Evolution of Love 2

Spiritual initiation

Sri Ma has never considered Herself a Guru. But scores of people from near and far have
repeatedly come to Her for spiritual guidance. Ma never initiated anyone in the customary way, but
many devotees have received shakti, Bhagavatnam or a mantra from Ma.
It is said that when Gurudev, by His mercy and compassionate glance, has pity on his disciples, that
is actually the initiation (diksha). This initiation or transferring of power can happen through
different means by Mantra, sight, touch, exchange of articles etc. Even the subtle bodies have had
initiation from Sri Ma.
Ma had an infinite number of ways for Her devotees. Sometimes, during public meetings, She
would turn Her attention towards somebody with great intensity. This was not without reason. The
person who had been looked at, would get blessings and power for a lifetime to experience
illumination. A disciple recollected that once, he was in a queue for Ma's darshan. When his turn
came, he stood aside. Suddenly he felt light from Ma's eyes filling his whole body. He always
wanted Diksha or Naam only from Ma. Thus his desire was fulfilled in this way.
In another incident, which was narrated by ashram's Maitreyee Didi, a foreigner came for Ma's
darshan to Kankhal ashram. This was a as a result of some dream he had back home. Upon
reaching Kankhal, he came to know that Ma was in Delhi.
When he reached Delhi Ashram, Ma was not keeping well. But Her mood was transformed once
this person came to Her. God knows what transpired between Ma and the visitor in that meeting
which lasted only a few minutes. Ma asked for Prasad to be given to him. She also gave him a
small towel as a present and said, "Baba, you must be busy in your business the whole day, but
always remember each day the moment of this meeting at this very time, like the alarm clock is set
daily at a particular time. So also remember this fixed time and do not break it."
The foreigner came away with so many things at that moment of truth, which so many others could
not perhaps get after years in Ma's company.
It was Swami Bhaskarananda who acted as the interpreter on Ma's behalf. Overwhelmed, the
person made obeisance and left the ashram. Ma had asked him to remember this moment without
fail.The foreigner had left but Ma was now full of life.
She narrated an anecdote to those present.
“A Lotus, which had flowered in a pond, was very beautiful. A passer-by was attracted by it. He
asked a fish and a frog, who were also in the pond, about that flower. Both replied, "what is so
special in that? It's an ordinary flower." At that time, a bee flew by. As it was going towards the
flower, the passer-by tried to stop it and speak to it. The bee quickly replied, "wait, I will tell you onmy return." After sometime, it came back and said, "don't you know that it is lotus flower, full of
nectar. I have drank that and now I am totally transformed."
Ma said, "It is possible to be in the company of Mahatmas for a long time without understanding
them or their vision. But one who is deserving will get the real thing in a few moments...for that
matter, even flies and mosquitoes are also there.
Another incident heard and later confirmed by Swami Bhaskarananda, was the visit of
Gadadhar's parents, after his untimely death in India. The mother of late Gadadhar came for Sri
Ma's darshan at the ashram. They were staying in some hotel and his mother was due for her
initiation next day. At that time when she was shown some written words as a mantra she exclaimed
"Oh Lord". It so happened that at 4 o'clock on the morning of Diksha, she suddenly woke up in her
hotel to find the entire room filled with an aura. And she heard those same words which were
shown to her at the time of Diksha."
Ma's Wonderful Ways
One day, at the Annapurna temple of Kashi ashram, a small girl sang a beautiful religious song. So
pleased was Ma that in Her kheyal, She decided to present her something. But any worldly thing as
a gift would not match the soul-stirring rendering of the little girl. Suddenly, She had a kheyal that
the queen of Charkhari had presented Ma with Tulsi leaves, inscribed with Bhagavat Naam or
Mantra. Ma gave this girl one of those Tulsi leaves. She gave the same to a few others present.
Some others requested Ma for this and received the holy leaves.
Similarly Ma has also given 'Bilva patras' in this way. Receiving Naam or mantra from Ma like this
has been considered as Diksha by Ma.
In later years, there was a flood of 'Naam'. So many who came for Ma's darshan were asked which
name they preferred? When they replied, they were advised by Ma to repeat the same name daily. A
very interesting episode is mentioned here:
Ma was in Vindhyachal ashram. My sister and her children, the 7-year old daughter and 5 year old
son, were also there. Ma asked the children which name of God they liked the most? The daughter,
the older child, was able to answer but not the son. Thrice he was asked. On each occasion, he
pronounced his own name 'Anand'. Finally, Ma clapped joyfully and asked him to repeat Anand,
Anand daily.
Both these children are now grown-up. As far as I know, for all these years they have been doing
what Ma had asked them to do.
Once when Haribaba was sick, on his request Ma had pronounced the 12-letter mantra (Om Namo
Bhagavate Basudevai) twelve times. Later, She sung in Her divine voice on several occasions.
These mantras have been received by several devotees who do Japa with utmost devotion and faith
and take it as initiation.
Once, two girls came to Ma and requested initiation from Her. Ma asked them, 'Which name do
you like? Whichever name you like, repeat that at least 1 Lakh times and then try to see This body.'
Later Ma said that depending on the cultural characteristics, someone is told immediately and
someone is told this way."
One another occasion, a man asked Ma for Diksha. Ma said, “only God gives Diksha here.” One
can interpret these words as one wishes.Ma's devotees have a variety of experiences. Ma has said, "My Guru is Jagatguru (the master of this
universe). Jagatguru is my Guru. This is also the state of Vishwa Guru (Universal Guru). This
supreme connection is with everyone.