Rama Sakti Mission

 – Sri M.K.Patwardhana

It was in October 1958 that I first come to know about the Divine Mother from one of her disciples at Dharwar who had attended Mother’s discourses at Bombay. He told us about the various bhavas of the Mother and also about the spiritual power she radiated. But it was just a partial glimpse of the great life lived so silently and unostentatiously. It was not then possible for the aforesaid devotee of Mother to adequately portray her life and give us a comprehensive idea of the unfathomable depth of its richness. He could simply arouse our eagerness to have a darsan of the great soul, for which purpose some of us decided to undertake a pilgrimage to Mangalore soon thereafter.

One day, I was standing before the photo of Mother with her right hand unpraised in blessing. All of a sudden, I felt that a power was pulling me towards Mother. I was so much drawn towards Mother that I longed and almost resolved to visit Mangalore and have her darsan at any rate. Some inner voice assured me that nothing would prevent me from going to Mangalore along with the Dharwar devotees.

The intuitive certainty I felt was fully justified by subsequent events. All my earlier difficulties either faded away or lost their importance, with the result that I could, shortly thereafter, accompany the Dharwar devotees to Mangalore, where we were welcomed at the Sadhana Mandir. The only thing that possessed me all the while was the eagerness to know what Mother looked like, and what she would be, a Sadhu, a Saint, some higher being!

I saw Mother for the first time when she entered the bhajan hall at Mangalore in the evening of one Sunday in April 1959. She looked serene and intoxicated with divine love. A number of devotees were performing bhajan there, having been drawn by the invisible bonds of Mother’s love. Mother took her seat on a couch. Her face was beaming with smile. She then sang in her sweet voice the following bhajan :

“ Come, do come, Oh Nandalal !
Be seated in my heart, Oh giridharlal ! ”

As Mother proceeded with the singing, she became ecstatic and she passed alternately through three modes of divine consciousness. She was in a conscious state when she joined the devotees in the chorus. While singing God’s Name she became partly superconscious in an ecstasy of love for Sree Krishna, and then finally she lost herself in Samadhi in which she became completely oblivious to the outer world. Her body became motionless. Her mind appeared to have gone to another realm. All the devotees in the hall looked at her in great awe and amazement. Some put thick garlands around her neck. It was indeed a divine sight,-Mother sitting motionless, with fragrant garlands adorning her neck, her countenance beaming with love, the golden complexion of her body blending with the colour of her plain white clothes, and the devotees singing in chorus in her majestic presence! This enchanted the eyes of all those who were present. After a long time she came down from Samadhi.

For a long time my mind was humming the following lines from Sri Ekanath’s Bhagawat :-

“ How sweet the melted ghee when it congeals.
So, when the Hidden One his form reveals,
How glad the seeker feels!

“ Dark, dark the far unknown and closed the way
To thought and speech ; silent the scriptures ; yea
No word the Vedas say.

“ Not thus the Manifest. How fair ! How near !
Gone is our thirst if only he appear-
He, to the heart so dear.

“ My eyes, if but a glimpse of the Manifest I get,
Are healed ; escaped am I from out life’s net,
Cancelled my sensual debt.

“ In the lamp’s light all hidden things appear ;
So when I think upon my God so dear
The far-off God is here.”

Superficially her mode of life appeared to be similar to that of others. But in reality, she belonged to an entirely different world. She was always blissful and intoxicated with divine love. At times she was seen at her best. At times she would rise to her spiritual heights to the wonder and amazement of the people around. “ One who has secured Mother’s blessings need not worry about liberation.” “If you always remember Mother that will be enough.” Utterances like these would come from Mother with great force when the disciples were found depressed or wavering. In spite of such utterances she was absolutely free from egotism, and we could see a wonderful mixture of the human and the divine in her. We had heard and read much of Vedanta. But here we saw Vedanta in actual life, as it were. We found that a single utterance which dropped from Mother’s lips could give infinite strength to innumerable persons.

Mother also described to us the various incidents of her sadhana days and the phases of her spiritual realization. She told us about the visions she had of Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Lord Siva and the Divine Mother. It is generally believed that if one once tastes the bliss of God, his interest in the worldly duties declines and that as his spiritual joy becomes deeper he cannot perform his worldly duties. But Mother told us that in spite of her spiritual achievements she never failed in her duty towards Sri Bhagwan, her husband. By her own example, Mother showed us that the person who properly performed his duties in the world, cherishing at the same time love for the Lotus Feet of God, was really blessed.

