They are the Embodiment of what we learn from Scriptures

By

Sri Swami Muktananda
Anandashram, Kanhanghad, Kerala
Talk delivered on the occasion of the Shodashi Celebration of Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj

This article is a chapter from the book Chidanandam: The Joy of Knowing ‘Him‘.

Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Swami Chidananda’s association with Anandashram dates back to the 1930’s during Papa’s time when he was still Sridhar Rao. During Mother Krishnabai’s and Swami Satchidananda’s time we had the privilege of having his darshan every year as he would come and spend some time in Anandashram.

Looking at the gigantic photos of Swamiji Maharaj here in the Sivananda Satsang Bhavan brings back so many memories! My first darshan was in 1969 when he came to Madras and I was working there. Especially one image I can never forget. There was a big important programme going on and every time a car was heard coming up, the eager question was, “Is it  Swamiji?” Finally he arrived. And on reaching the dais, what did he do? I can never forget this. He performed sashtanga pranam to the entire audience which was followed by the resounding words that overwhelm everyone “Radiant Immortal Atman!…”

I was a regular visitor to Sivananda Ashram and so I had the great good fortune of meeting Swamiji and talking to him. In 1989, he came to Anandashram, and when he saw me there, he asked, “Have you made this place your home?” “Yes, Swamiji!” I said. That is how saints are. Nobody is important and nobody is unimportant. They are the embodiment of what we learn from the scriptures.

In our magazine we publish many articles of Swamiji. All are great, but two stand out in my mind. One is ‘The Guru never dies’. He is living through his disciples in the form of ideas, ideologies and visions. Swamiji says: “Looking at you, the world should know who your Guru is.” To have a Guru is an honour, it is a privilege, but it is a responsibility also. Every time you think a thought or do an action, you must ask yourself, ‘Will my Guru approve of this?”

In the second article Swamiji says something which we all know, but we have to ponder over it, contemplate it. “Everyone has a special role to perform according to God’s plan. Nobody is irrelevant, nobody is unimportant. Each one is sacred and important.” So there are as many paths as there are people. When we listen to Mahatmas, we hear that each one is saying,  “You are special!” And when our spiritual vigour starts to decrease, it is good to remind ourselves, “Hey, you are unique! You cannot compare or contrast with others. You have to play on your own!”

Pujya Papa Ramdas says, “Be original! In your own original way tread your path to God!”

We are all very grateful for all Swami Chidanandaji has shared with us. Now we pray to him to bless us that we may progress on the spiritual path fast enough and reach the stage that is expected of us.

Thank you for giving me this unique opportunity for sharing these thoughts with you.

Hari Aum