A Reflection of God

It was a lovely Sunday morning.  When every other person was in deep slumber after a week’s hard work, I was up early all geared up to go with my father to attend the religious congregation which is held every Sunday morning.  The religious congregation, called ‘Satsang’ in a common man’s language was lead by my Guru.  I am an ardent follower of him.  I call him Maharaj ji. 

I have been watching all my family members following Guru.  Guru, shows the light, the path that lead you to God.  At the age of 17 or 18 may be, I am not sure, I took the ‘Initiation’ (Naam Deeksha) from Maharaj ji.  ‘Initiation’ is the mantra, 'sacred utterance' of ‘Ram Naam’.  The name of the place was also dedicated to Lord Ram, called ‘Ram Sharnam’.

Shri Ram Sharnam is a place; I would love to visit over and over again and that too anytime.  This is a place for me where god dwells.  The inner peace that I get after visiting this holy place is inexplicable.  The serenity of the place brings tranquility to my mind.  The power of the almighty (Shri Ram) bind my roots to stay connected to this holy place.

I still remember the day when I went to Shri Ram Sharnam.  The place was full of people as always.  The age group was not defined.  I could see people of all age group there. From an old man, an old woman, a middle aged man and woman, a young boy and a young girl to kids.  Basically, people of all age groups visit this place.

As I entered the huge hall, somebody asked me why I was waiting there.  Since there was a pin drop silence and that somebody whispered to me, I also whispered in her ear and said, “I have come to see Maharaj ji.  I want to take ‘Deeksha’ from him”.  She directed me towards a room where few people were already standing with folded hands.

Hands folded because; when we pray we fold our hands.   Their prayer was still going on I believe as their hands were folded.  I joined them with folded hands.  Someone came and asked all of us to enter the room and we all sat down on a white sheet, it was as white as cotton that was laid on the floor.

I noticed there were 3-4 middle aged men and two girls including me.   I observed everyone’s eyes were shut.  I also closed my eyes.  The moment I closed my eyes, I heard someone saying, Maharaj ji is about to come.  Everyone opened their eyes and at once got stuck at the door.

A saintly figure entered the room with folded hands and a smile on the face.  His tiny eyes hid behind the spectacles he was wearing.  He took his seat right in front of us.  There was pin drop silence and then Maharaj ji said, “You all are here for Deeksha.  The sacred utterance of Shri Ram must be done regularly.”  As he preached, more than hearing, I could feel the clarity in his voice, the sparkle in his eyes mesmerized me.   I was awestruck. 

He then made us meditate for few minutes teaching us the method of meditation and he kept uttering the sacred name of Lord Ram.  We all followed after him.  After his preaching was over, the strength of the room began to fall.  Everyone went to Maharaj ji to take something he was distributing to everyone present.

It was my turn now.  My heart beat was fast as if I am meeting the counselor who had come from outside school to take my viva.  Why it was happening, I still couldn’t figure it out.  With a smile on the face, he gave me a dark pink colored garland with 108 beads.  He didn’t say a word.  I was wordless too.  More than speechless, I was so much beguiled by his presence that my mind just ceased serving.

I came out with a wonder joy and smiled after seeing my father standing outside the hall.  “You got it” asked my father in pride.  “Yes, Papa” said I.  I just couldn’t stop describing Maharaj ji to papa.  It was the first time I saw him that close.  “A Reflection of God” I believe.