In the Divine Mother we could see, with our naked eyes, an incarnation of God-an Ishwarkoti-who was never imprisoned in the world nor entangled by it, who though possessing a human body was always united with the supreme, who though frequently established in samadhi could easily descend to the worldly plane. In Mother we found one to whom knowledge was revelation, one who was not walking in the dim twilight of finite knowledge but had acquired a direct perception of truth in a superconscious state-Samadhi. Her intense hunger for truth, her perception of God as a very near and ever present reality, and her rapturous communion with Lord Krishna produced deep impression on us. Laying aside all vanities of education we become rapt listeners to the revealed knowledge that flowed from the lips of the beloved Mother in states of ecstasy, Ardha Bahiavastha or normal consciousness.

 – Sri M.Sankaranarayana Rao

One of the momentous experiences of my life was on a visit to Mother’s home in Tellicherry at the instance of my elder sister. I was accompanied by my wife. The atmosphere in the house completely captured us.

It was the holy Ashad Ekadasi day, observance of which was marked by a bhajan. At 4 P.M. Mother, in shining raiments, came upstairs and started bhajan. The bhajan increased in tempo and went on with great fervour, in the midst of which, I was thrilled, when Mother took up the refrain “ Radhe govinda.” Mother’s rendering was accompanied by ecstatic movements of her gracious person.

On the wall opposite was hung a portrait of Gouranga Mahaprabhu, with his devotees dancing ecstatically, singing keertans. The divine atmosphere which we experienced was similar to what was depicted in the picture.

It was not only a rare experience for all of us, but some of those who had gathered there began to dance enraptured and some even shed profuse tears of joy. From her ecstasy Mother went into deep samadhi and sat motionless like the statue of Lord Buddha.

In pleasing contrast to her ecstasies in bhajan was the simplicity with which she served refreshments thereafter. The refreshments were not only tasty but full of fragrance. The alacrity with which she came forward to dry our washed hands showed her humility. She made us feel that we were known to her previously.

While leaving the house that day, an irresistible power made me prostrate before Mother and Bhagawan. She came with us up to the main entrance and said : “ Let there be love. Do not forget. Come again.” These words of Mother were often ringing in our ears.

This whole experience was revolving in our minds after our return home. Two days after the first darshan, when we were conversing about her, in our house, fourteen miles away from Tellicherry, the fragrance of sandal and camphor which we experienced on that day of our memorable visit to Mother’s home, filled the entire room where we were sitting.

We went to Tellicherry for the second time a few days later. During sankirtan, we saw Mother in Krishna Bhava, inferable from her attitude and gesture of playing the mystic flute. In that mood she moved towards the pooja room the doors of which were closed by means of a chain, mysteriously opened by themselves, before our own eyes. Entering the pooja room, she fondled an idol of Sri Krishna, reminiscent of Yasoda fondling her divine baby, Nandalal, as described in the Bhagavath Purana.

I was more and more attracted by Mother and began attending her bhajans almost regularly. I began to take life more seriously than hitherto.

In Mother I found exemplified her own teaching and her lofty concept of duty, which included unfailing hospitality to guests, irrespective of their number, and the time of their arrival ; ministering to the spiritual needs of her devotees ; and wifely devotion and service to Bhagawan. The dexterity which she showed in the performance of these multifarious duties revealed superhuman energy. Her home is an abode of peace from where she rains benediction all around.

The women devotees living in the surrounding area would not take food till they had darshan of Mother every day in the morning, noon and evening. For darshan they would be waiting, no matter how long. Such was their love. When this routine was interrupted by Mother’s first visit to Madras, these devotees keenly felt the separation.

I was studying in a college. Before proceeding there, I had Mother’s blessings and an assurance of protection. A few days before the completion of my course, the key of my locker which had been entrusted to me by the authorities was missing. In the eyes of the authorities, who were keenly watching all our activities, this loss would have created a bad impression of me. I did not know what to do. My very future was at stake. Though every nook and corner of the house was ransacked, there was no clue to the missing key. I earnestly prayed to Mother and proceeded to the college praying all through. After travelling seventeen miles by train, I pushed through my way amidst crowd. My mind was heavy. I had just placed my foot on the lowest step of the college premises, a sharp metallic sound on the upper step just in front drew my attention. I bent down to see what it was, and lo! It was a key-my lost key No. 16. I looked around, up and down, but nobody was seen. It was mysterious and a thrill passed into my frame and hair stood on its end. Incomprehensible and infinite are Her Leelas, I thought, and mentally I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to the all-merciful Mother.

– Sri H.Narasimha Kamath

It is said that until such time as ordained by destiny the thirst for spirituality never comes to the worldly-minded. Truer than this is the fact that the recognition of the divinity in a human garb is impossible until the evil samskaras are completely purged off and the good karmas begin to fructify. This was found to be true in my case, for, even though endowed with inclination to spirituality from early life and was born in Mangalore, the sacred birthplace of Mother, I could not take refuge at the lotus feet for spiritual guidance until the year 1955.

