining this Naad..."
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THAKUR SITARAMDAS OMKARNATHDEV says-
'If there was no darkness, no one would seek for the moon.
If there was no cold, no one would have welcomed the spring.
If there was no storm, no one would have appreciated the cool breeze of the spring. If there was no sorrow or pain, no one would have uttered the name of God.'
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Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath was residing at ‘SriNivas’ at Puri. It was the December month of 1978, Basil and Lewny of Holland came to Thakur…
The spiritually thirsty souls have been attracted to Thakur by a series of divine dreams and by reading ‘Gurus Of India’. Thakur willingly accepted them saying- ‘ahaa, they have come from so far, just for this Self’, and Thakur arranged for their stay in the asram itself. The couple wanted to get married in Sitaram’s presence.
Thakur sent messenger to the Church, but the Father of Puri Church informed that without the permission of church of homeland, it wont be possible to fascilitate the marriage rites. But the Father was liberal, and said that the willing couple could get married in other customs, different from Christian rites.
But perfectionist Thakur was against other customs, and He declared His eternal partiality for ‘swadharma’. He insisted on a Christian marriage for that couple, and at last, the Father agreed [but no certificate would be issued]. Thakur was very happy- ‘No need of certificate- I just want a proper marriage in front of Jesus as per Shastra.’
Thakur went to the church Himself, and the Father rushed out to welcome Him. Thakur offered obeiscance to the Image of Mother Mary and Jesus. The marriage was completed in a divine way. Thakur wrapped a Shawl and a Namavali on Jesus’s image, and offered some fruits to the marriage ‘purohit’…
Later Thakur blessed the couple with Yogic diksha, and named them Yogananda and Yogmaya..
THAKUR has advocated the spiritual path to all...He has rendered his grace on vaisnavas, shaktas, shaivas, hindus, Christians, muslims, sikhs, prisoners, prostitutes, patients, sinners,untouchable... and ALL...
But His spiritual guidance was in the tune of Gita’s message-
‘swa dharma nidhanan sreya,paro dharma bhayavaya’
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THAKUR SITARAMDAS OMKARNATH had given spiritual initiation and guidance to numerous devotees, and had guided them on the paths of 'swadharma'. However, the HARE KRISHNA Mahamantra is the universal Tarakbrahma Mantra for Kaliyuga, and every devotee was motivated by Him to take the shelter of Nam [without changing the religious background].
Here is a glimpse of His grace on foreigners who had come to see Him after reading 'The Gurus of India'. This is an extract from 'SRI SRI LILA CHINTA'-
"Se ek opurbo drisyo bornona na jay,
Anondete atmohara sob swetokay.
Saheb Mem’er mukhe hasi nahi dhore,
Karo akhi jole bhore keho nrityo kore.
Probhuo sanonde kripa kore bitoron,
Dilen du ghonta pray hindite bhason.
Shunay Sujan Singh sobare sadore,
Sathe sathe Ingraji te onubad kore…
Pordin poti potni Swetango dujona,
Sujan marfot dikkha korilo prarthona.
Probhu kon:-‘ja ekhon proyojon oti-
Ta holo – eder Gurudever sommoti.’
Dikha prarthi dompoti asi swolpo pore,
Provu krore matha rekhe kanna suru kore.
Kaditey kaditey seshe kore nibedon-
‘bohu bhagye kal Tobo pelam dorson.
Otohpor nirontor barey akorson,
Baba jeno pran mon korilo horon.
Apni moder sob mora Tobo Das,
Kromoso moder kore e vabona gras.
Peer sahebere sob kohinu tokhon,
Tinii moder hetha koren preron.
Ei bar ja korar korun Aponi.
moder mongol kise mora nahi jani.’
Bilombo na kori ar Probhu Doyamoy,
E dujone srichorone dilen asroy…"
TRANSLATION-
[The wonderful scene is beyond explanation, fair complexioned devotees were drenched in ecstasy. The faces of these foreigners was full of smiles, some were shedding tears and some were dancing. Thakur gave a speech in Hindi for about 2 hours, and Gen. Sujan Singh was translating it simultaneously…
Next day, a foreigner couple approached Thakur through Sujan Singh for Diksha. Thakur replied- ‘primarily, a permission of their Guru is essential.’ After sometime, the couple craving for spiritual initiation came and started crying in Thakur’s lap. They said-
‘we are extremely fortunate to have got Your Darshan yesterday. Since then, our mind is being attracted more and more, as if Baba has stolen our minds and souls. ‘You are ours, we are Yours’—this thought is engulfing us. We told our spiritual guide, and he himself has sent us to You. Now, You do whatever is desirable, because we donot know our welfare.’ Benevolent Thakur instantly graced the spiritually thirsty devotees…]
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"The nectar which arose from Samudra-manthan liberated the Devatas from ailment and demise, but couldn’t nullify their pain and sufferings. However, one who drinks the nectar of NAAM is perpetually freed from all agonies.
Whoever drinks this Naam-sudha, their disease-grief-sorrow-pain-
Only Naam-sudha bestows true eternity to Man. One who drinks it attains Liberation. The sick, bereaved, sinful, agonized.. everyone has the right to drink this nectar. There’s no need to worry about time, place, purity, impurity,.. anyone who drinks it, respectfully or casually, will surely be gratified.
JAI NAM JAI NAM JAI NAM..."
-- This is what Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath writes in the Preface of 'SUDHAR DHARA' [Flow of Nectar]. The divine couplets in this book depict the essence of Thakur's philosophy of attaining supreme spiritual state through the path of NAAM. One verse is being translated here-
Bengali-
'Naam koribare tumi esechho hethay,
Jago Jago Jago twora, ar ki ghumay.
Utho boso Nam loye,shuye jopo Nam,
Nam niye koro kaj, Namete bisram.
Hela srodhya bhabibar nahi proyojon,
Jemonete paro tumi jopo onukkhon.
Tatei toribe tumi nahiko sonsoy,
Ar britha koro nako poromayu khoy.
Naam Nami nohe bhinno ei shastro bani,
Onukkhon jopo Nam Namey Nami mani.
Jopite jopite Nam lobhibe anondo,
Puloke aloke sob ghuche jabe dwondo.
Boikhori loiya jabe modhyomar kachhe,
Sattwik sokol bhab seikhane achhe.
Kontokito hobe deho, chokhe bobe dhara,
Kohey Das Sitaram hobey atmohara.'
Meaning-
'For chanting Nam you have come here,
Arise, arise, arise now, why sleep dear.
Chant while lying down, while rising and sitting,
Chant Nam while doing work, and while resting.
Need not worry about respect or negligence,
However you can, chant Nam always.
With that you’ll get salvation, no doubts remain,
Dot not waste your life anymore in vain.
Nam and Nami is same, it’s Shastra’s word,
Chant Nam always, Nam is the Lord.
By chanting Nam, you will attain Bliss,
In joy and Light, all conflicts will vanish.
From Baikhari to Madhyama, you’ll proceed,
All the holiness, is present there indeed.
Hairs stand on ends, and eyes shed tears,
Says Das Sitaram- Ecstasy sheers...'
====================
''When a completely surrendered devotee earnestly craves for Lord's vision[Darshan], to the extent of renouncing everything, even this life, then the Lord, aided by His holy Prakriti, appears in the aspired Form! His Image is unworldly, thus there is no obstacle related to country or place, for visualising Him..."
====================
Thakur has written in 'SUDHAR DHARA'-
[translated]
Saint’s comparison isn’t there in earth indeed,
Near him the magic stone suffers defeat.
The Magic stone transforms iron to gold,
Making others like himself, has never been told.
Whoever is touched by saint,the great magic stone,
Is transformed to saint by the saint alone.
If you want rapidly to attain salvation,
Chant Nam in saint company,fulfill your mission.
====================
Thakur’s SANYAS DAAN Leela [as narrated by Kinkar Atmananda, Sri Raghunath Chatoopadhay (Thakur’s son)], in the book 'Sri Sri Sitaram Lila Bilas'...
