Master Mahashay returns to Dakshineshwar during his holidays. Ramlal is cutting Thakur Ji’s hair. Master Mahashay enters the room and prostrates before Thakur Ji. Before, Master Mahashay used to join his hands and greet Thakur Ji, but now he has learned the action of prostration. Thakur Ji asks him, “Are you married?” Master Mahashay replies, “Yes, I’m married and have children.” Thakur Ji says to Ramlal, “Oh Ramlal! He is married and has children as well.” Master Mahashay thinks, “Is it a sin to get married and have children?” After tidying up his hair, Thakur Ji says to him, “It’s okay if you are married. But, fix your mind on the soul.” He is still perplexed.
Thakur Ji explains, “When you are unmarried, you are 99.999 percent free from the clutches. You are responsible for yourself. You can become a Yogi, a Bhogi, or a Udyogi, according to your choice. The maximum percent of the population becomes Bhogi. But, I can see that your mind is clean. The slightest curtain has covered your mind. Just fix your mind on the soul. After marriage, the responsibilities of family and others bind you. You should love Mother Kali as you love your biological mother. Mother Kali loves you seventy times a mother’s love. Collect the love you have distributed amongst your family members, money, and things and offer it at Mother’s feet. Talk with her. Share your experiences and feelings with Mother.” Master Mahashay is confused. Thakur Ji says, “Feel her presence. Offer your mind at her feet. Don’t consider yourself as a doer.” Master Mahashay listens to the words awe-stuck. Thakur Ji continues, “Imagine Sri Krishna in the center of the battlefield. Imagine yourselves as Arjuna. Feel the love and compassion Maa Kali is pouring on you amidst the fearsome battle happening within your heart. Then, you see that she is curing you with her infinite love and protecting you from all negativities. Mother frees you from dualism and other passions.” Master Mahashay feels better and says, “Yes, for sure.” He has to leave for home, as he has a family. He is also a school teacher. He returns to Thakur Ji after practicing for that week.
He is a bit worried. Thakur Ji smiles, seeing his tensed face. Master Mahashay feels amazed as Thakur Ji didn’t ask anything. He prostrates before Thakur Ji and says, “I have a query?” Thakur Ji nods. Master Mahashay says, “What should I do if wife acts as an obstacle in my path of spirituality? What if she threatens to commit suicide out of distress?” Thakur Ji says, “Well, it is not a bit issue. Let her do it.” Master Mahashay feels that his heart is in his mouth. He continues swirling in his tornado of thoughts. After a while, Thakur Ji places his hand on Master Mahashay’s head and says, filled with compassion, “This doesn’t happen. As you progress in the path of spirituality, your family members shall also cooperate in your journey. God makes everything according to his will and makes your journey easy towards him. They may not walk with you but shall not create an obstacle. You need to carry out responsibilities in the world and keep your mind fixed on the soul. You should surrender and keep Lord fixed in your heart.” Master Mahashay understands the notion quite clearly. This is the first and the last moment when Master Mahashay feels doubtful. He accepts the words of his Guru as rendered.
Often, he can’t come to Dakshineshwar because of the responsibilities. Thakur Ji often reminds him and then says, “Do what you are supposed to and fix your mind on the soul. But, tell me, can you see Mother?” He replies, “No, not yet. But, I try.” Thakur Ji says, “Well, keep on trying. The timing between 3 to 6 in the morning and just before the sunset, cease all the jobs for a minute or so. Even if you are teaching the students, move out of the room and sit quietly and talk to Mother. Share your routine with her. Before going to bed and in the morning, talk to her. Say to her, ‘Mother, I’m yours. I may be impure, but you are purer than purity. Please keep my mind fixed at your feet. I often forget you, but don’t. May I feel your presence.’ Practice.” Master Mahashay leaves and returns again and again to his Guru’s place.
Moral: As he surrendered more and more, he could feel his Guru’s presence 24*7 and finally became one with him. Thakur Ji taught him the ways of bhakti (devotion) and prem (love) for Mother Kali. We often blame the circumstances for being incapable of following the path of spirituality. As we progress, God takes us and finally lifts us in his arms. We need to practice. Thakur Ji said a few words, and Master Mahashay accepted them and followed them obediently. Obedience brings results.
Bhakti to the apex is important. Dryness of ignorance cannot take us to God. If we keep materialism on top of our priority list, we shall reach the destination quite late. It is enough that we are in the vicious cycle of births and deaths for several generations. We need to realize the priority. As it happens, the passions loosen their grip, and they shed away. And finally, the flower of bliss blossoms.