Adversity in domestic life compelled me to turn to divine source for solace and comfort. I approached a number of sadhus but was utterly disappointed in my expectations. They could not relieve me from my distress. Repeated blows in life finally led me to sheer despondency and atheism.

Years rolled by. There was a persistant insatiable thirst for knowledge, for which I could not get any satisfactory explanation. Destiny played its role. A friend of mine from Bombay came to Mangalore in the year 1955 for the express purpose of darsan of Sadguru Sri Rama Devi. He called on me and sought my directions to her residence. I was surprised why my friend took the trouble of coming all the way from Bombay to see a person whom I have often seen from childhood and to whom I was not attracted. Yet in deference to his wish, I accompanied him and led him up to the entrance of Mother’s residence. I wanted to leave my friend there and come back but because of his persuasion I too went to the house along with my friend. It was the first time I saw Mother after a lapse of years and was attracted by the divine personality.

After an interval of time I had my first interview with Mother. This was the turning point in my life. She greeted me with a compassionate look and smile. As I sat in her presence I observed a change in the train of my thoughts. My restlessness subsided. A peace which I had not known so far stole into my mind. I felt elevated and thrilled. Waves of joy started rolling within me.

I gained a momentous experience even from this interview. From Mother I heard an illuminating discourse on spirituality which enlightened the dark regions of my mind. She explained to me in detail the mind and its activities and also the ways to control it. From her talk I was convinced of the possibility of the realization of the highest while remaining in the grahasthashrama. As a practical solution to the ills of life, she expounded karma yoga. She exphasised the necessity of constant self-awareness, shedding the sense of agency and enjoyment. As she started explaining the subtle truths of the Upanishads in the simplest language, the expression on her face underwent a radical change, her look became abstracted and to my surprise she suddenly withdrew herself into silence. So powerful, so dynamic was that silence, that it completely took possession of my mind. A strange experience came to me. All my doubts which had accumulated dwindled away.

There came upon me the intuitional certainty that the holy being sitting before me was the embodiment of perfection, the sadguru whom I have been searching for all these years. She appeared to me as the universal mother who has taken incarnation for the regeneration of the entire human race. After this interview I returned home a completely changed man.

In a profound mood of abstraction, I reached home. A few days hence, some mysterious power drew me to the presence of the Mother. It was the most memorable day in my life, the day of my initiation by Mother. The compassionate Mother bestowed her grace on me. It was then that I fully realized that Mother was verily the divine personified. There was a resplendent halo round her holy person. Initiation was an experience never to be forgotten. My mind soared up to an unknown region. A wonderful vision was vouchsafed which made me oblivious of myself and the surroundings for a long time.

After initiation Mother instructed me on the disciplines of spiritual life. The substance of her advice was as follows. ‘ This is a rebirth for you, the first stage in the transmutation of the life of senses into the life in spirit. This body will fall one day or other but you are the imperishable self, distinct from body, mind and intellect. Understand that the self is infinite and as such dwells equally in all. Therefore try to cultivate equal vision and to develop your love to all alike. God, guru and your inmost self are identical. Therefore enquire within Perform japa and meditation regularly. See divinity in your wife and children. Introducing spirituality into all walks of life you can convert your home into an abode of peace and blessedness. Life at home has a powerful influence on the entire society. Keep your mind always at peace. Never yield to anger. Anger is an offspring of ignorance. Constantly identify yourself with the self and keep a watch on your mental activities. Use your discrimination on all matters. Discharge your duties with detachment and devotion. Performance of your duties is index of your inner spiritual strength. Try to live in the world untainted by worldliness. Reflect on these instructions in your leisure hours and bring them into your daily life.’

Initiation introduced me to a regime of moderation in sensual enjoyment. I carried on my duties in an exaltation of spirit. Engrossed in my wonderful spiritual experience, sometimes I was totally oblivious of the world. One day I was on the brink of an accident which might have been fatal if the divine hands had not intervened. A city bus passed by me rubbing my shoulder. Suddenly I felt somebody pulling me aside. It was about 8 P.M. on a lonely road. When I looked around to find out who pulled me aside I found none near about except a woman of small stature proceeding slowly at a distance of about twenty-five yards. Thus I was saved by an unseen force which my wife spontaneously recognized to be that of Mother.