'Sri Sri THAKUR’s wonderful leela is going on. On 9th Magh, He rendered special advices to some chosen capable devotees at Mahamilan Math when they came after a holy bath , after He made them take a new vow. On 10th Magh, journey to South India was fixed. Raghu [myself] had been told to go along, since 6 months ago—now the holy moment has come. For a family marriage, Raghu was unable to go now, so He said—‘’You will join Sitaram at Puri’. ... Many places were visited. In this preaching, there were 61 companions. At Srirangam, He made 8 disciples take Sanyas according to rituals through an Acharya of regional Mutt. The Sanyas Diksha was rendered by MohantaJi of Ramanujiya Shree Sampradaya—Tridandi Swami Phalahari Srimad Laxman Ramanuja Jeor Maharaj...'
====================
Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath has written--
''Jopo Nam jopo Nam sojone nirjone,
Boney upoboney ar bijon kanone.
Je kamona kori tumi jopibe sri nam,
Obilombe purno hobe sei monoskam.
Kamir basona purno hoy nam jope,
Niskami lobhoye prem Namer protape.
Heno Nam bhule tumi theko nako ar,
Bolo Das Sitaram Nam barbar.''
MEANS-
''Alone or with others, chant Holy Name,
In forest or field, or in desolate garden.
On chanting Nam whatever you’ll aspire,
Soon will be fulfilled, that very desire.
Passionate’s passion is fulfilled by Nam,
Liberated soul gets Love by power of Nam.
Don’t remain oblivious of such Nam,
Chant Nam again and again, Das Sitaram.''
''Jopo Nam jopo Nam sojone nirjone,
Boney upoboney ar bijon kanone.
Je kamona kori tumi jopibe sri nam,
Obilombe purno hobe sei monoskam.
Kamir basona purno hoy nam jope,
Niskami lobhoye prem Namer protape.
Heno Nam bhule tumi theko nako ar,
Bolo Das Sitaram Nam barbar.''
MEANS-
''Alone or with others, chant Holy Name,
In forest or field, or in desolate garden.
On chanting Nam whatever you’ll aspire,
Soon will be fulfilled, that very desire.
Passionate’s passion is fulfilled by Nam,
Liberated soul gets Love by power of Nam.
Don’t remain oblivious of such Nam,
Chant Nam again and again, Das Sitaram.''
====================
Baghbazar’s
Bhadra Ma was bitten by a scorpion on the day of Durga Sasthi. No one
was there at home, the ailing patient was unconscious, and was rushed to
RG Kar Hospital by some unknown persons. Two three days passed in the
same way—the patient is calling—‘Oh Sitaram, Oh Thakur, i cannot bear it
any more...’ Being fed up with the screams, the patient was kept in an
isolated cabin. On Navami, at 10 am, her husband suddenly saw that
Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath walked into Bhadra’s cabin with His Omkar
Danda, nobody stopped Him. Even after quite some time, Thakur didn’t
some out. Even, the screams of the patient weren’t audible now. The
husband thought- has she expired? Being desperate in anxiety, he stepped
into the cabin, and saw that she was sleeping peacefully, with no trace
of pain. Thakur was not present there. After recovery, Bhadra Ma
said—‘Thakur came, and touched me with His soft palm, and instantly all
pain vanished. ‘ It was known that Thakur was physically outside Kolkata
at that time....
===================
Chinsura’s
Satyendtanath Neogy, took diksha from Thakur with his wife at the age
of 33, inspite of disbelief in several aspects, just for the sake of
material pleasures.
Dumurdaha Ramsram, separate shelters for men and women had been made, with a bamboo partition in between. At night, Satyendranath noticed that Thakur was moving towards the shelter for women, but Why? Unable to resist his curiosity, Satyendranath crawled towards the ladies’ shelter. Suddenly he geard—‘who is there??’ , and he was perplexed. Then he saw that from a cave, a large halo of Light was emanating, within which he saw the Maharudra Image of Shiva, he screamed aloud and fainted.... Actually Satyendranath didn’t know that Thakur’s underground room for Sadhana was placed in that side....
Dumurdaha Ramsram, separate shelters for men and women had been made, with a bamboo partition in between. At night, Satyendranath noticed that Thakur was moving towards the shelter for women, but Why? Unable to resist his curiosity, Satyendranath crawled towards the ladies’ shelter. Suddenly he geard—‘who is there??’ , and he was perplexed. Then he saw that from a cave, a large halo of Light was emanating, within which he saw the Maharudra Image of Shiva, he screamed aloud and fainted.... Actually Satyendranath didn’t know that Thakur’s underground room for Sadhana was placed in that side....
====================
Once, Rs 2000 was stolen at Sadananada Math… Thakur was informed, He said- ‘What will I do? Try to trace the thief.’ But the thief couldn’t be found. The asram authority, in an desperate attempt to get back the lost money, started to beat two youths and one old man. The old man was crying out ‘Sitaram save me’, during the beating. The incident was informed to Thakur, HE said—‘didn’t your hands shiver before beating that old man? The whacking has come on Myself…’ and He showed red beating marks on His own body. The asram authorities had to do Prayaschitta for their cruel act. Later it ws known that the old man was innocent, and the two youths were involved in the theft.
====================
Once, Thakur told to bring the Microphone [Mohon Benu], and two devotees rushed to bring it, and got electrik shock, Doctor said that there was no chance of survival. Thakur got engrossed in samadhi, and HIS complexion turned blouish. Then He told that His Gurudev's Padukamrita should be fed to those dying disciples, and when this was done, they revived instantly.... Those resurrected devotees said-- 'dont know, whether we were alive or dead, after the electric shock'
====================
Uma Devi of Cuttack requested Thakur to visit their quarter at Kolkata Fort Williams. After a fortnight, Uma Devi entered the bedroom after her husband had departed for work, and she suddenly heard a sound of electric spark. She gazed upward and saw that the roof had disappeared, a massive Halo was seen, and within it Thakur was standing majestically... Thakur disappeared after a moment, and Uma Devi started to shed tears..
====================
In 1937-38, during Chaturmasya at Bhavanipur, Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath was residing at the asram of Dayal Maharaj. Everyday in afternoon, Thakur used to read from His 'Katha Ramayan'... Netaji's mother [Prabhavati devi] came to listen to the 'paath', and being overwhelmed by the divinity, she exclaimed- 'Baba, aash to mitilo na' [Oh Father, the craving is not yet pacified]... On her request, Thakur went to her house to read KATHA RAMAYAN... [Note- Thakur used to say that unless the mother is pure and holy, great men will never be born from her womb]
Later, Thakur went to Netaji's house to see Gandhiji, and saw Gandhiji from a distance. A meeting was going on, and so there was no interaction with Gandhiji. On that day, Thakur also met Netaji. Thakur nurtured admiration for Netaji throughout His leela. He used to say-- ''I would go for voting in the election polls if Netaji would be the candidate''..
Once, Rs 2000 was stolen at Sadananada Math… Thakur was informed, He said- ‘What will I do? Try to trace the thief.’ But the thief couldn’t be found. The asram authority, in an desperate attempt to get back the lost money, started to beat two youths and one old man. The old man was crying out ‘Sitaram save me’, during the beating. The incident was informed to Thakur, HE said—‘didn’t your hands shiver before beating that old man? The whacking has come on Myself…’ and He showed red beating marks on His own body. The asram authorities had to do Prayaschitta for their cruel act. Later it ws known that the old man was innocent, and the two youths were involved in the theft.
====================
Once, Thakur told to bring the Microphone [Mohon Benu], and two devotees rushed to bring it, and got electrik shock, Doctor said that there was no chance of survival. Thakur got engrossed in samadhi, and HIS complexion turned blouish. Then He told that His Gurudev's Padukamrita should be fed to those dying disciples, and when this was done, they revived instantly.... Those resurrected devotees said-- 'dont know, whether we were alive or dead, after the electric shock'
====================
Uma Devi of Cuttack requested Thakur to visit their quarter at Kolkata Fort Williams. After a fortnight, Uma Devi entered the bedroom after her husband had departed for work, and she suddenly heard a sound of electric spark. She gazed upward and saw that the roof had disappeared, a massive Halo was seen, and within it Thakur was standing majestically... Thakur disappeared after a moment, and Uma Devi started to shed tears..
