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Swamishri sees and truly experiences Maharaj’s divine presence in the murti of Thakorji (Shri Harikrishna Maharaj). When observing Swamishri doing darshan of the murtis, we can begin to understand his connection with Maharaj. There are numerous incidents which show how Swamishri always puts Thakorji before himself. In 1980, following Swamishri's cataract surgery, Pravinbhai Patel of Staten Island arrived with a new pair of glasses for Swamishri. "Present them to Thakorji first to sanctify them. Then please bring them here," instructed Swamishri. The attendant sadhu soon returned with the sanctified glasses, but Swamishri hesitated. He asked for Thakorji to be brought to him. Only after Harikrishna Maharaj's murti was placed before him did Swamishri slip on his new glasses. It was his wish that the first image he saw with his new glasses be his dear Thakorji! It was as if Swamishri was saying that he had been gifted with new sight by Maharaj, and with his new eyes, he wished to have his darshan first. After Maharaj's darshan, Swamishri's eyes then turned to the sadhus and devotees present.
On the 15 May 1988, Swamishri was in London. The 96th birth anniversary of Yogiji Maharaj was being celebrated and a huge birthday cake had prepared. The cake was placed before the murtis of Thakorji and Yogiji Maharaj during the celebration assembly. After the assembly was over, some youths offered the cake to Thakorji and then excitedly took the cake to Swamishri. "Bapa! Please cut the cake," they beckoned. "It's Yogi Bapa's birthday today." With joy on his face, as if drenched with memories of his guru, Swamishri ceremoniously cut the cake. Then turning round, he instructed, "Offer it to Thakorji." "But Bapa," one of the youths replied, "we've already offered it to Thakorji." The cake's just been cut. When did you offer it?" asked Swamishri. "Just before you cut it..." Swamishri explained, "Can Thakorji possibly eat a whole uncut cake like this? Now that it has been cut, arrange the pieces in a dish and re-offer it to Maharaj. He will be able to eat it more easily now." Only after this was done, did Swamishri accept a small piece of the cake before distributing the remainder. It is on such occasions that we really realize how much care and love goes into Swamishri's devotion. Swamishri continues to inspire and teach us how to truly understand and experience the bliss of Maharaj! |
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