One morning at 5 A.M. while I was in my meditation I had a wonderful experience. I saw a vision of a bluish azure light which became brighter and brighter until atlast the beaming form of Mother appeared. Mother beckoned me to follow her. I followed and reached a region of resplendence and peace. The form of the Mother vanished. In the blissful experience I lost the consciousness of my body until 8 P.M when my son woke me up from the meditation. I treasure this experience in my recollections.

On the Ram Nam day the hall was packed to capacity with devotees and disciples. At the concluding ceremony Mother was in deep bhava samadhi. A beautiful flower, a lovely dalia was adorning Mother’s hair. My little daughter who was with me longed for it. She lisped her thought to me. Almost immediately, the flower gently dropped to the ground from Mother’s hair. This is symbolic to me of Mother’s universal love which responds to earnest prayers and even to the wish of a child.

 – SMT.SARADA KRISHNAN THAMPI

Conscious of my limitations, if I venture to give expression to my feelings and experiences after coming in contact with Mother, I do so with her divine grace and may be through my own “ poorva janma punya ”.

It was in September 1951 that I had my first sacred darshan of Mother and ever since that I have felt inexpressible calmness and strength in my mind which was till then burdened with sorrow at the sad demise of my husband. It was a moment of revealation too for me because in Mother I saw the image of my ‘ Ishtadevata ’ Goddess Sree Parvathi. A smile-unique, benign and serene-always lit up her face and even though she was amidst us, she seemed to be beyond this mundane environments. Neither exuberant expressions of immeasurable joy, nor the mournful tales of deep afflictions, could affect the inimitable smile. Infinite love and profound patience-radiated from her. the closer I came in contact, the more I perceived her sweet, affable and calm nature and the more I looked at her, the more forcefully came the realization that she was a Superior being, supreme over all in every way. Verily she is Goddess incarnate, Parasakthi, Sree Raja Rajeswari, from whom all avatars have emanated! In her you could visualize the viswa prema of Lord Sree Krishna, as well as the majestic austerity of Sri Ramachandra, the apostle of darma and devotion to duty! Ever since I have received initiation at her hands and became her disciple, she had been my strength. Innumerable are the occasions when she has saved me from imminent dangers. Her invisible power has mitigated bitter sorrows and intense pains. I am sure that every true disciple or devotee will have the same divine help if only he or she wholeheartedly and sincerely surrenders at her lotus feet. Her words of advice and encouragement give mental equilibrium to withstand all viscissitudes of life with absolute equanimity.

Even while being a grahasthashrami, one can attain God-realisation or Self-realisation. The mission of Mother envisages every home to be a temple where man and woman lead a pure and dharmic life and ultimately realize the absolute grahasthashramam to quote Mother’s own words, is the happy blending of the sublime power of jnana, the universal bliss of bhakthi and the ennobling selflessness of Karma. Grahasthashrami is a karma yogi. Through selfless service and self-discipline, through prayer, reflection and meditation, he gradually purifies his mind from selfish attachment to material things and worldly desires and ultimately acquires the state of complete renunciation which is the prelude to self-realisation. Every man should realize that the same divine spark or Chaitanya dwells in all human beings and should endeavour to love one and all. He should live in harmony with others. To make the home an ashramam in the real sense, it is the woman who has to play the more vital role. In her purity and chastity lie the sanctity of the home. She must in all sacredness foster Pathivratha dharma and should realize it in thought, word and action. To her husband is to be God or Supreme lord. Herself leading the life of a grahasthashrami she has set a model for her children to follow. The task before a true grahasthashrami is indeed beset with obstacles superimposed by ‘ ego ’ and worldly desires. Mother has asked of us to dedicate ourselves to righteousness and then to march forward without hesitation, without fear and faltering. Mother will be always with us to give us the helping hand, to lead us along the path of truth.

Mother’s great solicitude and affection for her disciples are indescribable. Her sweet affable nature, has a loving or a soothing word for one and all without distinction and if any one has gone astray, away from righteousness, she corrects without hurting feelings. Mother’s relationship with her disciples and devotees, is not merely that of a guru and sishya or master and disciple. She is the mother to all. What greater love is there in this world than the love of a mother! and so it is that we are her children. Sadguru exemplifies the saying that God is Love for she is the embodiment of love of viswa prema!

To my mind now comes that wonderful vision I had at Trichur in the year 1952. It was at Pushpagiri Park where Mother appeared before us after the guru puja. Mother’s face was resplendent with divine light. A beatific smile played upon her lips and a lustrous halo shone around her head I was suffused with a glow of supreme happiness. With rapture I realized that Mother who was before me was none other than Goddess Sree Parvathi whom I had been worshipping from my early childhood! I bowed down in humility and devotion at the feet of the all-merciful divine mother.