====================
In 1937-38, during Chaturmasya at Bhavanipur, Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath was residing at the asram of Dayal Maharaj. Everyday in afternoon, Thakur used to read from His 'Katha Ramayan'... Netaji's mother [Prabhavati devi] came to listen to the 'paath', and being overwhelmed by the divinity, she exclaimed- 'Baba, aash to mitilo na' [Oh Father, the craving is not yet pacified]... On her request, Thakur went to her house to read KATHA RAMAYAN... [Note- Thakur used to say that unless the mother is pure and holy, great men will never be born from her womb]
Later, Thakur went to Netaji's house to see Gandhiji, and saw Gandhiji from a distance. A meeting was going on, and so there was no interaction with Gandhiji. On that day, Thakur also met Netaji. Thakur nurtured admiration for Netaji throughout His leela. He used to say-- ''I would go for voting in the election polls if Netaji would be the candidate''..
====================
Once, a couple was not having children even after medical consultations. Gopal Mitra pleaded to Thakur on their behalf and said-- 'please bless them with a child... Doctors have declared that the wife is infertile.' Thakur called the couple and blessed them. After some months, Thakur was at Gujarat, Sri Gopal Mitra informed HIM that the childless lady was pregnant. Thakur smiled and said-- Óh Gopal, even infertile women can have child!! what do u say?'
====================
Thakur went to the offical bunglow of Gen Sujan Singh Uban at Chakrata [in the lap of Himalayas], where He met Dalai Lama. At the military barracks of Chakrata, Thakur became the Central attraction for the Indian Jawans!
When Thakur was in the military camps near Himalayas, the Jawans would offer salutes when Thakur walked along with Gen Sujan Singh. Thakur, with His overflowing humour, would ask- 'Sujan, whom are they saluting? You or Me?' ... Sujan Singh would reciprocate with a witty reply- 'Baba, those who salute with one hand are saluting me. Those who salute with both hands are saluting You..'
Gen Sujan Singh Uban had recollected-
‘the military camps located adjacent to Baba’s ashram were so influenced by Baba.. that they gave up drinking, and started Namkirtan in their offduty hours. Their officers noticed that the discipline and sense of duty of these soldiers improved remarkably…’
Thakur's involvement with the Indian Defence is studded with numerous incidents of grace, starting from divine help during wars, to personal aid rendered to individual Jawans. At Chakrata, on meeting Thakur, one Jawan said-- Ýou are the same Saint Who had saved me during Indi China war, when I was falling from a height... You had caught me, nursed me, and then disappeared...'
====================
'sworup harano jeeb shono ekbar
hotechhe dhwonito oi dik digontore
bhoy nai bhoy nai bhoy nai aar
sobe AMI sob AMI, AMI acchi ore'
[''Oh bewildered Children. Can you hear—
The Message is resounding near and far—
‘don’t fear don’t fear, don’t ever fear,
I am in everything, I am All, oh my Dear'']
====================
1982, 6th December... the news of Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath’s mortal demise was being announced in Radio. On hearing this, Smt Santa Sengupta of Liluah, who had never seen Thakur previously, rushed to Mahamilan Math. But when she arrived, Thakur’s mortal body was taken off to Digsui. She rushed to Digsui and found that Thakur’s body has been taken away to Dumurdaha. At Dumurdaha, crowd was overflowing, and after crossing all the police barricades whice were trying to maintain the queue, she reached the spot where Thakur’s mortal frame was lying. But to her utter surprise, she visualised for armed Narayan with Sankha Chakra Gada Padma. She prayed—‘I have come to see You in the form of Your recent Leela’.. and then she saw Thakur’s body, draped in flowers, lying still and motionless... She started crying. This was her first and last Darshan of Thakur.
Thakur had said—“ Oh Bhakta! Chant My Name always. Nobody can even hamper the shadow of a devotee who is surrendered to Me. My Sudarshan Chakra is always protecting My devotee”
====================
The glory of Thakur's Charanamrita had spread far and wide, and the store of Charanamirta was soon finished at Padma Devi's home. At that time, a neighbour's daughter had polio, and they told Padmadevi to pray to Thakur. When Padmadevi told Thakur for curing the girl, Thakur said-- 'tell them to go to a doctor. What will I do?'
Padmadevi- 'the patient's father is doctor himself. They tried a lot, but in vain. You can cure her if You want.'
Anantashree Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev said-- 'If I would be doing all these, I would have made a personal fees of Rs 1000. Only rich people would surround Me in that case, could you all come so close?'
Padma devi-- 'You are only trying to avoid my plea.'
Thakur paused for a while and said-- 'Tell them to smear tulsi leaf and mud of tulsi plant on the weak body parts.'
The WORD of HIS mouth was followed. The girl recovered gradually, and later she became the mother of two children.
====================
THE ADVENT OF MAHAMANTRA IN OUR SAMPRADAY-
The 'Hare Krishna' Mahamantra.. the Mantra of the Kali santaran upanisad, of Radha Tantra, of Chaitanya Bhagavat...
That Mahamantra descended into our sampraday through Paramgurudev and our Beloved Thakur.
Paramgurudev [Dasrathidev Yogeswar] told Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath —‘I went to a wonderful divine abode. There, great Souls had gathered in a circle, all of them were tall, there bodies were as soft as cream, I too gained a similar Body when i entered that area.
The meeting had been arranged for finding out an easy way, by which all people of all spiritual status can be gratified. In the first day’s meeting, a Mahatma said- ‘being kind [having ahimsa]’ , ie ahimsa will deliver souls easily. This proposal didn’t get universal support, as mankind’s suffering cannot end only by Ahimsa. At the end of the second day’s meeting, when my turn came, I declared this Mahamantra along with scriptural proofs-
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
Everyone unanimously accepted it by loudly uttering HARI OM HARI OM HARI OM. The meeting was dissolved.”
Later,Thakur received this Mantra in a special way, at Dumurdaha Ramasram where Thakur had perfprmed tapasya in a small cave.. Here, Thakur attained the 'Hare Krishna Mahamantra' in the form of ceaseless NAAD..
Thus, the NAM PRACHAR LILA of Thakur was always primarily focussed on Hare Krishna Mahamntra...
====================
Annapurna Devi of Hoogly was ill. Thakur came to a nearby village for Nam Prachar, and came to see her on hearing about her illness. He came and said-- there will be 24 hours of chanting here [Ashta prahar Nam].
But the frail and poor Annapurna Devi became anxious and worried. But THAKUR SAID-- 'All arrangements will happen automatically, you will only hear NAM while reclining on bed.'
Thakur dived into her courtyard with His batallion for making the 'Nam Mancha', mud oven, etc, and Nam started in full swing.
As the day rolled,people started coming with sacks full of rice and vegetables. Even some cooks arrived... Countless people took Prasadam at the poverty srticken home of Annapurna devi, still the resources were not being exhausted.
====================
A devotee of Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath was chanting in the morning. When it was time to make tea for his father, he got up, but mind was still drenched in bliss. There was a time lapse between turning on the gas knob, and lighting the fire. The LPG mixed in air became ablaze, but suddenly in a flash, the devotee felt that some unseen Power embraced him from the front, and the fire got extinguished. The devotee’s ecstasy increased even further, and thus, his hand wasn’t focussed while pouring the tea in the cup. Boiling tea fell on his feet, but there were no burns at all.
This incident has happened today, and such incidents reaffirm that our beloved Thakur is still protecting His devotees.
