“When one’s good deeds ripen, one receives the Naam from the True Guru.” This is what I had always heard about the Guru and the Gurumantra, but my sceptical nature made me stay away from being bound by any particular regimen or set of rules. I felt proud about being a liberal in my thoughts; that I could analyse anything without being biased. For my views on spirituality and religion, I received equal respect from believers, agnostics and atheists. I stayed away from “Naam” for a long time, till the day (November 21, 2008) I was initiated in a Satsang at Pataudi by Pitaji.

Satsang at Pataudi…

What is ideal for a human being? Is it working for a good life for himself and family, or is it rising above the self and becoming a catalyst for society? The Satsang at Pataudi seemed to point to the middle path. I recalled a saying of Swami Vivekanada that one is closer to God playing football than reading the Bhagawad Gita. That would have been a blasphemy if uttered a few centuries ago. But as times and conditions change, the teachings of spiritual masters also change, in order that man does not find it beyond him to seek God.

A silent revolution…

Pitaji talked about the prevailing evils in society - foeticide, tobacco, drugs, etc. He instructed the gathering to protect themselves from these and to colour themselves with the Naam and meditation. And the sangat seemed to respond in emphatic affirmation. Yes! This was the first time that I had found a Satsang to be a place of reformation. I could see a silent revolution happening there that was almost going unnoticed by the rest of the world. The sadh-sangat gathered there mostly belonged to a class of people who work hard to meet their daily needs. What they need is a simple and practical way of living a good life and connecting with God. And Pitaji seemed to give them just that.

Pitaji…

Simple are his words, simple are his teachings, and simple is his path. At one point during the initiation ceremony, Pitaji covered himself with a white cloth for a few moments. For the worldly-minded it would have seemed like a spell was being cast, but he explained that he was praying for us and had covered himself to avoid flies. At another point he explained the reason for his sitting on a raised platform: so that he could see us all. Everything was so simple and clear that there was no room left for doubts.

A day at Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa…

What makes people take the trouble of traveling hundreds of kilometers, often in overloaded vehicles cramped for space, and then after reaching the venue to stand in serpentine queues to be able to see their Guru? How can so many people be fooled at the same time? The answer, is faith and love. Faith built on the foundation of real spiritual experiences, and love that feeds the faith. I felt this thread of love running through the thousands that had gathered at the Satsang shed waiting for Pitaji. I wondered why they took so much trouble if they could see Pitaji even on the Internet and TV? The answer again, is faith and love.

Q&A…

Pitaji answered questions asked by the sangat during the Satsang. Sometimes the questions were such that everyone broke out laughing. Questions like: “I don’t have a wife?” and “Why do we fall asleep during the Satsang?” It was as if a personal relationship with the Guru was being built on the physical plane.

Guru ka langar…

If you want to ‘un-feed’ the ego, go to the Satsang and do selfless service. Wash utensils, clean the premises, and it will wash and clean you heart too. The langar prepared in this spirit of service has no magic ingredients added to it, but if you have faith you will find that it tastes special and the effect it has on you is also special.

Jaam-e-Insan…

To this day I am not sure if it was a gathering of satsangis or that of people gone mad in love. I saw people dancing completely oblivious to their surroundings. I recalled a Punjabi song - Main taan nach nach Peer manona ji (I shalldance away to please my Guru). I wanted to join them and feel what they were feeling. But I hesitated. Pitaji came and prepared Jaam-e-Insan and explained the meaning of Jaam, Insan and the duties of Insan towards society. I stepped ahead and drank the Jaam. Then, something changed. The hesitation was gone.

And then I danced…

I enjoyed losing my own identity and joining the “mad” group. I danced and danced and danced, until Pitaji’s bhajan faded to a stop.

Glow in those old eyes…

I was sitting next to an old man who was maybe 70 years old. He was gazing at Pitaji with such love that I find it difficult to put it in words. At one point when Pitaji suggested that we skip the second bhajan, the man nearly jumped up saying, “Aise kaise… gaana padega,” (How can you say that? You HAVE TO sing!)withfolded hands. And how can a father deny his children’s wishes? Then came the second spell of ecstasy. And glow in those old eyes. For a while I sat watching the old man dancing. Then, I joined the bandwagon.

Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera Hi Aasra…