8 - Reverence Towards Kanthi Guru

As usual, Shakuba finished her Pooja. Narayan said, ‘Ma, I also want Pooja for worship. I will also worship Maharaj every day.’ Shakuba was delighted to hear such words. ‘Son! Please ask the Swami in the temple. He will give you a Pooja for worship.’ said she. Narayan was full of joy. He remembered what Shreeji Maharaj had mentioned while leaving for Wadhwan, ‘Narayan, Swami Bhaktijivandasji of Wadhwan will tie you Kanthi. Accept him as your Kanthi Guru. He will also give you a Pooja.’

Next day, Narayan got up early. He had bath and left for the temple. Swami was glad to see Narayan. He asked, ‘Narayan, why are you early today? Are you going to talk with Maharaj?’ Narayan prayed, ‘Swami, would you tie me Kanthi and give me Pooja. Please, be my Kanthi Guru.’ Swami said, ‘Narayan, you are a favourite Mukta of Maharaj. Maharaj is always with you. Why do you need a Guru? It is my good luck to be your Guru! Come, let me tie you a Kanthi.’

Swami offered a Kanthi to Shreeji Maharaj and tied it to Narayan. He also gave him a Pooja for worship. Narayan bowed down to Swami. He spoke with gratitude, ‘Swami, from today you are my Kanthi Guru. Now onwards, I will serve you.’ Swami was pleased. He said, ‘Narayan, you always serve me. Now you do not have to serve more.’

Everyday Narayan would go to Swami. He served him with reverence. He would massage Swami’s feet, head etc. He would offer any object to Swami even before he could ask. He would clean the mat of Swami. Thus, he used to serve Swami in all possible ways. Sometimes Swami used to say, ‘Narayan, now please go home. You must be tired.’ Narayan used to reply, ‘Swami, I enjoy to serve you. I am not at all tired. It pleases Maharaj, if I serve you.’ Such sweet statements of the small Mukta pleased Swami immensely.

Difficult words:
Immensely - To a very great extent

Points to ponder:
- Here, Muktaraj teaches us that we must serve our Guru considering him equivalent to God. We must try to attain his blessings.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. What did Narayan ask for?
2. Give the name of Narayan’s Kanthi Guru?
3. How did Narayan serve Swami?

Fill in the blanks:
1. Swami, please be my ________.
2. You are a _____________ Mukta of Maharaj.
3. It is my ___________ to be a ___________ of a Mukta like you.