====================
Bhadra devi of Behala used to perform all her family duties with intense devotion and dependence on Thakur. And Thakur, being 'Bhaktadheen', used to respond to her prayers in inexplicable ways. For example, if she would sit for 'japa' after telling Thakur to look after the pulses being cooked in handmade oven, she would see that the cooked item wasnt burnt even after 3 hours. Or, the Suji kept on rooftop would remain dry even after rainfall...
HE and HIS ways are unthinkable indeed
====================
Once , Thakur was at Nilachal Asram. After washing His mouth and hands after taking Prasadam, Thakur kept on saying 'where is My Mother!?' He refused a towel [gamccha] offered to Him for wiping. Then Madhav Swamiji came, Thakur took the end of Swamiji's safforn robe and wiped His mouth, just like a baby using teh mother's Anchal [pallu]...
====================
At Jalpaiguri, Thakur went to the Harijan Palli [the slums of downtrodden castes]. The Harijans had requested Thakur to come to their locality, and Thakur came with His Harinam kirtan. The Harijans had decorated a part of their locality with coloured papers and flowers, where they were chanting Nam. When Thakur arrived, 200-300 men and women rushed to offer Pranam to Thakur’s feet.
Thakur said- ‘Listen, u all have attained joy by getting Sitaram, and Sitaram also have experienced the same joy by getting ur company… Just like this, try to gather in dusk and dawn, as per convenience, for chanting Namkirtan, u all will be gratified by this. Lord and Lord’s Name are not different… Brahmins attain a spiritual state by difficult ritualistic practices, u all will attain the same blissful state by chanting Nam and holy service… Fighting for vedic rights doesn’t enhance spirituality… Lord is pleased by Love, not by rebels. Everyone has the same right [adhikara] on the path of Prema and Naam. As far as u can, hold onto Nam. Donot indulge in addiction like liquor, and and chant always. Then only, u will become pure, u will become living gods. No one is fallen, no one is fit for hatred… Lord is doing Leela in multiple forms…’ …Thakur gave spiritual inition to the Harijan aspirants, and said- 'keep chanting... LOVE is your dakshina...'
====================
The Leela of cutting Hairlocks...
[Source- ‘Sri Sri Sitaram Lilabilas’, by Kinkar Atmananda(Sri Raghunath Chattopadhyay)]
“After Sri Annapurna Puja, a new Leela was started. He would have to shave His head. His attendants [Sevaks] were not ready to disrupt Guru’s Image with hairlocks, a Form for meditation [Dhyanmurti]. But He was firm in His decision. He stated—‘My Gurudev has instructed Me in dream.’ Later, ParamguruMa’s order [for not cutting hairlock] was brought via Trunk call. Thakur replied—‘But her Husband is saying otherwise’. Later, to counter the resistance of devotees, Thakur gave up eating. Next day, He said- ‘call the barber’… His head was shaved. Then He said- ‘take Me to Yamuna’. After bath, He said- ‘bring food.’
Sri Sri Thakur is residing in His secret residence [Nibhrita Nivas], He remarked—‘This Body {I} had Mrityu Yoga, they [sevaks] saved It{ Me} by confining It {Me} in solitude. Those who are spreading rumours, let all bring as many doctors as possible to find out, how fine I am~!’…. “
====================
A person who is criticised, is indebted to the maligner-- this is Thakur's word. Thakur has written in 'Sudhar Dhara'-
'Cautiously keep your tongue and ears,
Do not ever hear criticism of others...
Critic shares the sins of criticized,
His earlier virtues are also minimised.'
Moreover, Thakur's stern warning for those who malign others--
'a fool who maligns others,
suffers in agony always.
taking away sins from the criticised,
the critic gets dumped in Hell'
====================
The Swarupa of our Thakur is inseparable from Sri raam, and there are numerous incidents which corroborate this fact. Here is one such Leela which affirms the Master's Identity...
Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath was residing in Gujarat... He bathed in VinduSarovar and was returning, on the way, He wanted to sit under a banyan tree, on a cemented platform. No one was nearby, and Thakur sat on the chosen platform. A Ramanandiya sadhu used to perform Sadhana on that platform, and he was not present at that time. When he returned, he enquired and knew Thakur's name, and started dancing in ecstasy. The sadhu was uttering -- 'humara Ram mil gaya, humara Ram mil gaya'. Actually, the sadhu had a divine dream precious night, and he was told-- 'WHOM you have worshipped till date, will soon come to give you Darshan, as a Bengali saint- name Sitaramdas Omkarnath...'
When the sadhu was dancing in joy, Thakur tried to hide Himself by saying- 'oh.. why is he jumping like this?'...
====================
A LEELA OF THAKUR.. the ADIGURU bhava...
Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath was sitting in Nam Mancha… At That time, Sri Sushil Bandopadhyay and Shibu Ghosh came and tucked Dhutra [Datura] flowers in His ears, offered flowers and Bilwa leaves to His feet, and poured water on His head uttering ‘Namoh Shivaya Namoh’. Thakur became engrossed in Samadhi, the Kartal became silent… Sushil Da said – ‘come come, pour water’… and he urged Thakur—‘Baba Viswanath, I want to see the dance of ghosts’. Suddenly, Mukunda and Abani started to dance in divine ecstasy. Sevak Jagannath started singing – ‘hara hara shankara sasankasekhara,, bhavadhara bhola maheswara..’ Some devotees present there saw—Shankara murti was being visualized in Thakur, and they became unconscious, with ceaseless tears rolling down their eyes…
[SOURCE- Sitaram Liladhyan, kinkar Dhirananda]
====================
Śrī śrī ṭhākura-
'śāstrakē śastrē parinata kariẏā nijēra ō parēra sarbanāśa yē karē, sē'i ta mūrkha' - Thakur says-
'he who uses the Shastra [scripture] as personal weapon, and harms others and oneself, is the actual fool'
====================
A lady was cooking plenty of Prasadam since morning. Her husband was amazed, but she replied—‘I am feeling that Thakur will come today.’
She had prepared abundant Pradam for her Jagannath [home Deity], because she had a feeling that Thakur would come to her house. At the moddle of the night, the Kartals were heard, the Kirtan was flooding the lane in front of her house. Yes, Thakur had come, with many devotees!!
All arrangements were ready! Mahimananadaji was amazed, he asked the lady—‘Didi, did anyone make a phone call’. The lady said—‘no telephone call, I realised that Thakur will come.’
The witty Thakur covered His lips and said—‘yes yes, there was a Telepathy call!’
The house was Jagannath Nivas [Chinsura], and the holy lady was Kinkari Yogmaya... She is still living in her house, saturated with Thakur Katha and love for one and all. Her residence had been frequented by Thakur and His Leela Parshads many times, and those divine moments have made her house a pilgrimage indeed.
====================
Sri Sri Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath said- ‘a man judges others according to his own nature[mind]. Once, a man was sleeping under a tree. A thief was passing by, he saw the man and muttered- “Oh! This guy must have done theft all night, and now he is dozing off!” A saint was going on the same path after his holy bath, he saw the sleeping man and thought-“he must have been chanting all night. He must have been tired and have fallen asleep in morning. Let him sleep, let him sleep.”…’
====================
Ma Anandamayi had come to Mahamilan Math. Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath started to narrate His Naad [divine Sounds heard as a part of spiritual realization]. Thakur used to speak about His own Naad at times, and ordinary people would think that Thakur has attained these realizations. But Maa knew Thakur very well...
She said instantly-- ''YOUR Naad?? But why have You kept it?”
Thakur replied--”Maa, what to do! I have a Sankalpa [aim/mission]~!”
Maa exclaimed-- “YOUR Sankalpa!! what Sankalpa?”
Thakur replied-- “Dharma Sanstahpan [establishing Dharma]”
On hearing this, Maa stared at Thakur, with awe in Her eyes... because it is only Lord Himself Who has the mission of DHARMA SANSTHAPAN...
====================
“Leave the petty worries, and utter ‘Guru Guru’ always while rising sitting eating resting, continue to say ‘I am surrendered to You.’ Thereafter, you cannot imagine how and what all will happen…”
====================
THAKUR says- 'I am under My Bhakta's [devotee's] control,My devotee is the treasure of My heart. I remain just as My devotee keeps Me-- I become whatever My devotee calls Me...'
====================
Thakur's leela is dynamic, and beyond all explanations. Here is a recap of His grace and love--
'Judge Baba' [Justice Sunil Majumdar] was an ardent devotee of Thakur, but his demise was a sad incident. He accidentally fell from the roof, and succumbed to the injury. But was it 'apaghat mrityu' [unnatural death]??
Judge Ma [Kinkari Reba] narrates- 'on the third day of the accident, he [my husband] was lying in bed, uttering Guru's name etc. My son and another boy was inside the room. Suddenly they exclaimed "Thakur has come" and my son spread a towel as a seat for Thakur. Thakur sat there, and my son prostrated before Him. Just then, my husband called out 'BABA' and left the mortal frames. My son got up, and found that Thakur was no where!!'
In this context, I remember... once I asked my Gurudev- 'if a Sadguru's disciple meets unnatural death, will he not attain sadgati??' Gurudev had replied- 'if a disciple is extremely Guruprapanna, Guru hold the soul before it leaves the body. so the negative effects of Apaghat Mrityu cannot touch a genuine Gurubhakta'!
The incident of JudgeBaba is indeed a glaring example of this fact. JudgeMa recollects- 'Thakur had written to her- GURU HAS TAKEN THE FORM OF SITARAM TO GO AND TAKE UP JUDGEBABA...'
====================
9th November, 1968, Ashokjivan Ghosh and his wife had locked there house and had come to Thakur at Mahamilan Math. They returned at night and when they entered the Prayer room, they found heaps of fruits on and around the 'Paduka' of Anantashree Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev. They were perplexed, as they had locked the rooms carefully before leaving-- from where did these fruits come!! The room was also filled with divine floral fragrance!! Neighbours gathered to visualise this explicit miracle.
Later, when Thakur was informed, He said sweetly-- 'Oh Dear! This very amazing incident! But don't blame Me for all these...'
====================
Sitaramdas: “Krishna’s devotee will read Srimad Bhagavatam, Devi ‘s devotee will read Devigita & Chandi & Bhagavatigita, Shiva’s devotee will read Shiv Puran Shivgita etc... likewise, by initial reading of appropriate scripture, the barriers break finally—thereafter, whichever book appeals and melts the heart, should be read...”
====================
Sitaramdas Omkarnath: Tiruppan Alvar [Thiruppan Azvar] hailed from a ‘Chandal’ family. Because he was ‘untouchable’, he wouldn’t enter the temple of Ranganath Ji. He would play his Veena as a homage to Lord in his solitary shelter beside Kavery river…
Oneday, he was engrossed in divine Bhava, and was stranded on the main road to temple. The Head proest of temple was carrying a golden pot full of holy water, and he told Tiruppan—‘move away move away’. Tiruppan was still in bliss, and couldn’t hear it. The angry priest threw a stone, and Tiruppan normalized, begged mercy, and came back to his shelter for singing Lord’s Name…
Meanwhile, the Head Priest came to the temple and found that the sanctum sanctorum door is locked from inside. Being unable to perform the daily rituals, the Priest began to weep outside the closed door, and felt drowsy. Thereafter , he saw that Lord Ranganatha is saying- “I wont take your service!!! Look, You have hurt me. Your stone has injured My forehead… Me and My devotee’s body is One! … If you want your welfare, go immediately, please Tiruppan, and carry him on your shoulders and bring him to this temple.”
The Head Priest did this. Tiruppan said—“Pardon me, you are a Brahmin—the supreme caste, and the Head priest of Ranganath. And, I am a petty untouchable Chandal.”
The Head Priest replied—“this is not my word, this is Lord Ranganath’s order.” So saying, he took Tiruppan on his shoulders and started running towards the temple.
The temple premises was flooded with crowd. People were loudly proclaiming the glory to Lord and glory to Lord’s devotee [Bhakta].
After Tiruppan entered the santum sanctorum, Lord said- ‘come Dear, come to My heart’… there was a flash of divine light, everyone closed there eyes! When they opened their eyes, Tiruppan was nowhere, he had blended into the Lord!
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Devotee- Here, I am always craving ‘I want this I want that’ etc... wont these cravings ever end? No item can satisfy me completely. What do I actually want, what will give me Fulfilment/ satiety? Tell me oh Mother!
Mother- You want Yourself.
Devotee- how’s that? I am already having myself.
Mother- No, you have not attained your Self. YOU and your body are different. Your body is lifeless, your ‘I’ is Life force. Your body is temporary, your ‘I’ is eternal. Your body is source of sorrows, your ‘I’ is limitless Bliss. Your body is the playground of sickness grief pain agony, your ‘I’ is Ocean of Ultimate Happiness.
Devotee- Where does my ‘I’ reside?
Mother- You I is enshrined in Your heart. That ‘I’ is radiant, embodiment of LIGHT....
[from Thakur's MATRIGATHA]
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'Not poet’s imagination, but actual vision,
Surely one can see, if he has devotion.
Mocking it as imagination, if one moves apart,
He is most unfortunate, in this earth.
‘I am servant, You are Master’, sounds so sweet,
By chanting this all sorrows will retreat.
With desire for seeing Him, try steadily,
You will be able to visualise Him, certainly.
In your ‘Ista Mantra’, tie the strings within,
By always chanting ,go on proceeding.
Even now my Lord does appear,
Chant Nam, chant Nam only, O my dear.
By chanting Nam, there comes craving,
For Him , you’ll be always waiting.
The Lord will come with smiling face,
Das Sitaram, remember to chant always.'
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Thakur SIatarmdas Omkarnath has written--
'Who has the right to chant Krishna Nam?
- Sinner, agonised, downtrodden, poor, all castes including Chandals-- all have the right [authority]. All have the right on My Holy Name... In this 'Nam Sankirtran' MahaYoga, there is no discrimination about rights...'
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It was the time of Durga Puja.. many devotees gad thronged to the asram of thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath. One devotee asked for Thakur’s Prasad at the time of departure. A Sevak brought some coconut sweets [‘Naru’s] in a banana leaf. Thakur smiled and ate all the sweets, and He said- ‘oh, nothing is left for Prasad.’ Sweets were brought again, and the same scene was repeated. Sweets were brought 5 to 6 times, and the blissful Thakur ate everything… about 8-9 pounds of sweets [Narus] were finished. Everyone was astonished- Thakur eats like a bird, and barely tastes the items at the lunch hours… the miraculous binge eating was a delightful sight indeed!! At last, the Sevak brought a sweet and uttered ‘Idam Arghang Hreeng Durgayaih Namoh’ and touched it on Thakur’s head… Thakur became still!! The sevak said- ‘Who is He? Guru or Ma?”
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'The worldly affairs comprise a Dream! The smiles tears joy sorrow agony pain of this world-- its all a Dream! ... Those who resort to the Holy feet of Lord, are awakened from this dream. Arise , Awake, call the Lord... you may forget everything, but don't forget the Lord. By doing this, you will be submerged in ocean of Bliss!'
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‘One whom you hurt with weapon of Word,
In him is your Deity, he is your Lord.
He won’t be harmed you will get pain,
Thy previous good deeds will go in vain.’
'Vaak [speech/ words] have the power of hurting other like Indra’s weapon… so Vak is Vajra! Whom will you hurt with this deadly weapon? Everything is Lord, HE resides in every person. The measure of your hurting words will come back to you oneday, it is kept recorded on the scale of Justice.'
- Sri Sri Thakur
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Once, Gour Sundar Banerjee saw a crowd in a train towards Bolpur… Namkirtan was going on… Gour ji came near and saw a Saint with long hairlocks. However, he was a bit disturbed to see that this Saint hit a man with Gurupaduka when the man bowed before Him.
That afternoon, GourJi went to a friend’s house to meet that friend’s Gurudev. Miraculously, Gourji was called inside by a small paper sent by Thakur. When he came near Thakur, Thakur smiled, and wrote—the man who was hit by Thakur’s Gurupaduka has been relieved thereby from the curse of neglecting his mother in old age.
This incident not only reveals Thakur’s omniscience, but also explains the hidden grace in every act of Thakur. Even His rebukes, punishments were soaked in upliftment of the sinner.
In CHANDI… its written-'chitte kripa samar nisthurta cha dristwa' -this describes GODDESS DURGA at the time of Mahisasur badh…MAA DURGA is full of kindness within, but Her exterior image is furious , She is apparently slaying Asura with trishul, but is actually liberating him…
This sloka was being quoted by Sri Madhav swamiji to explain that Thakur’s leela is varied, forms of benevolence are varied, but everything is blended with His grace.
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Anantashree Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev, had said that Rabindranath's spiritual philosophy guides devotees on an international scale, and thus, Rabindranath is adorable like an Acharya, much like Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya. Moreover, Thakur once worshipped Tagore's photo along with photos of other saints. There was criticism from various orthodox institutions... but they were silenced by Thakur's notion which made them aware of their critical minds, along with the spiritual greatness of Tagore. Tagore's works have a pivotal role in popularising the spiritual ideology of India on mass scale, and thus he deserves the respect of a Spiritual teacher, besides his literary identity...
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‘Selfless work [Niskam Karma] is the way to cleanse the mind. This has 3 stages-
1. Working as per divine commands [scriptural injunctions].
2. Working for the sake of Lord’s pleasure. When this second stage is transcended completely, the ultimate third stage is attained.
3. Working as a medium/ instrument of Lord.
As long as the mortal body is there, working is compulsory—nobody can exist without any action. Ordinary beings work with personal motives and get entangled in bondage of Karma,… a Bhakta performs selfless work and nullifies all precious Karmas, and reaches the Divine Kingdom.’
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Thakur Sri Sitaramdas Omkarnath and Ma Anandamoyi shared a blissful bond throughout Their Leelas. Oneday, Thakur came to meet Ma Anandamoyi in a spiritual gathering. Ma requested Thakur to deliver speech.
Thakur said-- 'Ma, I have come to listen to Your words.'
Ma said-- 'Baba will say, this has been preplanned.'
Thakur- 'Ma, what will I say? I cannot narrate anything except the glory of Naam!'
Ma- 'What else, Baba! Nam is everything.'
Thereafter, the nectar of Thakur's speech continued for quite long, after which Thakur got engrossed in Samadhi, and Nam was chanted to bring Him back from Samadhi state.
Now its the turn for Ma to speak. Thakur requested Ma repeatedly. Ma, like a pampered daughtr stated-- 'What to say? ...Baba! You haven't made Me study... Baba, what will I say?'
At last, MA said- 'HORI KOTHAI KOTHA AR SOB BRITHA BYATHA!! [ Talking about Sri Hari (Lord) is the real talk, everything else is irrelevant agony]... Baba, am I not right? Baba, HORI KOTHAI KOTHA AR SOB BRITHA BYATHA!!'
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'Come Back, O Children of Bliss! Come back from the bondage of mortal body to the Soul- your eternal Identity!
How will you return? By chanting the Holy Name! There is no difference between ME and MY Name. Resorting to the Holy Name is same as holding onto Lord. Just keep chanting Holy Name-- you will be liberated from disease, grief, sorrow, pain... you will be filled with eternal Bliss.'
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Sitaramdas: ‘Man is born with 3 debts—Dev Rin, Rishi Rin, Pitri Rin [debts to gods, saints and forefathers respectively].
Dev Rin, [debt to gods], is cleared off by worship and offerings to gods.
Rishi Rin, [debt to saints], is cleared off any acquiring and spreading textual wisdom. Since there is little scope of formal scriptural reading, the ‘Rishi rin’ can be cleared off by Nam Kirtan [chanting of Lord’s Name.]
Pitri Rin [debt to forefathers/ancestors ] is cleared off by giving birth to offsprings. For those who don’t marry, this debt is cleared by practising Celibacy [Brahmacharya].
… Moreover, by being surrendered to Lord,all these debts are nullified.’
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Sitaramdas: ‘The Lord is calm, so also is His Holy Name. The proximity of Lord’s Name certainly will calm the mind. Chanting Nam is the Ultimate Yoga.,,
When Mother Kundalini plays in the element of ‘earth’, there is stillness… when She plays in the element of ‘water’, tears of bliss appear… when She plays in the element of ‘fire’, there is profuse perspiration and divine Light, …when She plays in the element of ‘air’, goose-bumps appear… when She plays in the element of ‘Akash/ sky’, there is Naad[ divine Sound]. No need to worry. Continue to chant Nam. Nam will dispel all confusions.’
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'Sea and mountains, so many rivers,
Countless number of countries diverse.
What you’ve seen, heard, how much learnt really,
Why do you have vanity unnecessarily.
Be submissive and chant Nam day-night,
By being submissive Lord appears in sight.
‘I want to be submissive,can’t reach this goal’,
Tell Him this and get peace in soul.
He treads the exterior and also within,
What you want to say, is known to Him.
In depth of your heart, whatever is there,
In front of His eyes, all are floating clear.
Every moment He is looking at your face,
This is very true,do remember always.
Even if your forget that, don’t forget Nam,
Chant Nam, chant Nam, Das Sitaram.'
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Sri Parankush Swamiji, at Ramananada Math, had spent one day without eating anything, as after the ‘sanyas diksha’, there were strict rules that sanyasis wont cook for themselves, wont eat anything except the ‘bhiksha’ offered, etc etc. At night, Thakur arrived at Digsui. When He was offered Prasadam, the omniscient Thakur refused to take Prasadam, and said—‘Sanyasi is fasting! How can I take food?’ In the depth of night, Thakur came to Ramananda Math with President Mahimananadaji and Paramguruputra Shankar Da. Thakur called Paranush Swamiji lovingly —‘O My Sanyasi Baba, My Gopala… wake up, you have been starving all day!’…. Parankus Swamiji came and opened the door in awe, and Thakur and he started started crying in embrace! ShankarDa had brought the Bhiksha [food], and Thakur fed Parankus Swamiji with His own hands. After feeding His dear disciple, the loving Thakur returned to Digsui and had His own dinner at 3 am.
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Once, Thakur entered the Visnupriya-worshipped Gauranga temple [at Nabadwip] and offered His obeisance. then, Kinkar Bhumananda felt that if Thakur is reincarnation of Gauranga Mahaprabhu, the garland on the statue must adorn Thakur's neck. WHY SHOULD IMAGE WEAR THE GARLAND WHEN THE ORIGINAL IS PRESENT...!
Thakur left the temple and the car started heading towards next destination. BhumanandaJi was disheartened, but suddenly, Thakur told the driver to take about turn.
back to Gauranga temple....Thakur entered... and the pujari took the garland and silk cloth from Gauranga's statue and offered it to Thakur....
Thakur immediately looked at BhumanandaJi... and the mystery and implied indication in his sight was so obvious.’
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Jai Kumar Pathak was at Deoghar, he was breaking neem branches for morning brushes, and was chanting Nam, suddenly he heard Thakur calling from behind-- 'Dear, what are you doing?'
Jaikumar was stunned, he looked back at Thakur and stated- 'Baba. how have You come here? You had gone to Madras for Namprachar!!'
Thakur said-- 'I heard you chanting... and so I came here. I love to hear Nam! Wherever whenever , whoever chants Nam, I come there. You keep chanting, I am liking the Nam sung by u...'
Later, when Anantashree Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev was told this incident, He got engrossed in Samadhi!
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Sri Ramkumar Chattopadhyay, eminent singer of Bengal, had recollected Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath's grace--
'It is my utmopst fortune that I have attained Sitaramdas Omkarnathji's proximity. One night, Baba summoned me, and wanted to hear me singing. Repeatedly, He told me to sing the 'HARE KRISHNA' Nam in different Ragas and Raginis. Whatever I was singing, failed to please Him totally. At last, in late night, Baba touched me, and then I heard the 'Hare Krishna' in Malkosha raga as 'Nad' [unspoken sound] and Omkar Dhwani fractionally!...'
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Kinkar Govindaji, a sevak of Anantashree Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev, had told Anjaneyulu casually—‘The moment of getting Diksha from Thakur bestows the joy of Ista Darsan.’ Anjeneyulu,a devotee of Guntur,South India, was impressed by this , and decided to take Diksha from Thakur. Meanwhile, Govindadaji informed Thakur about his assurance, and Thakur exclaimed—‘Oh Dear, what all you have done!’Anjaneyulu was seated on an Asana in asolitary room, Thakur entered the room, and came out after sometime. Engrossed in divine ecstasy, with trembling lips, Anjaneyulu was saying- - “I was touched on my spine by Thakur and then a Flood of Light emanated from my forehead and in that I saw my Ista [Ram and Sita].”. Thakur again went to touch him, and then he was normalized!
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Sri Pramod Ranjan Gupta went to Thakur during Durga Puja, but had to return before Vijaya Dashami. The endearing Thakur said-- 'Of Dear, you are leaving before offering Vijaya pranam?' Pramod Ranjan thus prayed-- 'Baba, bless me so that I can offer pranam from my residence.'
On the morning of Vijaya Dashami, he had seen Thakur standing outside his mosquito net, he quicklyu came out and offered pranamn, then all vanished! Later, Thakur had mysteriously asked-- 'Oh , did you get the opportunity of offering Vijaya pranam?'
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‘Wherever Thakur’s Sri-bigraha exists, the Kundalini-awakening power is intensely scattred there in all directions—so just by His darsan, a person’s Param-kalyan is sure to occur….
Those who are unfortunately deprived of His darsan, they need not be depressed. Thakur’s holy-feet is all-pervasive, His graceful vision is very vast—the heart of anyone who contemplates Him will surely be filled with His blessing – there’s no doubt about this fact…'
-- Tridandi Swami Madhav Ramanuj Jeor
Thakur was at South India for preaching Nam. One night, He was sitting with His attendants, He suddenlt told Kinkar Dhirananada - 'See, who all have come!'
Dhirananda ji couldnt find any newcomer, and asked- 'who have come?'
Thakur said-- 'Many Devatas [gods] and Devis [goddesses] had come, they disappeared one by one gradually.'
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Pathēra bibhinnatā thākalē'ō āmi bhinna na'i. Yē, yē pathē āsuka nā kēna, ēkamātra āmākē'i tārā prāpta haẏ - There may be difference in the paths, but I am not different. Whoever comes by whatever path, attains only Myself!"
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Mahatēra abamānanā karalē tām̐ra kōna kṣati haẏa nā. Tulasi gāchē kukura prasrāba karē, tātē tulasigāchēra pabitratā naṣṭa haẏanā.' - 'Disrespecting a great person doesn't harm him in any way. A dog may urinate near Tulsi plant, but that doesn't tarnish the innate purity of Tulsi
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'How will passions and desires end?
- NAM is the solution. By chanting Nam always, the nature of desires will be transformed-- mind will then crave for more Nam and saint's proximity.'
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... A forest destroyed by arrows or axes will bloom again, but the henious wound inflicted by Speech/ Word never heals.
Word [Vaak] is everything. Nothing good can happen without restraining this Vak Brahma. Those who tell lies, utter bad words, those who hurt others with their speech-- they can never become inward...!"
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'Lord's Name, FOrm, Divine acts, Holy places [Nam Rup Lila Dham] are the divine Images of Lord Himself... these are not different from Lord... resorting to these is same as holding onto Lord."
-Sitaram
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'If you want peace, O Mind!
Contemplate Guru's holy feet.
You need not go to desolate places,
You need not renounce your relatives.
I you call intently, the Shiva comes,
To dispel evils, and You attain Bliss.
The Light of His feet removes darkness,
And goal of Human birth is fulfilled.
GURU GURU GURU SRI GURU SRI GURU
JAI GURU GURU -chant it always.
To relieve pains and to offer solace,
To enlighten you, HE WILL COME.'
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When Guru bestows his hand on one’s head,
All things which cause pain will surely fade.
Guru is Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswar- the trinity,
Guru personifies all Gods, Guru is Almightly.
Guru controls Creation, Destruction and Sustenance,
‘Guru Guru Jai Guru’ chant always.
Chant ‘Guru’ Nam in tongue, its flavour assess,
In comparison to it, all will seem tasteless.
Guru, Mantra, Ista are not different,
Three comprise one- the Vedas do state.
Say ‘Guru’, think ‘Guru, chant ‘Jai Guru’ always,
O Das Sitaram, you will become fearless.
[Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev]
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An Important aspect of Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath’s doctrines was piety and spirituality of women, and Thakur had taken innovative strides in welcoming His daughters to the divine Sanatan ideals. Thakur was probably the first to start a spiritual magazine exclusively for women, and He named it ‘Arya Nari’.. and He also encouraged the formation of Ladies Groups [Sati sangha] for spiritual purpose. Thakur had said- ‘Untill 100 Sati Sanghas are formed, My hunger will not be satisfied…’, such was His urge to uplift His daughters spiritually.
This popularization of ideology was blended in His concern, and it was neither hasty nor indiscriminate. Oneday, a letter came, a lady had written- ‘Baba, I want to start a Sati Sangha in my locality’. To everyone’s surprise, Thakur said –‘No’. Omniscient Thakur explained- ‘Unless one becomes Ananmamayi [blissful] herself, how can she offer Ananda [Bliss] to other souls?’ Thakur’s grace, logic, scriptural emphasis, rebukes, blessings… everything was saturated in unworldly Love…
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Anantashree Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev used to frequently quote these scriptural references to proclaim the glory of Nam Kirtan--
‘nahang basami vaikunthe yoginam hridaye na cha
mad bhakta yatra gayanti tatra tisthami narada...’
[Oh Narada! I do not dwell in Vaikuntha, nor do i dwell in Yogi's heart,
wherever My devotees chant My Name,there do I reside]
‘shradhaya helaya nama ratanti mamo jantaba
tesang nama sada partha vartatae hridaye mamo’
[Oh Partha! With reverence or with negligience, however one chants My Name, His name gets inscribed in My heart.]
‘tanansti karmajang loke bagajang manasameva va
Yanna kkhapayate papang kalou govinda kirtanam’
[There is no sin of body speech and mind, which cannot be nullified by chanting of Govinda’s Name, in Kaliyuga.]
‘Yena tena prakarena nam matrasya jalpakah
Shramang binaiva gacchanti pare dhamni samadarat’
[By just chanting Lord’s Name, any way howsoever, one can easily respectfully attain the Divine Kingdom].
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'Tears in eyes for offering prayer,
Nothing else does my Lord aspire.
Pour, pour your tears at His feet,
All worries disappear, you’ll be relieved.
Whoever fortunate worships with tears,
Before him soon my Lord Himself appears.
Cry and say- Take all, reveal Yourself,
Soon the Almighty will reveal Himself.
In aspired form, you’ll see the Divine,
Das Sitaram you chant all time.'
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 |
| with Gaurinath Shast |
Shastriji said—‘ yes I will speak for 10min. You complete Your speech fast.’
After Thakur finished His discourse, Shastriji declared Thakur as God Incarnate. Having narrated the glory of GURU briefly, Shastriji continued—‘I am here to declare that God Himself is roaming about amidst us in the Form of a mortal being!’
Thakur smiled and interrupted—‘You seem to project a stone as a Shiva!’
Shastriji stated—‘We won’t listen to such hiding attempts. See Thakur, by Your grace, I too have some access to the secret divine keys.’
The audience loudly proclaimed glory to the Master!
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Anantashree Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev was residing at Mahamilan Math. Amidst the devotees who had gathered for His Darshan, Sri Gangadhar Kar Nyayacharya [the present HOD of Philosophy dept, Jadavpur Univ.] was standing. Sri Gangadhar Kar Nyayacharya has narrated – “Thakur Sri Sri Sitaramdas Omkarnathdevji was giving Darshan to devotees in afternoon, when He got rngrossed in Samadhi. He seemed to be ailing in pain, and He said—‘They are all drowning, they are all dying’. We were all amazed, we failed to understand anything, He was taken away by His attending disciples. Later, the afternoon news of Akasbani[radio] revealed::There has been a ship wreck in sea of Japan- at IST 4:30-5:00 PM... many have died.”
There are countless such incidents of Thakur’s omniscience, but each Leela fill us with joy and help us to contemplate Thakur’s glory.
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'Tini nirākāra sākāra du'i'i, ābāra ubhaẏēra atīta. Jala jamē yērakama barapha haẏa, ... Sē'irūpa ṭhākuraṭi bhaktēra bhābē jamiẏā sākāra han- 'He is with Form and without Form, and He also transcends these two. Just as water condenses to form ice, the Thakur [Lord] condenses Himself in devotee's Bhava to take a Form.'
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Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev had an irresistible passion for Kirtan from His childhood. As a little boy, He would dance with the men who chanted Kirtan, and would roam in the streets. He has recollected- ‘there rings the bugle of Harinam… Dho Dho Dho …and so saying, I would run out without clothes’. Later, He as the Namavatar had enlivened the entire country with the Harinam
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'Come, O agonised wordly creatures devoid of spiritual practice, come O afflicted and thirsty greedy souls, come those who are full of disease grief and pain, come children and veterans, come men and women, come sinner and virtuous, brahmin and chandals -- come come O ignorant and wise, wealthy and poor -- take the Holy Name, all your sorrows will end, you will be immersed in Ocean of Bliss...
Utter as much as you can, listen as much as you can. Hearing or chanting My divine Nam doesn't go in vain.
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The Sevaks and the doctors used to plead to Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath—‘Please take some more posset/ milk’. Sometimes Thakur used to taste a little, sometimes He would say –“I will drink adequate milk only when I can provide for milk for all My children.”
Sometimes, like a loving concerned Mother, Thakur used to ask the doctors for a prescription for inexpensive sources of nutrition for the numerous Asramites who toil the whole day. Thakur had even started the regular inclusion of sprouted lentils and groundnuts in the diet of Asramites, such was His motherly concern!
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For happiness you are craving always,
Listen, this petty joy is not happiness.
All the joy here are coated with pain,
To attain this joy, why suffer such strain?
The Ocean of joy is there within,
By chanting Ram Ram, just dive in.
You’ll get eternal joy, fearlessness-nectar,
Surely you’ll drown in Divine Bliss forever.
Chant Nam O mind, leave other worries,
You’ll be gratified, worldly pains will perish.
Two letters are there, in Ram Nam,
Chanting is not difficult, you’ll attain Ram.
Ram will come to reveal Himself clear,
Just as men can see each other.
You’ll attain that Divine vision certainly,
O Das Sitaram, sing ‘Ram Jai’ constantly.
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Anantashree Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev had said—“The position of Divine Love is much above scriptural injunctions.” This message has been reflected in many of His leelas.
November 1982, Thakur was residing at Vaikuntha Dham, residence owned by Dr. Gopal Mitra.
Oneday Thakur asked Kinkar Mahimanandaji [then President of ABJS]—“If someone asks you—the Thakur who is Shastra personified, He who has followed Shastras thoughout His life, why is He eating at a shudra’s house at this terminal part of life at ninetyone years age?—then what answer will you give?”
Mahimanandaji failed to find a suitable clue for reply.
Thakur then stated that oneday, Gopal Mitra had verbally offered all his possessions to Thakur’s feet with tears in eyes. Thakur said—“that day, he had not only said those word through mouth, he said it from his heart, and thus his words had touched My heart. That day, I had accepted all his offerings from heart…. All his belongings are GURUDEV’s. So there is no bar in dining here.”
So saying, Thakur also said that Sri Ramkrishnadev also used to take Jagannath’s prasadam at the house of Balaram Basu. But such exceptions are applicable to special devotees—in general, indiscrete dining is to be avoided.
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Anantashree Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev had promoted the spirit of brotherhood amidst devotees in many ways. Inspite of His adherence to scriptural injunctions and Varnashram, the essence of love and brotherhood has been expressed in various leelas, because this Love is also a major aspect of scriprures! Kinkar Paramananda has recollected in his memoir [Srichoroner cchayay chhayay]—
“After offer pranam to the Saint [Thakur], I got up, and the Saint was about to embrace (hug) me. I felt shaky and stated—‘no , I am a non-brahmin!’ The Saint said—‘Lord is present even in non Brahmins!’, and so saying, He embraced me. I was astonished, because previously I had not seen any Brahmin embracing any Shudra [such was the orthodoxy]…
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Sri Puranjay Roy Bandopadhyay, whose pen name ‘Ruben Roy’ is very popular in Bengali literature, was a disciple, companion, of Thakur SItaramdas Omkarnath, and he had composed the 1st biography on Thakur. Here are few lines from a poem composed by him, where his words have echoed the confession of hearts of numerous devotees--
“We have shown limitless vanity with our limited powers,
We have offered black flowers to Thy Lotus Feet—
Those flowers of narrowness impurity inefficacy!
You have taken all happily, tolerated all happily!
Still we have loved You,
You have loved us.
We have praised and glorified You with many adjectives,
But Alas! We couldn’t recognize You, You recognized us-
Still we have loved You,
You have loved us.”
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Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath has enshrined Gour Nitai beside Ma Kali at Gouranga Math, Kalna, and thus has opened a new arena of bonding between Shaktas and Vaisnavas—explicitly showing that Shakti and Shaktiman are ONE...! Thakur had initially enshrined clay deities, marble and metal deities were enshrined later. Thakur used to say—“Since one’s Ista [aspired Deity] is existing in all Forms, nurturing disrespect for other deities tantamount to disrespecting one’s Ista—this should be kept in mind.”
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The little Probodh Chandra creeped into the kitchen, and stealthily gulped all the pot full of sweets! Such are His naughty habits, blended in sweetness… may be a reflection of some previous birth’s habit!
This little Probodh later unveiled Himself as OMKARNATH, but then too, the habits persisted—those habits of playing flute, childlike craving for butter given by mothers, or beckoning the ‘chakra’ to resist the evil forces!
The reflections of Krishna Leela were not only found in Thakur’s gestures, but were also realized by devotees at certain instances, one such incident is being shared here—
“Dumurdaha Ramshram. Late night. All were asleep except Anath Dada. Suddenly, Anath Dada heard the sweet sound of anklets and the melody of flute, he was curious to know who was there! He went stealthily and visualized something unworldly! A young Boy with yellow robes was playing the flute. Ananth Dada found that the Divine Boy was entering the closed temple door, and then he tried to resist by holding onto the Boy’s yellow robe. Just then, there was an explosive sound, and Anath Dada saw Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath standing in front. Thakur said—‘dare not reveal this’, and then went into the temple through the closed door!
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Chaturmasya was going on at Memary in 1360 Bengali era. A local sweeper lady was appointed for keeping Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath’s temporary washroom clean and tidy. She would do her service with much care and devotion, but would refuse to take her payments. Days passed. Chaturmasya was on the verge of being concluded. The sweeper lady was given all her dues together, but surprisingly she refused the entire sum!! Instead of monetary payment, she wanted Mantra Diksha from THAKUR. She sat on the holy Asana , draped in a saree gifted by Thakur, and was bestowed Mantra by Thakur.
The sweeper lady indeed deserves an applause, for she had realized the importance of divine treasure as compared to worldly wealth, through her SEVA! All glories to the loving Thakur, Whose overwhelming grace opens the doors of spirituality in lives of such poor uneducated neglected people!
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